The Unjust Banishment of Xel'Tharuc

In the wild and unruly universe of EVE Online, Goonswarm Federation has long been renowned for its vibrant and unapologetic culture. A key part of this culture has always been the art of shitposting—a time-honored tradition where pilots would engage in witty, biting banter to rile up opponents and entertain allies. Yet, recent events have shown a troubling shift away from this cornerstone of Goon identity, epitomized by the unjust banning and blacklisting of Xel'Tharuc.

The Incident: Local Shitposting Gone Wrong

Xel'Tharuc, a well-known and often entertaining presence in local chat, found himself at the center of controversy for his shitposting, which included comments about the dog-eating festival in China. His remarks, intended as part of the usual local banter, were reported by someone who found them offensive. This led to his abrupt ban and blacklisting from Goonswarm Federation—a move that has left many long-time Goons dismayed and frustrated.

Courting the Chinese Player Base: A Delicate Balance

The backdrop to this incident is Goonswarm's active effort to court Chinese players to bolster our ranks against formidable opponents like Horde and Fraternity, particularly during the Chinese timezone. This strategic move, while beneficial on the battlefield, has inadvertently brought about a clash of cultures. The desire to accommodate and respect new allies has, in this case, led to an overreaction that strikes at the heart of what it means to be a Goon.

The Legacy of Mittens: Shitposting Encouraged

Under the rule of The Mittani, or Mittens as he was affectionately known, shitposting was not just tolerated—it was encouraged. It was a way to bond, to mock our enemies, and to keep the morale high even in the face of adversity. Mittens understood that part of Goonswarm's unique charm lay in our ability to laugh, joke, and sometimes offend, all in the spirit of camaraderie and competition.

The New Internet Culture: A Growing Softness

The banishment of Xel'Tharuc is a symptom of a larger issue—the creeping influence of a new internet culture that values sensitivity over satire, and political correctness over plain-speaking. This cultural shift is eroding the very foundations of Goonswarm's identity, replacing robust and spirited engagement with a cautious, watered-down version of what we once were.

The Impact: A Loss of Identity

For many of us, Goonswarm has always been a sanctuary from the stifling norms of the outside world. Here, we could be ourselves, say what we felt, and push the boundaries without fear of reprisal. The banning of Xel'Tharuc signals a departure from this ethos, suggesting that we are now more concerned with not offending potential allies than with maintaining the fierce and freewheeling spirit that made us great.

A Call to Reclaim Our Roots

It’s time to take a stand. The softness creeping into our culture is not what Goonswarm is about. We must remember our roots and the principles that made us formidable. Shitposting is part of our identity, a tradition that fosters unity and resilience. While it is important to respect new allies, it is equally crucial not to lose ourselves in the process.

Conclusion: For the Swarm, Always

The banishment of Xel'Tharuc is a wake-up call. We must strike a balance that respects our allies but also preserves the irreverent, bold spirit that defines us. Let’s bring back the days when shitposting was celebrated, not condemned, and when Goonswarm was a beacon of resilience and rebellion in the vast universe of EVE Online.

For the Swarm, always. 🌌✨🚀