D&D 5E Don't play "stupid" characters. It is ableist.

[Micah Sweet]

You could perpetuate harmful stereotypes which goes beyond your table. Being mindful of this isnt being too sensitive or unrealistic.

Being mindful is one thing. Insisting that all players not do something you don't care for is another, especially if it's at the comfort of their own table and nobody involved objects.

 

[Charlaquin]

Sorry all for succumbing to a bit a hyperbole in my earlier posts.

This is exactly the main point I was making -- D&D is a hobby that we play with small groups of people who usually all know each other, get along with, and are having escapist fun with. What we do in a game, in the privacy of our own homes, isn't going to affect the world outside of that table. It's only a game of make believe.

I don’t agree that D&D is a hobby we play with small groups of people who all know each other any more. Or at least, it’s not just that. Yes, that is a way D&D is played. But it’s also played in public game stores, at conventions, on play-by-post forums, on virtual tabletops, over livestreams, in massive Discord servers, often with random strangers. And, people engage with D&D in more ways than just playing. We read novels set in its worlds, we talk about it on forums, we play video games based on it, we watch our favorite streamers play it, there’s about to be a movie and a streaming series, and a cartoon, and probably a whole lot more on the way.

D&D is not just a game you play privately with friends any more, it’s an expansive multimedia brand. If the hobby remains neutral towards tasteless portrayals of harmful stereotypes, it will remain a haven for people who make the hobby unwelcoming for underprivileged people. I don’t care what anyone does in the privacy of their home games as long as everyone involved consents to it. But I do care that the hobby as a whole is welcoming to diverse people, which means fostering a culture that does not tolerate intolerance.

 

[payn]

Being mindful is one thing. Insisting that all players not do something you don't care for is another, especially if it's at the comfort of their own table and nobody involved objects.

Of course, I'm not going to come over and slap the minis off your table. Though, taking a moment to consider the context of how we present ourselves is a value to everyone culturally. All I ask is you consider it.

 

[Maxperson]

Of course, I'm not going to come over and slap the minis off your table. Though, taking a moment to consider the context of how we present ourselves is a value to everyone culturally. All I ask is you consider it.

And we do. If someone at our table were low intelligence, nobody would make fun of that person or try to roleplay a low intelligence when it might make that person feel bad about himself. So long as nobody at our table is below average in intelligence, though, it's no harm, no foul. My players aren't going to suddenly start going out and making fun of low intelligence people just because we roleplay low intelligence PCs.

 

[Micah Sweet]

Of course, I'm not going to come over and slap the minis off your table. Though, taking a moment to consider the context of how we present ourselves is a value to everyone culturally. All I ask is you consider it.

I will and do, 100%. But the OP didn't say be mindful of these issues, he just said dont play characters like this, under any circumstances, and later backed this up by stating it wasn't a point of discussion. That's what I took issue with. People should be thinking about these things, and moderating their behavior when necessary.

 

[payn]

And we do. If someone at our table were low intelligence, nobody would make fun of that person or try to roleplay a low intelligence when it might make that person feel bad about himself. So long as nobody at our table is below average in intelligence, though, it's no harm, no foul. My players aren't going to suddenly start going out and making fun of low intelligence people just because we roleplay low intelligence PCs.

Just think about what you are saying here. Either, the way the person acts is inherently offensive, or the portrayal is a caricature and/or comedic that would offend them. Why is that ok as long as they are not around?

 

[BookTenTiger]

And we do. If someone at our table were low intelligence, nobody would make fun of that person or try to roleplay a low intelligence when it might make that person feel bad about himself. So long as nobody at our table is below average in intelligence, though, it's no harm, no foul. My players aren't going to suddenly start going out and making fun of low intelligence people just because we roleplay low intelligence PCs.

Isn't this the equivalent of only doing the right thing if there's a risk of getting caught?

 

[Maxperson]

Isn't this the equivalent of only doing the right thing if there's a risk of getting caught?

No. There's literally nothing to catch. If it doesn't hurt someone, it isn't wrong to do.

 

[payn]

I will and do, 100%. But the OP didn't say be mindful of these issues, he just said dont play characters like this, under any circumstances, and later backed this up by stating it wasn't a point of discussion. That's what I took issue with. People should be thinking about these things, and moderating their behavior when necessary.

Then, take it up with the OP. I am saying please consider being mindful of the impact of such portrayals.

 

[ECMO3]

When you play 'stupid' characters are you are saying that there are stupid people and then you are imitating those people.

The idea of 'stupid' and 'smart' is rooted in ableism.

Don't use stats as an excuse. Having an 8 Int means (basically) that the character is slightly worse at memorizing facts than an average human.

Do have traits and behaviours which hinder the character (if you want).

Maybe they are not very knowledgeable.

Maybe they don't pay attention much of the time.

Maybe they engage in risky behaviour and think rashly.

Maybe they lack confidence because they have been called 'stupid' their whole lives.

Maybe they find themselves in a culture which is very different than their own and they struggle to adapt. Their common isn't very good and the way they view the world is different than those around them.

There are lots of possibilities to create interesting characters rather than just a walking insult and punching bag.

There are stupid people IRL, but that has or nothing to do with being intelligent or being able-bodied. "Stupidity" IMO is mostly due to a lack of good judgement or in some cases immaturity.

Playing an "unintelligent" character is different than playing a "stupid" character. The former can be difficult to RP, but it is not rooted in ableism IMO. Playing a "stupid" character is not fun and should only happen in "silly" type games IMO.