Alright. I think it’s about time to lock this one up. I did want to cover a few things though.
A name doesn’t need to be a slur or otherwise considered offensive to simply be considered inappropriate.
No, you wouldn’t. We don’t provide specific examples of names or a list of what may or may not be appropriate. It is a general definition. Specifically,
must be appropriate and inoffensive. Any name that violates our standards or disrupts the community will be changed, and additional limitations may be placed on the offending account per our discretion.
Naming a character, pet, guild, etc… after something that has a very real and recent history that has impacted billions, killing millions, just isn’t appropriate.
If you had named your pet “Flu” it likely wouldn’t have been an issue, nor would something more general like “Plague”.
No one is pretending it doesn’t exist, but you aren’t having a discussion about it, you are using it as a name.
As a matter of fact, our In-Game Code of Conduct does not specifically reference slurs. It is a reference for a myriad of possible names, words and phrases that could be considered inappropriate.
Additionally, you are welcome to say that “you” don’t find the name offensive, but your opinion isn’t the only one that matters here. There are a good number of folks, as illustrated in this thread, that do believe using the word is offensive.
That is entirely up to you, Refrigerated, but for a clearer picture… We usually do provide a warning for the first offense. As the others pointed out, if you have been suspended this is likely not your first.
In fact, not only have you been warned about inappropriate names before, but the name you were warned for was the same name as this time. So it seems that you absolutely were warned prior to this.
If you wish to appeal this decision, the only appropriate means to do so would be to submit an appeal. Though given the history here, I don’t know how likely it would be that this is overturned, but you’ll need to wait for your ticket to be answered.