Oh Chrome... now I'm just laughing at you.

First, I must say that your arguments on the finer points of the English language were completely lost in that stammering, broken English response. I read an reread that post trying to understand what on earth you meant. Being a native English speaker, and having a B.A. in English Language and Literature, I know I have a stronger grasp of its intricacies than you do. For example:

- "Beg pardon, you have yero knowledge of our behaviourial norms for example."

The phrase is "Beg YOUR pardon" or "BEGGING pardon." The word is "zero."

- "If my generalization was large enough to be offensive, but I wasn't questioning the relevancy."

That's not even a sentence.

- "English uses "why" for both in casual speech (though by what reason would have beena smarter choice)."

"for both in?" Really? You use a phrase like that and still feel the need to lecture me about English? Also, to what end is telling me that "why" is used in casual speech relevant? I don't even know what to say about what you wrote in the parenthesis.

Your general arguments are also grossly flawed. Again, some examples:

- "Same way you generalized that every heterosexual male has a revulsive stance on homosexuality?"

Where did I do this? Please, I'd really like to know. Also, just so you can stop laboring under your delusions, I am a heterosexual male, and I do not have a "revulsive" (not a word) stance on homosexuality.

- "Many on this site are admittedly homosexuals, dig through the site."

Never said there weren't. Besides, what does this have to do with anything you and I are arguing about?

- "Calling me an asshat does aproximately nothing here, or in real life. It however reflects on you. Being pragmatic, laconic or acerbic is one thing. Coming off as an "asshat in reverse" however -word of advice- isn't a good sign of finesse."

You're still under the impression that I care how you perceive me or that I think calling you names is some means toward a goal. My argument was very well stated; you simply don't agree or don't understand the language as well as you claim to in order to get that. My opinion of you doesn't have to be full of finesse - it's an opinion. I could tell you that summer is a warmer season than winter because the average temperature is higher and then call you a racist slur; what I call you has no bearing on the validity of my argument.

Plus -word of advice- decrying me for calling you a name and then effectively calling me that same name "isn't a good sign of finesse." So, put your thesaurus away and get your head out of your ass. (see wut i did thar?)

^^I'm guessing somebody just got OWNED. Or rather, SCHOOLED.

"Revulsive
Also found in: Medical, Legal, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.68 sec.
re·vul·sion (r-vlshn)
n.
1. A sudden strong change or reaction in feeling, especially a feeling of violent disgust or loathing."

I think you're wrong there. Not that I intend to get involved in this argument, but I don't think having a degree in English Language means you are above Chrome in any way, shape or form.

The OP is still but the learner, Del is still the Master XD

I concede.

Despite that he has an BA I posses a friggin' MGR, and the man is right. I didn't really bother to read thoroughly through his posts and completely misunderstood his meaning. Coupled with typos and (not so incorrect) my generally overcomplicated prose, I have lost any credibility not just in the thread, but before myself to offer a now sufficient explanation.

The stage is yours gentlemen.

Working on it as we speak!


What gets me is that the two major defining things that I'm getting as justification for the idea that Smoke might be gay, is that he has long hair, and has a close relationship with Sub-Zero/Tundra.

Ok, let's break this down -

Hair:

It's been shown through history that it is not un-common for male warriors to have longer hair. Certainly not the least of which has been Asian cultures. Smoke became Lin Kuei, an Asian assassin clan. It's not unlikely that several Lin Kuei had longer hair, but it was usually hidden beneath their hoods. Human Sektor is a good example of this. Smoke's hair stands out more, due to his not being Asian like Sektor, and it's unusual pre-mature greyish color.

Lui Kang, Nightwolf, Kabal, Fujin, Raiden, Shang Tsung, Hotaru, Dairou & Rain have all been male characters also portrayed with long hair in the series.

Relationships:

Smoke has a strong brotherly relationship with the younger Sub-Zero/Kuai Liang. They look out for each other and have each other's back, and it is implied it's been that way for a while. This is beneficial to both of them, as Sub-Zero lost Bi Han, the only family he knew, and was likely feeling vulnerable, and Smoke was probably one of the few European Lin Kuei members in the entire organization. Their tight friendship is amplified during the 2nd tournament due to the automation that was going on in the Lin Kuei and them dodging it together. At that point, they probably figured they really didn't have anyone else to trust. Smoke's over-protectiveness about Sub-Zero was more than likely because of this. If you have nobody else to turn to and your in an unfamiliar, hostile environment, you cling to the only person that you know has your back.

Lui Kang and Kung Lao, despite Kung Lao's dissatisfaction with not being chosen for the tournament, could still be seen as having a close friendship and almost brotherly relationship as well, as seen when Lui got his Berzerk Button pushed when Kahn killed Kung Lao. Kitana and Jade have a similar close relationship as well, with Kitana going so far as to say Jade's like a sister to her.


So yeah, this went a bit longer than I meant it to, so I apologize for the tl;dr aspect. It's just kind of funny how something can be so easily be misconstrued for another.

WTF? Smoke's is my bro... don't start rumors. Just because a fan has a gayism take on Smoke. Doesn't mean he is and this shouldn't be encouraged

I have a solution. If Smoke were to become gay, maybe it can be addressed in a way similar to Xena Warrior Princess. Xena and Gabrielle were lesbian lovers. But it was never verbally confirmed on the show because the charm was allowing the relationship to be interpreted by the viewers. Mortal Kombat can do the same thing with Smoke. Never come out and say it, but make his sexuality a little obvious.

I loved Xena. Then again, I love Lucy Lawless period. <3 Nomnom

Ugh... now I feel bad. I was in a pissy mood earlier, and usually don't like getting into web based arguments.

Sorry for hijacking your post for so long Jaded.

So, is Smoke gay? What do more of the gaymers think?

No. He's not gay.

But the evidence suggests it's not completely out of the question. ;P

To be honest, I thought that lended itself more towards KANO's sexuality.

Thank you.

Kano made those pigtails.......no charge.

By the way, on topic: I always kind of figured Smoke and Jade were sort of OTP. Maybe because they were both secret ninjas who were hiding out in the Living Forest together in 2, and I was a snot-nosed little kid. Although, I'm wholly of either the "Smoke is gay for Sub-Zero" camp, or the "Smoke is an EXTREMELY effeminate heterosexual, ala Lyle, the old Dana Carvey character on SNL" camp.

But then, I also giggle imagining that Kano is like a really creepy, stalker-y kind of gay. I dunno, but the thought of him giving Kabal a "little kiss" (in quotes because I also, for some reason, imagine hims saying either just before ore after)before applying the mask just has me in stitches.

Agreed what's with the smoke hate?I have long hair I'm a dude and I'm not gay.But just because a male has long hair doesn't mean he's gay I personally like his new look it makes him unique different from the other ninjas.And why do you guys bag on gay people they're people to ya know. \,,/\,,/

That's alright, it happens when getting into a heated discussion. ^^

What concerns me is the amount of people who find Smoke being gay as a bad thing. You people got my pity. I hope you work out your issues.

That said, I'd like to note that I never said Smoke was actually gay. However, that's how some people see him and I find the idea interesting, hence this thread. If NRS intentionally meant to make people question his sexuality, then they've succeeded. It's nice to see that homosexuality is presented in one of my favourite games, even if it is simply a few subtle hints. It doesn't have to be straight out obvious, just enough to make people think to themselves. Like with Xena and Gabrielle, as mentioned above.

I'm glad that there are at least some who are open-minded enough to discuss this in a mature way. ^^

I could care less if Smoke turned out to be gay, this is the 2010s, not the 1900s.

Sexuality does have it's place in Mortal Kombat. Just look at the women, they all wear provocative clothing and some even have provocative/arousing winning gestures, like Jade and Sheeva. Mileena herself oozes the "Nymphomaniac" vibe with her salacious and raunchy behaviour. Although it's a fighting game, and it should remain so, I see no reason why it's a bad thing to introduce subtle sexuality into the other characters.

For example, Skarlet. She genuinely seems to enjoy having blood sprayed in her face from her fatality. Perhaps her dialogue to male (and even female) warriors could be slightly suggestive, with elements of dark humour in there too. If she gave off the suggestion that she's willing to openly tease her prey about the idea of her splashing their blood all over her face, it would not only be as creepy and dark as hell, but kinda hot.

It would also add a bit to her personality, she'd clearly have no empathy and be as cruel as a cunt in the fact she'd relish in washing herself with her victim's own blood. Have it as a once off in her interaction, prefferably with someone she doesn't like, and watch it speak volumes about her whilst still maintaining that sexual undertone.

In regards to Smoke, I do think he cared a little *too* much about Sub-Zero, especially since Sub-Zero basically gave up on Smoke and forgot about him after the events of Mortal Kombat 3. In comparisson between automations, it gives off the impression that Smoke obviously values his bond with Sub-Zero more than Sub-Zero values his bond with Smoke. There's potential there to suggest that perhaps Smoke does see him as more than a brother type.

If NRS did want to portray Smoke to be gay, it would be cool if it was done in a subtle manner. Little things like the way he behaves around certain characters, or maybe even certain mannerisms could be introduced in future cutscenes. I think that would work best for him, but don't make his sexuality be what defines him. They done that with Mileena and it was ultimately the downfall of her. Allow him to be human Smoke the assassin, the very Smoke we've been dying to see fleshed out for years, first and foremost.

With his hair? I like the drawing, and I think it's cute! His hair is quite flamboyant so I can see why people would jump to the conclusion that perhaps it's an indicator towards his sexuality, but I can also see the Anime references other posters have noticed and can see their logic in regards to his design and appeal.

My honest opinion is though that his design could just be to fit with the "smoke" motif, of having wavy silver hair that compliments the grey tones of his armour, whilst also making him definable in regards to the other ninjas. I'd welcome it if it was suggested in a subtle fashion that he was gay, but as I've stated, I'd prefer if it didn't become his defining attribute as I'd like to see other aspects of his personality too.

Yeah, about that... that's also kind of an anime thing. A common theme in hentai is for two really close peers who share a sibling-like relationship to discover that they're actually attracted to each other, often occurring between two childhood friends (sometimes the characters are quite literally siblings). It's kind of a genre at this point. Not saying this is what NRS was going for, but it adds to the distortion.

BTW, I don't watch hentai; I don't play Japanese date simulators. It's really important to me that you all know and believe that. After years of hanging around otakus and casually watching anime, you just kinda pick this shit up.

Yeah, right. XD

I may have played a dating simulator at newgrounds... once.

Sub-Zero and Smoke could be the new Sora and Riku.

No. NO!

I will not have a Riku and Sora relationship in Mortal Kombat! I am the openly bisexual who spends all day talking about his fantasies over who is considered the lamest man in Mortal Kombat, and I will have none of it.

None of it.