Race and the WORD

[somerndmguy]

Re: Race and the WORD

Um...

no.

When you make a word taboo, you give that word more power. To say "NO YOU CAN'T SAY THAT WORD" it just makes the word that much more offensive when someone actually says it.

Besides, even if you manage to make a word taboo, wouldn't there be another word to replace it? I don't think the meaning will disappear in one word. It will probably take on another form. And if you keep tabooing these words... well... eventually there's no point in speaking because EVERYTHING will be tabooed, right?

[talisman]

Re: Race and the WORD

when someone actually says it.

That's why no one should ever say it.

And obviously it's ridiculous to assume that everyone will stop saying it, but it's equally ridiculous to assume that everyone will stop being offended by it.

eventually there's no point in speaking because EVERYTHING will be tabooed, right?

thank you for your brilliant contribution. it's even more brilliant than your sig is funny.

[Afrobean]

Re: Race and the WORD

That's why no one should ever say it.

first amendment

And obviously it's ridiculous to assume that everyone will stop saying it, but it's equally ridiculous to assume that everyone will stop being offended by it.

Yeah, but the freedom of speech is on the side of people wanting to use it, so it's best if people were to simply not be offended by it, rather than trying to force others to not use it.

And honestly, I would be offended if someone used the term seriously against a black person. In fact, I'd be offended if anyone wasn't offended by that. That's not the type of use I'm supporting though. I'm supporting its use as a joke/general insult against anyone regardless of race.

Really, I feel that people should have a sense of humor about things. Just because the word was used hatefully in the past doesn't mean we should maintain its power to offend.

[flamingspinach]

Re: Race and the WORD

hay guys let's travel through time
don't worry there won't be a paradox if nobody causes one

[Kilgamayan]

Re: Race and the WORD

first amendment

Yeah, but the freedom of speech is on the side of people wanting to use it, so it's best if people were to simply not be offended by it, rather than trying to force others to not use it.

Free Speech only goes as far as not stepping on the rights of others.

If people get offended by hearing the word, free speech doesn't apply. You're the one who the law will force change onto, not them.

[talisman]

Re: Race and the WORD

afro I'm not saying there should be some sort of law where people aren't allowed to say it... people CAN say it... I'm just saying that they SHOULDN'T.

[Afrobean]

Re: Race and the WORD

I think Chrissi was the one who said it.

"I like to be offended everyday just to be reminded of the fact that I don't control what other people think."

Anyway, I'm growing tired of this circular discussion.