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chikane (![[info]](http://www.journalfen.net/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} chikane) wrote in ![[info]](http://www.journalfen.net/img/community.gif){kind=small} unfunny_fandom, |
a word that arguably has evolved beyond its original meaning
The problem is that there is no slur of this kind that will not be argued by someone (usually the very people using the slur) to have 'evolved beyond its original meaning'.
That's not even getting into how words and languages can evolve. Consider the fact that "queer," which originally meant "strange," eventually became a slur against homosexuals, and is now used with pride among some LGBT circles. The same goes for the word "dyke" with regards to lesbians, some of whom now use the phrase "butch dyke" proudly. A word's meaning and implications are not set in stone for all time.
:/ http://www.derailingfordummies.com/#pla
There's a difference between lesbians using dyke themselves, and everyone else using dyke to attack/mock someone. A big difference, in fact.
Dyke is still an offensive term, just take a look at what people use to attack feminists with. Oh, right. "Feminazi dyke" or "bull dyke".
Where do we draw the line?
The issue isn't that a word can be hurtful (every word can). The issue is that as far as hurtfulness goes, there's two large groups.
Words that dehumanize a minority (or a majority by misogynistic language), and words that don't.
Let me put it another way.
You using douchenoozle just hits the target in question. There is nobody else around you're harming this way. If you use idiot/nigger/fag/trannie/kyke/hooknose or any of the myriad of words in that group, you're not just hitting your target, you're also broadcasting to every reader of that minority that they are lesser humans, and you're furthmoremore helping to make sure that this minority is being thought of as lesser. That's really the issue.
I'm not saying I'm perfect either, I used to use idiot/moron as well. I just eventually noticed that this was quite a bad move on my part, so I stopped. It wasn't really difficult. I think not harming (minority X) is worth the tiny effort to not use a few words and use others instead, you know? :/
The problem is that there is no slur of this kind that will not be argued by someone (usually the very people using the slur) to have 'evolved beyond its original meaning'.
That's not even getting into how words and languages can evolve. Consider the fact that "queer," which originally meant "strange," eventually became a slur against homosexuals, and is now used with pride among some LGBT circles. The same goes for the word "dyke" with regards to lesbians, some of whom now use the phrase "butch dyke" proudly. A word's meaning and implications are not set in stone for all time.
:/ http://www.derailingfordummies.com/#pla
There's a difference between lesbians using dyke themselves, and everyone else using dyke to attack/mock someone. A big difference, in fact.
Dyke is still an offensive term, just take a look at what people use to attack feminists with. Oh, right. "Feminazi dyke" or "bull dyke".
Where do we draw the line?
The issue isn't that a word can be hurtful (every word can). The issue is that as far as hurtfulness goes, there's two large groups.
Words that dehumanize a minority (or a majority by misogynistic language), and words that don't.
Let me put it another way.
You using douchenoozle just hits the target in question. There is nobody else around you're harming this way. If you use idiot/nigger/fag/trannie/kyke/hooknose or any of the myriad of words in that group, you're not just hitting your target, you're also broadcasting to every reader of that minority that they are lesser humans, and you're furthmoremore helping to make sure that this minority is being thought of as lesser. That's really the issue.
I'm not saying I'm perfect either, I used to use idiot/moron as well. I just eventually noticed that this was quite a bad move on my part, so I stopped. It wasn't really difficult. I think not harming (minority X) is worth the tiny effort to not use a few words and use others instead, you know? :/
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