ipgd wrote...
Regardless, words are only offensive if a) there's an offensive sentiment behind them, and/or 
the reader wants to give them that power, and in that respect, any word can be offensive. Cruising around playing Word Police because some words can be offensive to some people when used in a different context with a different connotation would be a daunting effort. And also a counterproductive one, as words like 'lame' evidence, with its old "offensive" definition on the cusp of obscurity where it would offend no one ever again, were it not for the people who insist on resuscitating it and empowering it and making it offensive when it doesn't have to be. I'd worry more about people who are actually trying to be offensive than people who use words with multiple meanings.
hey what's a topic idk
Respectfully, I strongly disagree with the bolded statement above. Or, perhaps "offensive" isn't exactly the right word for the harm they do, but there are definitely a number of words and phrases that remain hurtful to various groups, even when said without malicious intent. And that's not because those groups are
choosing to give those words that power. It's because those groups cannot help but be reminded of past or continuing oppression when they hear those words, and/or because those words perpetuate stereotypes. "Gypped," "Jewed down," "got your Irish up," and "Indian giver" spring immediately to mind. Or, for a less obvious but more prevalent example, I HATE it when people use "****" or "like a girl" to mean weak. Even when the speaker isn't meaning it as a slight against women, I strongly believe it perpetuates stereotypes, AND it reminds me that women (myself included) are STILL regarded as inferior by A LOT of people.
But I'm not trying to play "Word Police" here. I'm not a mod, and I'm not going to throw fits over this. If people wish to continue to use the word "lame," that's absolutely their choice. I was just offering up some food for thought (that made a helpful difference in my life, personally, and I am grateful that I was exposed to) at what seemed an opportune moment.
ETA: The stars there indicate a word that rhymes with "wussy" that the forums won't let me actually post.
Modifié par rayemoon, 31 mai 2011 - 11:28 .
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scruffy blondes with ponytails apparently
