LogFAQs > #943797474

Lost_All_Senses posted...

The way they use it is VERY distinct between the words. That's the whole thing. You're just contradicting yourself when you say it's the way they use it. Because the way they use it is reflected directly in what word they use. You'd have to scrape the bottom of the barrel to find the words used with reverse intention.

You're defending the use of the word by certain people. Yes, I know the use is very distinct. I said as much myself. I'm not contesting that use. Now, should I go ahead and start using the word, too? No, right? Why shouldn't I use that word? Why, not only because I'm not somebody who has a right to use the word, but also because it's the same as the other word, of course. If it was some other word we could all use it any time we wanted! Yes, I'd look stupid using it, but I wouldn't look racist using it. Because like it or not, it's a racial slur.

This word in particular is very tricky. There aren't many examples like it in English or for that matter in many other languages I don't think. There could be, in theory any racial slur could be "reclaimed" like this. Sometimes they are reclaimed, momentarily to cause some ironic effect or what have you. But you don't have a lot of cases where a world has been reclaimed in such widespread fashion.

Whatever, the point is, it's the same word, and either it's made harmless enough that anybody can say it (and that's not happening any time soon because sadly the other use is still very much around) or really people should try not to say it, but it's more than understandable if some people do sometimes because it's part of the culture they grew up with, or maybe even just part of a culture they're very close to.