Faggot

[Willy]

I would take offense, but because of the sentiment.. I'm not sure I follow you.

[CrashBand]

I would take offense, but because of the sentiment.. I'm not sure I follow you.

It was just an example of things that should be offensive. And things that shouldn't.

And I think homophobic/racist insults falls into that category.

Just because we are saying they are offensive isn't what makes them offensive. As I don't think swear words/dating a black girlfriend should be offensive.

[Willy]

People are saying those words should not be used because it is offensive to black people, or gay people. I'm saying, no, the word is just a noise. What's offensive is the intent/context/sentiment behind what is being said. Saying that this word or that word shouldn't be said just won't work. Language is constantly changing, and there will always be gray areas where context determines meaning.

Instead, we should educate people about the harmful effects of prejudice, so they stop. That's the root of the problem, not the words.

[CrashBand]

Well yes. But ignorantly saying the word faggot as an insult, especially when it is still used as a homophobic insult is part of the problem.

In my opinion.

[SliK]

Lol, call the wrong person a faggot and there will be consequences

[Willy]

the dude will prolly pee himself and run away accidentally pooping every 7th step getting boners at all the dudes

[Willy]

Slut can be used without a negative connotation. For instance Halloween parties and all the girls in slutty outfits, no negativity there.

[Willy]

I have a friend that calls proudly calls herself a slut, because well, she gets with a lot of dudes and likes it. Slut usually has a negative connotation but not always.. it's all in how its used.

Also:

"Of course that's negative There is nothing positive about dressing slutty because it publicly insinuates promiscuity and willing temporary sexual appetite."

I think that's very positive. I like slutty girls because I don't have to work as hard, it's just a matter of perspective. Again, it's about how the word is being used. If you tell a girl, "You are a fucking slut!!" .. yeah, she might take offense. But what about if two girls are gossiping back and forth and one of them mentions how she slept with Jimmy and is met with "Oh my gawwwd, you're such a slut!".. I doubt she would take offense.

Language isn't black and white. It's in a state of constant flux. Every definition is interpreted differently by different people. And even inside someone's head, an individual's understanding of a word will change over time. No two people are going to have the exact same definition in their mind for a word, because of their different histories and experiences. Even with your example, 'slut' generally has a negative connotation because of societal influence. To me, a slut is just a girl that isn't afraid to sleep with dudes. I like that, and there are other people that think similarly.

More importantly though is intent. If a person says a word that is generally viewed as 'bad', but means no harm by it, why would you take offense lol.

Anyways I gtg I hope I explained my position a little more clearly.

[flyingmonkey10]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Vj2iQSeboA

this is appropriate for this thread

[Block]

Words possess no inherent value. They're only worth as much as the value that is bestowed upon them. Cunt is another word that's on the "omg" list.

[RoleModel'Est96]

One way you can look at it, is that when you say "oh you fucking faggot" you can be directing this at a friend ( who may or may not be homosexual) but when you say "oh you fucking n*ggER" its pretty much directed at that particular social group.
If that makes any sense

[Willy]

One way you can look at it, is that when you say "oh you fucking faggot" you can be directing this at a friend ( who may or may not be homosexual) but when you say "oh you fucking n*ggER" its pretty much directed at that particular social group.
If that makes any sense

whaddup mah n1gga how you doin today? hope you had a great day I have nothing but the best intentions in mind for you my cute lil n1gga, take care

[CrashBand]

I hear what Willy is saying, and that's part of the reason black people started calling each other n.gga.

To take the power out of the word. "if you was any bigger! you would be my bigger n.gga!"

And I've called myself a slut before with no negative meaning. Same as cunt and bitch.

But faggot is used as an insult. Always.

[Willy]

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=faggot

[Willy]

But faggot is used as an insult. Always.

Who were you insulting here?