I'm not trying to divide anybody. I'm trying to get people to realize the words people use, especially when they can be racially charge (OR NOT), can be cause of division.
Look at what it has caused here in this discussion alone for crying out loud!
I'm arguing my perception of the damn term. Regardless if he used it as a racist term or not, I am one person who learned it as racist and perceived it as racist. Is my perception of the term any less valid as a result?
How about the many other people who see it as racist?
Perception. Optics. And I'm going to say it, my interpretation of the is retarded to some. But NOT to ME. People here are probably saying "you are trying to stifle free speech" or some shit. I'm not saying that at all. Say whatever the hell you want.
However acting as if there are no repercussions to this term (or ANY term that can be taken a number of ways) won't rub people the wrong way is a clear sign of absolutism, "one way is the only way". This term can only mean THIS. That is a fascist form of thinking, something the left is doing.
And that is clearly not true because I learned the term another way. So what is the conclusion I am trying to make? Be smart by avoiding terms that will can lead to problems. I'm arguing critical thinking, not censorship. The very definition of critical analysis is the actual meaning of a discussion juxtaposed against possible interpretations of a discussion.
We are better warriors when we know the full extent of how our language (spoken or typed) can affect people.
PS: this goes to OP. If you honestly did not use this word as racist I apologize for the very insinuation. But I hope you see the point I am trying to make here.
I'm not trying to divide anybody. I'm trying to get people to realize the words people use, especially when they can be racially charge (OR NOT), can be cause of division.
Look at what it has caused here in this discussion alone for crying out loud!
I'm arguing my perception of the damn term. Regardless if he used it as a racist term or not, I am one person who learned it as racist and perceived it as racist. Is my perception of the term any less valid as a result?
How about the many other people who see it as racist?
Perception. Optics. And I'm going to say it, my interpretation of the is retarded to some. But NOT to ME. People here are probably saying "you are trying to stifle free speech" or some shit. I'm not saying that at all. Say whatever the hell you want.
However acting as if there are no repercussions to this term (or ANY term that can be taken a number of ways) won't rub people the wrong way is a clear sign of absolutism, "one way is the only way". This term can only mean THIS. That is a fascist form of thinking, something the left is doing.
And that is clearly not true because I learned the term another way. So what is the conclusion I am trying to make? Be smart by avoiding terms that will can lead to problems. I'm arguing critical thinking, not censorship. The very definition of critical analysis is the actual meaning of a discussion juxtaposed against possible interpretations of a discussion.
We are better warriors when we know the full extent of how our language (spoken or typed) can affect people.
PS: this goes to OP. If you honestly did not use this word as racist I apologize for the very insinuation. But I hope you see the point I am trying to make here.