If not being allowed or able to use the "N" word bothers you, you are by definition a racist.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

If not being allowed to use the Q or F word for non straight people bothers you, you are by definition a bigoted homophobic prick.

If not being allowed to discriminate against gay people (who is next, black people? anybody from a country that has universal healthcare?) bothers you, you are by definition a no good piece of shit.

Any questions?

[seabeyond]

1. if not being allowed to us the c word, or b word on women, bothers you....

you are by definition misogynist?

just getting my barrings on this.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

2. Yes and DAMMIT (mad at myself) I am sorry I forgot to do that one, my bad

By the way I would like to challenge ALL DU members to not use the "b" or "c" word ever for any reason

Most assume dont use the others already








You see how a man's brain works, I almost NEVER forget to include women in my rants, but I am a man and that is the one I forgot.

[seabeyond]

3. thanks. i did not want to point finger, and you did say, .... questions. nt

[kestrel91316]

4. Well as a mouthy 58 yo WOMAN, i have a long and distinguished history of

using the B word whenever i feel it's appropriate. So sue me.

I have only ever used the C word three times, and it was richly deserved. I have never used either word to anyone's face, but only in reference to a person.

Like I said: so sue me.

[cwydro]

5. Ditto on the b word!

And I'm a woman too.

[cali]

6. me too. I like the word. and I use it.

[bvar22]

59. "What about the word "BITCH"....

...do you not understand?"

(One of my wife's favored Tee Shirts)

[Gormy Cuss]

7. Well, you're a vet and you have a professional reason to use the term bitch.

If you also use it to insult other women but not men and you don't see how that is perpetuating harmful stereotypes, I'm astounded at how you seemed to have slept through our generational changes. There is nothing empowering about denigrating other women with those terms.

Recognize that I'm not saying that most women in our age group haven't used the 'b' or 'c' words this way -- just that some of us don't do it anymore because we understand that we were buying into the stereotypes by using these terms.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

10. I can see how the AfAm community using the "N" word is cathartic and takes away it's power

but I agree with you, dont see how women using the "b" word would be the same

but I defer to women, if they want to use the word, fine...i cant, i wont

'c' word as well

[Gormy Cuss]

23. For some women it is the same idea

but more often the other women I've encountered who embraces its use are embracing the pejorative sense and there is nothing empowering about that.

[Blue_In_AK]

11. Is it ok if we call a man a "d***h***" or "f**kw**"?

I do that quite a bit.


Don't be mad at me. I'm just feeling kind of feisty after getting called out on my use of the word "harpy" - which I thought was rather literary - last night.

Ed. I decided to asterisk these words for the sake of the easily offended.

[Gormy Cuss]

24. I'm not the language police.

I'm just tired of hearing women defending the pejorative use of bitch as if that's a good thing.

[Blue_In_AK]

31. Thank you for that.

Personally, where I make a distinction between racist and sexist epithets is when you call a person a n***** or a s*** or ch***, a raghead, or whatever other racist term, you're implying that the entire race is somehow "less than." When I refer to a woman as a b**** or a guy as one of the words I used above, I'm referring to that specific person and how they're coming across to me. It in no way implies, at least in my mind, to all women or all men.

Maybe it's a subtle distinction, but to me it's real. I don't ever use racial epithets, but I do occasionally slip up and call a particular woman (Sarah Palin, for instance) the b word, and I have been known to call an asshole man a dickhead, although I do make an effort not to here because of the outcry. I was kind of surprised at the reaction I got to my use of the word "harpy," so I'll reluctantly add that to my list of DU forbidden words. Henceforth, I will say, "OMG, what an unpleasant woman," or "my goodness, that man leaves a bad taste in my mouth." Oh, wait, maybe not that. LOL.

[F4lconF16]

44. Interesting.

"When I refer to a woman as a b**** or a guy as one of the words I used above, I'm referring to that specific person and how they're coming across to me. It in no way implies, at least in my mind, to all women or all men.

Maybe it's a subtle distinction, but to me it's real."

I think the issue lies not in how you intend to use the words, but in the larger societal context. I have friends that use the word b**** fairly often, and I know they mean nothing against women when they're using it. The problem, though, is that no matter how much you try to ignore or supersede it, there is a long history of cultural oppression contained in the word.

Even if you refer only to an individual, there is still that context to deal with. When you call someone (like Sarah Palin) a b****, you aren't just referring to traits or qualities you don't like; you're referring to stereotypically negative traits and qualities of women that have been established by patriarchal institutions. There is no way to separate the word and it's cultural context; they are intertwined through hundreds of years of usage.

This is the reason that I don't agree with (but will still support women who choose to do so) the idea of re-appropriation. Slut Walks and other demonstrations of that sort have, in my opinion, never worked, because they attempt to redefine a word that can't be redefined. They attempt to separate the word from it's context. When you engage in the use of words defined by an oppressor, you reflect the values of the oppressor. Your use of the word is on their terms, not your own.

[bettyellen]

97. I hope there are no hard feelings, Blue. I think you're a terrific person.....

I just think it's worth examining how we talk about female ploiticians, news reporters -and really all professional women, when we should be focusing on what they are saying and doing.
Why are we talking about their cankles and high pitched voices and hairdos. I remember chatting with a DUer who called Sarah Palin a whore because she wore red shoes. I was extremely offended, I own red shoes too, for fucks sake. What a hateful thing to say about women, period.
I really don't care if friends call each other whatever but I get extra disgusted with when used to perpetute sterotypes of working women- or overshadow discussions of more substance. I sort of hope for less of that here at DU at least. But yeh, harpie is not as bad as a lt of what I have seen here, LOL. Just food for thought.


I do really want to join you in search for the best adjective to replace harpie. Harridan has too many syllables.

[Blue_In_AK]

98. No worries, bettyellen.

I do understand your points. Maybe we need to invent some one-word gender-specific insults for the menfolk. Just so they don't feel left out. LOL.

[bettyellen]

99. Thanks! I knew you'd be okay with an honest discussion about it.

I think another big part of it is the shrill/harpie / tone crap is popularly used to dismiss feminists too.
And I just get disgusted that people get a pass for not discussing the content. It's a societal thing, and people use it as an excuse to remain ignorant. Hate when that happens.

[Major Hogwash]

87. If you want to talk about Scott Walker that way, it's okay with me.

In fact, I refer to half of the Republican party with some of those kinds of words.
But, not here because, well, you know, "ya takes your chances" has become something of a PITA.

I'm jus' saying . . .

[madokie]

74. I won't use the c word

but there are times where nothing takes the place of the two b words. In my vocabulary that is Although I may use the two b words my misspelling should show my distasted with using either. I'd rather we'd all be kind hearted willing to get alone rather than the hate and discontent I see and hear so much, lately

[Orrex]

21. I know quite a few women in real life who use "the b word" rather liberally

They self-describe as feminists, yet they use "the b word" both as a term of endearment (e.g., in snarky reference to a friend) and as an insult (e.g., in angry reference to the woman who just cut her off in traffic).

Are these feminist women, by definition, misogynist?

[bravenak]

41. They are me.

I do that. I don't care if somebody doesn't like it.

[one_voice]

42. I use 'the b word' rather liberally...

in real life and consider myself a feminist.

I call myself one--in this context it's a good thing, powerful

I will call an inanimate object one-when I'm angry, same as an asshole

I will call my girlfriend one-term of endearment.

I also will call a woman 'the d word' same as a man--in angry reference like getting cut off in traffic.

^^my insults know no gender...lol.

I don't use 'the c word' I just find that word filthy. It's weird, I have no problems with cursing, they're just words. But that word--yuck.

[F4lconF16]

45. Not necessarily.

In the first case, as a term of endearment, it's re-appropriation. See my post above for why I disagree with that use: www.democraticunderground.com...

In the second case, yes, it is. Using a sexist term to attack a woman is pretty much the definition of misogyny. While there are many legitimate arguments to be made for re-appropriation, there are none that I have heard that excuse the use of sexist language as pejoratives. It doesn't mean that those women aren't feminists; I don't know a single person that is able to entirely escape the effects of our patriarchal culture. Feminists aren't feminists because they're perfect in their use of language all the time; they're feminists because they believe in advancing and reconstructing gender norms and ideas in order to achieve a true equality between woman and man.

[Brickbat]

8. "Allowed"?

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

9. I added able

[Brickbat]

17. I'm not clear on who is doing the allowing or abling.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

18. Really? You are unaware that it is considered bad taste for a white person to use the "N" word?

etc

[Brickbat]

19. Are you simply talking people objecting and condemning, or reguation?

[irisblue]

12. .

I never cared for lezzie, but I do have a fondness for dyke; some westboro types called me that one of our pride rallies it must have been 1999, I had to sit down I was laughing so hard, and Rob, sweetheart that he is said..."Yep, she is the Dyke in charge of all this festival".



I do see how some people aren't comfortable with those words, and I can respect that...yet I will save dyke for myself to use when faced with a bigot like that.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

14. Good one...I had a friend, not anymore, who used the "Q" word and his wife worked for

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0641417/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t12

at the time.

He would have been horrified to find out the shit these two were saying when he wasnt around.

They were and are terrible racists and bigots, and we could not have been closer, known since kids, breaks my heart but had to break it off completely.

I wont tolerate it, from anybody.

[Blue_In_AK]

34. Up here

the "Dykes on Bikes" always are in our gay pride parade. I love the way they own the word.

[cwydro]

64. We used "dyke" quite a bit between ourselves

in the 80's and 90's.

[irisblue]

15. NJNP, I'm glad you brought this topic up.

We have to , have to keep having this conversation.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

16. The right is furious they cant refuse to serve gay people and use the N word, etc

That they cant force women to have babies.

This angers them more than starvation, nuclear war, etc.

Laws are being written right now to make it legal to discriminate against us, you, etc.

[Rozlee]

20. I have mixed race and mixed ethnic daughters who are always shocked when they hear

what people say when minorities aren't around. My step-daughter is Asian-American from my husband's late wife and my daughter is part Hispanic from my side. They both can 'pass,' especially having Anglo names from their fathers. Karin has cinnamon colored hair that even Clairol can't duplicate and looks white and so does my blond, hazel-eyed daughter. The comments they hear from co-workers and others when they don't know they're speaking to minorities is mind-boggling. Karin was weeping one day because some people she worked with said very cruel things about Japanese during the tsunami incident. Ignorant teahaddists were saying that they needed to have less Japanese since one in every third person in the world was one. Seriously? They confused Japan with China? P.J. has been infuriated by the anti-Hispanic slurs from the same crowd who say immigrants coming to the US are spreading everything from gonorrhea to Ebola. These are people that would smile and be friendly in front of me. But, use slurs against minorities behind my back.

[TheKentuckian]

40. The Indian kids across the street growing up were always called Chinese too so

I'd guess Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, etc would have no chance and no it wasn't even close at all to just being the whites doing it and no amount of correction helped even a bit.

We never seemed to have Hispanic people around back in the day but I always kind of wondered if they also would have been "Chinese" or "Indian" (this was reserved for Natives) or what would have happen label wise...maybe "Mexican" like it seems like now from the openly stupid and/or bigoted.

Most "Chinese" people were anything but to the point I was almost gun shy on it for actual Chinese people.

This was of course all to their faces as well as behind the back but the story made me think of that because I was always so perplexed at the "confusion" or whatever was really going on.

[Rozlee]

58. Well, there was that awkward time Sharron Angle told a class of Hispanic students that

they looked Asian. I guess it's not too far-fetched for some Hispanics like my folks, who had a great deal of Central American Indian blood, which lends itself to Asian features. But, Hispanics can run the gamut from Cubans who have the mixed blood of Caribe Indians, Europeans and African slaves to Asian appearing Mayans in Central America and fairer Hispanics with mostly European blood.

[TheKentuckian]

73. Oh, I don't think they really are that confused, just an odd form of racism/bigotry.

[yuiyoshida]

48. As for me growing up in San Francisco

I have never heard Asian slur words until I got on board the internet. Its bad enough to hear someone say "Ching Chong, Ching Chong" but when I am hit with words like "C**k", "G**k" and "J**" on a daily basis, I begin to wonder just how many ignorant jerks are out there.

I once tried to explain that a particular word did not apply to me, but got that age old "Y'all look a like to me" phrase. All you can do is shake your head and wonder just how much hatred are in these people?

And than there is Rush...

[Rozlee]

60. Racism has gotten worse in the last two decades.

For awhile, in the 80s, it seemed that racist shaming had driven them underground. I was raised in the 60s when it was pretty prevalent and had a thick skin. Now, it's so in-your-face. I'm pretty easy going about things like ethnic jokes at my expense and such if I sense there's no malice behind them and growing around it, I can tell if it's good-natured or not. My daughter is militantly unable to hear any kind of joking about any subject relating to race, gender, ethnicity or sexual preference/orientation, even if the person telling it is of the same stripe. And she's only a halvsie. She wants to ban some of my favorite internet pages like Mexican Word of the Day and Being Latino. I like that we have our humor and foibles. I can also tell when people are being hateful, just like you did when you discovered hateful internet sites. Just go on brietbart and the comments sections on articles in Drudge. Just like your video of Limbaugh. He's being insulting and hateful to an audience that laps it up.

[Number23]

68. I have pissed off a bunch of folk in my old hometown by informing them that all Asians are not

Chinese. I've lost count of the number of times I've had to "explain" to folks that a woman from the Phillipines, a man from Malaysia, a couple from Indonesia etc. etc. etc. are not all "Chinese" because they are Asian.

And this was before I started living and working in other countries. I don't know if it's just hatred so much as it is a PROUD ignorance. The whole "I don't actually care and never will" vibe from folks like this is astonishing. But God help anyone I bet if someone ever got their ethnicities wrong.

[JustAnotherGen]

83. I've had to eradicate

"Oriental" from my husband's vocabulary. It only took about six months after we met - but I let two of my friends school him one night (One of Japanese and one of Korean heritage) and that pretty much settled it. His culture/country/language was just offensive here. And he felt so bad about.

See - a person with a good heart will not just correct - but "get" it. He needed someone to explain to him why it was offensive.

So don't stop - good people who would flatten someone if they said the "hate" words to you - are open to education.

[Major Hogwash]

86. There are some seriously deranged people on these series of tubes, to be sure.

I admit that when I was growing up, my parents taught me to embrace the differences between me and all of the other kids in my class.
Although I was smarter, and kinder, and better than most of them, some of them were good enough for me to be friends with.



On a more serious note, you admit that you grew up.
While many of the people that you are referring to still pretty much have a 3rd-grade attitude.
In that they are still seeking out approval from their own self-defined peer group.
They want to belong to a specific group so badly that they will exclude girls from their club (tree house), tell juvenile jokes to each other about other people concerning race, and poke fun at anyone who seems different than them.

Most of the time, kids grow out of that, and go on to mature and become adults.
But, there are some (quite a few, actually) who are stuck at an age that seems so much younger than their actual age, which strikes the rest of us of as really odd behavior.
Life is short, so I avoid talking to people like that as much as possible because no amount of discussion is going to change their minds.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

22. Being told I cannot use certain words in the proper context bugs the fuck out of me.

No word should have its usage outlawed, ever, regardless of how "ugly" it is perceived to be. And no, that doesn't make me a racist, it makes me someone who has a serious appreciation for language and its power.

The context of any word its usage is EVERYTHING.

True story. Back in the 80's I visited my sister in Lewisville, TX. I should note that, at that time, I had some seriously big/punky hair that was dyed jet black. We went shopping at a local store. There were two men up on ladders replacing the bulbs in the light fixtures. When we passed beneath them, one said to the other, "What's she trying to look like? A nigger?" To say I was shocked is an understatement.

Above, you saw me, a writer, recount an actual experience in which I used one of our "ugly" words in the proper context. Would I ever use that word to derogatorily refer to person of African decent? Not on your life. I abhor the usage of that word in that context.

There IS a difference, and I wish some people would see that.

[zeemike]

30. And I agree, context is everything.

And by assigning it a letter you don't get rid of the word you just make it a symbol of the word.

Words are not evil, but people can use them in evil ways...and if you take one away they will just substitute another for it...like thug.
The focus should not be on words but changing hearts and minds...And no heart or mind has ever been changed by forbidding words...and in fact has the opposite effect.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

35. People aren't talking about outlawing the word, or its usage in terms of quoting someone else.

Although personally I'm perfectly fine with using "n_____r" or "n*****r" or the "n-word." I hate using that word and I simply won't use it, even in reference.

But there exists an argument by some white people out there that their casual use of "n_____r" is perfectly fine because black rappers sometimes use it in their songs, and why should black people be able to use it casually if white people can't?

And that's just plain idiotic, wouldn't you agree?

So I think you're missing the point here.

[riqster]

25. I agree.

While members of a marginalized group might themselves use a derogatory term as a protest, to make a point or as a gesture of empowerment, nobody else should feel entitled to do so.

The topic was addressed in this brilliant and subversive tune:

[F4lconF16]

46. This, x 1000:

While members of a marginalized group might themselves use a derogatory term as a protest, to make a point or as a gesture of empowerment, nobody else should feel entitled to do so.

It's really that simple.

Great song, thanks for that.

[rock]

26. So being a racist is just a matter of word usage

Great way to completely trivialize a serious social problem.

[Demit]

33. Is that really all you took away from that?

[rock]

36. That's all that's there

[Paladin]

27. Agreed. (nt)

[Augiedog]

28. Consequences

Use any word(s) you want, just understand there are consequences. Remember, freedom of speech applies to the government interfering with you, not the people you are offending. They may very well think you deserve whatever penalty you accrue due to your choice of words. If yer mouth gets yer nose punched, oh well....freedom ya know.

[Capt. Obvious]

29. But they get to use that word!

[Ed Suspicious]

32. I don't use it in casual conversation. I don't condone it's use for hurtful purposes.

However, I find it infantile that we need to do things like type n***** or, not offense intended, use symbolism like the "N" word when we are quoting racists or demonstrating outrageous behavior by racists. If the racist says "nigger" that's what they said. There was a trigger warning about the use of the word in a reproduced speech by a judge who was adjudicating a lynching case. In the speech he vividly described the disgusting inhumanity and the history of the act of lynching. During the speech the judge used the word "nigger". That was what NPR thought deserved the trigger warning, not vile act of the crime itself. We're adults. We can handle the word. It isn't so powerful until we lend it power by using the previously mentioned avoidance techniques.

[TheKentuckian]

47. No grown person should be reduced to such silliness

and the racist and bigots aren't mad they can't use the words because they do, they are mad because it isn't guaranteed as fine as saying water or sunshine to just plain generally refer to people in such terms.

[Ed Suspicious]

56. Agreed.

[Dr Hobbitstein]

37. Q word?

As in queer? I thought that was OK. As in LGBTQ. Just whatever word they self identify with, I thought.

[Luminous Animal]

72. It was for several years, in San Francisco anyway. Pride, one year, was titled, "Year of the Queer"

Queer was meant to be inclusive for the entire community... LGBT&Q(uestioning).

[Dr Hobbitstein]

82. Makes sense...

Last edited Fri Mar 13, 2015, 08:37 AM - Edit history (1)

I wasn't totally sure. Due to the nature of the industry I'm in (local original music in Central Florida), I know very few "out" LGBT. The two I'm good friends with have been together 15 years, and just recently got married (thanks to those "acteeevist judges&quot , and a few other LGBT friends have always said they are "gay" or "queer" or (in the more "extreme" punk element) "dykes".

[mythology]

38. As others have said, context matters

Including the use of specific words can be powerful. For example, the use of the word in Huck Finn, particularly when Huck stops using it.

If you're referring to people who want to use word in normal everyday conversation, then yes it has a very different connotation. But even there it can be a sign of immaturity rather than bigotry. For example my stepbrother when he was a teenager used to say things like "that's so gay" as a way of saying something was uncool. He outgrew that thankfully.

[dumbcat]

39. If not being allowed or able to use a dictionary bothers you, you are by definition an idiot.

I heartily agree with the OP.

(This is an experiment.)

[Sarcastica]

43. Actually that is not true. You don't seem to know that the word "definition"

has an actual definition. And you are not using it correctly.

[Blue_In_AK]

49. I just noticed that you used the word "prick"

Is this not as sexist a term as "bitch"? Or actually more closely related to the "c" word, which is even more objectionable.

[philosslayer]

50. All i know...

Is that on TV you can prick your finger, but you can't finger your prick.

[CincyDem]

51. oh myyy...I see what you did there. :-) n/t

[Blue_In_AK]

52. LOL

Thanks, I needed that.

[mwooldri]

53. No questions. Just a statement to make:

Within the confines of literature and the study of English language use, it bothers me that I can't use those words without offending someone.

Other than that.... I'm in agreement with you. Eventually these words will fall out of use. Eventually we will not have discrimination. Until then.. . please proceed to identify and correct the gender-phobic, racist and sexist behaviors and actions that are exhibited by certain segments of society.

In other words "why can't we all be nice and just get along?"

[marble falls]

54. I usually have trouble with simple if/then definitions. This may be the only one that is 100% right

(right in the good way).

[Enthusiast]

55. K&R! No questions from this quarter.

I remember hearing Limbaugh lamenting the reality of political correctness. I fully understood what he wanted to say and couldn't.

[Sarcastica]

57. You should also avoid the biographies of many historic democrats.

Even FDR and definitely LBJ would give you fits, and Truman would cause a heart attack.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

66. sigh

Times change, people change, accepted attitudes change.

[cwydro]

62. Welcome to DU btw.

[dissentient]

63. I would never presume to tell some black kid that he can't use the N-word as a term of endearment

or greeting for his mates/friends, as I have heard them use it on numerous occasions when riding public transportation. That would be wrong. Maybe I'm taking the OP the wrong way, but it sounds to me like you are saying it is a hard and fast rule that should apply at all times to everyone out there, even sub-cultures and hip hop.

Also, I think the word "allowed" or "able" are poor choices, because this is the kind of language you could use to say criminal acts are forbidden, and saying words, no matter how offensive, are not crimes, because of the first amendment. For example, "I'm not allowed to steal from a store, otherwise, I can be arrested and face going to jail!"

Maybe a technical point, but I can be anal when it comes to language...

[cwydro]

65. I would not presume to tell anyone what names they can use.

That being said, I was raised to think of the n-word as completely unacceptable and abhorrent.

It has been a word that I just cannot stand to hear. It still is; I don't care who says it.

I wish it would go away.

[dissentient]

67. Yep, I don't use it either. But it isn't my place to tell other insider groups or sub-cultures

they can't.

I can imagine the scene, some white guy, stands up on a public bus and says to a couple black kids sitting near him -- "Hey! Stop calling each other that word!" "You are offending me!"

To me, that would be a racist act in and of itself. It is none of his business to tell them that, he does not control them.

[cwydro]

71. Exactly.

Anyway, I generally would not speak to any stranger about their language.

[treestar]

79. That would be a point of absurdity

Yet it is a shame that is the only "black privilege ".

equality would hopefully mean elimination of said word by all.

There can be some comfort in belonging and that appears to include oppressed groups.

The affinity group thing the other day was like that too. there shouldn't be any reason not to say anything you want to the rest of us by this point. At least not To be afraid to say something.

[treestar]

69. If the word is so bad, though

I think NO ONE should use it. That may be the point when people bring this up. To white person logic, black use of it doesn't make sense. I think I may get it, but a lot of white people are unable to get subtleties like that.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

70. You think you get it?

[treestar]

77. I'm sure you think I dont

What was that supposed to mean?

[nomorenomore08]

75. But see, you have (seemingly) good and sincere intentions.

That's what separates you from the bigoted assholes who think they should be able to slur black people left and right, and use "The rappers do it!" as a disingenuous excuse.

[treestar]

78. True. It's also possible they do see the difference

And are disingenuous. That is typical of right wingers.

[Wella]

76. So was George Carlin a racist?

?

[nomorenomore08]

80. When did he ever use racial slurs to intentionally demean black people? n/t

[Wella]

85. Thanks for playing "Missing the Point Entirely!"

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

81. No, he used the word RARELY to point out the meaning of words and context

I know more about George Carlin than most anybody I know...

So dont play that game with me

[Wella]

84. I'm not playing a game with you. I'm being dead serious.

Carlin fought for the right to say the unsayable. Your OP says that any white person who really wants to say the N-word must be a racist. So here is the logic for you:

Any white person wanting to say the N-word must be a racist.
George Carlin, who was white, wanted everyone to be able to say the N-word, himself included.
Therefore, George Carlin is a racist.

[Matrosov]

90. Perhaps a bit misguided

There are good reasons why people who aren't African American should never utter any version of the n-word. Carlin wasn't a racist but sometimes he was a little too eager to be cool and edgy by breaking the rules

[Wella]

93. But according to the OP, the logic is clear: Carlin must be a racist

That's why you have to be careful when making blanket statements like that. You create a logical corner for yourself with no ability to walk anything back.

[nomorenomore08]

94. Did he ever whine and complain saying, "Why can't I call blacks ni**ers? The rappers do it!"

That's the kind of disingenuous bullshit the OP was speaking of. Carlin's defense of taboo language in general, is not the same thing at all.

[Wella]

95. Actually, he did:

[nomorenomore08]

96. But the context is completely different. That's all I've been trying to say.

Carlin was not fighting for the right to slur minority groups with impunity, and I'm sure he'd be disgusted by that implication.

[Deertoil]

88. I think this was covered in previous white privilege list.

Not the small one, the one with like 30 things listed. It should be a top fiver because it is so common.

[LWolf]

89. "not being allowed"

Who's going to stop me? I use the words I want to use. I don't use those.

The bottom line is that human beings, by nature, gather in packs to put down other packs. At different times and places, it's more acceptable to attack some packs, with words and actions, than others.

Some of us would like to evolve beyond that. Some of us have begun that process, and don't feel the need to label other packs with epithets to put them down.

Stepping outside of racism, sexism, and other obvious examples of bigotry, I can offer up DU as an example.

In this pack, there are some packs it's okay to verbally attack and fling demeaning labels at, and some that it's not. And there is a great deal of gray area in between, with passive-aggressive innuendo.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

92. I meant to say able, as in PC< but i am interested in the reactions from people who focus

on that word

hmmm

[Matrosov]

91. Well said nt