Over 20 Jewish groups from US and Spanish-speaking countries call on Spain’s linguistic authority to drop two antisemitic definitions from its dictionary
This, especially since dictionaries (at least Spanish ones) have a lot of abbreviations to indicate when a term is archaic, deprecated, rude, etc. Even if nobody uses it in such way today, considering it was used not so long ago, it should remain. It’s history and evidence of the discrimination, I get that it’s offensive but erasing it from the dictionary doesn’t do anything for their cause.
Yes. We can talk about racial slurs without directing them at anyone. We can talk about the history and origin or racial slurs like spic and wog and (dare I say it in the hopes that people actually understand my point) removed. (edit: Lol, fuck censorship, but this helps prove my point below because you don’t even need to see the word but you know what it was and what it represents due to context)
We can talk about these words, the concepts and hate they represent, the pain they are meant to inflict and all of that context without being offensive or using those words in an offensive manner.
Here’s a little secret to offensive words, you can make any word offensive because as stated in my previous comment, it’s not the word itself that’s offensive it’s the intent it’s used with.
Fairy princess is offensive if it’s used to derogatively represent someone, and endearing when your 3 year old daughter wants to be one. Does that mean ‘fairy princess’ is a slur? Yes, but only when it’s used that way.
The difference that racial slurs have over other offensive language is that they are specifically created words for being derogative, unlike other derogative speech which reappropriates existing words and medical terms as insulting metaphor. But even then you can talk about racial slurs without being offensive as previously explained. Like we’re doing right now.
Ask yourself, is there anything in this comment you find “offensive”? Or maybe offensive words just make you uncomfortable. I’m comfortable around offensive language because I understand it and can recognise the difference between objective use of language and directed insults.
Hey, I took some time to see things from your perspective, but I need to make something very clear.
We have a firm policy against racial slurs, even when discussing them. This is because these words are weaponized to dehumanize people and create a sense that some people are not equal to others. This also includes when they are not used with malicious intent. We want to create a space where everyone feels safe and respected, and that includes avoiding the use of racial slurs at all times under any circumstance.
If you want to talk about racial slurs, you must self-censor and avoid using these words. If you do not, your comments will be removed. If you are unable to abide by the rules on the sidebar, then let us know.
I’ve heard this argument more times than I would like to admit. The idea that people who are uncomfortable with offensive language are simply uncomfortable with themselves is a blunt and overplayed strawman.
Your arguments are ones of bad faith. For example, the word “f**ry princess” may not be offensive when used to describe a young girl who wants to be one. However, you, I, and everyone reading this very well knows it is used to belittle women and LGBTQ+ people alike. By your logic, you are clearly ignoring the fact that language can be harmful even when it is not intended to.
The same is true for racial slurs. These words were created to dehumanize and denigrate people of color. Even when they are not used with malicious intent, they can still be harmful because they can trigger generational trauma and pain. If that was not the case, people who use the word would not still use the very word that was used while black men, women, and children met their ends hanging from a tree.
I honestly don’t think you are frustrated but just pandering to justify the use of hateful language. I could be wrong however it makes no difference.
Please remember as I stated in the beginning:
Such language will not be tolerated under any circumstances and will be promptly removed. It is important to remember that these words have a real and harmful impact on people. We want to create a space where everyone feels safe and respected, and that includes avoiding the use of racial slurs.
This is language theory not pandering or looking to excuse the use of deliberately discriminatory language or racial epithets, but a master class on understanding the nuance between offensive language and inoffensive language and the damage that disingenuously taking offense at inoffensive language does in stifling legitimate discussion of the topics and the disingenuous censorship of legitimate inoffensive language at the behest of a failed education system.
You’re clearly not qualified to be giving any type of “master class” on anything. Your comments are:
Harmful
Offensive
In bad faith
You are clearly unwilling to contribute to a productive discussion that follows the community guidelines.
If you want to have a legitimate discussion about the topics, then you need to start by being respectful of others.
That means abiding by the community guidelines. If you can’t do that, then I suggest you find a different forum to participate in."
Just a heads up, this person is a known troll across lemmy they’re well known for their hostile and inflammatory content and just saying things to get a rise out of people, this person also isn’t exactly receptive to feedback. Just wanted to let you know since trying to talk with someone like this is like talking to a brick wall.
The word is ugly with and without the “a”. It is a word that was used to terrorize enslaved people and is still used to this day to dehumanize black people. Anyone especially black people should not be using that word.
It’s still a word like any other. How it is used is what matters, not the word itself; and saying black people should also not use that word is pretty racist, unless you’re also black…
Also looking at the decimation of the comments in here, the mods and users are overly sensitive over words. Fucking pathetic.
I’m black and I don’t use the n-word. It’s a word of hate and oppression, and I don’t want to be associated with it. I don’t think it’s possible to “repurpose” the word, and it should be buried in the footnotes of history. That being said there is a side bar with clear rules if you have any difficulty abiding by them please let us know.
Please; tell me what rules were violated with the comments that were removed, other than you disagreed with the opinions expressed. It’s also a shame you’re a mod when you had such a hard time even understanding simple definitions.
Fairy is a homophobic term. You may think it’s acceptable, but I’ve lived through homophobic abuse, so have many others but there is a very good reason I’m offended by the term.
Homophobia has no place in modern society, and no amount of nihilistic sophistry will change my mind.
I so I will be offended by you calling me a fairy, fag/faggot, shirt lifter, battyboy, fudgepacker…
I’m two generations removed and on the wrong side of the family try to be considered jewish, but close enough that some living relatives are practicing Jews. I will also take offense at you using the word Jew and you using it in the way the post intends.
Not because I’m a sissy fairy fag cocksucker, which I am, but because I’m big enough and ugly enough to tell you to go fuck yourself with your pseduo-intellectual circumlocution.
You say yourself, “it’s not the word but how you use it” and then go on to use it as an epithet. There is nothing wrong with using the word fairy to describe Tinkerbell, or the mascot of absinthe, but when you proudly use it as an insult you’re being a hypocrite, you are using it exactly in an offensive way.
German gays call use the term “Tunte” quite a bit, somewhere in between “faggot” and “fruit”. And yes they mean it as an insult – not for being gay, but for sticking out your little finger when drinking prosecco, approximately. The polar opposite of flannel shirt.
I am one of the dozens of people in the world who wasn’t educated in America, so you know what they say about assuming.
Your first paragraph repeats my point so I’m glad we agree, and your second paragraph also mostly agrees with me. What I would say you haven’t understood is that you said you call people fairies, and indeed “r/tards”, in an offensive manner and demand we’re not offended. You can’t police other people’s reactions. What’s the difference from saying “ah yes, but when I rob a bank it shouldn’t be illegal because I’m special!”
I see your point - again - about how it’s the usage - yes, but I’ll say, also again, that my issue is with your usage.
It’s ironic you would complain about my education and accuse me of missing the point when it’s your comprehension that’s at issue here.
Finally, I’d like you to explain how “r/tard” can be used in a non-offensice context.
Finally, I’d like you to explain how “r/tard” can be used in a non-offensice context.
“This new extinguisher excells at retarding a fire.”
“The silencer retarded the sound of the firearm.”
Its pretty damn easy to use words inoffensively if you know the definition of them. Retarded isn’t just a description of the mentally handicapped; it means to be held back, slowed down, or restrained.
If you still don’t get it let me know what you don’t understand and I’ll bust out the crayons and we can get to figuring out which ones you like the taste of. (Clue: This is offensive but uses no offensive words, because context)
If people still use it that way, it should be in the dictionary. Dictionaries are descriptive, not prescriptive
This, especially since dictionaries (at least Spanish ones) have a lot of abbreviations to indicate when a term is archaic, deprecated, rude, etc. Even if nobody uses it in such way today, considering it was used not so long ago, it should remain. It’s history and evidence of the discrimination, I get that it’s offensive but erasing it from the dictionary doesn’t do anything for their cause.
Here’s the definition:
“despect.” is despectivo, which means “pejorative” or “derogatory”. Also, it’s the last definition given, not the first.
What U. t. c. s. Means ?
U. t. c. s. stands for: “usese también como sustantivo” which means: “it can be used as a substantive/noun”
Removed by mod
Do you apply this logic to racial slurs as well?
Yes. We can talk about racial slurs without directing them at anyone. We can talk about the history and origin or racial slurs like spic and wog and (dare I say it in the hopes that people actually understand my point) removed. (edit: Lol, fuck censorship, but this helps prove my point below because you don’t even need to see the word but you know what it was and what it represents due to context)
We can talk about these words, the concepts and hate they represent, the pain they are meant to inflict and all of that context without being offensive or using those words in an offensive manner.
Here’s a little secret to offensive words, you can make any word offensive because as stated in my previous comment, it’s not the word itself that’s offensive it’s the intent it’s used with.
Fairy princess is offensive if it’s used to derogatively represent someone, and endearing when your 3 year old daughter wants to be one. Does that mean ‘fairy princess’ is a slur? Yes, but only when it’s used that way.
The difference that racial slurs have over other offensive language is that they are specifically created words for being derogative, unlike other derogative speech which reappropriates existing words and medical terms as insulting metaphor. But even then you can talk about racial slurs without being offensive as previously explained. Like we’re doing right now.
Ask yourself, is there anything in this comment you find “offensive”? Or maybe offensive words just make you uncomfortable. I’m comfortable around offensive language because I understand it and can recognise the difference between objective use of language and directed insults.
Hey, I took some time to see things from your perspective, but I need to make something very clear.
We have a firm policy against racial slurs, even when discussing them. This is because these words are weaponized to dehumanize people and create a sense that some people are not equal to others. This also includes when they are not used with malicious intent. We want to create a space where everyone feels safe and respected, and that includes avoiding the use of racial slurs at all times under any circumstance.
If you want to talk about racial slurs, you must self-censor and avoid using these words. If you do not, your comments will be removed. If you are unable to abide by the rules on the sidebar, then let us know.
I’ve heard this argument more times than I would like to admit. The idea that people who are uncomfortable with offensive language are simply uncomfortable with themselves is a blunt and overplayed strawman.
Your arguments are ones of bad faith. For example, the word “f**ry princess” may not be offensive when used to describe a young girl who wants to be one. However, you, I, and everyone reading this very well knows it is used to belittle women and LGBTQ+ people alike. By your logic, you are clearly ignoring the fact that language can be harmful even when it is not intended to.
The same is true for racial slurs. These words were created to dehumanize and denigrate people of color. Even when they are not used with malicious intent, they can still be harmful because they can trigger generational trauma and pain. If that was not the case, people who use the word would not still use the very word that was used while black men, women, and children met their ends hanging from a tree.
I honestly don’t think you are frustrated but just pandering to justify the use of hateful language. I could be wrong however it makes no difference.
Please remember as I stated in the beginning:
Such language will not be tolerated under any circumstances and will be promptly removed. It is important to remember that these words have a real and harmful impact on people. We want to create a space where everyone feels safe and respected, and that includes avoiding the use of racial slurs.
This is language theory not pandering or looking to excuse the use of deliberately discriminatory language or racial epithets, but a master class on understanding the nuance between offensive language and inoffensive language and the damage that disingenuously taking offense at inoffensive language does in stifling legitimate discussion of the topics and the disingenuous censorship of legitimate inoffensive language at the behest of a failed education system.
Case in point.
You’re clearly not qualified to be giving any type of “master class” on anything. Your comments are:
You are clearly unwilling to contribute to a productive discussion that follows the community guidelines. If you want to have a legitimate discussion about the topics, then you need to start by being respectful of others. That means abiding by the community guidelines. If you can’t do that, then I suggest you find a different forum to participate in."
Just a heads up, this person is a known troll across lemmy they’re well known for their hostile and inflammatory content and just saying things to get a rise out of people, this person also isn’t exactly receptive to feedback. Just wanted to let you know since trying to talk with someone like this is like talking to a brick wall.
Yes. The way people generally use the N word with an A at the end is often used in a non-racist way.
The word is ugly with and without the “a”. It is a word that was used to terrorize enslaved people and is still used to this day to dehumanize black people. Anyone especially black people should not be using that word.
It’s still a word like any other. How it is used is what matters, not the word itself; and saying black people should also not use that word is pretty racist, unless you’re also black…
Also looking at the decimation of the comments in here, the mods and users are overly sensitive over words. Fucking pathetic.
I’m black and I don’t use the n-word. It’s a word of hate and oppression, and I don’t want to be associated with it. I don’t think it’s possible to “repurpose” the word, and it should be buried in the footnotes of history. That being said there is a side bar with clear rules if you have any difficulty abiding by them please let us know.
Please; tell me what rules were violated with the comments that were removed, other than you disagreed with the opinions expressed. It’s also a shame you’re a mod when you had such a hard time even understanding simple definitions.
Fairy is a homophobic term. You may think it’s acceptable, but I’ve lived through homophobic abuse, so have many others but there is a very good reason I’m offended by the term.
Homophobia has no place in modern society, and no amount of nihilistic sophistry will change my mind.
I so I will be offended by you calling me a fairy, fag/faggot, shirt lifter, battyboy, fudgepacker…
I’m two generations removed and on the wrong side of the family try to be considered jewish, but close enough that some living relatives are practicing Jews. I will also take offense at you using the word Jew and you using it in the way the post intends.
Not because I’m a sissy fairy fag cocksucker, which I am, but because I’m big enough and ugly enough to tell you to go fuck yourself with your pseduo-intellectual circumlocution.
You say yourself, “it’s not the word but how you use it” and then go on to use it as an epithet. There is nothing wrong with using the word fairy to describe Tinkerbell, or the mascot of absinthe, but when you proudly use it as an insult you’re being a hypocrite, you are using it exactly in an offensive way.
Removed by mod
German gays call use the term “Tunte” quite a bit, somewhere in between “faggot” and “fruit”. And yes they mean it as an insult – not for being gay, but for sticking out your little finger when drinking prosecco, approximately. The polar opposite of flannel shirt.
I am one of the dozens of people in the world who wasn’t educated in America, so you know what they say about assuming.
Your first paragraph repeats my point so I’m glad we agree, and your second paragraph also mostly agrees with me. What I would say you haven’t understood is that you said you call people fairies, and indeed “r/tards”, in an offensive manner and demand we’re not offended. You can’t police other people’s reactions. What’s the difference from saying “ah yes, but when I rob a bank it shouldn’t be illegal because I’m special!”
I see your point - again - about how it’s the usage - yes, but I’ll say, also again, that my issue is with your usage.
It’s ironic you would complain about my education and accuse me of missing the point when it’s your comprehension that’s at issue here.
Finally, I’d like you to explain how “r/tard” can be used in a non-offensice context.
“This new extinguisher excells at retarding a fire.”
“The silencer retarded the sound of the firearm.”
Its pretty damn easy to use words inoffensively if you know the definition of them. Retarded isn’t just a description of the mentally handicapped; it means to be held back, slowed down, or restrained.
and which one of these did the OP mean by “is fucking r/tarded?”
Both examples are used in the same way OP was using them. Do you have an issue with reading comprehension?
I answered that for you 3 hours ago, now you’re just being belligerent.
Removed by mod
Wow. You did yourself a real service with this post. I applaud.
👏
/s
If you still don’t get it let me know what you don’t understand and I’ll bust out the crayons and we can get to figuring out which ones you like the taste of. (Clue: This is offensive but uses no offensive words, because context)