Yay! It isn't just me!

[sqbr]

Essay about why someone doesn't use the word "retarded" as an insult *follows links for while, remembers I am supposed to be trying not to use the computer too much* (indirectly via lauredhel)

(I posted about a similar topic here)

Comments

[alias_sqbr]

Oh, I agree that the meaning of insults etc depends very much on context. Also, calling someone "retarded" etc when it's literally true (while sometimes not ok) is a different issue to calling someone that when it doesn't apply in order to hurt their feelings. I mean it's totally ok to call people "gay" or "a woman" if you're just being accurate and non-insulting, but that doesn't mean those words can't also be used as sexist/homophobic insults.

Something I've had a post brewing in my head about for ages is politically correct language: personally I think it's a good idea in general, but it's just a form of politeness, and it's wrong to use as your primary measure of how considerate someone is. You can overall be a really supportive etc person but use the wrong words (especially if you're just old and out of touch), or use the right words but actually be really intolerant and unsupportive. Which isn't to say it's wrong to criticise people for using the wrong language, but you can't judge people by their words alone.