In the past, I have written about my cringe factor over hearing or reading the word “retard”. It personally hits home for me since my youngest son has Trisomy 18 and global disabilities. I'm going to confess upfront: I'm affronted when I hear it. Often enraged. But there was a time in the past when I had used it myself. I'm certainly not proud of that. But there it is.
So that got me to thinking about the swirling controversy over words and the way they are used. Here are some examples: Retard (as in “I am such a retard); gay (as in “That shirt is so gay”); nigga (as in “Joe is my nigga”). This language is, in my opinion, completely unoriginal and totally offensive.
I’ve heard these arguments before:
· Freedom of Speech. People should be able to say whatever they want without being censored. While that is true—and I am a proponent of First Amendment rights—what about freedom from being persecuted? Especially in terms of those (like my son) who have no voice?
· Mark Twain used offensive language, and his works are classics. Okay. But Twain is now dead. He isn’t living in 2012 where I would like to think we have advanced somewhat since the 19th Century.
· Artistic/Poetic license. I’m all for that, too. But if one’s art needs to contain language that hurts people, maybe the artist should revisit his art and artistic abilities. Is it art or shock value?
I’m not saying words such as these should be banned because I know this usually puts half the free world up in arms. What I am saying is that those who use these words need to remember they do not live on a deserted island. Is it worth defending freedom of speech at the price of compassion?
What are you thoughts on the use of this type of language?
Have you ever used it in your work? Laughed at its use in a movie?
Any thoughts on the subject? (I promise not to remove you from my GFC list for being honest).
BTW...here are some alternatives:
I think the bottom line is that language perpetuates culture, and it is worth being aware of that. I am saddened by the overall "coarseness" of general conversation among kids and adults. I have been known to drop more than a few f bombs in my time... and I have definitely let loose some real rants... but come on... we can do better.
ReplyDeleteI hate people who have to use the N word every ten seconds, they just sound so stupid and are too stupid to realize they are degrading themselves. And any of that other crap I don't use either. I go with the normal swearing in books, all but the f bomb and in real life usually sh** or the f bomb..haha..but only to myself, saying that every second word is pathetic too.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely. I don't use those words, in writing or in life, and I don't like it when others do within my hearing. I'm not sure how I feel about people using it in writing though. If it fits the characters...I don't know. Then shouldn't it be okay? It doesn't necessarily reflect who the author is. I mean, Stephen King isn't some clown coming at you from the toilet. But, I wouldn't appreciate reading it, as a reader. Fortunately, I haven't really come across it.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I've nominated you. :) http://www.aprilplummer.com/2012/01/if-this-doesnt-scare-you-off-nothing.html
It's a particular challenge to be aware of words when you're writing historical fiction; one of my characters is from the West Indies and is of mixed race. In the time period and locale, he would have been termed "colored". In our day, that word can be nearly as charged as the "n" word, depending on the person's experience. After much thought, I decided to use colored because it is an historical book, but I still wonder if someone will protest its use.
ReplyDeleteControversial words can pack a lot of punch when used correctly. It's all in the power of language.
ReplyDeletePersonally, whenever I hear people use offensive language, they just sound ignorant to me. Words have power whether we realize it or not, and certain language just continues negative (and incorrect) views of certain people. I don't agree with censorship, but I do agree with what you are doing by raising awareness. I think a lot of people don't even realize they are offending others. If they realize it, hopefully more people will stop using it on their own. As far as in writing or movies, if it's used casually, I don't like it. However, I also think that sometimes it is necessary to get an accurate picture of the character. In that case I don't find it offensive. Rather it gives me a better understanding of who the character is.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. If it is relevant to the depiction of a character, I can understand and not take offense. However, I have seen authors and screenwriters flippantly use it. That really gets me. That I find ignorant.
ReplyDeleteI cringe when I hear offensive language in real life. I also have a special needs son and the use of the word 'retard' makes me flinch.
ReplyDeleteAs a writer, I agree with Michael that when used correctly, it gives power to the language. I have nothing against it in novels and stories to illustrate or present a situation to readers...same with what LivingOurDash said about getting an accurate picture of a character in a story perhaps. I've recently read a book (fiction) in first-person point-of-view and the MC calls himself a 'retard' in the story. It sounded so wrong but I think it made the story interesting because it was very obvious that it was written to make me "feel" what's inside the heart of the MC.