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:
