ulthar
Frightening Fanatic of Horrible Cinema
Karma: 368
Posts: 4168
I AM serious, and stop calling me Shirley
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« Reply #16 on: September 19, 2005, 10:00:38 AM » |
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As someone else pointed out, this is probably one of the most complicated "issues" in contemporary American society. I'd willingly wager there are a quite a few sociology theses written on this topic each year.
For my part, I think part of it is 'empowerment.' I think the "you can't use that term but I can" mentality is a means to have a sense of control in a social system in which one feels he has no control. There might also be a bit of counterculture element to it: I'll do something that I KNOW flies in the face of 'acceptable society' to emphasize I don't accept this society's rules.
For that matter, one can likewise argue that the use of an epiteth or slur in general is a power play. Whites who use the term "n****r" generally are using it within an air of superiority and/or condescension. The use of such language, by either group (white or black), is certainly emotionally charged and designed to be so. I think it is no different than calling a female a "b***h" (or other) ... you don't usually use terms like that to people that you are trying to become endeared. (I know that some black folks will use 'the n-word' pseudo affectionately to each other, but I think it is still partly based in causing a rise out of whites that they do this).
I've got to say, though, I find it interesting and a bit troubling that within the context of a serious discussion, people use phrases like "the N-Word" rather than the word "n****r" itself. Again, as someone pointed out above, the word itself has no power; the context does. But we've somehow elevated this particular word to 'superword' status (a meme perhaps?) so that its very utterance will bring forth the rath of all fire and destruction. That's hardly the environment for intelligent discussion, mutual understanding and respect needed to understand the basis for such language and eliminate the hatreds that fuel it.
Finally, as for its use on TV; I try to avoid such shows anyway. I certainly don't want my children picking up that kind of language (n-words, f-words, s-words, etc, etc).
My $0.02, take it or leave it.
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