words
M.L & i had a discussion:
Are some words offensive or are we being too politically correct?
Spastic (which I find offensive)
Retarded (Attila the mom's post explains why so well)
Shortbus (which I only found out about when I came here and I find v.bewildering)
Bitch (which I totally totally love to use but which I find demeaning when men use it - i know double standards - but it's like when you criticize your country but hate when others do)
(To be updated)
7 comments:
Spastic and retarded are words that relate specifically to an affliction and are actually a part of their definitions. When they are used as slang, I find them VERY offensive.
Short-bus I actually find to be a rather charming euphemism - it doesn't actually degrade a person in particular, but does rather gently say something about their condition.
Bitch? Only under duress - and only by women. Men who use it as a descriptor for women are very low class.
Ooppss.. I use two of the 4 words mention. Damn!!
What does short-bus mean? I tried working out what it meant but can't come with anything.
I find first three words offensive - only because I have worked and have friends among those categorized as spastic/retarded...these folks have always enriched my life much more than the 'normal' folk.
But, am guilty of using last word with female friends ONLY and especially when the alcohol has hit the bloodstream :) If a man uses it I get all wound up. Double standards- yes, guilty as charged.
I use bitch a lot - but hate it when men say it...
I say spaz from time to time, but always feel bad about saying it too
Shortbus is a new one....
Hm, I always thought shortbus affectionetely referred to someone who was really short, or tiny- like 'half pint' from Little House on the Prairie.
But I suppose it has some kind of different meaning that refers to IQ.
M.L.
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