http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17388702/?GT1=9145
We were discussing in class how the English Language is constantly changing, and we are always changing the meanings of different words. I was reading an article that I feel tied into that discussion. Slang is an ever changing informal way of the English Language. There’s politically correct terminology but then there’s just plain degrading words out there. This particular article discusses a lawsuit against a school for reprimanding a girl who used the term “that’s so gay.” Her parents claimed it was a violation of the First Amendment, and sued the school.
I don’t really want to get into the politics of that lawsuit, but I think it’s appalling nowadays how words that are used to identify a group of people are now being turned around and used as slang. Words like “queer” “gay” and the n word. I just think it’s inappropriate to make slang out of these words. It’s offending in a way to hear people calling people fags because now it also means “stupid.” Well it’s an offensive term to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community. Then there are racial terms that being used instead as an insult but as another form of stupid or other words along those lines. These words are offensive! Why are we bringing them back into slang?
I hate when people use the word fag or gay in a way that means stupid around me. I would actually make my friends stop using the terms in such a way because it would upset me. Being an out lesbian, I had to deal with a lot of gay bashing growing up. Now to hear words that were used to cut me down and beat me up meaning “stupid” is just appalling to me.
I wish there was a way to stop it all, but I’m going to look at it realistically. It’s not going to happen. Let America use these, but as an individual I’m going to stop it around me. Too many people have been hurt by those words, that it’s inappropriate to used them. I honestly just don’t want to be reminded of bad times, and I’m sure there are a lot of people out there who agree with me on some level. I mean it’s weird in a way that I’m fighting for the term “gay” to remain the way it is and not mean “stupid.” But look at this way, using the word gay, you are also referring to a homosexual person and I can tell we are all not “stupid.”
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4 comments:
I completely agree with you. Words have great power. The way many kids talk to each other today is disgusting. The girl who said "that's so gay" deserved to be reprimanded, and I think it's sad that her parents are condoning this type of behavior. I am studying to be a teacher, and I know that this is the one thing I could never tolerate. Comments like these are not okay, and will keep our world from progressing towards acceptance.
This is a sharp reflection on the power of language. You've read my mind as that's what we'll be speaking about next week. One step ahead, MB.
I have to say that I agree with you 100%. It is a shame what people get away with. I personally try not to use those words because I have family and friends who are homosexual, bisexual... Also at work with my dance students, I have this one little boy who loves Disney Princesses. All of the girls in the class make fun of him. They are 5 what do they know about stuff like that? It all starts with parents or older siblings who think its ok to say things like that.
I agree with you on this one completely.It's become a part of our modern vocabulary and it usually means something negative. It is completely derived from it's original meaning. As long as people keep making comments like "that so gay" ... the acceptance will increase and future generations won't know any better. Parents should be more aware and try to discourage kids ,from making those comments, whenever the hear it.
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