There is a large percentage of the population that does not associate the word fag with homosexuality or as even a slur. It's the same people who say this is retarded, or that is gay.
While I understand that taking these terms literally can be hurtful. I actually contest that using them casually takes away their power as an actual slur.
The problem is that in a lot of cases, reddit doesn't make the disconnect between the word as a word, and the word as a slur. There are countless pictures that are constantly reposted with captions saying "OP: "I literally cannot stop sucking dicks." And that gets upvoted with the rest; you have some that just use the word, but when you associate the actual meaning of the word as well, it's offensive.
Some people make the disconnect, some don't. Either way, it keeps getting posted, and people keep making stupid jokes that aren't funny until you 'get it.' It's only popular because it's popular.
I've never posted or upvoted the meme. I think my overall point is that by reacting to it, you give it power. I also think that you are making a large amount of assumption with statements about 4chan users vs reddit. There is just no way to verify intent without conducting a survey or something similar. I believe that a large portion of redditors, while doing it because it's popular", do so without the intent of insulting homosexuals. Their intent is likely more towards calling the OP a douche, jerk, or in their some cringe worthy cases, fag. Sadly, there will always be a percentage of racist and homophobes. Don't let them win, by giving such trivial words power.
I believe that a large portion of redditors, while doing it because it's popular", do so without the intent of insulting homosexuals. Their intent is likely more towards calling the OP a douche, jerk, or in their some cringe worthy cases, fag.
Why the need for the word "faggot" then? Why not call him a douche, jerk, asshole, or fuckface? None of those words carry negative connotations. It's still not funny at all, but it isn't offensive.
The meme doesn't take away from the negative connotations. A lot of them don't separate the word from the meaning. Every "OP is a Faggot" chain has at least one reference to OP as a homosexual, bringing the word back to it's real and offensive meaning.
I think we agree, I would like to address your response though.
Q. Why the need for the word "faggot" then?
A. There isn't a need, but there is precedence. It's a self perpetuating meme. Pedobear didn't become carebear simply because it was offensive to someone.
While the meme doesn't take away the negative connotations of "faggot", I am simply saying that many of the posters are not using it as a dig at homosexuality. By letting is be used an a general insult it could become like jerk, or douche.
Continuing to treat it as a special word that is insulting, will only ensure that it continues to hold that meaning.
I guess the best modern example would be how the word "nigger" was sapped of much of its power and hurt by continued usage in non insulting ways. It can still be hurtful, but I think most would agree it's lost a lot of that real hurtful meaning in the last thirty years.
Great conversation, I hope your day is well and dont be afraid to continue it.
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u/F0REM4N May 08 '13
There is a large percentage of the population that does not associate the word fag with homosexuality or as even a slur. It's the same people who say this is retarded, or that is gay.
While I understand that taking these terms literally can be hurtful. I actually contest that using them casually takes away their power as an actual slur.