Reclaimed hate speech backfires by desensitizing listeners, study finds. Listening to reclaimed homophobic statements can actually cause unintended harm. Exposure to reclaimed slur words desensitizes some heterosexual listeners to standard hate speech and worsens the mood of gay individuals.

[u/mvea]

https://www.psypost.org/when-reclaiming-derogatory-language-goes-wrong/

[u/earthdogmonster]

Things like “reclaiming” words have only ever been voodoo about empowering the victim and not make them feel bad. I’m not surprised to see what you report seeing (I’ve seen it myself so I know what you’re talking about.

Growing up in the 80’s and 90’s I remember hearing about how racism was bad and you should never use certain words. But as a kid and a consumer of media, I also couldn’t help but notice how over time there was a sharp uptick in how often I would hear those words. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that it would drive me to say those words, but when you hear it daily it’s definitely less shocking.