My buddy Joe Peacock wrote a great article (as he always does) and its about the use of the word FAG and RETARD and those who get offended. Give it a read right HERE.
I thought this was a good discussion, as it seems I have it a lot lately (even at work the other night) so I thought I would share my thoughts on the matter:
I like a lot of what you are saying. Personally, I don't like the word Retard or Retarded. I grew up with a brother who is mentally handicapped. Like, FULL Autistic. "Retard" (to me) is an out-dated word for its proper use I would say. I prefer mentally handicapped or autistic. Retard sounds just so, condescending I would say to some degree. But that is based on my experience with growing up with someone in that condition. Now, I don't have any gay men in my family, but my brothers used the word "fag" all the time to each other as a term of playful endearment. However, I am told I am not allowed to use that word anymore because of similar reasons to my objections to the word "retard."
Now, I am in 2011 and I am a hardcore supporter of free speech. I am not offended by the use of a word Retard or Gay in a sentence to describe a negative reaction to a statement given by someone. But I certainly do note its use and don't find it very elegant. I prefer a more colorful word in its place. Something with a bit more pizzaz or the word speaker's personality thrown in. Unique, to each person and very attractive, language-wise. I enjoy listening to folks who have a unique way of speaking. Those who take a phrase or word for their own and run with it.
For example, George Carlin has a bit where people say "how are you" and people respond with "fine." It happens to all of us daily. Why not change up the response and say "I'm fairly decent." "I'm moderately neato." "I'm not unwell, thank you." and the one I use, "Well, I'm breathing in and out pretty good today." or for good byes, change from "See ya" or "Have a nice day" to something unique like "Farewell!" or "Take care and may the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house." Like Carlin said, people will remember you if you talk like that. I recall when I worked at McDs in the 90's, I always said "Have a Burgerriffic day!" to everyone and I got repeat customers because of that. It wasn't the cold dry "have a nice day" that no one hears (but somehow still expects and misses when absent). Thus, it made me more "memorable" to some folks.
I'm just sayin there's more colorful ways to express things. Why argue for the use of a word when you can just go another path and rock that phrase instead? Not to avoid those who find it offensive, but just cause ya want to. And you can.
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I just note the overuse (or laziness) in using certain words. Like "gay," "retard," or even "Cool," or "That sucks." I'm just encouraging folks to come up with their own spin on an old speech phrase or connection. Also, my experience with the word "retard" and not with "fag" mean just that. There's Venom in the word "retard" and none in "fag" and thats why I am not as sensitive to it. Its an individual unique thing and uncontrollable to some degree. Thats why I prefer a person who goes another path. A speech road less travelled if you like.
I hope that all makes sense. Again, read Joe's blog post. Its a good one. (and he always has good ones!) I like that it gets us talking. He always posts stuff to make me think.
Anyway, I just wanted to convey that you can become elegant in language. As you will soon see from me in an extreme form very soon. 2012. "LOCKDOWN" My horror novel. My first fully non-graphic novel. Its coming. Hereby announced.
Oh! What?!!!?!!?!? Yup, I said it.
T
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