Okay, so I won't name names but I recently called a colleague out for using the word'fag' in a sentence in regards to a football personality and his performance on the pitch. You might be surprised to hear that this colleague was female and also a close friend, who reminded me that she 'didn't mean it in that way.'
I found this interesting, as not only was I offended, but I couldn't understand the use of a word in any other way than it had been intended to be used For instance, irrespective of how certain people may see it, I still find the use of the 'N' word to refer to those in the black community as offensive and unnecessary, irrespective of the racial genetics of the person using the word. The same goes for words referring to people with learning difficulties, disabilities, of differing races, of differing religions and so on.
The word 'fag' or its big brother 'faggot' are no different. If you don't mean to use an offensive word in an offensive way, here's a helpful tip: Use a different word.
It makes you look stupid, discourteous and ill-informed. If you insist on using words such as these, then you're going to have to accept the fact that you're homophobic on some level sooner or later.
"But I'm not homophobic!"you might cry, and that may well be the case. But how do I know that? Unless I personally know you and understand your point of view and your personal feelings towards the matter, I'm going to assume you're homophobic, or racist, or sectarian or however it is you choose to be perceived by the words you use.
Using that kind of language makes people assume you view a certain section of society in a certain way by the way you refer to them. ie: "You're a bloody faggot." translates as "I regard homosexuals and those in the LGBT community as not worthy of my respect and thus it is an insult to be compared to them."
Do you see what I mean?
If you don't mean to use a word in that way then do yourself a favour and find a different word. Use a dictionary, be creative and be polite. If you can't say anything nice then do us a favour and shut your mouth.
You will look as cool and as relevant as this 70's hunk right here.
It makes you look stupid, discourteous and ill-informed. If you insist on using words such as these, then you're going to have to accept the fact that you're homophobic on some level sooner or later.
"But I'm not homophobic!"you might cry, and that may well be the case. But how do I know that? Unless I personally know you and understand your point of view and your personal feelings towards the matter, I'm going to assume you're homophobic, or racist, or sectarian or however it is you choose to be perceived by the words you use.
Using that kind of language makes people assume you view a certain section of society in a certain way by the way you refer to them. ie: "You're a bloody faggot." translates as "I regard homosexuals and those in the LGBT community as not worthy of my respect and thus it is an insult to be compared to them."
Do you see what I mean?
If you don't mean to use a word in that way then do yourself a favour and find a different word. Use a dictionary, be creative and be polite. If you can't say anything nice then do us a favour and shut your mouth.
