When words that are like this (pussy, dick, gay, etc.) are used as derogitory comments, the implication is that whatever you are calling is bad.
"You're so gay" used in an insulting tone suggests that "gay" is bad. It's no worse than "You're so black" or "You're so Jewish" used negatively. To say that one fits into a group of people because of negative actions or emotions suggests that that group of people are to be linked with negative actions and emotions.
I don't call people pussies or cunts or dicks. I happen to be a great fan of pussies and dicks, and I don't care to associate negative things with them. Poor assholes though... I tend to use that one negatively. Maybe I should stop?
To LPM: I think there's a huge difference between "dumb" and "retarded."
(retarded isn't a PC term to use in the first place, but that's a different issue all together.) The difference is that dumbness is caused by actions, so called "retardation" is caused physically.
You're right though, words are restricted because of social politics. I think they have to be in order for people to get along. Yes, people are often overly sensitive, but I see little problem with mildly altering our language to help keep the peace. I don't really see many people complaining about limiting the use of nigger or wap or jap or any of the other words that people call eachother racially. (I don't think I know any more than those ones)
|