|
Which Words Are Most Offensive? What You Said
By Aysha Hussain
July 25, 2007
We asked DiversityInc readers to tell us which words they think are most offensive and why, in light of a recent Harris Poll that awarded comedian Michael Richards with the title "most offensive" for his use of the N-word during a standup act in November. Here's what you said.
(See also: Which Words (And the Celebrities Who Use Them) Are Most Offensive?)
Which words are most offensive to you and why?
Click here to submit a comment if you haven't already.
Words are rarely as offensive as the context they are used in. In my personal experience, I find that it depends on the situation and the person using the word. The N-word does bother me when whites say it and whenever people of color say it in a demeaning way. I just left a job at a black-owned women's magazine in Memphis. The owner managed to use the N-word in almost every board meeting. She also managed to swear a lot in every meeting. It bothered me: a) because the N-word is not one I feel comfortable hearing in a professional setting (the same goes for swearing); b) because she wasn't saying it like "Wussup my n****!", it was more like "you can't expect n****' to act right"; and c) because she was referring to many of her clients, customers and members of her own community. It made me feel very uncomfortable. The F-word makes me feel the same way. I'm not a lesbian, but it still feels wrong to say or hear that word. I've heard it from members of the gay community and it doesn't bother me as much, I guess because I know that then, it's not coming from a place of hatred.
—June Straight
Certain words are meant to be offensive and are offensive every time they are spoken ... In my experience, the intent behind words is far more damaging. Focusing on a word by itself may be helpful in stamping out pointedly hate-filled speech, but until we change the motivation behind hate-filled speech, we will be continually chasing new and more hurtful words as people try to put others down.
—Lloyd Hansen
It has taken me a lifetime to appreciate the power of words. Growing up in Los Angeles, Calif., and later traveling the world, I have been exposed to many words and ideas expressed through the usage of words. It is not a matter of a particular word or phrase being offensive, it is a matter of the intent and purpose of how that word or phrase is used. So words do not upset or offend me, it is how they are used that I can take exception to. People who use words as weapons are classed much the same as criminals. Anyone who would use words to browbeat, insult or demean someone is on the same level as a robber using a gun to get what he wants. Words are tools, just like guns, hammers or cars. They help us to do what needs doing and can communicate wonderful concepts and ideas. Or, they can be used as weapons to destroy and lay waste to anyone they are aimed at. Words are not offensive in and of themselves; it is the person using them and their intent that makes them offensive.
—Neal Bowie
More Reader Comments>>
Send Your Comments About This Article Now
©DiversityInc. Reproduction in any format is absolutely prohibited.
|
digg this | 
mixx! | 
reddit
del.icio.us
Newsvine | 
| 
