RnF much more interesting since FE died

[Alawen]

Originally Posted by quido [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

I don't watch stupid preachy shit like South Park. And I disagree. One must be the change one sees in the world! I don't care if angst-laden homosexuals are offended by the word "faggot;" there are other demographics that see it as something else entirely. Unlike the word the word "******," the word "faggot" has another accepted connotation among a far-reaching group of people. Who made a bunch of leather-clad homosexuals the authority on semantics? It's just a word, anyways. The implication is in the mouth of the speaker. If people want to get bent out of shape making assumptions and taking things the wrong way, they can go for it.

I suggest we all do our part to eliminate the homosexual-related connotation sometimes attached to the beautiful masterpiece that is the word "faggot." There was a time when the word "swell" was considered a curse.

The same goes for "retarded." The meaning has evolved, in some contexts, to such a degree that oftentimes "retarded" simply means "masterful," in certain regards anyways. Shawn Lane is retarded at the electric guitar. I think this is the most fitting description of his playing without employing a more long-winded description. Some poor mother of a developmentally-disabled child somewhere would pitch a real fit though if she heard me say that, probably without even catching on to my meaning.

Some people have nothing better to do than go around looking to get offended.

Louis C.K.'s success completely belies the nonchalance with which you want to treat these charged words. If his language were not shocking, his riffs would lose most of their humor.

Some words lose their effects with time--my Irish friend John could care less if I call him a mick, and wop might get you a funny look but probably not a fist in the face. That time has not yet come for the slurs in question. Throw around the words faggot, queer, and gay all you want to, but don't be surprised when most of the population considers you a bigot.