"Fact of the matter is that many people, most people, are going to be insulted, outraged, angered, or hurt by these words, and not because they're weak or thin-skinned."
I don't see any reason to say this is a fact. Attitudes to many words have changed over time. Being insulted isn't necessarily about being weak or thin-skinned. It's abou…
"Fact of the matter is that many people, most people, are going to be insulted, outraged, angered, or hurt by these words, and not because they're weak or thin-skinned."
I don't see any reason to say this is a fact. Attitudes to many words have changed over time. Being insulted isn't necessarily about being weak or thin-skinned. It's about internalising somebody else's feelings about you. There are times when this is a good thing to do, as in when somebody you trust gives you feedback. And times when it's not, as in when a stranger is throwing a tantrum.
I understand why you're offended by the word "queer." And I don't think you're weak in the least for feeling that way. I think its usage today is an interesting reflection of how the broader aims of the LGBT community have shifted from being accepted to being subversive at all costs (I know this latter element has always existed within the LGBT community, but it seems much more mainstream lately).
But yeah, I'm not talking about "rising above." I'm talking about truly acknowledging where the reaction is coming from. It's not the sound waves being carried to your ear that hurt. It's what happens when they reach your brain. I advocate for changing the internal reaction to the word because it's the only way people can free themselves form the pain of these words.
You say that this change is difficult. And you're right. But expecting racists and homophobes and other bigots to stop using these words when they still provoke that reaction? That's far more of a stretch.
"Fact of the matter is that many people, most people, are going to be insulted, outraged, angered, or hurt by these words, and not because they're weak or thin-skinned."
I don't see any reason to say this is a fact. Attitudes to many words have changed over time. Being insulted isn't necessarily about being weak or thin-skinned. It's about internalising somebody else's feelings about you. There are times when this is a good thing to do, as in when somebody you trust gives you feedback. And times when it's not, as in when a stranger is throwing a tantrum.
I understand why you're offended by the word "queer." And I don't think you're weak in the least for feeling that way. I think its usage today is an interesting reflection of how the broader aims of the LGBT community have shifted from being accepted to being subversive at all costs (I know this latter element has always existed within the LGBT community, but it seems much more mainstream lately).
But yeah, I'm not talking about "rising above." I'm talking about truly acknowledging where the reaction is coming from. It's not the sound waves being carried to your ear that hurt. It's what happens when they reach your brain. I advocate for changing the internal reaction to the word because it's the only way people can free themselves form the pain of these words.
You say that this change is difficult. And you're right. But expecting racists and homophobes and other bigots to stop using these words when they still provoke that reaction? That's far more of a stretch.