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lemmy user(ule)s: "this sign won't stop me because i can't read" (lemmy.cafe)

submitted 3 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/impact/why-the-r-word-is-the-r-slur

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[–] [email protected] 14 points 3 months ago

Would you use the term “bitch” when talking about dogs? Or just say female dog to avoid being misunderstood? It used to be used that way, but now you’re going to sound like an asshole if you use it.

Once people start using a technical term as a slur, it gets tainted by that additional meaning. You can’t forcefully separate the technical term from the slur. If you don’t want people to think you’re throwing around slurs, you need to find a new word to use.

Don't blame the people hurt by the slurs, blame the assholes who misused the word so often that they fucked up its meaning.