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Me too. I don't find it offensive when the whole world fails to pronounce Scottish names and words correctly or makes jokes based on linguistic quirks. We do it ourselves, often cruelly. I use language and say things about the Sisterhood of Cissie Boyz that are very self-oppressive sometimes and if a straight man said the same thing, I'd want to lamp them.
Just because some word play can be offensive doesn't mean it all is. Just because some people claim something's offensive, doesn't mean it is. But it could be. I've had to look at this thread carefully to be sure I wasn't missing something as I wasn't seeing what was inspiring the fury.
But it's easy to use language in a way that is offensive and not be aware of it until someone makes you aware of it. And when they do, you either thank them for wising you up, or you disagree, respectfully. I've had cause to thank people on the Lith and irl for questioning the assumptions behind phrases I have used, without sufficient consideration.
I think intent is important in distinguishing offensive/non-offensive but less so than effect or impact. And this is a place where we can all learn. Every time I brindle at a phrase someone has used that I think should be examined, I have to remember that what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander too. Next time it'll be somebody else giving me pause for thought. Or just being a wise-arse. |
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