If one personally decides to "reclaim" a derogatory, misogynistic word or racial epithet to feel empowered...

...does it matter that the derogatory, misogynistic word or racial epithet's meaning is unchanged to the rest of the world?

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CharlieZ · 70-79, M

What we really say is not what we try to but what others understand.

BlueVeins · 22-25

To some extent, yes. But a couple of black gentlemen are hardly deterred from calling each other "my nigga" by the far right's and far left's opinions on the matter.

bijouxbroussard · F

@BlueVeins They’re idiots.

Fernie · F

Do you mean like when Black folks call each other the "n" word? I think that's not my beeswax. When a white uses that word it is in a racist, hateful way only

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Fernie · F

@bijouxbroussard The Gays and Lesbians (Dykes and Faggots) in my world who now embrace the hateful terms are not at all closeted and the terms are used in an endearing way...the way they see it it takes the power out of the word and it becomes meaningless...they are no longer offended by it.

bijouxbroussard · F

@Fernie It’s different for many black people, especially those of my generation. Like I said, white supremacists still use the term, and it still makes us angry when they do. It was never our word, but used to degrade us, by law as well as by custom. It will be always be offensive as long as the KKK exists and uses it too.

Fernie · F

@bijouxbroussard Yes, that makes perfect sense. It's why I said it's not my beeswax... as a white person I can't possibly get it or have an opinion. It IS different. I only know from my tribe...if you know what I mean

saintsong · 41-45, F

They could have been nicer and compassionate instead.

bijouxbroussard · F

No. It doesn’t. And you can’t “reclaim” something that was never yours to begin with. It just makes you look foolish to call yourself something and then get angry when others think it’s okay to use the term.

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