Thursday, December 3, 2009
The Power of Words
In today's society, many people often speak without thinking about how their words can affect others. Explain whether or not using religious, gay, or racial slurs is ever acceptable. How do we determine if using these words crosses the line and becomes offensive? Why are there so many people who still believe their freedom of speech is more important than being sensitive to others in terms of their ethnicity, race, religion, or sexuality?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
34 comments:
i feel that yea people do say things carlessly that could offend others but i feel these days people get offended way to easily. You are entitled to say how you feel as long as it's not directly at someone to make they offended. People should'nt have to worry about what they say every second of every day just in case they might offend someone. We are entitled to our opinion and we are free to say it.
I have noticed among some of my close friends that this is becoming a problem. One of my friends constantly uses the word "gay" for everything, and the other is an atheist and knocks any other religion or theist. It's become so irritating to listen to and it's very rude. Yes people can explain their opinions freely, but they need to be more conscious of others beliefs and feelings, etc. I have no problem with people expressing their opinions, but there is a point where opinion becomes criticizing. Sometimes people can be just plain ignorant, and they need to realize the wrongs they do.
Honestly, I don’t believe using religious, gay, or racial slurs is acceptable, however, I feel that since so many people use theses words often, that it causes other people to just say them without thinking. This then keeps going on in a chain reaction, leading to a lot of people using these words. When people get use to hearing words like these, I don’t think they actually stop to think about what the words really mean to other people, and I don’t think they think about how those words can actually hurt other people’s feelings. I think a lot of words shouldn’t be used because when people use them, they may be upsetting people around them without even realizing it. I think people who believe their freedom of speech is more important than being sensitive to people around them are just stubborn and like to prove that them can just say what they want.
Jackie Loveland
Period 8
Everyone is entilted to say what they want, I just don't think people understand that not everyone agrees with eachother. What one person thinks could be compltetly different from the person their standing next to and because most Americans are stubborn, they won't really care whether you disagree or not they'll just keep arguing until you agree with their idea. People may say things not knowing the background of the person their speaking to and no further knowing that it could affend them. People are just naive.
I think that people often do speak without thinking but i think that most people that say slurs often don't direct them at certain people. Usually slurs come up in conversations among young adults and they don't even really mean what the word they are using means. I believe that if a person directs a slur at someone then it is absolutly unacceptable. No one should make you feel inferior without your consent. And although many people refer to freedom of speech as a reason for saying hurtful things that is just a sad excuse to make them feel better about themselves.
Yes, people do say things carelessly. Like the term " that's so gay," I dont know how many times I've probably said that without thinking. But the thing is, is that when people say it- they arent thinking about a gay person themself, they arent thinking about to people of the same gender getting married or inlove- thats not the inslut or picture that comes to mind. Gay can also be used as overly happy.
Synonyms:
1. gleeful, jovial, glad, joyous, happy, cheerful, sprightly, blithe, airy, light-hearted; vivacious, frolicsome, sportive, hilarious. Gay, jolly, joyful, merry describe a happy or light-hearted mood. Gay suggests a lightness of heart or liveliness of mood that is openly manifested: when hearts were young and gay. Jolly indicates a good-humored, natural, expansive gaiety of mood or disposition: a jolly crowd at a party. Joyful suggests gladness, happiness, rejoicing: joyful over the good news. Merry is often interchangeable with gay: a merry disposition; a merry party; it suggests, even more than the latter, convivial animated enjoyment. 2. brilliant.
so when I say somethings gay- I'm not saying youre stupid.. by defeinition its merely a compliment.
YEAH, it is offensive.. but you also do have to remember people say things everyday that could offend anyone in the world. Like i hate chocolate- that could offend someone who's dad works for a chocolate factory. People use profanity everyday and it could offend people who arent for it. People use God's name in vein all the time- and it offends me, but it doesnt mean that I'm gonna go home uspet about it. Because people arent saying God's name in vein to PERSONALLY attack me, it doesnt even come to mind. So therefore, things like that.. shouldnt either.
kristenseverino
per8
It's never socially acceptable to use such slurs, but everyone has the right to say what they want as long as it isn't physically threatening. Sometimes people grow up with parents who use these slurs and don't realize that they mean anything bad, or even that there is another, politically correct word for what they are trying to say. People who know that they are in the wrong and continue to use the slurs are choosing to be offensive, and no matter if they are addressing you or if the slur applies to you, you should feel offended by their carelessness.
Steph Chocko Pd. 8
People say things without thinking, but those words are just that; words that have no thought backing their point. Unless the racial, gay or religious slurs are said out of pure hate and not just plain ignorance, they should be disregarded for the most part. When people say things for comedy or just for effect, they don't mean for the statement to be taken to heart or offensive. People should not always censor what they have to say because they might offend somebody who is listening. While people saying such slurs should have compassion for others and be careful of who they are speaking around, they should not have to completely limit themselves. I know from experience that someone can be making a joke and say the wrong thing to the wrong person, but nobody should be taking themselves so seriously that they can't laugh a little bit at their own expense. Unless somebody is called out and the hateful comments are directed at a person to specifically harm them, offensive words are best ignored.
Shayna Williams, Period 8
I feel that many people do not know what they are saying when they speak. When they say things like "that's so gay" they don't really mean that it's "as bad as being gay" but are unknowingly giving the word gay a negative connotation. I think that all of these words are offensive to the person then target however today's society have made them less of an insult and more of common language. People who use these terms for the perpose of offending someone are definatly crossing a line and should have some consiquence. However, even in people are using these words in a manner that they don't mean to offend anyone, it doesn't make it okay.
Julianne Russo per 8
I feel that the words people use without thinking become very effensive to others. I wrote an essay on gay marriage and the word gay came into play. People use the word gay instead of saying stupid or unessaracy or even annoying. But I can say that Homosexuals are not unneccaray, annoying or stupid. I believe in freedom of speech 100 percent but i think there is a line and the line involves respect. If you don't believe in gay marriage that's fine but don't use there sexuality as an insult. I have to admit i use the word gay but I would never want it to hurt other homosexual. Just like saying I look fat or feel huge, We all know we would watch what we say infront of an actual fat or obese people. It would make that person and yourself feel uncomfortable.
Jackie saggese
period 8
I feel that people say things carelessly. People say things like "thats retarded" meaning thats stupid, but people dont seem to understand that its a synonym. Poeple abuse freedom of speech. It's like say that ascrificing people is part of your religion and going out to kill people. You just can't do it. people should just take the extra three seconds to say what they m,ean not just whats easy to say. If you want to say something is stupid, then say it like that.
In todays society, I feel that many things are dscarded very easily when it comes to offensive slurs. People just don't care anymore who it affects because "everyone" is doing it. However, it does affect the people who are being affected by these slurs. The thing is though, the reason no one is doing anything about it is because the number of people saying it might slightly out number the people being affected by it. Some people,for example, that are gay or jewish, even make fun of their own kind. It's like a virus that spreads and not many are doing anything to stop it. And it's sad because when it comes down to it, people don't really care what others think when they say something offensive. Everyone knows what they are saying is offensive but they choose to say it anyway regardless. It's sad because some people will really never notice the damage they do to others with just words and theres really nothing to stop them except some drastic measure that was taken and that might not even do anything.
Freedom of speech is indeed a right, but it is also a privledge and no one understands that. Racial slurs are not acceptable, yet some have become socially acceptable. For instance, " you're so gay." Just recently have people been coming out saying that that statement should not be said. I notice when people say these things more than i used to, perhaps it is because people are using them more often than not. I feel as though everyone uses these words because it is a "trend" nad perhaps it will go away. I think it is interesting that people get offended from what we call "curse" words, but people have no problem saying religious, gay, or racial slurs.
I think thats slurs have become more prominent also because people are texting and IMing more. People have more audacity when they don't have to talk to a person face to face.
Many people today say things that offends others, but since those things are said often, those slurs lose their meaning. However, these sayings aren't all unacceptable. There are people today that get offended very easily. Also, if someone doesn't like somebody else's views, then they should stop listening and walk away.
Stephen Pulaski Per. 2
I feel that people do use racial, religious, and other slanders often in our society. However, I don't think we should go around being conscious that what we say could upset someone at any point. Something you say could upset somneone and it doesn't even have to be a slur or slander.
Also, I feel that words evolve over time and shouldn't be considered to be directed at a certain group. For example when people use "gay" to describe something negatively they're not using it, mostly, towards the homosexual population. It has evolved on its own accord almost into a different word. Also, "fagget" is a word that has constantly been evolving from group to group over the centuries and when used doesn't necesarily mean its towards homosexual's.
I mean of course it can be directed towards certain groups, but the majority that I hear isn't and it shouldn't be taken that way.
Chris Grenzig pd 2
I feel that in today's society, many people use words without knowing the true meaning of the word. For example, how many times have you heard someone say, "That's so gay." They think gay means stupid. The true definition is a homosexual person or gleeful, jovial, glad, joyous, happy, cheerful, sprightly, blithe, airy, light-hearted; vivacious, frolicsome, sportive, hilarious. Many gay people take offense to this, so it is very important to watch what you say before you say it. Or even in this case make sure it actually makes sense! You might be saying something as a joke, but who knows how it is going to make the other person feel or even how it will make the people around who hear you say this feel. What you say can affect anyone around you whether you think it is harmful or not so that is why you should think before you speak.
-Nicole Williams
Period 2
Unfortunately, we live in a society that is not sensitive to peoples feelings. Using these slurs is unacceptable, whether it personally affects you or not. Too many people believe freedom of speech is more important that being sensitive because society allows them to think this way. When you turn on a rap song, every other word is an offensive slur. Kids hear these multi-million dollar artists saying it and suddenly it becomes okay. It is time to start thinking about what your about to say before you speak, despite who is in the room.
Speech has evidently undergone an evolution through the years. From Shakespearian times to now, clearly we speak very differently. But not only have we revised our sentence structure, we have developed slang and started to include the use of other words that in many situations can be seen as offensive and hurtful. We now use terms that would have been taboo years ago. For some reason, vulgarity has become more publically accepted, however, that does not make the use of vulgarity right. People are so quick to use slurs that stereotype religions, races, and sexuality. Although they may not be a personal attack on someone, they are being used in a negative connotation. When you refer to the Jewish religion when calling someone cheap, then it is being used in a negative connotation and that's what makes it offensive and out of line.
I think that our generation has been taught these views by our parents. Although we are in a very integrated society, our parents and their parents grew up being taught that races,religions, etc. don't mix. Back then, the public was much more judgemental of each other and behind closed doors they used these negative, offensive terms. However, i put the emphasis on behind closed doors. All the years of our older generations filling our heads with these stereotypical terms, our generation has become so accustomed to the use of them. So now, we speak them as if they were nothing. "That is so gay" is so overly used. What does it really mean? Surely you do not mean that, 'That is so happy.' We use these slurs in public because we have been brought up being taught them. We've seen our elders use them and we assume that, that surely means they're okay to use. However, that could not be any further from reality. It is not okay to use these terms. Freedom of Speech can only go so far. It's okay to have your own opinion and believe what you want to believe, but if you have nothing nice to say then don't say it at all.
Nicole Savastano
Pd. 2
Peple really should watch what they say because now a days, you will never know who is around and who can get offended by your words. You still have a freedom of speech though so if you are one to not care about what people think about you you are free to speak what you want just know that you could possibly offend someone.
There is nothing wrong with a good ethnic slur. What else can convey that you get a sense of the world through low brow humor? How else will people understand that you are ignorant? It seems that these sterotypes are becoming more prominent in everyday life. A friend of mine told me that he was Jew-ish. Why does he have to be put in such a position to take partial credit for his beliefs? One has to have rather closed mind to truly believe a racial slur. "Oh, you are hispanic? Does your mom work for the Colombian drug cartel?" "Yeah, they have a great dental plan"
To try and justify these attacks by the first amendment is an even bigger joke. A student would need a pretty large flag waving behind them to cover up all that intelligence from a social studies course in high school where they learned the meaning behind the constitution and "know their rights". Go in a movie theater and yell "fire!". Set the stop watch at 0:00 and see how long it is before you get tackled for "his freedom of speech", but go ahead; someone has to be that guy.
It's never accpetable to use a derragatory slur. But I feel in todays society it's becoming more and more popular. We see it on tv movies, magazines, etc. I feel people get the impression that its "ok", becasue they see their favorite comedians and actors using these terms. When a comedian uses them its meant to be funny. When a actor uses them it makes them look cool and badass. So inevitably we start using these terms, it's just a by product of the media.
Bryan Martin Per.2
Slurs of any type are not acceptable. Yet, even though they should not be accepted in society, they are. This is just how people joke around today. I really can't say when it crosses the line because I think that society has already crossed it. Yet it continues to get worse and more is allowed and accepted. Personally, I am careful about I say around people i am not too friendly with. But around people I am friendly with I do hear slurs. I think that as a society we have jumped from it having a negative connotation to it turning into a joke.
Chris McCormack Per. 2
In today's society, many people often speak without thinking about how their words can affect others. I think that it its not right for people to offend people based on their religion, sexuality, and race. Most of the time people dont even realize how they are affecting people when they open their mouth. I feel as though people are entitled to freedom of speech, as long it doesnt target or hurt a specific group of indivduals. I believe that people who believe their freedom of speech is more important than being sensitive to people around them are just careless and rude.
Courtney Widmer
Per 2
i think that using these words in society is not accptable but people do it. they are going to do it no matter what people think or how they feel. i know i have the habbit of saying thats so gay atleast 100 times aday and i dont even realize im doing it but i would never do it on purpose if i knew someone would get offended. there are so many people that dont care about people feeling and just say that its there right to freedom of speech because that how the society is thats how kids are taught to think now. people still have the right to not be affended though and be able to feel safe.
In our generation we often find ourselfs talking and not thinking before we think. And yes we do have freedom of speech which i believe in 100% but theres a time where certain words start to be offensive. We don't even think that the words we say can hurt other people. Where filled with music, tv shows, and movies that all teach us that offensive words are okay to say. When in reality saying "Thats so gay" can really hurt someone and cross the line of respect that we need to rtemember, it does exisit.
Lauren Graff pd2
In today’s society many people do often speak without thinking or without regard for others feelings. When it comes down to religious, gay or racial slurs it is just ridiculous. It is an outrage that people think it is ok to go around saying stuff about races or religions that they do not belong to. Also if you really are against something like that, just keep it to yourself. If you are having fun and all of a sudden you say something that might offend someone, it’s not the end of the world, but when you say "oh your gay", or "oh such a Jew", then that is just inappropriate. Its wrong and it shouldn’t be tolerated. People are just ignorant and think they are all so cool when they say stuff like this, but it’s not cool when you are hurting someone’s feelings. I think freedom of speech though does still go a long way. I think that if you say something like I don’t like basketball or I don’t like smoking, that’s acceptable. Although that may offend someone it’s not something that you should have to censor. But in terms of ethnicity, race, religion, or sexuality it isn’t obscene to have an opinion, but if it is going to hurt someone I would just keep it to yourself.
Kevin Schlakman
Period 2
I think that people don't truly understand how powerful words can be. People say things in front of others not realized how offensive it is. They also say things on the computer that they would never say in person. This shows that a lot of people in society today don't have control over what they are saying. Using words such as "gay" in a sentence where it does not make sense can be offensive to those around them and it can make the person saying it look stupid. I think that freedom of speech is taken too far when people don't even understand that what they are saying makes no sense.
Many people speak without thinking, but I feel that people are far to easy to offend. Attcking an individual is always wrong because they are being singled out. Words the mock an entire demographic mean little to nothing. Words can only hurt someone if they mean something to that person. Just because one person days something that doesn't make it true and people take things that are supposed to have comical value to seriously. I was made funny of horribly when I was younger and it really bothered me until I realized that the words they said only hurt my feelings beccause I allowed them to. When people use slurs against me, for the most part they are a source of laughter now.
I think that if we all get over ourselves and realize that they're think wrong,or even just funny, with every demographic I think that we will be able to co-exist in a more peaceful way and have a few good laughs along the way.
James Lopilato Period 8
In today's society, I almost feel like people think that since they have Freedom of Speech that they can say anything they want. Unfortunately, many people say harmful things without realizing that they are saying them. Nobody in society has taken any steps to help combat this problem that has been brought to fruition. One person is not enough to make a change. This is a large problem that needs to be dealt with the right way so that people actually stop engaging in this behavior. I do not believe that it is ever acceptable to use religious, gay or racial slurs. However, it has been a part of our growing up so therefore a lot of Americans engage in using this profanity. Not only are words like these harmful, but a lot of people take offense when people say they do not like chocolate. Americans have become to sensitive and they need to start realizing that when people say this they are not intending on hurting you. They just do not like eating it. Religious, gay or racial slurs are never acceptable and I feel like there is never a right time to say them. These words can hurt someone else that the person saying them wouldn't even know. Americans have most certainly become insensitive to others. Since Freedom of Speech is a right, I feel like people take for granted what that means and therefore use it in the wrong way.
Gabriella Sehne, Period 8
I believe that it is not acceptable for anyone to exercise their freedom of speech by using offensive language. Todays generation has developed a habit of using certain words to substitute others. For example, the word "gay" has become another term for "stupid". This use of the word is offensive to those who are gay because by no means does their sexual orientation mean they are stupid. Everyone is entitled to say what they are feeling but a persons words can directly effect someone. We don't need to censor our speech but we need to be more aware of the feelings of others.
I feel that when you say something you should be considerate to the feelings of others. Just make sure what your saying is not completely disrespect another persons religious views or there sexual orientation. Today all you here is "that’s gay" or "that’s retarded" it’s just not a kind or mature thing to say when others are around. You don’t know how they personally feel about the way your talking
A lot of people today are very careless as to what they say. While some of these terms they say may be derogatory and be offensive, they are not meant to be that way. People use these words for one purpose, to get there point across, not to intentionally offend other people. So while people should be more careful what they say, people should also realize the way the speaker meant it and not the literal meaning.
Matt Scicchitano
I feel that in todays society people take what they say too lightly. People often make horrible racy and offending remarks with out thinking about others feelings. What is some to think if there gay and some say to them thats so gay. If the person really means stupid that can be really offending because thats saying gay means stupid. Even if people think they are not offending some one personally that person might be close to some who is gay, retarded or of a different race. Therefore these words should not be acceptable by anyone.
I think that there is no way to determine if using certain words crosses the line, because everyone has their own "line". Something that offends one person may not offend someone else. Therefore I feel that it doesn't matter what the negative term or phrase, it should not be used ever. It doesn't matter if you mean it or not, there is no reason why it needs to be said. There are a million words out there to use. Why do people chose those that can hurt others?
Post a Comment