Friday, September 14, 2012
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?
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28 comments:
Plain and simple, using offensive language is never acceptable. Religion, race, and sexuality are all things that almost always a person is born with. While religious views can be changed, they are still the opinions of those who choose to believe them, and beliefs, as long as they do no harm to others, should never be attacked. One does not choose their race or sexuality, so to attack those is just being cruel.
There is no line to cross, speaking about any types of these three subjects in a negative way is inappropriate, automatically offensive, and needs to be stopped immediately.
The actions of those who believe their freedom of speech overrides the feelings of others can be held accountable to the parents, who most likely raised them to believe everything they do is "special" and "perfect" and nothing they say or do can be wrong. Every child should grow up learning respect, and if that was the case, this problem wouldn't exist.
I think people now a days use religious, gay, and racial slurs a lot more losely than they ever did in the past. It goes along with freedom of speech which states that they can say whatever they want. Sometimes though, theese words do get overused and you don't realize it but you are hurting the feelings of the people around you. To an extent they may be okay although I don't agree at all that they should be used but everyone slips once in a while and doesn't even realize that they are saying such horrible things. I think people should be more aware of what they are saying in public to try and beat their habit and cut out all of these slurs.
Everyone, at every age, and at every point in life has always judged somebody and stereotyped them by what they wear or how they act. Many try to avoid punishment or blame for this by advocating that they have a Freedom of Speech and that they can say whatever theywant, whenever they want. However, these people who are ignorant enough to mock somebody else are also so ignorant that they are not considering the victims rights. These people constantly say that they have a freedom of speech because they are ignorant to everything around them. Many of these people who discriminate are also ignorant to the fact that the victims in this situation also have their own freedom of expression. When it actually comes to the discrimination, I do not believe that there is any line that is to be crossed. I feel that once you start mocking and discriminating you have already gone too far. In my eyes, it is never acceptable to say anything hurtful about anyone. This school, unfortunately has had to deal with the harshest of consequences several years ago due to extreme bullying and prejudice. There is never a time where any slander or hurtful language is ever acceptable. Discrimination happens on a daily basis and it will take more than just some protests to stop it. It will take more than just another assembly to stop it.
I don’t believe it’s ever acceptable to mock someone’s religion, sexuality or race. I believe this because we are living in the 21st century and have come such a far way in accepting people that may be different from us. In my opinion, people are people, life is life and each and every single person living on the planet should get to enjoy the beautiful things in life and not have to worry about getting attacked for loving someone of the same sex, having a different skin color or believing in a God you may not believe in yourself. Unfortunately we live in a world where a “tweet” is at our finger tips and our Facebook status can be updated in a matter of seconds, leaving an unbelievable amount of cyber bullying. To my dismay I don’t see how cyber bullying can be stopped due to the fact that there’s no going back to the 90’s when the most hi tech thing was a cell phone that was bigger than your house phone now. I like freedom of speech and I believe that it is important and should be treasured by the citizens of America because most other countries don’t have the ability to speak their mind. But, just because we have this ability, does not mean we get to use it to harm others to may believe in different things. Although I would love to live in a world where there was no such thing as bullying, butterflies flew around peacefully and everything was pink and pretty, I’m afraid it’s unattainable and there will never be a complete way around bullying. I do believe, however, that we can do something about this bullying. It’s called sticking up for people. There’s nothing that irritates me more than when I see someone being bullied and no one caring enough to help them. As I said before, life is life. And the way you treat someone can affect their lives forever. So I just think if people stop trying to be cool and we all help each other out a little bit, we might just get closer to attaining that life with all the butterflies and ultimate peace.
In my opinion, I feel that using religious, gay, or racial slurs is not acceptable. To me, I think even though at times it may be funny, you never know how the person feels when he gets joked around. He may not look like he cares, but maybe he might care and keeps it to himself. You can't ever tell if these words crosses the line or becomes offensive because most people hide their feelings towards getting joked by other people. So we really shouldn't say them at all. I believe that we should have freedom of speech and we should be able to say whatever we want to other people, but we have to understand that other people are semsitive to what you say to them at times. You have to show empathy to others before you say something that can hurt them in their ethnicity, race, religion, or sexuality. Just be aware of what you say to others before it's said.
I believe everyone has a right to their own opinion, and the first amendment right is one of the most important and vital aspects of being a United States Citizen. There is a fine line between exercising that right and being offensive and inappropriate. Even though many words are often shunned by society people continue to use them. People use gay slurs blindly without not even knowing what they mean and how hurtful it is to people. They use these slurs to describe something that is stupid or one of their friends that is irritating them. This is wrong in many ways and very hurtful to the people they are mocking. This isn’t limited to one group its wide spread in American culture. Minority groups are often ridiculed in the same way and get made fun of due to stereotypes. These stereotypes often have slurs attached with them that are hurtful and should never be used in today’s society. Many people think that they can say what they want due to their rights but how would they feel if this ridicule was brought upon them. I feel that these words should never be said because if you were in that position would you want them to be said to you?
I believe that we do have the divine right of speech and we shouldn't be persecuted for what we say. However, everyone's moral standards are varied and people think that what they say might not hurt people emotionally. Religious, gay, or racial slurs are never acceptable because they hurt others when they are said and pertain to a certain group of people. You may not think that it affects people, but in reality many people commit suicide of try and harm themselves because they feel rejected by society. We can tell if these words or phrases are offensive by seeing how the word impacts others and see they're expressions when they are said. People feel that their freedom of speech is more important than being sensitive to others because they want to be able to say whatever they want without any boundaries. If they feel compelled to not say something then they feel that their freedom is being taken away. This difference in thought is a major problem in society because it creates tension among different groups of people and I feel that it will not change in the future.
In today’s society it is not uncommon to hear religious, gay, or racial slurs, especially from the youth. Although these things are being said, it’s not always with the intention of being nasty. These slurs have become part of the youth language and come out as easily as “what’s up.” This does not mean that it is right or should be acceptable. These derogatory statements are offensive, even if it is in a joking matter. The problem is that in today’s society the people who should be taking offense are sometimes the ones that are also saying these slurs. In my opinion if people want this to be taken out of the youths everyday language, then they need to voice their opinion, feelings and stop themselves. The constitution says that everybody has the right to freedom of speech, so people like to push their limits. To be honest, most people are mean spirited and it does not affect them that they are hurting someone else with their negative words.
People's words can have a large affect on others. Everyday, people are hurt by the things said to them and the names that they are called. At times people's word can cross the line but often times they don't. Words that people are called based on race, religion and sexuality is only hurtful if it's meant to offend a person. I feel it's okay to make jokes as long as the other person knows you're joking. Many people don't care about other peoples feelings and feel they can say whatever they want because it makes them look good. Also, people take advantage of the words "freedom of speech" and feel that they can say whatever they want, whenever they want. Freedom of speech means that you can voice your opinion, not offend people and say whatever you want to them. People need to watch what they say because you never know what a simple comment can do to a person.
Many people of today’s society use offensive and inappropriate slurs. That being said, changes are needed as many words are being misused and overused to the point where those words may become offensive. Many people are now using gay slurs to describe things they do not like. These words can be extremely hurtful to others and can lead to further problems among society. Yes, The United States of America gives its people the right to freedom of speech; however, this does not mean us as people can abuse this privilege. We must learn to use different vocabulary and we must carefully select our word choices. We should not be describing something or someone we do not like with a term that offends a certain group of people. We should not be mocking religions, ethnicities, or sexuality. While many people do not intend to offend these groups, it is often the case that those people or groups may take the words used in the wrong way. Whether on purpose or accidental, the use of offensive slurs and words needs to be stopped.
Using any religious, racial, or gay slurs is never acceptable because they often offend others. No one is perfect and everyone slips or cracks a joke here and there that can be offensive or inappropriate, especially in today’s society where religious, racial, and gay slurs are used more loosely and regularly. I know I personally am guilty of doing this when I’m with my friends and we are teasing each other; however, I make sure it’s as harmless as possible and won’t go too far. In other words, some people start to become very insulting when they make certain remarks and comments. If you start making a person feel bad because of who they are, where they come from, or what they represent then you’re going way too far. Certain things just shouldn’t be said. If you have a doubt on your mind that something you are about to say is insulting, then don’t say it at all. How would you feel if someone said something like that to you?
Just a few words can really make a difference. Sometimes words may come out of one's mouth without thinking about the affect they might have on others. Recently, it has been very common to hear about people getting bullied or offended due to their race,ethnicity, religion,sexuality and a number of other things. The question is, do these "bullies" actually know that what they are saying is very hurtful to others? You could say a racial joke to someone and they wouldn't even be aware that the person they are telling the joke to is of that race. Now as a result that person you have offended or even hurt someone because of that joke. It may never cross your mind that the person you are telling the joke to could be offended by it. Yes, it is true that us Americans do have freedom of speech, so we can say what we feel. I believe that there are certian things that shouldn't be said because they don't need to be said aloud.It doesn't matter if you have a right to say it. This is a social issue and has affected many different groups of people negatively.Just because it is social doesn't mean it isn't a huge issue. Be more cautious when you are about to say something that may offend someone else especially because of race,religion ect. Or even don't say it at all. There's always a chance that someone could be offended since the U.S. is very diverse.
I believe that no one should ever use religious or racial slurs it can be highly offensive and hurtful. I don’t think it’s very hard to determine whether or not it can be offensive. It’s simple, if you are putting down another person’s religion or race or making fun of it it’s not necessary. You don’t know a person will react to your teasing. You have no idea what that person could be going through. I think there are so many people that think that our right to free speech also gives them the right to be ignorant and rude towards other people. While they justify their actions by saying “it’s a free country I can say whatever I want”. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all is a perfect philosophy to put into practice because how many times do we hear stories about a kid bringing a gun to school and shooting people because there were so many people making fun of him and he couldn’t take it anymore? Or listen to a news story about how a man committed suicide because people made fun of his sexuality? Regardless of whether or not you agree with the way that person is living you need to have tolerance and just common sense to not make fun of that person. Its rude, ignorant, degrading, and just plain mean to act in such a way that puts others down. Every day I see more and more children putting down other children and being bullies. We need to be more aware and say something if we see it happening and not just walk by not wanting to intervene because you think that it doesn’t involve you but it does we need to look out for each other.
This is by Josh Castro
I think that people use these words because it is really in our nature to discriminate and to judge based on things like religion, race etc. People have been judging others based on these things for a very long time and it is seen as something that is sort of acceptable in society today. I think people know when the line is crossed between being just a conversation with another person and really becoming offensive. I think one of the main problems is people miss interpreting what being an American is. People feel that America should be a white country like it was when it was first founded but the United States foundation is immigration. The diversity in religion and race is America’s legacy and citizens have to accept that diversity is important and these types of slurs are really not acceptable. But overall, using these slurs is in human nature. Americans have been doing it for many years and I don’t think people are going to stop any time soon.
In today’s society, no matter what you do or say there will always be someone out there who will be offended by what you have to say or think. To be honest people are a little too sensitive to some of the things people say. Just yesterday I principal came out with a statement that a peanut-butter-jelly sandwich was racist! How could anybody say that the most American sandwich is racist? I feel that too often people are too liberal to what other people have to say and that is further harming our society by creating excess animosity and hostility. However, that being said, I do feel that it isn’t totally 100% appropriate to make a racial gay or religious slur at someone solely based on their respective circumstances. If you and a friend want to say obscenities to each other that are more acceptable then saying it to other people in a way to purposely harm them. No matter what, there will always be those who are “old-school” and think that their rights of free speech are more important than the feelings of other, and in that case there will always be people who will say inappropriate things.
It's kind of obvious that using religious, racial and gay slurs are wrong. But to some people it doesn't really matter. And that's why we have freedom of speech and why our country is the land of the free, because of course it's not right to say means things but you can't stop someone from saying what they feel. People use these words to insult others so of course they know it's offensive. Many times people go over the line but were just human beings. Everyone's gonna mess up, Its never suppose to be socially acceptable but it is, everyone says they are against it but more then half of them use insulting slurs. And it's not that they think their freedom of speech is more important then other people's feelings, it's just they really don't care if they hurt anyone's feelings.
Veronica Rossi
In today’s society it is hard to have freedom of speech and express it without offending someone out there. Using religious, gay, or racial slurs can be very offensive to those who feel strongly about their beliefs. Although individuals do have the right to speak their minds and say what they feel, they should keep their thoughts appropriate and express themselves without antagonizing others. I believe that this is the best way to be because it allows people to follow their beliefs, and speak them to whatever extent they desire in their own homes, but in the real world everyone should have the ability to control the level of their words. It isn't always easy to determine whether or not these words are offensive or not because as one might not take them to offense, someone with those beliefs may. For example, aren’t students taught in school to keep offensive, hurtful, or just plain mean words or feelings to themselves, well then shouldn’t adults do exactly the same? Everyone has the right to their own opinions and to voice them when an appropriate time, but when in front of someone who believes differently everyone should control their words, as i’m sure they would want others to do the same.
Veronica Rossi
In today’s society it is hard to have freedom of speech and express it without offending someone out there. Using religious, gay, or racial slurs can be very offensive to those who feel strongly about their beliefs. Although individuals do have the right to speak their minds and say what they feel, they should keep their thoughts appropriate and express themselves without antagonizing others. I believe that this is the best way to be because it allows people to follow their beliefs, and speak them to whatever extent they desire in their own homes, but in the real world everyone should have the ability to control the level of their words. It isn't always easy to determine whether or not these words are offensive or not because as one might not take them to offense, someone with those beliefs may. For example, aren’t students taught in school to keep offensive, hurtful, or just plain mean words or feelings to themselves, well then shouldn’t adults do exactly the same? Everyone has the right to their own opinions and to voice them when an appropriate time, but when in front of someone who believes differently everyone should control their words, as i’m sure they would want others to do the same.
Some may argue this question by stating that the freedom of speech gives any individual the power to say whatever they please, however, I don’t believe religious, gay, or racial slurs are acceptable in any way, shape, or form. In our society today, I think hurtful words are used way too often. First off, religious views should never be discussed because everybody has their own beliefs and opinions, but secondly, gay and racial slurs are just hurtful and cruel. Gay and racial slurs can be a whole discussion on their own about bullying amongst teens and young adults, but I just don’t understand why people can’t mind their own business and give others the respect they deserve. Kids especially will go by what their parents say, and form a negative opinion about a certain race for example, for no apparent reason. People nowadays are way too judgemental. Unfortunately, everyone at some point in their life has judged someone by the way they look, act, or dress. A hurtful remark made even jokingly however, can surprisingly do a lot of damage. You never know what that person may be going through. A smiling face can hide a lot of pain and sadness. Honestly, I don’t believe our society will ever change, and people will always stereotype, judge, and cross the line with their hurtful words.
No matter how hard a person tries, the truth is that they can't please everyone. Everybody, at some point or another, is always going to be judged. Maybe by their attitude, or maybe by the clothes they wear. However, it is when people jump to assumptions that we start to take offense.Being careful about what you say is crucial to keeping the peace.
The reason that so many people make innappropriate comments is because they're not open minded. Now a days, kids are sheltered and are familiarized only with what they have at home. Although some people are only comfortable in their own skin, they have to realize that everybody has their own opinions and styles, and being different isn't always a bad thing.
I don't believe it's acceptable to be prejudice against someone because of their religion, race or sexuality. The truth is they're all very personal matters, and people need to realize that words hurt a lot more than they're intended to. The next time people go to judge each other, they need to step back and think about how they would feel if they were in that person's shoes.
Extraordinary amounts of people today don’t realize how brutalizing and damaging words can truly be. The extent of using racial, religious and gay slurs has been far beyond reached in our society today. I do understand that people feel they have the right to their freedom of speech, but using these types of slurs in public is just flat out offensive and wrong. No matter what though there is always going to be the ignorant people who ignore the eternal sensitivity of the ones around them. I’m going to be honest; I used these types of slurs when I’m around my close friends because we all realize that no one means to offend each other. When it comes to using these slurs towards others you don’t know, that’s when the line is crossed. Overall I feel that these slurs are obviously offensive, but as long as the people have the right to freedom of speech there is not much we can do to end these damaging words.
Offensive language should never be used. In the present day world a lot of racial slurs and gay jokes are being used a lot more freely then they should be. Most people joke about the topics but how those topics affect people will never be a joke. People do not choose the way they look and it is unfair to judge someone by those standards. It is not your life. In no way is your life being affected by others decisions and choices, so you should never comment or make jokes about it. Even if joking negatively about a person can be funny to you, it is not to the person. It can really affect the person being made fun of and lower their self esteem. Everyone needs to learn to keep things to themselves and respect others choices. These choices are separating groups of people and bringing people apart. Meanwhile, we should all work on bringing each other together and to appreciate others differences. Because if everyone in the world was the same, the world would be quite boring and sad.
I believe that using offensive language such as gay, racial and religious slurs can be extremely out of line and down right cruel to others. People now a days use these offensive terms very loosely and don't seem to care about their surroundings when speaking. Although I agree with freedom of speech, I only agree with it to a point. I don't agree with people speaking their minds publicly unless they agree to hearing it. People can be so hurtful and so rude and it can affect others lives if they verbally abuse others with the power of their own voices. This society is completely out of control and it will only get worse. One of the most important aspects when it comes to people is respect. Respecting others can truly change the world in a more positive way in everyone cooperated.
I believe that using offensive language such as gay, racial and religious slurs can be extremely out of line and down right cruel to others. People now a days use these offensive terms very loosely and don't seem to care about their surroundings when speaking. Although I agree with freedom of speech, I only agree with it to a point. I don't agree with people speaking their minds publicly unless they agree to hearing it. People can be so hurtful and so rude and it can affect others lives if they verbally abuse others with the power of their own voices. This society is completely out of control and it will only get worse. One of the most important aspects when it comes to people is respect. Respecting others can truly change the world in a more positive way in everyone cooperated.
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