Please don't use words like "lame", "crazy", "retarded", etc.
This topic has been closed.
This discussion is public.
Original Post
I know some people are going to think I'm being too sensitive but using these words in a slang way is insulting. I know it's not meant to be and I'm occasionally guilty of using the word "lame" in conversation, and then catch myself out, so please don't feel bad, just think about what I'm saying.
Also, while we're on the topic, please no "that's so gay", though I haven't seen that here.
Posted at 5:46am May 29, 2008 EDT
Responses
May we use lame in the metal interwoven fabric sense?
"She wore a gold lame dress"?
I agree, retarded and 'that's so gay' are not on. Crazy, however, I think is wrong to use in the mentally-unstable sense. Crazy in a silly way is ok in my books.
Posted at 5:56am May 29, 2008 EDT
Lame - as in, unable to walk.
lol, a gold lame dress is fine!
Posted at 5:59am May 29, 2008 EDT
Re crazy, someone with a mental illness may feel differently.
Posted at 5:59am May 29, 2008 EDT
I'm pretty sure that no one says that people who can't walk are lame, do they? Like how I wouldn't call someone who couldn't speak dumb.
I'm with you on most of the rest, though.
Posted at 6:00am May 29, 2008 EDT
The definition of the words lame and dumb would say otherwise. I also think using the word "dumb" is a bit of a worry.
But I think it shows how it becomes difficult when words have multiple meanings, etc. And it's subjective, like everything.
Posted at 6:03am May 29, 2008 EDT
But crazy isn't an acceptable word for people with mental illness, whilst lame, spastic and gay are the correct terms for conditions and lifestyles.
Posted at 6:03am May 29, 2008 EDT
I am glad I live in a society were I am able to use whatever words I like. I'm glad I live in a society where I don't have to ask permission from a male member of my family to go out.
Sometimes we need to look at the big picture and see what is important.
Posted at 6:04am May 29, 2008 EDT