Thursday, November 1, 2012
offensive language
According to the post on flickr the first post agrees with our book about certain language being offensive especially sexist language. The responses to the first post did not agree with our book. Most people said this is modern society and if a woman is called a girl It is not a big deal. I personally agree with the fact that there is not much that can offend me, but I also believe we should be aware of using language that has the potential to hurt others feelings. No one wants their own feelings hurt so it is important to not hurt others feelings. In the context of a classroom speech it is more important to be aware of your language choice· When speaking to a large group that we are getting graded to speak to you definitely do nit want to offend anyone. On a blog I think it is different because everyone there is choosing to be on there. A casual setting versus a formal setting can be more laid back in using language that has the potential to be offensive, but in a formal setting it is not an option but to be very aware of using a certain type of language that will not offend anyone
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I agree with you that a woman being called a girl isn’t a big deal, but what about the other way around? For example, you couldn’t refer to a 10-year-old in that manner unless if it was a joke. If you look at it this way, it would be awkward because obviously the title doesn’t fit that person. In modern society, most people overlook history and the reasons behind prejudice wording. Although it’s only an attitude, those feelings can work up to become actions such as discrimination. Even jokingly, it still creates a cycle in culture which degrades ethnic and sex. What’s interesting is people have come to accept derogatory lingo, in a friendly manner. I know I tend to talk to my friends like this, sometimes greeting them as jerks, assholes, bitches, etc. This is what I mean when it’s become culturally accepted as a norm. Does that make it right though? I am pretty sure even in a positive light, it’s still a negative phrasing. And like you said, it depends on the setting “casual setting versus formal setting”.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that calling a woman a "girl" is not offensive, but other people might. This is why I think it is important to check over a speech and make sure that nothing sounds a little offensive, or sexist. When writing a speech, you just write things down and may not realize that it sounds sexist. Only when you check it over again, will you catch it. I think that there are a few sayings that are not offensive to most people, but are offensive to some. It is important to consider the audience to try to avoid offending them.
ReplyDeleteI agree that when in appropriate situations, sexist language should not be used even if some people do not find it offensive. Personally I don't think it is a big deal, but things are taken too seriously these days. It's one thing if it's on a blog or a casual conversation. If it is an event where people are looking up to you, it would be best to avoid all sexist language because it could make you look bad. Many things that have been socially accepted for years have now been looked deeper into than they really need to be, because they are somehow considered degrading to a certain sex or group. Sexist language is one of them, and just depends on who you are talking to or the setting you are in.
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