To the contrary, I think it's weak writing that can't come up with a different way of stating something.

Contrary all you like, you know exactly the kind of soft, watered down, timidly inoffensive, endlessly qualified language favored on the left that I'm talking about.

It sounds to me like you're saying that it's not possible to re-word something, ever, without watering it down. And you know as well as I do that that is simply not true.

It's not a binary, with options being Bold Yet Described As Some As Offensive vs. Weak Ineffectual Mealy-Mouthed Pap. Implying that there are only 2 choices in writing is, again, WEAK.

And it does create a kind of falsity. Wrapping lots of relentless positive uplift language around the "differently abled" doesn't build wheelchair ramps.

If someone who was "differently abled" said to you that he/she was offended by your use of "lame," would you give them that spiel? t edit Or, what Jilli said.

"Cocksucker" is kind of an endearment at this point thanks to Deadwood.

Because the whole world watches Deadwood, right?

I've heard the same reasoning being given for "gay" and "lame." I have trouble finding fault with that parallel.

Yes, indeed, and I wish I had a better defense than "it doesn't mean that to me!". I don't use "gay" or "lame" as insulting adjectives, anyway, so it wouldn't apply to any situation I'd encounter in the real world, but the parallel is still there and is worth considering. (And here I am, considering it, but honestly, I'm not gonna stop referring to Glen Beck or myself the day before my period as crazy, and I'm more concerned with removing certain other words from my language.)

ILU2

I never use "gay" as a perjorative, but I might use it as a descriptor.

You know, still thinking about it, I don't do that either, unless I'm making a conscious choice to call something that. By which I mean, it doesn't come naturally to my lips. (Go on. Laugh.)

Wow, my language is lot more boring than I thought it was.

People will always reach for the phrase that connotes, "You are incurably stupid."

But there's just so much need for it!

If someone who was "differently abled" said to you that he/she was offended by your use of "lame," would you give them that spiel?

Hee... Is it a bad time to mention that I find 'differently-abled' rather patronising? (I know you were kidding!)

I don't use "cocksucker" other than with Deadwood fans. And my mom is still gonna trip when I meet Corwood and am all "Hey, Austin cocksucker...how are they hanging, bunk?" But mostly cause She Didn't Raise Me To Do That. But she kinda did, anyways. People do tell *me* not to use lame. But I can't find another word that fits as well, personally. And I've never met someone with a real disability who says "differently abled" only, like, the Ms. magazine editorial staff.

Hee... Is it a bad time to mention that I find 'differently-abled' rather patronising? (I know you were kidding!)

That's why I was using quotes around it. Not my phrase, definitely.

The bigger issue is that you cannot uproot words from their cultural history.

The cultural history of certain words (see: the "n" word) is a big part of WHY they are no longer acceptable.

Trying to control the language is a way to try and control thinking (cf., Orwell) and people do resist and resent that attempt.

Once again, I think you are overgeneralizing. There is ongoing debate about "lame" and such but we have acknowledged that in this discussion. I have yet to hear anything that remotely convinces me of a necessity to use "gypped," "niggardly," "rag head," etc.

No one (in this country) can actually control the language you use, Hec. Furthermore, no one is arguing for that.

That's why I was using quotes around it. Not my phrase, definitely.

Indeed. We have similar views on language, it seems.

Uhf, now that response looks overly contentious. Sorry.

Actually I don't generally call individuals retarded but I will call an idea or a plan retarded.

Please explain to me how racial/ethnic slurs are a benefit to language and communication. Seriously, I can't wait.

I'm not advocating for racial or ethnic slurs. Though I will note that if people want to find a way to express their xenophobia or racism they'll find it.

However, I don't have an issue with exerting social pressure to say certain words are tabboo and not used in polite society or discourse because of their history.

I do have an issue with using that idea as a general principle and following that logic to exclude "crazy" as a perjorative. I think that's a false and damaging consistency. Too damaging to language in relation to whatever presumed damage is done to the mentally ill by that word.

Because the whole world watches Deadwood, right?

As erika notes, I only use it to other Deadwood fans.

I'd argue they have their place...it's not a proud, well-lighted place, and it smells like old beer, but I can't imagine a slur-free world. People just aren't built for this...