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Bird's Brain's avatar

Well, there's also the f-word, which I personally think should be freed from its shackles while we're liberating language. It's very effective at dissipating pain. Unfortunately, many people find it offensive, so I avoid it in their presence when, say, stubbing my toe.

I'll never agree with banning books. Finding a racial slur in a book is a teachable moment in the classroom.

But I believe there are words whose intent was to wound. Racial slurs are used to diminish people of that race and also often out of ignorance. There's such a word for most every race. The c-word, the k-word ...

Some black people use the n-word themselves, as a way of taking back its power. And more power to them!

But does that mean I'll use the word, knowing it offends? No. Just as I don't use the f-word when I know it offends. (Though admittedly "darn it" isn't as effective in stubbed toe situations.) Logically, when would I ever need to use the n-word in a sentence unless I meant to offend? There's simply no good reason to. Vocabulary is broad. There are other words. I can use them without feeling I've somehow been robbed of a choice.

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peter john wraight's avatar

coming soon to a school near you "Trudeau,s annual school book burning day" to be followed by "The evening Jewish glass breaking event" and please do not forget "Indian Church burning day" dont forget to wear your orange shirt kiddies.

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