Why is it that certain words can cause an uproar among certain groups of people? In class a couple of weeks ago we discussed the use of some of these demeaning words and how people feel about their use. The words I speak of are derogatory racial slurs that are used to make people feel inferior. I think that by allowing these words to offend us that we are only giving them power. From my point of view I believe sticks and stones. I could care less what an individual calls me, it just shows that individuals level of ignorance. Now if I was in a situation where it was coming from multiple people simultaneously then I might feel uncomfortable and want out.
Now in the case of how the "N" word was used in class, I feel that he was trying to make a point and not being blatantly racist. The word does have different spellings and each of different meanings, but some people will be offended regardless if someone without the right skin tone uses the word period. I guess it depends on the generation you come from. The current generation will probably feel less pain from racial slurs because everything is so mixed now. Although racism still exists, if we don't allow it to get to us personally, then these slurs will lose power all together.
Many people will probably disagree with my views, but I believe words are words and depending on how you use them they can be offensive or they can prove a point. When trying to prove a point, if choosing to use strong words, there better be a strong argument to back up the use of such words.
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