07-30-2003, 06:11 PM
Once again, I have to ask...what double standard?
The word has a profane use and is being used in a profane context in this court case. There are several words that can have offensive meanings if used in different contexts. A four letter name that is the first name of Batman's first Robin, a four letter synonym for a rooster, the five letter term for a female dog, and even the five letter word for what Tinkerbell is can be used as an insult in the proper context. Hey, even the name "Tinkerbell" has been used as an insult before. Should we eliminate those words altogether from all 'G' rated films?
Seriously, people invent new offensive meanings to words or alter them. The stem for that cursed 'N' word is the latin "Niger" for black.
I agree with Pakman here in that any word used in an offensive manner must be navigated carefully, especially in a "G" rated film. Doc, you even answer yourself by saying the N-Word is used for historical use and comparing it to saying the F-Bomb in classical Latin. It is not the same context. At least, not how you present it. You give no reason for saying the F-Bomb in classical Latin except to avoid the censors, if it was used to explain the etymology then perhaps that would be comparable, but not just simply saying the word by itself.
The N-Word is being used for historical accuracy on a period piece like Roots, likely you wouldn't see a movie set in the modern era or any decade recently where the word was used and still be rated "G". The offensive use of the "F-Bomb" is fairly recent, and it may become a historical word in the future, but not right now. Likewise, comparing the F-Bomb to the N-Word isn't easy because of the weight behind each word and the measure of offensiveness each is capable of. I'd say the N-Word has more going for it historically, because of the weight it carries, and it is a far more significant part of American history and culture. Swear words come and go with passing generations, but the N-Word has always been there.
-Grim-
The word has a profane use and is being used in a profane context in this court case. There are several words that can have offensive meanings if used in different contexts. A four letter name that is the first name of Batman's first Robin, a four letter synonym for a rooster, the five letter term for a female dog, and even the five letter word for what Tinkerbell is can be used as an insult in the proper context. Hey, even the name "Tinkerbell" has been used as an insult before. Should we eliminate those words altogether from all 'G' rated films?
Seriously, people invent new offensive meanings to words or alter them. The stem for that cursed 'N' word is the latin "Niger" for black.
I agree with Pakman here in that any word used in an offensive manner must be navigated carefully, especially in a "G" rated film. Doc, you even answer yourself by saying the N-Word is used for historical use and comparing it to saying the F-Bomb in classical Latin. It is not the same context. At least, not how you present it. You give no reason for saying the F-Bomb in classical Latin except to avoid the censors, if it was used to explain the etymology then perhaps that would be comparable, but not just simply saying the word by itself.
The N-Word is being used for historical accuracy on a period piece like Roots, likely you wouldn't see a movie set in the modern era or any decade recently where the word was used and still be rated "G". The offensive use of the "F-Bomb" is fairly recent, and it may become a historical word in the future, but not right now. Likewise, comparing the F-Bomb to the N-Word isn't easy because of the weight behind each word and the measure of offensiveness each is capable of. I'd say the N-Word has more going for it historically, because of the weight it carries, and it is a far more significant part of American history and culture. Swear words come and go with passing generations, but the N-Word has always been there.
-Grim-
Kwansu, dudes! - A whole bunch of Patu San citizens.