In response to a august 11, 2014 October convo about the use of language:
Since it seems that I dropping knowledge bombs like tony romo loves the huddle, here is another one.
Let's look at the etymology of some of the afore mentioned words. We will start with gay, in no particular order
- gay: is first reported used in the 14th century in the context of stately and beautiful. However in the 1890's it was reported that it was used to describe promiscuity. How ever the current usage of the term gay, can be traced back to somewhere between 1920 to the late 40's appearing in everything from references of male hobos to psychological journals. If we fast forward 60 years, it took on a new meaning of bad or inferior.
- fag: the origin of this word is not easily traced. Some believe that it is from the term faggot, a bundle of sticks, and in 15th c Europe it was used to describe heretics while burned at the stake. While other believes that it comes from the 1880s English slang for the butt of a smoke cigarette.
- bitch: the earliest reference is from the Norse, in about 14 c, bikkjuna, female dog, wolf, or fox of unknown origin. But there are written records of the term being used to describe males, also. In 1811 the dictionary defined the term as "the most offensive appellation that can be given to an English woman, even more provoking than that of a whore".
Let us know of what we speak before we fly off the proverbial handle. Many words have multiple meanings and origins. It is in how you, the reader, choose to define the word. If I walked into a room, and asked 100 people to define "cool" how many would define it the exact same way? I would say not a one.
So take a step back and look at why and how those terms where used. If the PERSON has a problem with the term it should be they who lodge the complaint. I often hear this double tongued speak in the hallways of you schools. A black student can use the term n****** towards another black male! However at the same time if a student of another skin color uses the term it is offensive. The double standard can not exist, either you have a problem with the term over all, or you don't.
But at the end of the day here, we are amongst adults, who understand that what one says or writes may not be understood or liked by those that read it. But you have the choice here to read and move on, or respond. If you are finding it offensive, you have every right to, but we also have every right to express our thoughts, even if they contradict yours.
