Perhaps right is not the correct word, and note how the legality of using the term is not being called into question.
There's just a common shift in our cultural thinking that has gone to 'if this word disenfranchises a group of people, or even a subset of a group of people, why use it?' This goes beyond enacting legislation or anything like that, but just setting cultural standards of what is or is not acceptable to say, and what will earn you criticism from society at large (it's also important to note that people using their free speech to criticize others' free speech is not a violation of either groups')
There's been a huge shift in this probably even within the past 10 or 20 years. I guess this is what makes a lot of people upset, especially because it's happening so rapidly.
It's something I first came to realize when I was studying FCC regulations for radio broadcast - especially the comparison of terms that are considered kosher after 10pm compared to the words that are banned at all times. Words like f*g, f*gg*t and d*ke are fine as per the FCC as long as you reserve their use for after 10pm - while, outside of the dated FCC regulations, in a working modern context these words are far more insulting and taboo than practically anything on the FCC ban list. Even words like retard are largely being phased out of regular speech (this is of course among younger people primarily, not people from, example, my parents generation who grew up with these words being insults, but the taboo of the word coming from being associated with that group rather than the word being a demeaning way to refer to that group). I remember going over these lists with my friends and "colleagues" and basically saying things along the lines of 'yeah, this is technically legal, but why would you ever say that?' Suffice to say it would be highly problematic if these words were actually used, just because they don't agree with modern cultural standards.
When our station voluntarily blacklisted the use of the word 'redskin' (after receiving a joint letter from a host of Native American activist organizations, granted it probably would have been phased out either way) it was done practically unanimously- again, with the thought, 'if there are people who find this offensive, why would we want to say it?' It comes down to: what's the point?
I mean that's really easy to say when you've never actually had to deal with a deeply rooted words in a culture that is historically deeply rooted against you.
I think a large part of the shift in thinking that has led people to grow tired with the proliferation of the flow of this sort of language is a demographic shift. More and more people are either effected by this type of thing, and, more importantly, even among those not effected, it's easier to see how it effects your friends, family, etc. I think this is to some extent less stark as it relates to issues of race and discrimination/stereotyping on that front, but as we see how negatively it effects, say, women, it does make the somewhat more subtle effects it has on racial minorities more apparent.
And while we're removing one aspect of that from being acceptable in our culture, why not just remove all of it? It's easier that way.
The new golden rule is simply 'don't be a dick'
Sorry. Dont buy into your argument.
Look. I was a skinny white kid who wore glasses with a Spanish last name
(though I happen to be mostly German and Irish) that went to a predominantly black and Hispanic school during the absolute height of racial tensions. Trust me. I got it from all sides. Blacks Whites and Hispanics and been called and labeled pretty much every derogatory name in the book you can imagine and got jumped and ganged up on for no other reason then I was white,or Hispanic or..because I wore glasses. Yet I never uttered a complaint or curled into a ball expecting everyone else to protect me or avoid saying things I might consider offensive.
As I told a group of underprivileged youths a few years ago. "There is always going to be something to be offended over. And some people might not like you due to your color, your height. or someone may not like me because I have long hair and a beard and call me a hippie. Thats ok. Let them say or think whatever they want. that is their right so long as they dont take action against you. And even if they do. You have two choices. You can either use such things as an excuse to fail. Or motivation to succeed. And THAT is up to you. YOU are the one who has the ultimate power over how you handle it"
Musta worked because a couple of months ago two of them spotted me and went out of their way to thank me for giving them that little speach
When you cowardly, yes I said "cowardly" cowtow to groups like this you are in effect telling them they are too weak for liberty and true freedom. and need to be protected from it That special concessions must be made to protect their fragile little egos. If someone was going out of their way to intentionally offend these groups. Like if you were to say to a native American. "Hey you. Redskin. Go fetch me a cigar." You might have a very small point as that would be an intent to offend. In the case of the NFL Redskins name. This is just cowardly on your stations part. There is no intent to offend there. Never has been regardless of the true reasons behind the name. That name has been there a long long time. What you are saying is a mere word is to be avoided because that single word might offend some group.
Tell me. When Athiests start organizing and screaming how they are offended by the team names Saints, Angels, or Padres. You going to stop using those names too? Or when MADD or Alcoholics Anonymous complains about the Brewers?
From your own station in life such moves against free speech including the use of the word "Redskins" by a station is nothing short of an abridgement of freedom of the press of which the FCC is nothing short of an abomination with regard to the first amendment.
I would argue in favor of fair use of words. ANY words rather then see certain words removed from use under pressure.
But as usual. We only care about the rights we like and the things we agree with. The rest must be smothered. Sorry but that aint freedom.
Freedom means you embrace the things you like. And at least tolerate and respect others rights for the things you dont. Yes. that means they or you get to be a dick regardless of your fictitious golden rule
It doesnt mean you carry on like a 3 year old "waaa Johnny said a name I dont like make him stop."
I fully agree with the guy in that audio clip "Im offended"..."Well so (blanking) what"
As for the Redskins name. For over 60 years nobody had a problem with it. Not even the Native Americans. NOW suddenly their offended. (and in reality is is only a very small percentage of them that are actually offended by it.
No. Its more like someone (read some small subset of a group) created an industry for themselves. And they are no different then any of the other cause bearers (insert your favorite cause fanatic here). They have no interest in actually seeing their cause corrected. Because in doing so it would mean no publicity and as a result. No funding.
