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Original poster

Whilst swearing on MN is ok, there are some words that are simply not acceptable.

91 replies

mamazon · 25/03/2010 13:37

Please, before posting could you just do a brief speel check to ensure you have not used a word that is socially unacceptable.

Whilst we are all adults and as such we wont all faint at the use of words such as fuck/shit etc there are some words that simply are not to be used.

really. there is never any need to use some words.

I doubt very much that anyone here would even dream of including words like nigger/queer/paki etc etc in a post.
We all accept that they are offensive and wrong.

Please could we have a similar stance given to words that are offensive to those who have disabilities (or just those who are not ignorant morons) please.

I am specifically thinking of words such as "retard" "spaz" "mong"

all of which i am noticing with increased frequency on the boards of late.
Whilst MN is getting much better at deleting such offensive posts, if we could just make it clear that such vile use of language is wrong then hopefully we can prevent the need.

OP posts:
NextDirectory · 25/03/2010 14:00

for instance, i have just done a very brief wearch on the word mong, and all i have ios threads saying what a dreadful offensive word, but not actually been used

Anyway, i agree they are vile and offensive.

Original poster
mamazon · 25/03/2010 13:59

because thankfully they get reported and deleted.

OP posts:
NextDirectory · 25/03/2010 13:58

am specifically thinking of words such as "retard" "spaz" "mong"

have not seen these on the boards?

Original poster
mamazon · 25/03/2010 13:57

yeah i did see that

blardy fat over sized fingers

OP posts:
Coffeebeanz · 25/03/2010 13:56

Lol at 'speel check' in your OP but agree with you OP

ChickensHaveSinisterMotives · 25/03/2010 13:53

Yes, I gathered that it was being used in a medical type way in the novel, but it just jarred a bit. Interesting how a culture can take a word and turn it in to something offensive through context.

StewieGriffinsMom · 25/03/2010 13:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Original poster
mamazon · 25/03/2010 13:49

Stewie - i really dont care if it is commonly used. it is offensive.

on the estate i grew up on it was perfectly acceptable to call someone "homo" and various other homophobic terms. Doesn't make it ok.

OP posts:
Original poster
mamazon · 25/03/2010 13:48

the word retard(ed) means backwards.
I have read academic texts that reffer to retarded thinking in terms of not recognising current scientific evidence etc. in those terms of course i can see that that is not offensive and is certainly not meant in a derogatroy way.

but to reffer to someone as any of those ords listed is just not on.

and its not just MN either. I have definitly noticed that these words seem to be backin fashion. if we can all make a concerted effort to make our own feelings on the use of these words clear then hopefully it will drip feed into society.

there are a great many of is on thi site and a whole heap more that just lurk (including all you lazy journo's) so if we make a nice long thread that evertyone sees, you never know. people may just get the hint

OP posts:
ToccataAndFudge · 25/03/2010 13:46

well said mamazon

StewieGriffinsMom · 25/03/2010 13:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

wannaBe · 25/03/2010 13:44

amen.

But actually I think the c word is unacceptable as well.

Whippet · 25/03/2010 13:43

Agree completely, however you also need to realise that some words are used more widely/ have a slightly different interpretation, or are not as universally regarded as 'wrong' in other countries (which is why they sometimes get sued without people realising quite how offensive others find them).

Am thinking of the use of the word 'retard' in the US for example...

Not condoning it btw - just explaining...

ChickensHaveSinisterMotives · 25/03/2010 13:40

I haven't noticed these words being used here, I must admit, but I am currently reading a Kellerman novel where the victim is constantly referred to as 'retarded'. It does make me flinch.

ASecretLemonadeDrinker · 25/03/2010 13:40

Oh yes, I thought you were going to say the C word is too much (doesn't bother me) but it wouldn't even enter my head that words like those are EVER acceptable.

FabIsGettingThere · 25/03/2010 13:39

I agree.