Whatever happened to manners?

[Inazuma]

I hate when people use all of the words I mentioned. My wife works with the mentally retarded, so knowing something about people that are, you know, actually retarded, I find it offensive that it gets thrown around so casually as an insult.

I hate when people say "faggot" because I don't think sexual orientation should be considered an insult, and I'm against the ubiquitous use of the word "gay" to mean anything bad. I don't care if you claim to have a gay friend that is cool with you using that word.

And "nigger". Come on. There's history behind that word. You just don't say that. Especially when you're some whimpy little white kid in the suburbs who has the good fortune of not being face-to-face with the person you're talking with.

Correct me if I'm wrong but don't these online services have player mute features? If you hear some loud mouth idiot screaming insults into the mic, simply mute him. You should be happy we can even communicate in the first place.

I agree with you on the words "faggot", "gay" and "nigger". They are not insults since being gay or black is not a bad thing. However, being retarded is a bad thing, so I can understand it being used as an insult. If you are offended when people use "retard" as an insult, you should be equally as offended if you hear "stupid", "fool", "idiot", "bitch", etc.

[dsheinem]

I agree with you on the words "faggot", "gay" and "nigger". They are not insults since being gay or black is not a bad thing.

where's that picture of the bewildered dog?

Of course these are insults! I don't have the energy to explain why right now, but sheeeesh, are you really that thick?

Although, if you are, I guess "thick" isn't insulting?!

[classicgamer5]

I agree with you on the words "faggot", "gay" and "nigger". They are not insults since being gay or black is not a bad thing.

where's that picture of the bewildered dog?

Of course these are insults! I don't have the energy to explain why right now, but sheeeesh, are you really that thick?

Although, if you are, I guess "thick" isn't insulting?!

Dont get him started, dsheinem

[Inazuma]

I agree with you on the words "faggot", "gay" and "nigger". They are not insults since being gay or black is not a bad thing.

where's that picture of the bewildered dog?

Of course these are insults! I don't have the energy to explain why right now, but sheeeesh, are you really that thick?

Although, if you are, I guess "thick" isn't insulting?!

You don't get it, you straight white male. Go eat food, you human being. I hope you sleep well tonight and wake up in the morning feeling great!

[masteroftheclaw]

First off, just a quick note. There is history behind the word "faggot" as well beyond kindling wood. Or, moreso, related directly to burning.

I agree with you on the words "faggot", "gay" and "nigger". They are not insults since being gay or black is not a bad thing. However, being retarded is a bad thing, so I can understand it being used as an insult. If you are offended when people use "retard" as an insult, you should be equally as offended if you hear "stupid", "fool", "idiot", "bitch", etc.

It is true that being black or gay is not a bad thing. However, the people who use these words mean it in a derogatory fashion. They mean to use them in a way that will make the people being called such things insulted. And you know what, it seems that a lot of youngsters do feel insulted by them because they do indeed see these terms as bad. Some people view these terms as extremely unfavorable and don't ever want to be labeled as such (thanks society!).

It's kind of like how people say "that's gay" to mean "that's stupid". The initial intent of the word was to equate homosexuality with being idiotic. No matter the fact that the connotation of the word now may solely revolve around stupidity, completely losing the initial meaning it still doesn't make it perfectly acceptable. But, people will say whatever they please and they are allowed to.

Not trying to egg anyone on, I just always get all antsy about this topic.

[Limewater]

First off, just a quick note. There is history behind the word "faggot" as well beyond kindling wood. Or, moreso, related directly to burning.

From my admittedly limited reading, I think the burning angle is unlikely. I am under the impression that the more likely connection is through the term "faggot" being used to refer to old women.

[Inazuma]

First off, just a quick note. There is history behind the word "faggot" as well beyond kindling wood. Or, moreso, related directly to burning.

I agree with you on the words "faggot", "gay" and "nigger". They are not insults since being gay or black is not a bad thing. However, being retarded is a bad thing, so I can understand it being used as an insult. If you are offended when people use "retard" as an insult, you should be equally as offended if you hear "stupid", "fool", "idiot", "bitch", etc.

It is true that being black or gay is not a bad thing. However, the people who use these words mean it in a derogatory fashion. They mean to use them in a way that will make the people being called such things insulted. And you know what, it seems that a lot of youngsters do feel insulted by them because they do indeed see these terms as bad. Some people view these terms as extremely unfavorable and don't ever want to be labeled as such (thanks society!).

It's kind of like how people say "that's gay" to mean "that's stupid". The initial intent of the word was to equate homosexuality with being idiotic. No matter the fact that the connotation of the word now may solely revolve around stupidity, completely losing the initial meaning it still doesn't make it perfectly acceptable. But, people will say whatever they please and they are allowed to.

Not trying to egg anyone on, I just always get all antsy about this topic.

The people who use "gay" and "nigger" to insult others are just proving their own stupidity. How can I get offended by that? They are insulting themselves, not me!

Instead of being offended, I am annoyed and saddened when I hear this stuff. "Sigh, people are stupid." is what's running through my head.

On a related note, I feel the same about some other "insults" such as "cock sucker". Since when is sucking cock a bad thing? lol.

[classicgamer5]

On a related note, I feel the same about some other "insults" such as "cock sucker". Since when is sucking cock a bad thing? lol.

[Limewater]

Since when is sucking cock a bad thing? lol.

Since Herpes?

[MrPopo]

Alright, I see exactly where this is going. Let's not get into a discussion of why particular words are insulting, as MOST of us agree on it. Let's get back to the real discussion; we need to find a way to start punishing people who decide to make asses of themselves on a mic connection, whether it be foul language or attempts to sing A-Ha's "Take on Me".