Question of ethics re bigoted language in the source material

[the_moonmoth]

Warning for slurs and discussion of same.So here's a question I ponder a lot given the amount this comes up in Buffy fanfic: how okay is it to use bigoted or otherwise offensive language in your fanfic if it's been used in the source material

Comments

[kerry_220]

The trouble is almost all profanity is, in one way or another offensive - be it racist, sexist or just plain obscene. Is it better to use 'wanker' or 'bollocks' over 'poof' or 'nance'? I can see arguing for none of the above, but canon established Spike swore a lot and finding acceptable alternatives that don't 'clunk' could be an interesting exercise.

And there is that whole cultural thing too (I think you got into that with Barb). Spike refers to Andrew as 'the boy' and I know that is unacceptable to some. It's offensive to call a man 'soft' here.

The challenge with using an established character is they have well known idiosyncrasies. I suppose you can remove some if they grate with you, but then the character is harder to identify. Of course, Spike has A LOT of idiosyncrasies so you could probably get away with it :-) But he would call it a "poncey necklace", so you're caught either way (I was going to say buggered...but I thought better of it)

[the_moonmoth]

Is it better to use 'wanker' or 'bollocks' over 'poof' or 'nance'?

Actually, imo, yes. Don't you think there's a difference between crude words for body parts and homophobia?

[kerry_220]

Don't you think there's a difference between crude words for body parts and homophobia?

There's definitely a difference, but both will probably offend someone and occasionally the body part ones can be a big trigger. I've read authors who use the derogatory girl parts one and I'm beyond appalled. I can't imagine there is anything worse to call a woman. But then I've not been subjected to any homophobic slurs so I can't judge.

As an aside, the term 'Mick' is often used to refer to a Catholic in Australia. It's not all that offensive. I hadn't fully realised it had other origins. Go for the learning!

Oh, and again with the ignorance.. What is p@ki? I think I know, but I'm not certain

[torrilin]

It's a british insult derived from Pakistani, and it's used fairly indiscriminately for anyone of possibly Indian sub continent background. It is roughly equivalent to n*gg*r in offensiveness, and I know that has sometimes been used by Aussies in relation to Aboriginal people.

Mick is occasionally used in the US as an insult for Irish people, but due to my Catholic background it's tough for me to assess how common it is. I've seen it used in stories by older Catholics telling about how they were treated by the Protestant majority, but it's not something I've ever heard used with intent. Doesn't mean it isn't, just I haven't encountered it first hand. But if you're hanging out in majority Catholic neighborhoods in the US, there will be enough Hispanics that a typical racist/xenophobe won't ever get around to the Poles, Italians and Irish before the police get involved.

[kerry_220]

Thought as much. Thanks!