As someone who would have been merrily forced into sterilization, I just can't get worked up about this. Linguistic drift exists, and while moron might once have been a medical diagnosis, it hasn't been in decades. Thanks to drift, it now means anyone who has ever demonstrated a lack of forethought, planning, common sense, or due care. It is not reserved specifically with those with developmental delays, and unless it is directed at a disabled person, it is not a slur, though it is still an insult. Likewise with words like "imbecile", idiot," "peon," or "dolt". Contrary to popular fannish opinion, context matters.
And frankly, I would be more moved by the outrage if I hadn't seen most of these righteous warriors for the oppressed hurling this same word and others I've listed at politicians and others of whom they disapprove.
Most of these people are just looking to be outraged. Indignation is addictive.
IDK, I guess I just...haven't really seen it used in that way? I mean, maybe this is actually a regional thing, but whenever I've heard anyone use 'moron' in real life, it's the functional equivalent of 'retard', which I think is pretty unequivocally offensive.
I'm right with you there on the hypocrisy thing, though. If you find a word offensive, it's offensive all the time, not just when it's convenient or you're in the mood to rant about something.
It's also possible that I'm just tired and oversensitive right now. :/
By the same token, I've never heard moron used as a slur against a disabled person. Against some asshat who drives his ATV of a cliff as part of a dumb stunt? Yes. Against a disabled person, no.
Word to everything you wrote, but especially the last paragraph. Because that's a point some people forget about: if you want respect for your beliefs and causes, then give the same to others. Getting worked up about poor and/or offensive statements doesn't justify doing essentially the same thing with in order to express your annoyance. Respect goes both ways.
And don't even get me started on what's wrong with that exact statement... D:
I think I probably would have given them a pass if they'd just called the person a moron--I don't like the word, but I'm far from perfect on the offensive language front--but 'morons should be forcibly sterilized' is just...oh, you didn't realize that eugenics is a sensitive subject for some people. Well, that makes it okay, then.
I feel a little bad about the dogpile that ended up happening, but honestly, there were so many other ways to express that exact same thought without saying something hurtful.
ETA: I really adore your icon, also. Which ep is it from?
Yeah, okay, moron in itself isn't that horrible. Still a little... Touchy, maybe, but not so bad on it's own. The combination, though. Eugh.
It was a well-deserved dogpile, IMO. Especially considering where it's been stated. Ffrants is NOT going to let something like that go, and that could've been obvious if the original commenter had stopped to think for half a minute.
Uhm, I've had it for a while, so... Late S5? Maybe? I don't know, exactly, to be honest. /o\
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And frankly, I would be more moved by the outrage if I hadn't seen most of these righteous warriors for the oppressed hurling this same word and others I've listed at politicians and others of whom they disapprove.
Most of these people are just looking to be outraged. Indignation is addictive.
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I'm right with you there on the hypocrisy thing, though. If you find a word offensive, it's offensive all the time, not just when it's convenient or you're in the mood to rant about something.
It's also possible that I'm just tired and oversensitive right now. :/
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And don't even get me started on what's wrong with that exact statement... D:
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I feel a little bad about the dogpile that ended up happening, but honestly, there were so many other ways to express that exact same thought without saying something hurtful.
ETA: I really adore your icon, also. Which ep is it from?
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It was a well-deserved dogpile, IMO. Especially considering where it's been stated. Ffrants is NOT going to let something like that go, and that could've been obvious if the original commenter had stopped to think for half a minute.
Uhm, I've had it for a while, so... Late S5? Maybe? I don't know, exactly, to be honest. /o\
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