[Marxism] Shocking words

[S. Artesian]

This is getting too bizarre, even for me.  Comrade Sikander says people have 
to understand that some words are offensive in some cultures, but not 
others-- after justifying his use of the word in question by saying it is 
the most offensive word he can find to describe those practicing a form of 
brutality found  to be not  so offensive in some societies.

WTF?  I mean really  WTF?

The word obtains its descriptive force precisely from the sanctioned, 
accepted practices of brutality.  It, the "insult quotient" of the word 
doesn't come, cannot come from any other source.

Same thing with the n-word.


We-- the we who find use of the word inappropriate do so on that basis, and 
we are not the ones making a big deal out of this.  On the contrary,  the 
big deal is being made by those who think they, because they are men, 
because they are accustomed to having that power without even thinking about 
it,  can use the word free of the social practices that give the word its 
insult quotient.  Typical, one might say, male stupidity, arrogance, 
ignorance, all 3 being based on privilege.

Rather than hesitate and think, Smith and others give use homey little 
stories about male culture, prudery, and other such bullshit.

Word. Bullshit.




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Muneeb Sikander" <muneebsikander at hotmail.com>
To: <sartesian at earthlink.net>
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 4:39 AM
Subject: Re: [Marxism] Shocking words