Actually its more like - "Its a slur if the people using it intend it as a slur", I disagree.....The term "nigger" is used casually among many people who don't think they are slurring anyone...Several derogatory words for Jews are also used by ignorant people who don't realize it's a slur...
It's a question of knowing your audience... The term Jap was commonly used in this country during the WWII era but wasn't recognized as a slur until the Japanese let it be known that is offensive to them, ditto for Chinaman, Chink, Pollack, Kraut, Dago, Kike, etc. On the other hand some groups accept descriptive terms as not offensive to them, eg Brit, Yank, Aussie, Kiwi,.....
People get themselves in a pickle by assuming everyone in earshot believes as they do be it religion,politics, etc....that's why it's important to "know your audience". For example, lots of men say sexist things to women they don't know very well and are shocked that the woman takes offense... |
