Is the T-word the new N-word?

[libodem]

I thought this was an interesting take on a world that some of us are not privy to. I loved The Birdcage and I've always thought drag queens were fabulous. This is an interesting discussion of diverse ideas. More than one view point is given so outside of remaining respectful it doesn't set any rigid guidelines. You still have to use your best judgement when discussing our sisters.

. http://www.dailydot.com/opinion/t-word-the-new-n-word/

[d_r]

1. Thug? yeah it is

in this article the T-word is the new F-word.

[ellenrr]

2. what is the "T word"? (I also loved the Birdcage - both of them)

[libodem]

3. I suppose this is for educational purposes

"Tranny". I think it seems to be very individualistic over how much offense is taken. Suppose who says it, how it is said, the intent, and host of other factors are involved.

I have a feeling some are proud and reference themselves this way. Mind over matter; if you don't mind it don't matter, kind of thinking.

[ellenrr]

4. I've heard people who identify as trans use the term...

I wouldn't use it, just bec I don't know who it might offend.

I Hear a lot of African-Americans use the "N" word, but I certainly wouldn't. Even if I were Black, I wouldn't, but that's me..

[libodem]

5. Very true

It is just in poor taste to use the n-word, ever. There is really no call for it in this modern world. Books and historical work are okay because it is making a point. Say, Huck Finn or even The Help. It puts the context of the use of that word into a certain perspective for us to understand how people behaved.

[ellenrr]

6. I remember when we read Huck Finn, I guess I was in 9th grade or something like that...

I was shocked at the use of the N-word, cuz I'd been raised to believe that word was the one word in the English language you should never use, and my mother told me what it indicated about the person who used it!

I don't think we should censor books, or not read them, but like you say, I think some context should be given by the teacher. Probably these days they do. So the young person can understand how things were then.

altho things haven't changed that much. in some ways. did you see the Owner of the Clippers ( a pro-basketball team) acc to a source that says they have it on tape -
told his girlfriend ( who is Black, and Mexican, beautiful, and about 1/3 of his age) - not to hang out with Black people. She was pictured with Magic Johnson.And not to bring Black people to the game.

I guess Black people are good enough to make him a rich SOB.

Geez--- I wish his (mostly African-American) players would strike!

[libodem]

7. Yep

The use of the n-word says much more about the ignorance of the speaker than it does about who they are talking about. They are branded with me forever. I can't help it. Using it puts them in a class that I can't and won't associate with. I can only really think of one guy whom I've met in the last several years that tried to justify it after I called him out for saying it. He was from LA and had a long story but that shit doesn't fly with me. He will always be branded as an idiot despite his other capabilities.

I do think those old books have merit for kids to understand our history and for them to develop empathy and understanding. I loved the world of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. Those books should be read with some prep by the teacher as you say. But I think they are banned in the classroom. I don't know if they even have them in the library? Hopefully they are not banned in the Public Library.