feotakahari | (no subject)

In 2005, I saw an angry letter to a newspaper because their children's movie review didn't mention that one character called another character a "faggot." The movie critic was incensed over the idea of watching for individual bad words, saying it was antithetical to properly reviewing a movie. At the time, I recall thinking, "You'd have been just as up in arms as the letter-writer if he'd said 'nigger.' Your real objection is that you don't think 'faggot' is as bad."

When I see arguments today over "brain worms" or "blacklist" or whatever, I think back on that argument. You can argue over what words are or aren't as bad as "faggot." I don't have any problem with "blacklist" myself, and I don't avoid it or argue with anyone about it. But don't act like you don't have your list of bad words. You're only arguing over what's on it.

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What is "brain worms"?

An insult people on the Internet use in place of "stupid." Alternatively, one of various unpleasant medical conditions. Some people get very angry if they catch you using the phrase as an insult. Same principle as getting mad over "lame," I guess.

I don't use it myself. I'd rather just say "stupid."

Well, today I done learned. Thanks. Also sounds like a really unpleasant thing to curse someone with.