Damn, GMG... With all due respect, what the f* have you been smoking? Are you suddenly seeing demons and elephants in your bedroom with the Marshal's face or something? Using your Magic Banana to take pot shots?
I guess I'm glad you're so entertained, anyway...
(Acknowledged: Gorific pretty much said it for me already.)
For the record, Earp's been largely responsible for some of the best horror discussions I've ever had the good fortune of joining. Regardless of his rate of posts at any given time, he's been one of the pillars of Horrorwatch for years. He & I have got plenty of things (in life and in art) we don't see eye to eye on; I'll be damned if he hasn't consistently been a good sport, and great to debate stuff with. Sorry, GMG, but in this regard, you can learn something from him.
It's the fucking DICTIONARY - which I might add has entries for the words 'Nigger' AND 'Retard'.
Yes, and I totally agree with their inclusion of these words, as well as with them noting that the terms are usually offensive. These
are words, and they
are part of the language, whether or not they're socially/morally appropriate in this or that context.
Banning the use of a word doesn't make the word cease to exist, it just makes people use it more.
Interesting point, GC. The kind of media attention that these let's-make-a-law folks are getting might just recharge the word with a new sense of taboo or perceived 'edginess,' or else just fuel for mockery. Hmm...
