DiscussionThe "Q" word?

submitted by ImPiqued1111111 from self.LGBDropTheT

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[–]KCStuffedAnimal 3 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 0 fun4 insightful - 1 fun -  (2 children)

Thanks for giving me the chance to unload. I simply don't believe in "reclaiming" slurs! It's a bogus theory that needs challenging.

Like those who chose to identify as Lesbian and Gay, we possess creativity that allows us to label ourselves in ways that are truly empowering and pride-inducing. Enough, already, with the profanity parade! We are not "btches", "cnts", "nggers", "trnnies", "mojados", "crips", "queers" or any of that bigoted trash. I mean, if you're going to be a trash collector at least be sensible and get paid for it!

What's the percentage in letting, no, encouraging others to feel comfortable insulting you? All you get with a "reclaimed" slur is a load of baggage: That which you yourself bring to it in addition to what's already there and isn't going to disappear. But embracing an insult is like adding zero to a whole number: The sum total doesn't change. "Queer" still means "bizarre". At this point in history, who could still believe that LGB or T identity is "bizarre"? Only an ignorant person.

An acquaintance of mine believes that the act of reclaiming slurs is a form of self-flagellation: That the would-be reclaimer has a shame-based, unconscious need to identify with her oppressor. She secretly wants to savor that feeling of putting someone in their place, both herself and others like her. If that's true, then it means throwing off oppression is incredibly difficult. Not only is your enemy trying to beat you down, you're doing it to yourself!

I don't know what it will take to raise consciousness around self-demeaning labels - they are so deeply entrenched - but Lesbian activists seem to be headed in the right direction.

I'm a Gay person of color, and the only time I ever longed to be heterosexual or White is when I wondered how it would be to not have people assume I'm OK with racial and sexual slurs. To just be able to go forth in the world as a human being sans caveat! There are times when I feel like an airplane overhead rack: Everybody wants to throw their shit on me! And if "reclaimed" slurs don't meet the definition of shit, I really don't know what does.

[–]ImPiqued1111111[S] 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

Thanks for giving me the chance to unload.

You're very welcome.

You have an outstanding way with words, and I'm going to read your post multiple times. You have made such great points, I don't even know how to sufficiently respond. This is so astute:

But embracing an insult is like adding zero to a whole number: The sum total doesn't change.

I've also once read a comment that there is so much conflicting logic within the trans community that it doesn't compute, like trying to divide by zero.

Your acquaintance also frames this question in a way I had never considered, thank you for that.

Thanks so much for giving me a lot to think about!