The eruption over language politics this week at Dkos has led me to reflect on my own use of words.
Some conclusions come easily: if a member of my community finds a word (or a particular use of it) objectionable, then I will only use it if I conclude that the outcome of my using the word is more important to me than the offence I will give by using it. Obama’s use of the n-word in June provides a good example of a powerful, offensive word, used to powerful, positive effect. When I choose to write a comment or a diary at a political website I implicitly recognize that words have political power, so surely I have some responsibility to use powerful words with intentionality.
So why did I not even notice, let alone take offence, at the use of the word “rape” as a metaphor for damaging the environment? After all, “rape” is one of our most powerful words by virtue of the act it denotes.
Some thoughts on this below….