Board Thread:General Wiki Discussion/@comment-24881871-20141004223618/@comment-24841732-20141005061627

ImGonnaBeThatGuy wrote: Ecuinach wrote: I do not wish for an argument. I see you seem to be rather upset, and I apologize. I hold my ground, however.

I support trying to change the hateful word's meaning. Around a few of my black friends we use it almost playfully. I realize it is still widely used as a word of hate, and I can't do anything about that in this present moment, although I wish too and try to do so when it's acceptable. The word has a dark history (If you'll pardon the rather inappropriate pun), but that doesn't mean the meaning can't change over time.

Another thing you need to realize is there is an "appropriate" context for it. Would you also call your boss an idiot, or a fuckhead? Is that more appropriate in the workplace? Chat is a place to relax, and along with it comes slang and "immaturity". Things are appropriate there that would be completely unacceptable in a formal setting. I'm sure in the real world you often do things at home or with friends that would not be acceptable at work.

You also fail to read what I said near the end. I specifically said leniency, but NOT freedom. Complete freedom results in Trollpasta. Leniency leads to users growing and learning when something is appropriate and when it is not.

Do me a favor. Clear your head. Calm down. Like I said, I don't want a pointless heated argument. I'm calm. Like I said, none of this offends me, except for the sense of entitlement that constantly comes from chat.

You've failed to provide any actual argument against what I said. It's an "informal" setting? Most informal setting don't have moderators or elections or voting on rules. You use the word with your friends? I knew that was coming. What about people who aren't you friends? Are you friends with everyone in chat? Do you know every one in chat? Tell me the appropriate context for "nigger".

Anyone can come into chat. So, if you aren't willing to say "nigger" in front of any random stranger in the real world, why should you get the right to on the internet? Moderators or not; the chat is a relaxed informal place simply due to the fact people come only to well, relax, as well as chat with their friends. Forums, on the other hand, are generally much more formal. Often they are used to discuss important matters, and it is more serious. Chat in this case would be like hanging out with your friends. Forums would be like being at work or being in a debate of some kind.

It's okay in the context of friendship because they understand that it's not malicious. In a similar fashion, my friends often jokely refer to each other as "bitches", etc. It is completely acceptable to refer to refers to friends in chat other derogetory terms such as "slut", or "fucker" to name a few, and completely outlawed to call another user a "fag" or a "nigger". I fail to see why, honestly.

I do not deny this kind of hate happens, because it does. Frighteningly often. This words have a bloody history, and that can't be ignored.

As for using the words on the internet, the answer is simple. The consequences aren't nearly as severe as offending someone in real life. It's a rather cheap answer, one I presume you are expecting, but it's honest. To be fair, I rarely if ever use the words. For the most part, I argue on behalf of others. I strongly oppose of using these words to spread hate and violence, but they are words and, in my opinion, should not be restricted.