New question for the group. . . .

[Etoile]

I disagree with that justification.

If a term is considered derogatory, whether it's the term itself or the context in which it is used, I think it's unfair to make exceptions.

The word "nigger" for example. I object to its use by anyone and I don't make an exception if the person is black.

I can accept that you disagree with it. I know it's not a common viewpoint.

On a similar note, I have problems as a sign language interpreter with the signs for "gay" and for "lesbian." Some people consider the signs derogatory (they would prefer the words be spelled out) and other people are just fine with it. Then there are people who think it's okay for a deaf person to use those signs, but not for a hearing person (hearing people should spell it out even if the deaf person they were talking to signed it). And then there's still another viewpoint that if the signer (deaf or hearing) is gay themselves, it's okay to use those signs (this parallels the nigger being used by blacks issue) but if the signer is heterosexual then it's not appropriate. It's all quite confusing and it can make an interpreter's job tougher to know what a client will want to see used! (The sign for bi doesn't matter...it's just spelled out anyway by everybody!)

 

[John Doe]

I can accept that you disagree with it. I know it's not a common viewpoint.

On a similar note, I have problems as a sign language interpreter with the signs for "gay" and for "lesbian." Some people consider the signs derogatory (they would prefer the words be spelled out) and other people are just fine with it. Then there are people who think it's okay for a deaf person to use those signs, but not for a hearing person (hearing people should spell it out even if the deaf person they were talking to signed it). And then there's still another viewpoint that if the signer (deaf or hearing) is gay themselves, it's okay to use those signs (this parallels the nigger being used by blacks issue) but if the signer is heterosexual then it's not appropriate. It's all quite confusing and it can make an interpreter's job tougher to know what a client will want to see used! (The sign for bi doesn't matter...it's just spelled out anyway by everybody!)

That makes sense. It's shorter. (B-I) and you're done. It's unfortunate more issues aren't handled that way.