Do insults and slurs provide a benefit to society?

[Doomsought]

Insults and slurs make up a significant part of human language, yet are commonly considered to be worthless or exclusively harmful.

However nothing happens without a reason, and there must be some purpose behind harsh language.


I'll start out: Insults and slurs provide a benefit to society by providing a level of punishment bellow that requiring force. Their hurtfulness allows us to shame and chastise people without resorting to more extreme means, thus allowing us to create punishments that are appropriate for extremely minor or petty offenses. The shame part is more important than the hurt, as shame is one of the methods societies use to enforce morality. For example we might call people "Bitche" because whining about things is useless and annoying- minor and petty offenses.

 

[PsychicWarrior]

I'd say there is a difference between insults (targeting a specific person) and slurs (targeting a group of people). Insults are generally fine, since they're generally aimed at a specific person for a specific reasons. A slur, aimed at someone based on their race, religion, or some other category, is generally not acceptable. Ie, Calling someone a piece of shit is fine, calling them an n-word is not.

 

[Doomsought]

I'd say there is a difference between insults (targeting a specific person) and slurs (targeting a group of people)

I would consider terms like "Whore" and "Slut" to be slurs rather than insults, at least when being used truthfully. Would you agree with this or not?

There are also some slurs that have multiple means, some of which aren't inherently bigoted. "Nigger" can also mean complainer, and was used with this definition when Sargon of Akkad called some White Nationalists "White Niggers".

 

[S'task]

There are also some slurs that have multiple means, some of which aren't inherently bigoted. "Nigger" can also mean complainer, and was used with this definition when Sargon of Akkad called some White Nationalists "White Niggers".

No... it really can't.

There's no dictionary that defines "nigger" as "complainer".

Don't even pretend that there's some non-offensive or non-racist way for that word to be generally used. The word's history and common usage are so tied up with racism and being an ethnic slur that to pretend anything else is offensive not just to blacks, but also to any English speakers and anyone with good sense.

 

[Marduk]

Insults and slurs make up a significant part of human language, yet are commonly considered to be worthless or exclusively harmful.

However nothing happens without a reason, and there must be some purpose behind harsh language.

Language serves the purpose of communication - words are created to convey certain feelings, concepts, ideas, information. Of course just because a word for something doesn't exist, doesn't mean that it's invisible, unthinkable, or otherwise less real - just that a word for it may get created.

The same applies to slurs and insults. The sentiments and feelings they are used to express exist independently. In fact new slurs and insults are being created to express new common sentiments and feelings, particularly on the internet. Soyboys, cuckservatives, dindus and incels? You would not hear these words 20 or 40 years ago.
Sometimes relatively (say,shorthand, flippant, disrespectful terms for various ethnic groups, like "Paki") or completely innocuous terms become insults just because of the nature of who or what they refer to, the context of it, or the common target of it.
For example, everyone knows the reputation Gypsies have...
Fun fact, in polish language, if you want to call someone a liar, it's common to just call that someone a Gypsy, and it's not even a new thing, it's a common figure of speech.
It can even be used as a verb in the same way, and also referring to actions on the borderline of begging and conmanship.
Or in more internet culture variant, we all known the connotations of the term "male feminist".
The meaning of such terms can even lead into truly ridiculous discussions, like the offensivness of the term "homosexual". Yes, really, it's a thing now apparently, i've rolled my eyes at it too.
It's interesting to note in this case that offensivness of such a term or lack of it is more decided by social/cultural/political context of how it is seen in the "current year" in given company rather than intent in use or how exactly accurate is the stereotype, opinion or reputation behind such a term.

In summary, negative opinions, intentions and stereotypes exist, whether someone likes it or not, it's human nature. Words exist to express these, and if they didn't they would be created, more of them are being made all the time.
So in my opinion it just comes down to the question of what is the proper time, place, company and context to use these usually crude and shorthand expressions for negative sentiments that in many context need to be handled with more finesse than that, even in cases where they are 100% justified and need to be expressed, particularly in such cases.

 

[Husky_Khan]

I usually don't find much benefit in the targeted harassment of people with slurs or insults (ie 'fighting words'), certainly not without some sort of provocation. I do think it's silly that people use the term 'N-Word' though. Like... you say 'N-Word' and you automatically put the term "nigger" in the listeners head. But this somehow... obviates the "power" of the word. Like when you hear the term used by some talking head on the 'News' or just in general discourse now.

Don't get me wrong, civil discourse is fine. Don't just drop every slur at the breakroom but it seems so silly and arbitrary to avoid using certain words and terms just because random people might get triggered. If people are inadvertently offended by a comment you made, the proper thing to do is apologize and refrain from using it in their presence... avoid those kind of jokes or whatever. Like a normal decent person.

But it's some sort of weird linguistic iconoclasm that certain words are just perpetually forbidden to use... just too hard and scary and powerful for some reason. No one is harmed when Louis CK or Chris Rock or lameass iDubbz uses the term 'nigger' in one of their jokes anymore now then back when it was popularized. Now the obvious thing is that there is a social undercurrent that has given these scary words even more power which should be addressed.

I normally refrain from using most any slurs, insults, or even 'curse' words or swear words in general in my normal speech but tend to use them for effect for humorous purposes just because of how unexpected it is for me to say something poopee. Typically I see the use of such words in common speech to be pretty crude... but far from something that needs to be excised from language except in arbitrary exclusionary manners like the "N-Word" is in general at the moment.

Being able to say the term 'nigger' (in the rare circumstances where it might be appropriate to do so) I feel would help take away a lot of the 'power' that a lot of sensitive society has placed into the word and we can avoid silly things like rappers splitting between being outraged or embracing the idea of non-Black people saying or censoring their lyrics on stage and stupid talking air heads on the television saying the "N-word" instead of "nigger" because somehow thinking "nigger" is better then saying "nigger."

 

[Doomsought]

No... it really can't.

There's no dictionary that defines "nigger" as "complainer".

As defined by boondocks, it describes white supremacists quite well.

 

[S'task]

As defined by boondocks, it describes white supremacists quite well.

The Boondocks is not exactly a source on common English usage or an authority on the usage of the English language. I would also note that what that clip amounts to is an explanation of how the term is used within a VERY specific subculture and specific English dialect. Outside of that culture and dialect it has a completely different meaning and context. Using the word in that manner by someone not from that subculture to someone who doesn't speak that dialect will not be taken with that definition of the word, rather, it will be interpreted with the common English definition, which is the dominate one to the extent that that specific dialect's definition of the word doesn't appear in any common English dictionary.

 

[ShieldWife]

I don’t think that insults or slurs generally provide any benefits. There may be exceptional cases, but I imagine that they are rare.

However, making factual statements that are insulting is a highly valuable practice that is often necessary. If I were to say “Rob is really selfish” and if my statement was accurate, it would potentially provide great benefit to people who are warned about Rob and may even benefit Rob himself by encouraging him to improve his attitude and/or behavior - especially with regards to abusing his supernatural powers to put people into bizarre scenarios.

 

[Nitramy]

One aspect I feel needs to be discussed is the fact that "words only have as much power as the listener accords them".

Which is why I am totally opposed to political correctness, because one, insults and slurs have a grain of truth to them (otherwise they would be completely false, useless, and would have fallen into disuse) and two, why are we giving words more power than they deserve? We're opening the way to language and thought policing if we let nagging schoolmarm Marxist-feminists dictate our terms of communication.

 

[Cherico]

I literally do not get this.

I grew up in the freaking barrio, I had to worry about getting mugged on the way to school, I went to millatary school and had to worry about being shanked to death in the shower. I grew up knowing people who got sent to the morge, I used to causually talk about the weather with the drug dealer who sold his stuff in front of my appartment complex.

I remember being so hungry during college that I ate the koi fish in the school pond.

And people are worried about insults? I have so much bigger problems in my life that it simply does not compute.

 

[Comrade Clod]

Insults to an extent. Slurs, no.

 

[Deleted member 1]

In certain environments, insults and slurs are casual and are expected, even encouraged, by the recipient, as a means of camaraderie. These are usually high-stress environments like the military or heavy industrial operations, such as crews that upgrade refinery cracking towers and are operating on second-level schedules in demanding, dangerous environments to avoid downtime. In these contexts, such language is normal and in fact reinforces a bond between everyone. This is the realm of, as Kipling put it, "the barrack-room ballad". This is not high society, and it should not be repeated outside of that context, or taken as a normal behaviour or something to emulate for the rest of society. In traditional, pre-eclipse society, this kind of working-class language was dealt with through code-switching. Being an engineer in this kind of environment, I encounter it quite a lot. Because I am respectful, laid back, and have a sense of humour, the gents know that I am "okay" with it, and so are relaxed around me. It helps me manage them. They know that I am not going to report anyone for a casual joke, and that their rather odd boss is okay because I permit the humour. To a certain extent, I am doing the exact same thing on this board with you all.

But I would never permit it in the parlour of my house.

Why?

The answer from my perspective is that we are all ensoulled creations of the Almighty. Whether or not you agree with Guenonian Traditionalism or Filianism or with some other faith, you are a creation of She. You may not know her as such, but that's immaterial. God made you. You are a child of Love, Divine Love. This radiance of this love is something which should shine through you. It makes you a better person.

That is the selfish reason to avoid insults and swearing that I would encourage you to consider. It makes you a better person, and it makes the society you live in better. It makes you more positive--thinking positively about other people causes your own mood to improve. Being kind to others, even if at first you don't feel it, is an uplifting experience. It reduces depression, because it racinates you in community. Humans are social beings, and the act of being polite to others in your community actually helps you put down roots which ground you, and mitigate isolation, which is the true driver of modern depression.

And it sets you out as an example, too. It tells others that you are a serious person, of serious things. The chattering class on the internet may mock you, but nobody will doubt you are of respectable means in person if you dress right and speak right: With modest and respectable bearing in both. It lets any opinion from you, liberal or right-wing, be conveyed with greater authority, because it shows forethought and deliberation that you put effort into looking good and speaking well despite the tendencies of modern culture to chase the lowest common denominator.

This can be really hard in the modern world. You will fall short of the ideal, and so do I. It's so easy, when we're bombarded by swear words all around us, to fall into them. That's why it's especially important to avoid them--we are all influenced by the culture around us, and swearing actively draws others down. Dignity is a powerful antidote to self doubt, and a powerful aide to pride and confidence. Try to bear it, and see what I mean.

 

[GoldRanger]

I believe insults, when not thrown into someone's face, allow a person to vent anger without resorting to violence. Without them feelings of frustration could quickly escalate into a full blown fight, and society becomes much more volatile as a result.

 

[Quickdraw101]

No... it really can't.

There's no dictionary that defines "nigger" as "complainer".

Don't even pretend that there's some non-offensive or non-racist way for that word to be generally used. The word's history and common usage are so tied up with racism and being an ethnic slur that to pretend anything else is offensive not just to blacks, but also to any English speakers and anyone with good sense.

It should also be noted that the term "White Nigger" was used as a slur against Irish Americans in the early 1900's. Many who used that particular slur often saw them as below blacks on the social totem pole because blacks could "keep their house clean." This was slang at the time for interracial marriages, which were popular with the Irish.

 

[GoldRanger]

It should also be noted that the term "White Nigger" was used as a slur against Irish Americans in the early 1900's. Many who used that particular slur often saw them as below blacks on the social totem pole because blacks could "keep their house clean." This was slang at the time for interracial marriages, which were popular with the Irish.

Sand Nigger is also used against middle easterners.

 

[Deleted member 1]

I believe insults, when not thrown into someone's face, allow a person to vent anger without resorting to violence. Without them feelings of frustration could quickly escalate into a full blown fight, and society becomes much more volatile as a result.

But on the contrary, insults were normally taken as incitements to violence, and frequently caused it. "Fighting words" exemptions were real things, and until the degeneration of honour in the Pit and modern society generally, an insult was more of a throwing down of the gauntlet to start a real fight. "venting" was no good concept, because either it was worth fighting about, or it was a matter for Charity if one was offended. Nobody thinks someone who makes insults behind the back of another person is a good person. That remains a matter of deep contempt even in the Pit.

 

[GoldRanger]

But on the contrary, insults were normally taken as incitements to violence, and frequently caused it. "Fighting words" exemptions were real things, and until the degeneration of honour in the Pit and modern society generally, an insult was more of a throwing down of the gauntlet to start a real fight. "venting" was no good concept, because either it was worth fighting about, or it was a matter for Charity if one was offended. Nobody thinks someone who makes insults behind the back of another person is a good person. That remains a matter of deep contempt even in the Pit.

I mean when not hurled in someone's face. When someone is cursing either in a generic way not aimed at anyone, or in private.

 

[Deleted member 1]

I mean when not hurled in someone's face. When someone is cursing either in a generic way not aimed at anyone, or in private.

I don't really see how cursing someone when you're not facing them contributes to anything positive in society, respectfully. That just erodes social trust.

 

[GooseActual]

To me, slurs used seriously are the grown up version of yo mama jokes. If you get mad because some said a mean word(tm), that’s your problem. And I know some words are taboo and I dont condone usage of it, but if usage of a word sends you into a rage or destroys your self image or something, there’s other problems to be looked at.

At least insults you have to be clever with for them to hurt but even then that’s a personal problem if mere words can so effortlessly destroy you.

Granted, Marines have some of the foulest conversations on earth so maybe I’m just desensitized to insults. Insults and slurs out of love for your friends is a wonderful thing