This is not something I see here on lemmygrad. In fact, lemmygrad does an excellent job of this and challenges ableist language I sometimes use.

However, this is the only place I know that is willing to stay tough on problematic language and terminology.

As I’m sure you know, the 90’s and 00’s was a time when the “F” slur was common. You heard or said “thats gay” 95 times a minute. The “R” slur was about as common.

Then, somewhat suddenly, this language began to die down. Over the years it became more and more rare to hear. I think this is because people wanted to be more respectful, or, at least that’s why I also decided to be more intentional about these matters.

But this is changing. The last few years I’ve seen people double down on the R slur. I am somewhat unsurprised, afterall, the R word was not rejected as aggressively as the F slur or the “thats gay” comment. I am convinced most people around me are closeted eugenicists emboldened by the extreme ableism baked into their emerging fascist identities.

But now I am seeing people defend how they use gay as an insult as well. I find this to be terrifying. I don’t understand how any conscientious person could shamelessly use such language.

For those of you that have decided its ok to use such language. Thank you. I am working overtime trying to find out who exactly will be comfortable killing disabled people and queer people. You make my life easier. I will trust my gut about you in these times and treat you as the enemy you are.

  • CountryBreakfast@lemmygrad.mlOP
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    6 days ago

    I only “reclaim” it by using to make ableism more obvious. “Just call me a r-word” Or to express that someone I trust has betrayed me in particular ways that exasperate the effects of disability. “That makes me feel r-word”.

    There can only be discomfort and severity when it is used in my opinion. It’s meant to be shocking because I am referring to the specific ableist violences that can only be understood if you believe the word is a slur.

    This being said, I do not endorse the word at all. It’s the nuclear option for getting people around me to know I’m being deadly serious about very real dangers I am being subjected to. I would never actually defend it’s use even if I was pushed to use it for reasons stated above.