re: Paula Deen

quote:

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How so? Words are inherently neutral - they simply are.

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I agree that words are inherently neutral and I agree that it's all about the context in which they are used... so I guess I should modify my original statement. But this goes back to my point that we treat single words as boogeymen, rather than confronting the more serious underlying issues. People are so scared of offending, that our culture has created this bullshite system that as long as you don't say certain words, you can't be accused of anything. While the N word might be inherently neutral, Paula Deen was wrong for using it as she did. However, she is being crucified so others can partake in a circlejerk of self-absolution. I can't tell you how many times I've seen uppity liberals give themselves a big "I'm not racist" pat-on-the-back by demonizing someone else for a verbal slip-up.