I understand the point but where I disagree is that I heard Dr Laura using it in a derogatory sense in that she had labeled the caller as hypersensitive to something that obviously offended her and then continued to use the word over and over in her face.
I think where we disagree is in the context of the word being used in this particular interaction. It could be debated that she was just trying to prove a point, but the fact is that the caller specifically said it made her upset (that was the reason she was calling) and so to continue using the racial slur was offensive.
Many people find the word offensive no matter who is saying it, and I think it's of the utmost importance to respect the individual than to try to prove a point. In fact, by offending your listener, your point is also often more likely to be lost so I really don't see how her use of the word could be justified. She could discuss that all she wants w/out using a word that is highly offensive to the person she is speaking to. It's about respect and I felt her approach was disrespectful, insensitive, and not to be applauded.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2010-08-18 06:12 am (UTC)I think where we disagree is in the context of the word being used in this particular interaction. It could be debated that she was just trying to prove a point, but the fact is that the caller specifically said it made her upset (that was the reason she was calling) and so to continue using the racial slur was offensive.
Many people find the word offensive no matter who is saying it, and I think it's of the utmost importance to respect the individual than to try to prove a point. In fact, by offending your listener, your point is also often more likely to be lost so I really don't see how her use of the word could be justified. She could discuss that all she wants w/out using a word that is highly offensive to the person she is speaking to. It's about respect and I felt her approach was disrespectful, insensitive, and not to be applauded.