Racial slurs and derogatory terms

[Rosemary Owolabi]

I feel social media especially the popular ones made people to be cautious of what to say and what not to say to the point of pushing what not to say too far. Freedom of speech is not so free like it was back then.

[Ailakhu Yusau Aizhebiomon]

The issue of racism is a global menace that is experienced in every facet of our lives. Even though there is no historical evidence of "Redneck" being a racial abuse, I think we will be more responsible when we avoid any comment that's perceived as being offensive or derogatory to any race or tribe.

[AbdiHafidh]

I do believe that connotations attached to any word depends on the social climate. Redneck is not necessarily a racial slur.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

I do believe that connotations attached to any word depends on the social climate. Redneck is not necessarily a racial slur.

It's not. But if one reads the word in the context of the book, and considering, as other OBC member mentioned, the amount of times it is repeated, I do think it's a derogatory term.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

The issue of racism is a global menace that is experienced in every facet of our lives. Even though there is no historical evidence of "Redneck" being a racial abuse, I think we will be more responsible when we avoid any comment that's perceived as being offensive or derogatory to any race or tribe.

I don't think it's abuse, but I think it's hurtful. The difference lies probably in a matter of the degree of violence implied. And I agree with you, in some cases its better safe than sorry. Thank you for your insight.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

I feel social media especially the popular ones made people to be cautious of what to say and what not to say to the point of pushing what not to say too far. Freedom of speech is not so free like it was back then.

I don't think this has to do with social media at all. I understand what you mean, and political correctness can seem limiting at times, and people can indeed fall into an oversensitivity where they evaluate just the term used and not the context or the intentions. But that doesn't mean that some terms are not hurtful or that we shouldn't exercise our freedom of speech with responsibility and empathy. I think as Jean-Paul Sartre said, that "one person's freedom ends where another's begins." It's not the case for "redneck" but it is the case for the N-word, where literally freedom was at stake.

[Noblefausty101]

The racial slurs were relevant in this book. This is because it conveys the author's message effectively.

[Helen Akoth]

I think the N-word usually carry more weight considering its history, but I would not dismiss the use of the word 'redneck' as minor either. On the other hand, I think authors also do not always have a choice if they are to paint a credible picture of how things were back then. If the words are used in a historical context, I think their use is permissible, even if not appropriate per se.

[Jordan Abio]

I think the author's use of the derogatory term "redneck" could be attributed to the social climate of the time. Nonetheless, it is very challenging to distinguish terms that are racial slurs from terms that aren't. The characterization of racial slurs depends on a number of factors such as culture, background, politics, era, relationships, history, and the social climate.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

I think the author's use of the derogatory term "redneck" could be attributed to the social climate of the time. Nonetheless, it is very challenging to distinguish terms that are racial slurs from terms that aren't. The characterization of racial slurs depends on a number of factors such as culture, background, politics, era, relationships, history, and the social climate.

Yes, of course, you are right. In my opinion, when we analyze a book, we should always take the social and cultural factors into consideration. And I'm not even saying that "redneck" is a racial slur, which I'm not sure it is. But it is, since the Civil War, a derogatory term. We should also consider the linguistic context of the word, and the sentences in which the author uses it, as well as the number of times he does, make me think he's aware it's an offensive word.

[sayoniwrites]

What people consider a racial slur is highly subjective. It depends on the context and intention behind using the specific term. I would have preferred if the author hadn't used any slur at all. But the author might have decided to use red neck since it depicts a social background more than somebody's race.

[Ceeco2002]

I believe the history these words carry is what differentiates them. In the past, the "n" word has been used in incredibly derogatory and demeaning situations towards people of color, especially during times of segregation. The word "redneck" does not carry a history of segregation or slavery, and in some parts of the United States (like my own) it is often used affectionately. I believe the social climate of the author's time, as well as the modern social climate both, contribute to the discrepancy in derogatory terms.

I completely agree with you! The use of the word "redneck" has nothing to do with slavery or racism in this present times so I believe that it was thought as a derogatory term then due to the social climate of the author's time.

[Stephanie Kanu]

I think racism and racial slurs are very delicate subjects in society today. We get confused about where to draw the line or if there should be a line in the first place. In my viewpoint, I don't reckon the word Redneck meant any harm. But again, it is only my opinion.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

I think racism and racial slurs are very delicate subjects in society today. We get confused about where to draw the line or if there should be a line in the first place. In my viewpoint, I don't reckon the word Redneck meant any harm. But again, it is only my opinion.

You're right. It's become a very controversial subject and the line between political correctness and freedom of speech is a blurry one. But I believe in empathy, respect, and congruence. And I think in the context the author is using it, it's used as a derogatory term. I can't understand how, if one has experiences the harm of slurs or derogatory terms, one would decide to use them.

[Mwatu]

I don't think the author is incongruent as the term redneck, as mentioned by a few others, doesn't come with any systematic discrimination which the N word does.