Racial slurs and derogatory terms

[Berry_]

I think it is valid for the author to use the term redneck because it was a common thing in the past.

[Ify-babe]

I believe the term is derogatory. Even though it might not be compared to the harsh conditions the people called n*gga faced, it is still derogatory, and considering the fact that the author complained about the same thing, he shouldn't have called others something similar.

[Tarie07]

I believe history is always going to define how some people see things at some point. There is no history of the word 'redneck' being used to segregate but because of the history of oppression of people of color, some will always be sensitive to certain words. The 'n' word was pure discrimination but nowadays people say it freely with no bad intentions. Social climates are definitely changing.

[Menace Crypto]

I think it is incongruent. This is because the term redneck can be compared with using the N word, while some find it derogatory, others don't. So, I feel like if you feel the N word derogatory you shouldn't be using the term redneck either.

[Goodness C N]

It's definitely due to the social climate at that time. I mean how do you paint a picture if you don't follow what's attainable at that time? It just suits the context.

[Simona Dimitrova]

Maybe he used the phrase as an example to legitimize the other racist occurrences he had withnessed. Sadly, racist insults and insulting phrases take a commonplace in our daily lives. Billy Springer just managed to show the lasting consequences they have on our lives.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

It's definitely due to the social climate at that time. I mean how do you paint a picture if you don't follow what's attainable at that time? It just suits the context.

Yes, you make a good point. I understand that some things that we find bothersome in this day and age were normal back then, but since this is a book focused on the consequences of racism, and it was published lately and not in the 50s, I think a disclaimer or footnote would be a nice way to show that the author understands that all derogatory terms are hurtful.

[Mmaduabuchi Eze]

Well, I think context should play a role here. The author's use of the word "redneck" should be judged based on the context it was used; textually and historically.

[Ruth Frances A]

The racial slurs have been voiced for a long time now. It is going to be difficult to erase that vocabulary. Some people use it as a form of escapism. A very difficult subject to broach.

[Ayomikun Babalola]

I honestly believe the author made the choice to use that term due to the social climate at the time.

[STabassum]

The words choice was just an example to explain the gravity of the situation. It is indeed a topic of contention that racial slurs are rampantly used even today. The derogatory terminologies are harmful for the social structure of the world today and the author tries to gain the readers’ attention towards this grave issue.

[Alexander C Schmoock]

Being that racial abuse was almost a norm at the time, the use of words like 'redneck' was due to the prevalent social conditions.

[owobanji]

The author complains, and rightfully so, about the use of racial slurs ("Some were even taunted by hearing the N word openly..." )
However, he uses the derogatory term "redneck," (i.e. "They thought nothing of beating down any redneck who disrespected them.")
Do you think this is incongruent? Or could it be attributed to the social climate of the time, in which political correctness was not a priority?

I do not think the author actually meant that in the way most racist would do the same; however, I do think words are often offensive to the people listening not the one speaking such words, so, I still think the author should have chosen a different word. If you ask me though, it is not too big of a deal, but then, I do not come from the demographic which the author is referring to.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

The racial slurs have been voiced for a long time now. It is going to be difficult to erase that vocabulary. Some people use it as a form of escapism. A very difficult subject to broach.

What do you mean by escapism?

[Ruth Frances A]

“Escapism”usually refers to a desire not to dwell on a difficult subject or situation. Hide from the reality of a situation and pretend that nothing is going on. It is a tactic to avoid responding and/or responsibility. My opinion, not fact.