Racial slurs and derogatory terms

[Bradley Shelvie]

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 think it was necessary for the author to use them so as to draw how things were then. That doesn't make it less annoying though.

[Bradley Shelvie]

Prejudice and what people consider racial slurs are a tough subject to navigate. On one hand, "redneck" may be considered derogatory, but on the other, it may not because there's no history of the word being violently used against a group of people. For instance, a white man calling a black man "boy" can be seen as micro-aggressive whilst a black man saying it to a white man may be seen as nothing more than what it is. The former reaction has history backing it up.

We live in a society of double standards, sadly. Why would "boy" be okay to the blacks but offensive to the whites It's complicated, however, to know whether it is because the black is just okay with it or simply suffering from inferiority complex and thus, just accepts it. I however agree it is a very complicated subject to handle even in real life, and this book is no less an exception.

[Sam Oghae]

The term "redneck" is not a racial slur nor is it an explicit derogatory term. I honestly do not know of the social climate during that time so I can't say for sure

[Rhea_K]

I would believe that racial slurs differs for each perspective. I have often heard of people calling themselves "rednecks" and until now I didn't even know that it could be considered as racial slur! Perhaps most people like myself need to be enlightened on this topic.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

“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.

I understand that. What I don't get is how using a derogatory term could work as a form to avoid responsibility. Do you mean social responsibility? A way to avoid acknowledging how much suffering some groups face? Or perhaps a way to put some distance with the people we consider different from us?

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

A brief explanation of the use of "redneck" as a derogatory term can be found here:
https://www.facinghistory.org/mockingbi ... stereotype

@Sam Oghae
@Rhea K

[Ruth Frances A]

Well, it is generally not a good thing to hide from or dodge reality. It goes both ways, I use a derogatory word to put someone off. Another uses it so they are not approachable. Generally keep away and not be held accountable. Of course it does not always work out. Some people are stubborn, others just don’t care.

[José Cortez]

It is always tough to balance and subjective depending on who is listening or in this case reading. When I read the redneck sentence, I had moved on because I believed it is more of a local thing than it was racial. It may also be associated to their climate. But like I said it depends on who is listening and if someone says redneck is offensive then they may have the right to say that.

[Kuchi Mercy]

I am of the opinion that the use of these terms could be attributed to the social climate of the time, in which political correctness was not a priority.

[IgnatiusChima]

The thing about this kind of words being used is that some reader may find it offensive while some may not. I however, don't think the use of the word 'red-neck' by the author is not derogatory considering the social climate he is trying to depict.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

I am of the opinion that the use of these terms could be attributed to the social climate of the time, in which political correctness was not a priority.

True. This is why I think all books should be read and considered according not only to the time but also to the culture in which they were produced. However, in the particular case of this book, it strikes me as odd because just a few pages before, the author was talking about racial slurs and derogatory terms, so we know he's aware this is a problem.

[Sarah Sonbol]

I don't think the author meant to use it in a derogatory manner, but maybe it would've been better to avoid it.

[Sabu21]

there's no history of the word being violently used against a group of people. For instance, a white man calling a black man "boy" can be seen as micro-aggressive whilst a black man saying it to a white man may be seen as nothing more than what it is. The former reaction has history backing it up.

Very well stated. Historical and socio-political context definitely make a difference.

[dcruzsammy]

I wouldn't say it's due to political correctness, cause it's more relevant now as opposed to that era. Also can't completely tell if it's just because of the social climate at that time, because I'm not too sure if it's as much derogatory as the other mentioned slurs.

[Kathleen Wilcock]

I feel like comparing the word redneck to other racial slurs isn't quite the same, at least in today's society. I know many people who proudly identify as a redneck and do not see anything wrong with the term. I think what he was complaining about is definitely a more wide-spread feeling and understanding that it's not okay to use those derogatory terms, while terms like redneck aren't really seen in the same light, even by the very people being called it. Perhaps it is different in other places, but that's my experience from my own surroundings.