Racial slurs and derogatory terms

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

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?

This is a beautiful point. It seems the author contradicted himself. I feel it’s the effects of the war. I feel the author used those words without considering it from this point of view. It’s a great observation

Maybe, yes. I can't possibly imagine the effects that war can have on the human psyche. Thank you for your kind words.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

I think the author used the word 'redneck' as a form of counter attack for the incidents of racism he experienced.

That makes sense too, and it's a possibility I hadn't considered, so thank you for bringing this point to the discussion. I, however, don't think violence, even if it's verbal violence, should be solved with violence. But, of course, it's "easy" to say when I'm not in the author's shoes.

[china_doll]

Using the term, "Redneck" doesn't seem so much like a racial slur. It can qualify as a derogatory word though, just as "White trash" can be derogatory.

[PrincessVenus554]

I understand where we are coming from, and it’s also unsettling to read and witness such terms where a massive group of people like us will find it interrogating. However, we should let it pass and appreciate the overall plotline. “Redneck” afterall is a term he used rather than a more offensive one.

[Macha Marumo Mphela]

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.

It certainly does make a difference, but I guess we learn everyday.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

Using the term, "Redneck" doesn't seem so much like a racial slur. It can qualify as a derogatory word though, just as "White trash" can be derogatory.

Yes, I understand. This is why I made the difference between a racial slur and a derogatory term, but it's an important thing to remember, thank you.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

I understand where we are coming from, and it’s also unsettling to read and witness such terms where a massive group of people like us will find it interrogating. However, we should let it pass and appreciate the overall plotline. “Redneck” afterall is a term he used rather than a more offensive one.

For sure, I can appreciate the meaningful message of this book, and in no way do I intend to diminish it. It was a part that was sorely missing from the Vietnam War narrative, but since this forum is meant to discuss the intricacies of Books of The Month, and that part stood out to me, that's why I brought it up for discussion.

[Alice Fu]

I believe that this could definitely have more to do with the concept of political correctness. However, I also believe this could be something created based off of the concept of ignorance. While the "n" word is commonly known to everyone as a slur, I believe the second word isn't as well known to commonly be one. I had no idea that that term was considered a slur until recently and I wouldn't be surprised if it was the same case with the author.

[Adrian Rondon Salazar]

I think the use of the word 'redneck' is due to the social climate at the time. This is because racial discrimination was commonplace as at then.

yes, 'redneck' does not have the same racist connotation as the N-word. Sure, if we're fair both should have been avoided.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

I believe that this could definitely have more to do with the concept of political correctness. However, I also believe this could be something created based off of the concept of ignorance. While the "n" word is commonly known to everyone as a slur, I believe the second word isn't as well known to commonly be one. I had no idea that that term was considered a slur until recently and I wouldn't be surprised if it was the same case with the author.

It would be a good point, but the context in which the word "redneck" appears makes it seem like the author is conscious of its meaning. For example: "They would not tolerate anyone disrespecting them. They thought nothing of beating down any redneck who disrespected them, and there are a lot of rednecks in the military, trust me on that one."

[Avalanche32]

It's not incongruent. It's due to the cultural climate during that era. Racism is a common prevalence during that time and the books showed exactly why.

[jeanmtdb]

I think the author is incongruent in his complaints concerning racial slurs. The social climate at the time was volatile. Many people used racially charged words because that's the way they were raised, some because they didn't know any better, and others to get a reaction. It's never right and none of the excuses are justified. When the author uses the term redneck, he is uttering a racial slur also. Few people see their own faults.

[Ashley Wood 221B]

Depends on the context if it is in a history book or one that is explaining the terms from a historic viewpoint then it should be okey, but on the other hand if this is down in the south then it causes some issues. Though we are going to come across this issue time and time again as the times change slurs and derogatory terms are going to change with them or old ones will make a come back.

[Jumana Fawmi]

Unfortunately racial slurs and derogatory terms are things we here in our day to day life despite the difference in time period. I think author used it to attribute the social climate of the time

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

I think the author is incongruent in his complaints concerning racial slurs. The social climate at the time was volatile. Many people used racially charged words because that's the way they were raised, some because they didn't know any better, and others to get a reaction. It's never right and none of the excuses are justified. When the author uses the term redneck, he is uttering a racial slur also. Few people see their own faults.

You make an excellent point. Whether it was out of ignorance or because of the social climate of the time, or maybe as someone else mentioned it was a sort of defense reaction to the racism he was experiencing, but it's always easier to pinpoint others' flaws than to realize our own. Thank you for your insightful comment!