Racial slurs and derogatory terms

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

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.

You make a great point. I hadn't considered the "systematic" part. The word "redneck" seems to have more nuances and is not systematically associated with discrimination.
Thank you very much for your insight.

[Judy46]

Without the racial slurs, this book won't be as good as it is. I think the racial slurs had a purpose in this book

[Tendy567]

It felt quite contradictory that the author was complaining about derogatory terms and yet he used one himself. He should have completely refrained from them. It's undeniable that social climates have changed. Words that were so sensitive years ago may not be as sensitive today.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

It felt quite contradictory that the author was complaining about derogatory terms and yet he used one himself. He should have completely refrained from them. It's undeniable that social climates have changed. Words that were so sensitive years ago may not be as sensitive today.

I don't know if we have become more or less sensitive but the time, place, and cultural climate are, indeed, crucial to determine whether a word is considered offensive or not. I think, for example, about the words that describe a woman's attitude towards sex and relationships or in the words used to describe a person's sexual identity. It's different from place to place and according to the time.

[Chinaka94]

"Redneck" is not a derogatory term compared to some others used to describe other races but the author may have avoided it altogether.

[NBG]

The use of the word Redneck can be attributed to the way the social climate at the time of the story took place, eventhough the word have been used well before that era, especially in the 1800s.

[Walter R]

It did seem like the author lacked a bit of self-awareness in the use of a derogatory germ right after the complaint about racial slurs. It did constitute a bit of a contradiction while reading the book. However, it was nothing I couldn't handle.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

The use of the word Redneck can be attributed to the way the social climate at the time of the story took place, eventhough the word have been used well before that era, especially in the 1800s.

Thank you for the interesting fact! I didn't know exactly when was the word most used.

[Arianne Joy Melendres]

The term "redneck" is associated with a more social and cultural situation as opposed to being a racial one. That said, the word may be taken differently depending on the people who are using it. However, I do stand by that clarifications be made on the next versions of the book. Regardless of only a certain group of people being affected, they still are, and that should be taken into consideration; not only because the author is likely incapable of moderating where their readers come from, but also out of respect for the ones involved.

I understand that political correctness wasn't a thing until recently, though; this might be another thing to consider.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

The term "redneck" is associated with a more social and cultural situation as opposed to being a racial one. That said, the word may be taken differently depending on the people who are using it. However, I do stand by that clarifications be made on the next versions of the book. Regardless of only a certain group of people being affected, they still are, and that should be taken into consideration; not only because the author is likely incapable of moderating where their readers come from, but also out of respect for the ones involved.

I understand that political correctness wasn't a thing until recently, though; this might be another thing to consider.

I understand political correctness was not a thing in the 50s but the book was not written in the 50s. Even if it's a minor offense compared to other derogatory terms or slurs, I agree that the next edition should include a disclaimer or a brief explanation.

[Cwaganagwa Dorothy]

May be the author preferred the incongruency, to show that there is a difference between perception and truth, correct and right. At times when the thought or action is right, it does not mean that it is correct.

[Sara Scott]

I sort of enjoyed the irony. It shows that racism isn't always in your face and glaring. There are words with strong racial connotations and others that seem to slip by, seemingly innocuous. I like the way the author played with this message.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

I sort of enjoyed the irony. It shows that racism isn't always in your face and glaring. There are words with strong racial connotations and others that seem to slip by, seemingly innocuous. I like the way the author played with this message.

It is a fascinating way to look at this issue. You really made me think if, perhaps, it was the author's intention all along . Thank you for such an insightful comment!

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

May be the author preferred the incongruency, to show that there is a difference between perception and truth, correct and right. At times when the thought or action is right, it does not mean that it is correct.

I don't understand what you mean by the difference between correct and right. Could you please explain your idea further?

[Guillermo12]

I don't believe the terms the author used in the books are either derogatory or racial slurs. They are just misused words.