Using "autistic" as a derogatory term; please don't

[vivster]

Pemalite said:

vivster said:

It's homophobic seal all over again.

Language is volatile and meanings change. Which is why no one thinks about homosexuals when they call something lame "gay".

It all really depends on the context you leverage such words in... As often certain derogatory homophobic-insults are leveraged as greetings in the LGBT community... (I know this, because I am part of said community.)
But if you have someone with a little more malice in their intentions, such wording can be extremely derogatory and in some instances, harmful rather than a friendly greeting.

vivster said:

Do poor, stupid or fat people get upset when you call other people by those descriptors? What if I called you a woman? Will women get upset? They probably would but that's not the point.

Again... Context is key. There is a time and place for everything.

So what you're saying is that contrary to the mod note the use of said meme was perfectly fine. Because the context was completely arbitrary and there was no intent or malice towards autistic people.

I guess the big question here is if someone has the right to demand action for being offended at something that neither was directed towards them nor was intended to be offensive.

The loudest voices in the current society seem to think the answer is a resounding yes, though it's questionable if they reflect the opinion of the majority. My personal opinion on this is that actual intent should have a lot more weight in these situations than it currently has.

Last edited by vivster - on 25 June 2018