by Mark Mukasa

Created on: July 23, 2009   Last Updated: July 24, 2009

First of all I seldom use negative terminology as a form of endearment. However the vast majority of us at one point will use negative terms at times for humour or perhaps as a nickname for one another. For example many people have individuals in their families who at times use an offensive word jestingly. For example I might jokingly insult my little brother by calling him a 'retard'. Now I know he is not a retard, on the contrary he is a very bright person. This highlights that if the intent is benign, then the word looses its offensive and intensive nature. That is the nature of the English language. Our words can be used to have duel meanings. We can take a word like fag, but use it in a non negative manner depending on the context of it.

The word fag is applied liberally to people, regardless of their sexuality. Of course the subtle nature of the word could highlight our association of homosexuality as an abomination of sorts, however sometimes the nature of the character of the one saying the word must be taken into account. I used to use the word fag frequently. I would often refer to people who had done something stupid as a fag. Although I do not use the word frequently now, I never used the word to negatively affect someone per se. The thought of victimising someone based upon their sexuality has never appealed to me.

However the meaning duality of English words means that despite my stance against homophobia, I could use the word fag without any negative associations behind it. If the character of one using an insulting word is generally good and non-prejudiced then if said individual chooses to use the word in a non-negative context (I.e. not in a heated argument, or to mock another person spitefully) then the word can hardly be considered offensive.
In addition it also depends on whom it is being said to. If I were to call a homosexual person I didn't know a fag, then that would offensive. Because I am highlighting their lifestyle and turning it into a contentious or humorous issue. Also I do not know their thoughts and feelings surrounding the word. So that would be insensitive. It is the same as if a White person I did not know well were to call me a nigger. I do not know him, so therefore I can not ascertain his intentions behind the word. Even if it's in jest.

However if I were to use the word with someone who knows me well enough to know I do not mean any harm behind it, then it is acceptable. Bottom-line is, is that we must know the person

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