Hey Wario, I need some help explaining the term 'Language reclamation" to my brother, and why I'm allowed to say words like 'fag' [Not that that is an appropriate word to swing around 24/7] and he can't.
WAWAWAWAWAWAWA! The reclaiming of slurs and why some people can use them and most cannot is the kind of thing that can be difficult to explain to someone who is privileged, but Wario will help you as best Wario can, WAH.
The word “fag” and it’s derivatives, or just “the f word” from here forward, have a strong history of being used to insult, harass, dehumanize, disparage, and overall destroy the lives of LGBTQ people, much like lots of other such slurs.
When an LGBTQ person uses the f word or another queerphobic slur, it is reclaiming because we are using it on our terms. Queer people using these slurs should not be immune from all criticism on how they choose to use it, as you mentioned, and some feel these slurs should not be reclaimed at all, but Wario disgresses, that’s a different discussion.
The part about it being on our own terms is crucial. If these slurs are being used by someone who is incapable of truly experiencing oppression for their sexuality or gender identity, the word just reinforces existing structures of hatred and intolerance.
Here are some easily digestible bullet points you can give to your brother:
LGBTQ people can use the f word because it’s on our terms and it doesn’t carry the same hateful power when we say it.
The f word, when used by straight cis people, is often used to dehumanize LGBTQ people and it has a long history of such.
A member of a majority group can’t reclaim a word which has had a negative social impact on a minority group which they don’t belong to.
It doesn’t matter how he “intends” to use the word, the interpretation of everyone who listens to it is in this case more important than his own.
That’s Wario’s take on the topic. Wario probably missed lots and lots of good argumentative points you could use with your brother though, so Wario encourages anyone who might have any other suggestions to reblog this. Good luck talking to your brother, anon! WAHAHAHAHA!
