• @Ilandar@aussie.zone
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    18 months ago

    Really it’s all about intent and intonation.

    Not really, I think this is a widespread cultural misconception we have in Australia. Slurs don’t magically become less damaging or offensive because “it was just a joke bro” or “I didn’t mean it like that”. This extends to all areas like ableism, homophobia, etc. It’s never okay to just casually direct offensive words at people you don’t already have some kind of understanding with.

    • @legios@aussie.zone
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      18 months ago

      Sorry, I didn’t mean to imply you should just use it at random and it’s acceptable. As with even words like “queer” you should know whether they’re OK with using the term to refer to someone rather than just assume they’re OK with it.

      • @Ilandar@aussie.zone
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        28 months ago

        If you meant intent as in the context and setting in which the words are used (like towards a mate) then I definitely agree. I have just seen other people use that word today to mean “there’s nothing wrong with what she said because she didn’t mean it in a racist way” which I don’t agree with at all.

        • @legios@aussie.zone
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          28 months ago

          Completely agree. I will admit Australians are terrible at casual racism then when someone gets (rightly) riled up the response is “it was just a joke!” is super common too, which is just doubly insulting.