Blog #3, p. 28 in TT

Over time, meanings for the words like "queer" or "dyke" or I would even say hateful words like the "N" word change. There are several words that in the past were considered downright terrible to say, like the word "bitch." It was considered the most offending word a woman could be called. Now, it is still offensive, but it still gets thrown around loosely. As for why this happens-- sometimes culture's ideas about words or discourses change over time. Nowadays, it is seemingly appropriate for African Americans to call each other the "N" word because to them it is some sort of brotherhood friendship thing (i think, hah). To them, the meaning or interpretation has changed. It is a similar situation with the people who refer to themselves as "queer" -- The show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy keeps popping up in my head. It is like they have developed a pride in it. In these sorts of situations, words like those CAN be affirmations to celebrated. But, when someone crosses the line and uses those words in a different hateful context, that is when those words should be avoided. The answer DOES deeply depend on the reading of the situation to figure out the case. I always feel like I have to watch myself when I use such words for fear of it being interpreted wrongly, if I use them at all. But then again, it is the truth for me to watch what I say period because there's always at least one person will find a way to twist it and use it against me.