The power of a word.
By fmuldowney
@fmuldowney (139)
Ireland
July 10, 2008 8:03am CST
I remember in the 70's in Ireland, many words were tabooed. In my experiences when ever you taboo a word, it tends to gather strength. When Gerry Adams, the political figure who came from the IRA, had such power when he was not allowed to speak, where as soon he was allowed to, slowly he became forgotten over time.
It brings me back memories of the US comedian 'Lenny Bruce' in the 60's who made jokes using the word 'n***er' (you see I cannot type it myself) deliberately, trying to defuse the power of the word. He then slagged of sleeze balls, paddies, w*ps, pakis etc., and the more he told jokes about the stereotypes in the world, eventually all sides were laughing as laughing at ourselves defused the power of the word.
Censorship is needed some times, however the right to speak is more important.
What is your own view about tabooed words?from Paddy Honkie Frank;-)
2 people like this
5 responses
@fmuldowney (139)
• Ireland
10 Jul 08
Thanks
I agree with both of ye ;-)
How it is used is the key.
Making black and white laws (pardon the pun) creates it's own problem. When anyone calls me a Paddy, I decide to accept it as a compliment, say thank you and smile, so if the person who was trying to wind me up, then that person has lost, and maybe wont have the urge to use it again.
1 person likes this
@fmuldowney (139)
• Ireland
10 Jul 08
Namaste my friend (you know me so well ;-)
Thank you for touching my soul.
This web page explains how I don't just say things like this, I live it. :-)
http://harvey.travellerspoint.com/74/
1 person likes this
@umart13 (841)
• Ireland
10 Jul 08
I am not so sure that allowing people to express words of hate,racism or nationalism is the right policy. There are millions of people who are susceptible to this kind of talk and it only leads to war and destruction. It seems a chea way to get people's votes and any easy way to distract people from the real problems, such as the deep recessionwe find ourselves in now... So words? Yes I am all for words, but words of hatred - replace them preferably words of peace; words of racism - please put in words of unity; nationalism - please use words of cultural pride.
1 person likes this
@fmuldowney (139)
• Ireland
10 Jul 08
I understand what you mean Mart, there is some purity in your words.
You know I lean on comedy in all aspects as it takes the heat out of disagreements even conflict. It was Gandhi who said "If I had no sense of humour I would have been committed" Listening to a genius of a man dressed like a nappy !!!
My filosophy (Irish spelling) on removing the hate in words is still based on humour.
Example
I tell you in your face, with a grimace, " ye owl baldy paddy git "!
And it may cause a reaction touching a nerve, but when i finish with
..."said from one baldy paddy git to another", the pain comes to laughter.
Namaste
1 person likes this
@urbandekay (18278)
•
10 Jul 08
I agree, didn't Lenny Bruce once say if we all called everyone n1gger then the word would loose its sting?all the best urban
1 person likes this
@fmuldowney (139)
• Ireland
10 Jul 08
I think you are right...
Maybe you should have written this one, not I :-)
Cheers My Friend
Frank
1 person likes this
@myshoo (138)
• China
10 Jul 08
Power can only have one word with the power between the two can not have both.Not that time and money? The two can only choose one.because you have the right side does not mean that you are OK,If I have a very good words,it may help others Write couplet Therefore.I prefer to term,I do not have power.What
we want,these two.
1 person likes this
@valeria1 (2721)
• United States
10 Jul 08
I agree with you we should be able to use any words as we want without any problems. But what I think is maybe the real truth is not being said about who creates this taboos or not because persists. I know many Afro Americans who do not care if you say the n word. So maybe someone else did create the taboo so looks like it came from them.
1 person likes this
