Recently, findings from an Associated Press-MTV poll show that young people (14-24) frequently use racial slurs and other discriminatory language when communicating online, and a majority think it is no big deal. For example, only 44 percent said they would be very or extremely offended if they saw someone using the “N” word online. It is not surprising that a greater percentage of African-American youth would be offended. Should we take comfort in the fact that young people are more apt to use slurs such as this online than face2face? Should we take comfort in the fact that many view these comments as light-hearted jokes, rather than as serious, hurtful slurs? And should we find comfort in surveys that show that young people are more apt to be tolerant, more accepting of gay parents, interracial marriage, and single moms (Pew research, 2010).
Many young people, as well as generation X, baby boomers, and the silent generation, shift into cultural cruise control when they are on Facebook, tweeting, or using some other form of social media. In other words, we assume that everyone in our social circle shares our culture, our perspectives, and our idea as to what is funny or cool and what is not. When we do this, we are mindless rather than mindful. In effect, we assume we are in our own private, like-minded world, so empathy is the last thing on our minds. After all, our “friends” understand where we are coming from.
Diversity exists on the web, only we have a hard time seeing it. Words can be powerful and hurtful, regardless of our intent. Unknown to us, messages are often shared with others outside of our social circle. The anonymous nature of online communication feeds cultural cruise control and helps us understand George Bernard Shaw’s famous quote; “the single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” How can the “always connected generation” learn that online or face2face, words such as “slut,” “retard,” and “fag” mean different things to different people? More importantly, they wound, and those wounds are often slow to heal.
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Why do the young generation talk to each other the slang or racial way?
As a contributor to this growing problem, I can only speak for myself. I am guilty of using words such as “slut” and “retard” when on a social media website, however for me, I use them because I do not mean them. In a way, I utilize verbal irony for a cheap laugh. I do realize that others may find it offensive, and to that respect I am careful of who I say certain things to. I also realize that there are others who say and mean these derogatory terms, and should not be taken lightly. Other than that, I think our generation is being desensitized because of the fact that these words are so often used, and therefore are becoming less of an issue. Good or bad, it remains to be seen. I, for one, am going to try and quit using these terms.
i agree. we become so use to saying these things that we don’t take a step back and see if there are individuals around that would be offended. we should try to uplift one another and use positive slang rather than negative, even if we don’t mean the actual term that we use in or conversations.
Thanks. I might add; I think we should try to avoid offensive speech regardless of whose around and who we think might be offended. At least that’s what I try to do.