#9 Language Police

First, I will say that no one should be targeted for any kind verbal assault. Disagreements should be able to be settled civilly, either by convincing someone of your point or parting ways amicably. Attacking another in anyway should not happen.

With that in mind, making things illegal or off limits is a weak way to approach the problems we see today in language. If someone says a racist, sexist, or other hateful things, omitting the word or phrase can take away from the impact of the insult. That is not to help the person making the insults, but to help everyone else know what kind of person they are.

There is an old phrase that says, "It is better to stay silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and prove them right." The same can be said about bigots. If someone is found to be a bigot, then everyone should know, so you know how to deal with them.

Of course that only applies to quotes. If you are writing a news story and are referencing uncomfortable things, make all the restrictions you want. Always use exact language in a quote, even if it is disturbing.

Clearly this is an example of offensive language. To edit that you would just need to change "bonfaggot" to what he is referencing, a radio show called The Bonfire. Adding in homophobic speech there is unnecessary and ridiculously offensive. Also this is comedic because of the ironic nature. "My feelings were hurt, so I'll hurt their feelings for having hurt feelings."