LETTER:Using “gay” as slang adds to problems, irresponsible

Isaac Gitchel

Michelle Kann’s Tuesday column on the widespread pejorative use of words like “gay” and “Jew” was right on the money. I am frequently exasperated at how difficult it is to convince others of the caustic environment these words create.

Having at one time been an unwitting perpetrator myself, I know that these words aren’t meant to harm anybody.

In fact, the most frequent rationale I’ve encountered is that these words are only “figures of speech that everybody uses,” that they are used in joking, and that they stem from no malice towards Jews or gays. I’m inclined to agree, as I’ve heard these words not only from exceedingly open-minded people, but from Jews and gays themselves!

The colloquial use of the word “gay” as an all-purpose negative adjective became especially prevalent around the time Comedy Central’s South Park premiered and has not tapered off.

It would be easy to blame the creators of South Park for this trend, but I’m afraid that Matt Stone and Trey Parker are not to blame.

South Park is an outstanding show that addresses pertinent, everyday moral issues not only without shoving them down your throat, but also keeps them uncomplicated and funny.

The four main characters on South Park say things like “that is so gay” because they are children who don’t know any better.

Unfortunately, the portrayed link between immaturity and these phrases is missed or ignored by many viewers in favor of the phrase itself.

Well, as young adults, we ought to know better. No matter what your intentions, the widespread misuse of words like “gay” and “Jew” repeatedly remind the targeted individuals that they are unwelcome.

If you don’t mean to make that impression, then don’t contribute to the problem.

What it all comes down to is that a mature individual is responsible not only for what he or she really thinks about something, but also for the environment created by the things they say.

Isaac Gitchel

Senior

Counseling Psychology and Russian Studies