Thread:TheCleverBadger/@comment-32602006-20140422221843/@comment-6761334-20140424195503

GringoKoon wrote: It doesn't matter. When I think of the word, "coon" I think of a RACCOON. Just because a word has an offensive second half to the definition shouldn't mean it's entirely offensive. Today, in modern times, it's mainly used to refer to a RACCOON. For example, people use the term, "gay" today to refer to a homosexual person, not to refer that a person is happy, as how it was used in the 50's. "Just because there are or once were legit uses for words it does not erase any negative connotations that have accured over time." Why not? Time goes on, and people change what the meaning of things are to either make room for the new definition or to forget the old one. I still believe that my username isn't the least bit offensive, but considering that people on this wiki have a touchy spot for a word that has no offensive meaning in today's society, I would like to know how to change my username. I went to edit profile but I saw nothing on how to change it. if you have already requested a new one that is fine. However, I want to be clear on this. If you use words with mixed interpretation in a setting where you do not control the context, you can't cry foul when soemone does not use your own personal definition. It is about being aware that the context others will see is offensive. Yes, words do change. However one new meaning does not automatically erase all old ones. "Gay" is an excellent example. For some time it was more of a pejorative in some usages. In fact using the word to describe soemthing that is not liked is still far too common. If you want proof wander into 4 chan or some annon chat service and watch people insult each other by calling each other multiple variations of the word "gay." While the word has legitamite uses, if you use it casually your meaning can easily be minscontrued for good reason. Context is controled by the group and it can change situationally.