In Eli Clare’s essay “Freaks and Queers,” Clare discusses the idea of a person who is a member of a discriminated against group taking a potentially derogatory word and using it prideful manner. This is all fine and good when that person is comfortable with the term and using it that way, but it is easily just as offensive. If there is another person in their group that does not accept that specific term, it does not matter if it is used in a prideful manner or not. It still has the possibility to hurt and offend.
Some marginalized groups do reclaim offensive names or labels. When I see them used, it is usually to shock people. It is a way to proclaim that you are a member of this group, and that derogatory labels will not do any damage. In a way, it is taking the words out of a non-member’s mouth and saying them, accepting them, before the non-member has a chance to use them in a hurtful manner. These potentially hurtful words become an accepted joke in the group, losing their power over these people. As an example: a close family friend of mine was diagnosed with a mental illness several years ago, and she reclaimed the word “crazy”. She used it all the time, but her favorite time to use it was when anyone asked, “where are we going?” She would respond, “CRAZY! Wanna come? I have the directions!” This became a popular joke among her friends and family. It took the hurtfulness away, and just made it laughable. She still uses it from time to time.
I think what helps in removing the dangerous parts of these labels is the fact that these marginalized groups truly identify themselves as “queer,” cripples,” or “crazy”. These labels become personal words, ones that don’t bother them, but instead offer a kind of protection from the possible hurtful uses of that word. It is becomes easy to say, “Yeah, I’m crazy [or queer, crippled, etc.]. So what?” It goes back to that shock value. People who use words like that in an offensive manner usually expect those words to cut, and they certainly never expect them to be thrown back in their faces like that.
(Sarah Jaworowicz, Post 17)
"Some marginalized groups do reclaim offensive names or labels. When I see them used, it is usually to shock people. It is a way to proclaim that you are a member of this group, and that derogatory labels will not do any damage. In a way, it is taking the words out of a non-member’s mouth and saying them, accepting them, before the non-member has a chance to use them in a hurtful manner."
ReplyDeleteOutstanding and thoughtful observation here. I love your discussion of your friend reclaiming "crazy." Perhaps this will be the next label to be reclaimed on a mass level. Perhaps your friend could start a trend! Your discussion of "crazy" also draws attention to the important fact that while Clare's book focuses primarily on those with physical disabilities, mental disabilities need to be taken into consideration as well. While the reclaiming of "crip" applies to individuals with physical disabilities, Clare does not discuss a similar term for those with mental disabilities. Well done! I will be sure to use this example the next time I teach Clare's book.