Dec 2, 2015


This past Sunday, on Twitter, the hashtag I was problematic and I am problematic were trending and while the both of us scrolled through the tags we thought it'd be a great topic to talk about on the blog, especially since it's something we're always having a conversation about.

Laci Green had made a video about problematic faves (faves being your favorite celebrities, books, tv series, and movies) and in it she says, "The term problematic is one mostly used by feminists to identify words, behaviours, stereotypes that are factually inaccurate and result in offending whoever is on the receiving end of the problematic action." For the most part, the ones on the receiving end are women, people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities. The video is short and to point and you can watch it here !

How do you know when you've said something problematic? Well, when you use certain phrases or words in front of friends but won't use them in front of the people that are affected by those words then don't say them at all. For example, you wouldn't be saying "This class is so boring, I'm going to kill myself," in front of someone who is suicidal or has suicidal thoughts would you? Saying that something, or someone, is "so gay" as something that is wrong is offensive to those that are gay or part of the LGBTQ+ community. Using racial slurs is definitely offensive, and everyone knows this, you wouldn't say them in front of people of color so don't say them at all. Stop telling people that they don't know hot to take a joke, and understand that it's not a joke at all. Everyone grew up hearing the saying "If you have nothing nice to say, then don't say it at all," so keep saying that mantra. 

While we understand that some kinds of humour aren't for everyone, if your form of entertainment contains racial slurs, derogatory and/or misogynistic terms, then it is problematic. Racist and sexist jokes are not funny, they're hurtful. Those subjects are not meant to be joked about and you really shouldn't find them funny. Even now, when we think about the things we've said while we didn't know any better make us flinch. If you roll your eyes when someone calls you out for saying something problematic, you're part of the problem. Listen to what people are saying to you, do some research, it's all there for you at the tip of your fingertips. 

Take a deep breath because realizing that something is problematic does not mean that you cannot enjoy it. As long as you can recognize the issue and use it to educate not only yourself but others too. Here are some of our favorite tweets from that night and from the day after as well:

Hopefully we gave you some insight, and you'll start looking into what is problematic and will probably think twice about what you're saying. Don't be so hard on yourself if you've said problematic things before, you're growing. We've only recently realized the impacts words and things have on people, and you should too!

No comments

Post a Comment

© Eloquated SecretsMaira Gall