The phrase “actions speak louder than words” is often mentioned of acceptable behavior. Of course, the idea behind this is to put more merit into what is actually demonstrated rather than spoken. But what happens when something deemed by society as inappropriate is spoken — and everyone hears it?
According to ESPN’s website, Kobe Bryant was fined a reported $100,000 for calling a coach a “homophobic slur.” This instance struck me as interesting, since it quite frankly seemed like such an incredulously stupid mistake for a celebrity of his status to make.
Although I suspect that Bryant is not genuinely homophobic, just genuinely ignorant, I could not help but think of the countless times every day a similar slur leaves the lips of many students I talk to.
Allegheny College in Pennsylvania was discussed on yourerie.com as having a new zero-tolerance policy tested on campus after a student discovered an anti-gay slur written on his dorm. “Such bigotry is a stark violation of the sense of community we seek to create on this campus. It is not worthy of a distinguished liberal arts college,” said the school’s president, James H. Mullen Jr.
Vulgar language in itself is one thing, but homophobic and racial slurs fall into a category all their own. As far as I am concerned, when someone uses said words, the first one that pops into my mind is “uneducated.” This is not uneducated in an academic sense, but in a worldly or social one. It immediately demonstrates a certain naivety, which makes many present during the slur uncomfortable, embarrassed and even disgusted.
Many argue the point that homophobic slurs promote homophobic attitudes. Whether this is true or not, it does seem to promote a less-than-pleasant place to live. When I hear these words being shouted back and forth between belligerent college students, I cannot help but wish they had chosen a less widely offensive, four-letter word in its place. Not only does this type of language create a negative atmosphere on campus, but it could have serious consequences in the outside world as well.
People come from many different backgrounds with various vices and morals, which provide an environment of uncertainty. Something said to a coworker may be considered funny and inoffensive, but when said to your boss could be taken in a different light.
For example, if a homophobic slur is said in the presence of a boss who happens to be a gay rights activist, you might consider packing your bags immediately. This form of foul language hardly seems worth losing dignity, let alone a job. Playing it safe is highly necessary.
Regardless of personal beliefs, harmful and degrading words are never worth the point trying to be made. Language is perhaps the most empowering tool we have as human beings to communicate ideas in a sophisticated way, and it is sad to see this gift wasted on, as James H. Mullen Jr. said, bigotry. Hopefully, students learn through their mistakes to find means of expression more admirable and efficient than something some people get fined $100,000 for saying.
Reach Isabelle at inovak@asu.edu
