Is the word "rape" offensive?

[Eternal_Lament]

It's not inherently offensive. It can be, but that's with the intent, not the word. Obviously when using it as a threat against someone such as "I'm going to rape you" or "I hope you get raped" then yeah it is offensive. Then again, saying something like "Shit, I just got raped in that match" or "Did you see the new Star Wars re-release? Why does George Lucas ave to rape my childhood" aren't really offensive, ignorant perhaps, but definitely not offensive. I think it's really the difference between targeting yourself and targeting others that defines the offense, mostly because targeting to yourself doesn't imply you're trying to ruin someone else's day.

The issue I have with the PTSD comparison is, while I'm sure the above mentioned threats would most likely trigger a reaction in a survivor, I'm not convinced that the word by itself carries that connotation. Not saying that it's never happened, but I get the feeling that a person who has a reaction to the mere mention of the word probably isn't handling it the right way. To me it sounds too much like a person trying to run away from the issue, which isn't wrong to do but won't solve things in the long-run.

 

[Neonit]

good god, what isnt offensive nowadays?! geez! its like a 5 year old screaming "he is soooo mean to me!!!11"
see, i understand that people who have been raped could be offended that someone uses that term lightly. but to be honest, thats pretty much the same with everything in the live.

for example, i remember when my teacher told me that in certain parts of the world saying "im hungry" is offensive, because they remember times when there was massive starvation. does it make saying "im hungry" offensive? well yes, to some people, but does that mean everything has to change to accommodate that feeling? of course not, thats silly!

 

[The Unworthy Gentleman]

Yeah, that's commonly called "triggering". The comparison to a racial slur isn't very apt, but to a soldier hearing a bullet sounds reasonable enough.

No, it would be far more like a PTSD soldier hearing the word bullet because that's the exact same scenario as a rape victim hearing the word rape.

OT: No and it's absolutely ridiculous to make it offensive.I'm sick of everyone being massive vaginas about rape, it happens to people stop being a dick about it being mentioned. Making shit like this the norm will only serve to make people even more frightened to talk about it, you're making everything worse.

Comfort and support the victims of rape; find and punish the attackers; fight rape as an issue; but do not make rape an offensive word. Grow the fuck up and stop perpetuating bullshit like this.

 

[RanD00M]

Is this the community we want to be a part of?

Yes, yes it is the community I want to be a part of. I enjoy saying that I raped someone in-game if I did indeed rape them in-game. If you take offense that I use any word in a non-literal term with no hope of it really happening to you, rape that is, then you need to grow the fuck up. Or you could just keep on crying, I'll be laughing all the way to the bank anyway.

 

[TheKaduflyerSystem]

I can understand the word 'Rape' causing PTSD, but most of the time when it comes to the area of 'offensive' words then, in my opinion, it's a load of utter bollocks, are we not thick-skinned enough to follow that old saying?
'Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me'
Out of context, the word 'rape' is harmless, it is simply a wave of vibrating air in your ear.
*Activating Flame Shield* THIS I ALL MY OPINION, YOU DON'T HAVE TO AGREE

 

[Andy of Comix Inc]

Context permitting, yes and no.

Just like every. Single. Fucking. Word. In the English. Goddamn. Shitting. Language.

>speaking as a victim of rape

Edit: Mr Minchin explains it pretty well


"That's because it's the context in which the word is used that makes it offensive." -regarding the word "finger"

Is this the community we want to be a part of?

Yes, yes it is the community I want to be a part of. I enjoy saying that I raped someone in-game if I did indeed rape them in-game. If you take offense that I use any word in a non-literal term with no hope of it really happening to you, rape that is, then you need to grow the fuck up. Or you could just keep on crying, I'll be laughing all the way to the bank anyway.

If someone asks you politely not to use the word (to you directly, in-game, y'know), and you decide to keep using it, that's when you come off as a dick. We don't need to censor everything but we should try to foster a community that is caring and supportive instead of a massive brick wall. "Play with your friends blahblahblah," yeah, whatever, fine point I guess, but if you purposefully go out of your way to aggravate someone, you're a dickhead. Unless they very well expected to go in there and they'd be offended, in which case, if everyone expected that NO ONE BUT THE PSYCHOPATHIC WOULD PLAY ONLINE GAMES EVER AGAIN.

 

[FamoFunk]

When used in the correct context it isn't offensive at all.

As much as I'm not offended if someone on-line was to tell me they raped me in the game or whatever (I would just assume they're an immature 12yo brat) I can completely see why others would be and would never use the word in such a way. I think it can show lack of respect to those who find it offensive and might even well of been a victim themselves.

 

[RubyT]

ThingA rapes, violates, murders, buttfucks, annihilates ThingB. Typical internet forum vocabulary. The shock effect is intended. It's how you know somebody is adolescent (mentally).