I understood that @etymologynerd video that he posted

@syderature

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Why it worked

The video addresses a controversial and sensitive topic by critiquing a popular creator, which naturally invites engagement and debate in the comments.

Summary

The creator discusses a video by @etymologynerd regarding the use of the R-word and other ableist language. She argues that while the message against using such words is valid, the creator's delivery and framing of the video were problematic and potentially harmful.

Structure

1Introduction to the topic of the R-word and ableist language
2Personal stance on avoiding ableist terminology
3Critique of @etymologynerd's video delivery
4Explanation of why the video's framing is harmful
5Call for audience thoughts on the issue

Call to action

let me know what your thoughts are.

On-screen text

Etymologynerd's dangerous r-word commentary... I understood that @etymologynerd video that he posted about the normalization of the use of the R word. The message I took from that was that not only should we not be using the R word, but we should also not be using all these other ableist words that have, um, that are embedded in a history of oppression. And that's why I personally, for years now, avoid using, um, words like idiot, words like moron. I use moron as the example because that's what he, etymology nerd actually specified, idiot and moron. But that would apply to stupid. Um, that applies to saniest language, like crazy. For it's like, all these words are words that disabled people have been flagging as problematic, and we should use substitutions, and it's very easy to do so. I can testify as someone who's been doing this for years now. Um, but the problem with that video, and I, and I know that this is why, um, part of the reason why disabled people are upset with that video. Disabled people who specifically have been, um, have had the r slur and other ableist words weaponized against them. Um, I understand their criticisms because one, I don't have the lived experience they do, so I'm always going to ascribe validity to those criticisms. *people do NOT watch videos fully. but the most critical part of his video wasn't until then end, which is DANGEROUS But two, even if etymology nerd was trying to actually reaffirm the point that disabled people have been making for, for forever, he didn't do it right. The delivery. Why did he put that part at the end of the video? Because the reality is people are trying to normalise this work. He said that himself. So to put that on the internet in an environment where, you know people are going to take this and run with it, saying the message is, well, it is what it is. The R word is being normalized. That is very sloppy there. I say. Nasty work. And that video has gotten so many likes. It seems to be one of his best performing videos over the last few that he's posted. And I know that everyone who watched that video definitely did not take away from, oh, maybe I should stop saying idiot. Maybe I should stop using that word. Right? So yeah, the delivery was wrong. I think the message actually could have been there. But if you are someone, you know, I'm moots with so many disabled people, a lot who have actually been subjected to being directly targeted by this, like, rhetorical violence, like, let me know what your thoughts are.

Original caption

the fact of the matter is any big creator knows only 1-2% of ppl watch videos in full, maybe higher on a good day. ppl will take that video and use it as justification for doubling down on using the word bc too many folks On Here are not intellectuals. the video wasn’t framed wrong and will probably do some damage. disabled ppl deserve better. #rhetoric #linguistics #disabilityjustice #languagematters

More from @syderature

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Transcript

I understood that @etymologynerd video that he posted about the normalization of the use of the R word. The message I took from that was that not only should we not be using the R word, but we should also not be using all these other ableist words that have, um, that are embedded in a history of oppression. Right? Like. And that's why I personally, for years now, avoid using, um, words like idiot, words like moron. I use moron as the example because that's what he, etymology nerd actually specified, idiot and moron. But that would apply to stupid. Um, that applies to saniest language, like crazy. For it's like, all these words are words that disabled people have been flagging as problematic, and we should use substitutions, and it's very easy to do so. I can testify as someone who's been doing this for years now. Um, but the problem with that video, and I, and I know that this is why, um, part of the reason why disabled people are upset with that video. Disabled people who specifically have been, um, have had the r slur and other ableist words weaponized against them. Um, I understand their criticisms because one, I don't have the lived experience they do, so I'm always going to ascribe validity to those criticisms. But two, even if etymology nerd was trying to actually reaffirm the point that disabled people have been making for, for forever, he didn't do it right. The delivery. Why did he put that part at the end of the video? Because the reality is people are trying to normalise this work. He said that himself. So to put that on the internet in an environment where, you know people are going to take this and run with it, saying the message is, well, it is what it is. The R word is being normalized. That is very sloppy there. I say. Nasty work. And that video has gotten so many likes. It seems to be one of his best performing videos over the last few that he's posted. And I know that everyone who watched that video definitely did not take away from, oh, maybe I should stop saying idiot. Maybe I should stop using that word. Right? So yeah, the delivery was wrong. I think the message actually could have been there. But if you are someone, you know, I'm moots with so many disabled people, a lot who have actually been subjected to being directly targeted by this, like, rhetorical violence, like, let me know what your thoughts are.