diff --git a/11ty/definitions/barbaric.md b/11ty/definitions/barbaric.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..a84f2e1a --- /dev/null +++ b/11ty/definitions/barbaric.md @@ -0,0 +1,37 @@ +--- +title: Barbaric +slug: barbaric +flag: + text: 'Neo-Colonial/Racist slur' + level: 'avoid' +defined: true +speech: adjective +reading: + - text: "is the word barbarian a slur?" + href: https://seetobehumanityearth.wordpress.com/2015/07/16/is-the-term-barbarian-a-slur/ + - text: "Barbarian wiki" + href: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbarian +alt_words: + - cruel + - vicious + - obscene + - feral +--- +something which is obscenely cruel;primitive;unsophisticated + + +#### Issues + +Barbarian originates from the Greek word *bárbaros* meaning "babbler", to denote the "unintelligle sounds" (_"bar bar bar"_ ) made by foreign speakers. +Similar words exist in many other languages, for the identical purpose labeling a "strange"/"foreign" person/culture. + +In modern day usage, you can notice this rhetoric being employed almost always for the purpose of demonizing "foreign" (more often than not from the global south) cultures - cultures that need to be civilized; +cultures that need to be colonized to rescue them from themselves. A perfect lingual weapon for warmongers and racists alike. Equally repulsive sibling of "savage". + +#### Impact + +When you use words, that are in vogue primarily inside circles of bigots, with racist etymologies, it's a wilful act of violence, ignorance and an indication to the vilified and minoritised communities that their history of wounds and abuses are inconsequential to our words. + +#### Usage Tip + +Avoid words that have obscene etymologies. There is almost always a better alternative: an inclusive and a less hurtful one. \ No newline at end of file