Headline not funny.Editor: I'm writing to express my concern and disappointment over the magazine's seeming lack of judgment in the word choices used in a headline that appeared on page 11 in the January 2007 issue. "Farewell Fruity Fags" heads an article about restrictions on the sale of candy, fruit and alcohol flavored cigarettes. Although the word "fags" may be accepted British slang for cigarettes, it is not commonly used in that manner in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. . As you are no doubt aware, here in the United States, the word is a derogatory term for gay men. When coupled with the word "fruity," another disparaging dis·par·age tr.v. dis·par·aged, dis·par·ag·ing, dis·par·ag·es 1. To speak of in a slighting or disrespectful way; belittle. See Synonyms at decry. 2. To reduce in esteem or rank. term for gay men, and the cartoon of a young male above it, the message one is left with, however unintentional, is demeaning de·mean 1 tr.v. de·meaned, de·mean·ing, de·means To conduct or behave (oneself) in a particular manner: demeaned themselves well in class. and certainly beneath NCSL's journalistic standards. Reporting on restriction of tobacco products that may result in less teen smoking is a good thing. Using words that have other, more defamatory meanings for the sake of a clever headline perpetuates the social stigma Social stigma is severe social disapproval of personal characteristics or beliefs that are against cultural norms. Social stigma often leads to marginalization. Examples of existing or historic social stigmas can be physical or mental disabilities and disorders, as well as and isolation that gay and lesbian youth and adults experience. It allows people, including your lawmaker readers, to become indifferent to the damaging power some words can have on the safety and well-being of others, especially gay and lesbian youth. James G. Pawelski Director Division of State Government Affairs American Academy of Pediatrics The American Academy of Pediatrics ("AAP") is an organization of pediatricians, physicians trained to deal with the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. Its motto is: "Dedicated to the Health of All Children. |
|
||||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion