I’m confused by this article. Since when is the word “spaz” offensive?
Leonard Shapiro never says what it refers to, only that “[Tiger] clearly would be wise to clean up his language…Woods use of the word ‘spaz’ was obviously inappropriate, as well, but I can’t imagine it was meant to denigrate or humiliate anyone.”
Who is it obvious to? Epileptics? That’s all I could think of.
Shapiro goes on to say that the word probably wasn’t meant to be insensitive because of who it was coming from: “Not from a guy who told ‘60 Minutes’ he had a stuttering problem as a child. Not from a guy who has felt the sting of racial intolerance. Not from a guy who’s own father is now physically incapacitated as he battles cancer. Not from a guy who's foundation has raised millions -- many of them from himself -- to reach out and help disadvantaged youngsters worldwide.”
Somebody enlighten me…is calling someone a spaz on par with a racial slur or the offensive but more widely used “retarded?” No one likes to be referred to as a spaz, but I’ve never heard the word given so much gravity before.
Leonard implies that it is more offensive in Britain, but what’s the connotation? Is it like how Brits use the term “fags” to refer to cigarettes?
Somebody enlighten me on the hidden meaning. Otherwise, I must come to this conclusion:
If you were offended by Tiger, then you are a spaz.
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2 comments:
I just wanted to say that I came across your blog a little while ago and you crack my shit up.
Heidi--thanks for your comment and giving me a shout out on your blog.
Here's an update: Apparently, "spastic paralysis" is a term used in some European countries for cerebral palsy.
How the hell was Tiger supposed to know that? We don't go around yelling at Brits who say "give me a rubber" when they need an eraser! Tiger didn't know what he was saying so they should stop getting their knickers in a bunch.
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