Ann Coulter

I do not understand why the American public continues to pay attention to Ann Coulter. As far as I can tell, pretty much everything that comes out of her mouth is wildly inappropriate and bigoted. It's actually very saddening to think that she has such a large following - that so many people can laugh when she calls John Edwards a faggot. Although, in this context it does not appear that the word was used particularly maliciously (John Edwards is not gay), it is nevertheless inconceivable that Coulter is not aware of the plethora of negative and offensive connotations associated with the word faggot. It is a word used by ignorant people to insult gays (much like the n-word is used to insult African-Americans). Perhaps it has a playground connotation of 'wuss' but it seems to me that even this (supposed) usage carries an accusatory meaning (and why should being gay be something that one is accused of?). How would a word end up meaning both 'wuss' and 'gay' if people do not somehow connect the two? Again, it saddens me to think that such a word even exists - it is a depressing mark of American ignorance.

Ann Coulter aside, I think that words such as faggot and n***** (is it a mark of the 21st century victim that I can bring myself to type out one but not the other?) are really complicated issues. The words clearly exist and people will not forget about them but I do not think trying to use them in an everyday context is quite right either - the words are too imbued with hatred to ever really lose their connotations. I think the better solution is actually to try and get rid of the words than to erase their negative connotations. Most likely, neither are possible - but if the words continue to exist there will always be the memory of hate.

So, essentially Ann Coulter should never have used the word. No matter who she was referring to, what context she was in, or how jokingly she used it, the word is offensive and (especially on national tv - for the whole world to see and take offense to) inappropriate. Really, its just downright mean and ignorant, and shows a great lack of moral character.