The word “Master Race” is clearly equivalent to terms which were used by Nazis and so are today’s far right wing and alt-rights.

There are other communities which created similar narratives, especially from the 4chan side, and I think the origin of “PC Master Race” comes from there.

  • Plus_a_Grain_of_Salt@beehaw.org
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    I understand people mean it as a meme or a joke, I guess I question whether or not it excuses the use. Saying “It’s just a joke” is a common response to things like this, but if the outcome is still the same does it matter if it’s a joke? While context matters to understand intent, does that intent address the consequence of normalizing this language? Or does it just excuse normalizing the language? I appreciate jokes just as much as the next person, but there’s still a matter of responsibility when joking. To me it’s the same as pranking someone, you have to be considerate for a prank to go well, and saying “it’s just a prank” doesn’t excuse the outcome. I understand other people don’t want to take language seriously when their joking, but that doesn’t make their joking harmless.

    • Plus_a_Grain_of_Salt@beehaw.org
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      3
      ·
      1 year ago

      Hold on I’m a fool, the more I think about your point of context the more I realize I missed the point. There’s no indication this is normalizing the language, but rather a mockery or a parody of the language and by extension the ideology of a “master race” in general. Which is honestly a great way to combat racist ideology, apply them to some inconsequential to display its absurdity.

      The only real challenge, and what I think needs to be considered, is the same thing you mentioned in your second comment; failure to recognize the joke is on ideology not in support. So, the responsibility comes in recognizing when the context shifts to support for these values and shutting that down or separating yourself accordingly. If the community is able to uphold it’s parody without lending support it may be beneficial to continue using these terms only to turn the language itself into a joke. Thanks @joba2ca@feddit.de I wouldn’t have gotten here without your solid points. I’m leaving my above responses so people can see how I walk through this reasoning, but I wanted to be sure you saw that your points reached me and made a difference. Thanks again.