And… what if that white woman was constantly referring to that black woman as a nig@er? or darkie? or junglebunny? Those and a few other slurs have been hurled my way, and sometimes it can nurt as well as a punch.Imagine a scenario where the systemic power imbalance is not just structural but personal, manifesting in a relentless barrage of verbal abuse. What if, for example, that white woman in the interaction was not just disagreeing, but was constantly and deliberately weaponizing language against the black woman, referring to her with vile racial epithets? Specifically, what if the words she hurled were terms like “nigger,” “darkie,” or “junglebunny”?
These slurs—and others of their ilk—are not merely insults; they are linguistic tools forged in histories of oppression and dehumanization. They are designed to diminish, to strip away dignity, and to reinforce a brutal hierarchy. Speaking from personal experience, having these particular slurs hurled my way has been deeply painful. There is a distinct, visceral quality to the injury they inflict. Sometimes, the emotional and psychological toll of that kind of targeted, hate-filled verbal assault can wound as profoundly and as painfully as a physical punch. It is a form of violence that leaves no visible bruise but carves deep, lasting scars into the psyche. The impact extends far beyond the moment of the utterance, fostering an environment of fear, contempt, and chronic invalidation.
Every individual possesses an inherent and inalienable dignity that must be respected by all others. This fundamental truth means that no person has the authority or the right to engage in verbal abuse, which includes the act of “calling you out of your name.” This phrase encompasses more than just mispronunciation; it refers to the use of derogatory slurs, insults, or any language intended to diminish, disrespect, or humiliate an individual.
Furthermore, it is unequivocally unacceptable for anyone to “label you as something less than.” This act of labeling is a form of dehumanization, where a person is reduced from a complex, unique human being to a simplistic, negative caricature. Such labels often rely on prejudice, stereotype, or bias, and they serve to strip the individual of their worth and standing in the community. This behavior creates a hierarchy where the victim is positioned as inferior, justifying mistreatment and marginalization.
In the strongest terms, no one has the right to treat another person as “subhuman.” To label someone as subhuman is to deny their humanity entirely, viewing them as a lesser species unworthy of basic respect, compassion, or ethical consideration. This language is the foundation for the most extreme forms of discrimination, oppression, and violence. Recognizing and upholding the full humanity of every single person is a non-negotiable moral and social imperative. All interactions must be governed by mutual respect, acknowledgment of inherent worth, and the commitment to treating every individual with the honor and dignity they deserve.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 