I feel the need to chime in.
I understand that anyone may say anything they wish. This is a part of having free will. As long as a person is willing to accept the listener's reaction to the words they chose, I believe that a free man should be able to communicate whatever ideas he wishes to.
However, perhaps a point you haven't considered is the effect that this particular word has on so many in this community and at large. It may seem novel for you to use, and semantically sound as well; but to utilize a word that you know will offend, purposefully, is a disservice to your fellow. To cause pain or dissent (even if you feel said pain isn't a legitimate reaction) with carelessly chosen words is also a disservice. For example, although I don't feel too strongly about rape either way, I'd be a black-hearted bastard to bandy the word around a molested child or former rape victim knowing the psychological trauma it would cause. I don't feel any particular way about homosexuality either; but what kind of person would I be to call someone a faggot or queer that I know would be upset by my choice of words? To use specific words implies specific intent.
I don't know if you are Christian, but you seem to serve the Order and the Good with your actions. Also, you wield words quite effectively. So it honestly surprises me that you would wield this word when you had so many other weapons at your disposal. Also, your story fails to indicate particularly niggardly behavior (which to the best of my knowledge denotes a stingy or stubborn individual; the person you described does seem craven, foolish, violent, immoral and stupid, but not niggardly). As a man that has been in a similar situation (having to spring to the defense of a lady being beaten) I understand where you might have been mentally when you posted this; but your continuing defence of your words makes it seem as though you may have chosen that word at the expense of more appropriate ones you were aware of.
I respect you as a person that understands the importance of service to your fellow. We are a dying breed. I believe you have demonstrated this time and time again as you assisted the community with your impressive investigative skills and wonderful wit. I also understand the rage that participating in the scenario you described would bring; despite my call to service I would have tried my best to end that man's life had he attempted what he did in my presence. But given your intellect, I can't condone this sort of behavior from you. I am sorry if it seems I have passed judgement upon you; I'm just disappointed a bit.
I'm 27, and I'm Black. Not African American. Call me Black.
And I'm not offended at all, and encourage rational and synthetic discussion of this topic. It will be the only way we will be able to move past it as a human race. Through discussion, and eventually clarification.
~Green
Excellent post. Thank you for saying what I wanted to say.
