Politically correct considerations

[Xenia]

I was recently working on a poetry revision and found myself with a dilemma. In one of the verses I use a word that today would be slang for one living an alternative life style. I can change the word but it weakens the piece in my opinion. I very much resent that I have to consider such a revision, especially when the original word is accurate. Do you think editing ones self in light of political correctness should be a consideration? Perhaps I should ask Salman Rushdie?? I don't think so. I'm not trying to inflame. I am just wanting to use an appropriate but ruined word. Opinions?

[50/50 Adventure]

May I ask what the word it............. ? ?
I can think of a cpl that fit the description.

[Xenia]

Sure. The word is f*got. (I'm trying to be careful not to bring upon the forum a controversial banner). In my poem the word is used in it's true meaning of.... A bundle of sticks, twigs or branches used as fuel.

[joshuawarrior]

Just remember, You know whats right. It is a detestable word, and there are many meaningful words in replace of such a detestable word, even to me. If there were any that would'nt mind the word, then write it. If it is a reminder of sin, then it is wrong.

[Keith Wallis]

To an English audience 'f a g g o t' doesn't yet automatically infer any 'life style preference'. Though with more and more US tv programmes, that's probably less true than it would have been a few years back. But you are dealing with a word out of context - if the remainder of the phrase has no direction toward such things I see no reason to change the word.
Language is a living thing and as such changes in meaning happen - especially in these days of instant communication. You can't be sure that anything you write today will carry the same meaning in ten years time. The bible is a prime example - we infer so much but our culture and use of language is so different that interpretation allows us to create a cult for every conceivable occasion !

[Xenia]

I did go ahead and submit the poem for publication consideration without changing the word. Thank you for your responses.... helps me know I was on the right track.

[tlm]

In my poem the word is used in it's true meaning of.... A bundle of sticks, twigs or branches used as fuel.

I might have misunderstood the word as a slang for a cigarette. Of course, I would have to see that word in context with the rest of the poem.

[76vinicius]

i would have to agree with keith. many words are taken out of context today. for instance, lust. it means to desire something strongly, but we automatically infer a sexual innuendo. unfortunately, we can lust after many things. i like using language of the past for many reasons. i'm glad you submitted it. if the audience cannot put words in context, then they need to broaden their literary scope.

[Woman-of-Hope]

I asgree with Keith and Mike...even though I am a little late in the response

blessings on the piece
donna

[Louchiere]

I found this topic very interesting...I would like to say, that although poetry is one of the best forms we have for expression, and it should never be restrained or compressed into some kind of box to conform to the world. I would also like to say that when trying to get something published you have to look at what an editor will see and want and sometimes you have to compress or conform, in order to get your work out there. It's hard, I have had to really gut some of my work in the past, but there's something I learned, write two ways, write what you want to write to express yourself and your thoughts, and write what your editors or publishers want. The more strength you gain in getting your words out there, will one day enable you to publish your true style. :)