Can we legislate away objectionable words? Does such legislation make the US a more caring nation?

Question

Under Title 1 Chapter 27 of the State of Maine Revised Statutes you will find the following statute: Offensive Name means a name of a place that includes the designation "squaw." As a result of this legislation, Big Squaw Mountain is now known as Big Moose Mountain.

Answer 1

Why dont we all just wake up out of our fantasy land. What is an objectionable word? Something which makes you uncomfortable because your world revolves around what other people think about you. Words are empty and meaningless, you are the one to put the meaning to them. Restricting free speech goes against everyting America stands for. What, you want me in jail for standing up for what I believe by talking and speaking my mind? Where does that make sense? Why dont we all just accept the fact that we are all slaves, and give in to the State.

Answer 2

Have you ever heard of the bill of rights? The answer is no. Not only would that be infringing on our right to free speech, it would be a ridiculous way to stop the prejudice and categorizing of peoples that runs rampant in this country, we need to focus on the source of this hatred, not just try and put a patch over it. Just because you ban the word, it doesn't mean that the sentiment isn't still there.

Answer 3

I can say "Indian" with as much contempt and disdain. For that matter any word used to identify a group. Just look at the way "Mexican" is used in most circles. Thanks to all of the "N-word" talk, I now know people who can express an "N" sound with the tone of a racial slur.

Answer 4

Sounds like a ridiculous and god-awful thing to try and legislate language. I don't know if that is fascism or communism but either way, its way out of control and should never be done. Thanks and GO BUCKEYES!

Answer 5

paging George Orwell....