poemsofthedead:

Whether it is a name/pejorative term, a symbol, or a culturally significant item, “reclaiming” is not something outsiders can

• tell marginalized people to do
• suggest as an alternative to being angry about outsiders using/misusing it
• demand that marginalized people should always be willing to do
• expect all members of a marginalized group to do, even if/just because some members do
• use as an excuse to continue to use/misuse it
• erase the historical context and harm caused by its use/misuse by outsiders

Also, never tell someone that they should “reclaim” something they find hurtful and offensive for the express purpose of “proving/showing that you don’t fit the stereotypes”. No. No marginalized person has to prove or show anything to anyone.

And frankly, if you don’t like hearing from marginalized people about how much use/misuse of these things hurts us,

1. Don’t use/misuse them!
2. Speak up when you see/hear others use/misuse them!
3. Educate yourself!
4. Help educate others by pointing them in the direction of people from the effected marginalized group

instead of trying to silence us by telling us to just “reclaim” shit instead of being offended by it.

Reclaiming can not be done on demand. It is a conscious choice made by some marginalized people to serve our own needs but NOT TO MAKE OUTSIDERS MORE COMFORTABLE.

(via karnythia)