The “x just means y” argument has its merits, but there are many words that “just mean” something, but after being used in a bad way now are considered offensive. “Retarded” just means “slowed down”, and “negro” just means “black”. So then the question becomes, who gets to decide if a word is offensive? People with dictionaries, or people who feel offended? Either way, I think society should be consistent.
The thing that’s most alarming to me every time I hear someone say “cis isn’t offensive” is the complete lack of self-awareness, from groups that should really know better. But humans are humans so it just is what it is.
The “x just means y” argument has its merits, but there are many words that “just mean” something, but after being used in a bad way now are considered offensive. “Retarded” just means “slowed down”, and “negro” just means “black”. So then the question becomes, who gets to decide if a word is offensive? People with dictionaries, or people who feel offended? Either way, I think society should be consistent.
The thing that’s most alarming to me every time I hear someone say “cis isn’t offensive” is the complete lack of self-awareness, from groups that should really know better. But humans are humans so it just is what it is.