43°

So, Daniel Popp is offended because the young have co-opted a word into their slang that another fringe group co-opted from the major lexicon sometime around 1953, (Use of word bothers reader, Clarion, April 28).

The word "gay" used as slang to self-identify homosexuals has gained widespread usage especially since the mid 1970s. Regardless of Mr. Popp's argument against the use of the word by the young in their slang, his complaint is groundless and without merit.

Mr. Popp states that his father told him, "words are important." It might interest him to know that the use of the word "gay" by his special interest group offends some of us who feel restricted from its use due to the connection.

I'm not seeing a lot of torch and pitchfork swinging over the issue by those of us so offended. Nor does the use of the word by the young have near the offending force of the n-word or c-word he cited in his argument.

A radical San Francisco-style attitude does more to damage the homosexual community than not. He should be glad his peers aren't using the f-word. Who knows, then smokers might be offended.

Larry Brown

Kenai