In the record store? Did gays care if they were called fags back then?
sharePeople weren't as delicate and keen to be outraged back then as they are now.
Sometimes a movie or tv show plot is so stupid that only the stupid can understand it.
[deleted]
Depends on who's calling them it.
I've seen gay friends call each other that, I've seen black friends call each other the N words
It all depends on the relationship between the people in question.
You ever get that speech from Human Resources about the whole "Know Your Audience" thing? This is pretty much the explanation here. Not necessarily the fans of Kevin Smith though, just the fact that they all know each other enough to get away with it in the situation shown in the film.
sharePeople were hardier back then but it's got nothing to do with that and everything to do with the fact that they were friends.
Have you ever called your friend a b-a-s-t-a-r-d or *beep* in a general situation? Of course and it washes off them but if a stranger did it then there'd be trouble.
Besides it's context too. He was using "fag" as a blunt but descriptive term for gay and not with intent as any kind of derogatory slur.
Words are and always will be neutral. It's the intent which which they are used which causes offence. This is not an excuse to go around calling people names and get away with it but change the intent of a word plus the way it is taken to the person it is said at and it becomes harmless.