Although used informally in the US to mean “freak out” or “go crazy,” the term comes from the word “spastic,” which is medically used to describe the spasms one might experience from a condition like cerebral palsy.
One person on Twitter wrote: “Hey @lizzo, as a long-time fan of yours that’s autistic and disabled. Your recent song ‘Grrrls’ made me really upset and disappointed. Hearing you use the slur “Sp*z” REPEATEDLY! It is really harmful!
“As a huge Lizzo fan, I am extremely disappointed about her new song containing a slur. First of all, how does it go through that many people without anyone picking up on it?? and why wouldn’t you just change the lyrics and re-release knowing it’s offensive?? It feels so odd to me,” another added.
A third wrote: “[Very] surprised Lizzo was ok including the word [email protected] in her new song. I wouldn’t personally go as far as to call it a slur, but it IS a word that needs to be phased out ASAP. It makes me flinch when I hear it. it doesn’t mean to flip out or go wild, as hard as you justify that.”
Someone else, who doesn’t want to cancel Lizzo but rather wants to educate her, added: “I’ve seen a few comments across the internet talking about ‘Cancelling Lizzo,’ and that’s not what we want – we want to educate her and have the word changed.”
Lizzo hasn’t publically responded to the criticisms as of yet. “Grrrls” is the second song to be shared from her upcoming fourth album, Special, following the leading single “About Damn Time” in April.
source: The indy100
