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Re:Peter Thiel, YC, and hard decisions by ScottBurson on Monday October 17, 2016 @08:37PM (#12731098)
Tolerating their views, yes. Tolerating violence or the threat of violence, no.

To call someone "faggot" is indeed to threaten violence. The word originally meant "burning stick"; that's why a lit cigarette is sometimes called a "fag". By calling someone "faggot", one is saying they should be burned alive.

Re:Peter Thiel, YC, and hard decisions by grzm on Monday October 17, 2016 @08:49PM (#12731149)
Etymology is really interesting. And the meaning of words can change and new meanings can be associated over time. The word computer dates back to the 17th century referring to a person who calculates.[0] I don't think this is the meaning most people intend when using the word computer today.

I'm not condoning the use of hateful language or threats. I just find your example problematic.

[0]: http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=computer

Re:Peter Thiel, YC, and hard decisions by flukus on Monday October 17, 2016 @08:43PM (#12731129)
Faggot hasn't had that connotation since around the same time that gay meant happy.
Re:Peter Thiel, YC, and hard decisions by aiig on Tuesday October 18, 2016 @10:20AM (#12734554)
How enlightening this discussion is.