The reason we look harshly on past word usage is because of what it represents. The use of slurs 30 years ago isn’t a problem because of the word but because it suggests an association with a specific behavior.

If you look back to the 90s and see someone using a racist slur, you fill in the gaps and assume they were using it because they were racist.

Will people in 30 years look back to today and judge those who showed disdain for people who rely on AI to write for them?

Even if clanker becomes a no-no word 30 years from now, it seems beyond the realm of possibility that people who hated clankers in 2026 will be looked upon harshly. Clankers aren’t a marginalized group today, they aren’t a class that needs protection.

What words are you thinking of when you say that there is precedent?

I just saw a video on instagram which basically portrayed a rich racist southerner using all the same phrases they used to use for slaves, but for their robot.

"We treat this one better because it's a house clanker instead of a field clanker"

"If the clanker acts up it knows that it gets stuck in the box"

It was meant to be funny but definitely highlighted exactly what you are saying.