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Originally posted by Red Night``The governor was describing a sticky situation," said Eric Fehrnstrom, the governor's spokesman. ``He was unaware that some people find the term objectionable, and he's sorry if anyone was offended."
Boston globe
Romney apologizing for using the term:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/07/31/romney_apologizes_for_use_of_expression/
That's a non-apology BTW.
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Originally posted by leisurelyslothLook, this is getting stale.
If your beliefs or your faith in your beliefs is such that you require competing beliefs to be silenced rather than defeated in a free exchange of ideas, then either your beliefs or your faith is weak.
When someone is being racist, there is no 'exchange of ideas'. It's just someone being both insulting and xenophobic. I do not see what is gained in 'defending the right' to be racist. For me, it's clear. My tolerance ends when someone's intolerance begins.
Your tolerance towards intolerants makes your defense of tolerance vacuous and meaningless.
Originally posted by no1marauderBefore I address the issue of context let me say this:
So what? That the term CAN be a racial slur if used in one context doesn't mean it WAS a racial slur in the context kirksey used it. You keep dodging that.
A lot of people have gotten into a lot of trouble for using the term. It is perceived as a racist term. It has racist conotations. I believe it is a racist term. You are free to use that term in your everyday life if you wish. But be warned, that many people will percive you as being racist if you do.
Now let me address this context question:
Kirk used the term to describe himself and Dr. Scribs as part of his on-going Minstrel Show. So, the comment was directed at a black character (some would caricature) created by Kirk. In essence, it was directed at nobody because the character/caricature doesn't exist. Since it was addressed toward a fictional black person, it was in mind, addressed towards all black people.
Originally posted by PalynkaThe way to combat noxious ideas is with other ideas. The way to combat falsehoods is with truth.
Look, this is getting stale.
When someone is being racist, there is no 'exchange of ideas'. It's just someone being both insulting and xenophobic. I do not see what is gained in 'defending the right' to be racist. For me, it's clear. My tolerance ends when someone's intolerance begins.
Your tolerance towards intolerants makes your defense of tolerance vacuous and meaningless.
William O. Douglas
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Originally posted by Red NightAs I've showed, the term has a common meaning - the generally accepted meaning according to Merriam-Webster - that is NOT a racial slur. The term can be used as a racial slur, as MANY terms can, but that depends entirely on the context.
Before I address the issue of context let me say this:
A lot of people have gotten into a lot of trouble for using the term. It is perceived as a racist term. It has racist conotations. I believe it is a racist term. You are free to use that term in your everyday life if you wish. But be warned, that many people will percive you as being racist if addressed toward a fictional black person, it was in mind, addressed towards all black people.
As I recall, the use kirksey made of the term was entirely consistent with the Merriam-Webster definition. Those who want to read racial slurs into such usage as either A) thin-skinned or B) vindictive towards the user. I think we can rule out A in your case.
Originally posted by no1marauderOK, he's addressed the context--an insult aimed at a fictional black person, or an impersonator, is obviously directed at all black people. Case closed, wouldn't you say?
As I've showed, the term has a common meaning - the generally accepted meaning according to Merriam-Webster - that is NOT a racial slur. The term can be used as a racial slur, as MANY terms can, but that depends entirely on the context.
Originally posted by Bosse de NageI agree...what does it have to do with the price of tea in China anyway...which reminds me big sale on Campbell's Chicken Won-Ton at my grocery store...gotta get some
OK, he's addressed the context--an insult aimed at a fictional black person, or an impersonator, is obviously directed at all black people. Case closed, wouldn't you say?
Dave