Settle down boys...
I'm concerned that people are starting to post in anger here and some ofthe things that are said may come to be regretted when things cool down. Look at the name of this thread...it's not intended to be a forum for racial argument.
I was curious about the origins of expressions that have entered the language and had originally negative or racist meanings. There are some common expressions in English that fit this definition. There are also many that seem to fit this mold but are not - such as the word niggardly referred to earlier. This word is not of racist origin but inspires concern (in some) because it sounds like another word which does have offensive overtones.
I'm a little disappointed that the thread has turned to flames when this was not my intention. Of course, I don't own the board or even this thread and you are free to post as you wish but, personally, this was not what I expected or wanted to see.
English has one of the largest vocabularies of any language. It is spoken around the world in many countries and, as many of you have pointed out, there are many regional and cultural dialects and accents. These are rich qualities in the language and give multiple forms of expression. We should embrace the diversity of meaning we have at our disposal rather than argue over which word is right and which is wrong!
I also believe in respecting the feelings of others and this is why I will usually make an effort to use language that does not offend.
This is not only good manners, it's an effective way to make a good impression.
Sure you have a right to swear, use racial epiithets, or even make racial slurs in your speach. In all but extreme cases, this right is protected by the constitutions of Canada and the US (though not in the exact same way).
But exercising this right without regard for others is a good way to piss people off and distance yourself (and your arguments - even when they are valid) from your audience.
I hope you decide to keep it clean.
Zog.
I'm concerned that people are starting to post in anger here and some ofthe things that are said may come to be regretted when things cool down. Look at the name of this thread...it's not intended to be a forum for racial argument.
I was curious about the origins of expressions that have entered the language and had originally negative or racist meanings. There are some common expressions in English that fit this definition. There are also many that seem to fit this mold but are not - such as the word niggardly referred to earlier. This word is not of racist origin but inspires concern (in some) because it sounds like another word which does have offensive overtones.
I'm a little disappointed that the thread has turned to flames when this was not my intention. Of course, I don't own the board or even this thread and you are free to post as you wish but, personally, this was not what I expected or wanted to see.
English has one of the largest vocabularies of any language. It is spoken around the world in many countries and, as many of you have pointed out, there are many regional and cultural dialects and accents. These are rich qualities in the language and give multiple forms of expression. We should embrace the diversity of meaning we have at our disposal rather than argue over which word is right and which is wrong!
I also believe in respecting the feelings of others and this is why I will usually make an effort to use language that does not offend.
This is not only good manners, it's an effective way to make a good impression.
Sure you have a right to swear, use racial epiithets, or even make racial slurs in your speach. In all but extreme cases, this right is protected by the constitutions of Canada and the US (though not in the exact same way).
But exercising this right without regard for others is a good way to piss people off and distance yourself (and your arguments - even when they are valid) from your audience.
I hope you decide to keep it clean.
Zog.
