I learned it from people using it as a racist term. That said, how do I know its not racist, nor OP was not using it in that regard when my only knowledge of the word is from a racist standpoint?
And that's point. PERCEPTION. OPTICS.
You are arguing absolutes. Black and whites. Yes there is black in white in the world. There is also a shit ton of gray.
Regardless of what you believe, the bottom line is that it is perceived as racist by some, and you are playing the race baiters game. That word is by definition: GRAY. By defending the term you are automatically:
a) put on the backfoot by defending it against the race baiters
b) automatically dismissed by folks that have already made up their mind
The smart thing is to not use the term at all. You don't give the race baiters ammo, and you don't scare off the folks on the fence. But defending it? That is a hill you are going to die on because you will NEVER win that battle.
But feel free to defend the term, assume my understanding of the term, or assume my knowledge of how OP was using it. It is what the psychopaths do on the left.
I'm not trying to divide anybody. I'm trying to get people to realize the words people use, especially when they can be racially charge (OR NOT), can be cause of division.
Look at what it has caused here in this discussion alone for crying out loud!
I'm arguing my perception of the damn term. Regardless if he used it as a racist term or not, I am one person who learned it as racist and perceived it as racist. Is my perception of the term any less valid as a result?
How about the many other people who see it as racist?
Perception. Optics. And I'm going to say it, my interpretation of the is retarded to some. But NOT to ME. People here are probably saying "you are trying to stifle free speech" or some shit. I'm not saying that at all. Say whatever the hell you want.
However acting as if there are no repercussions to this term (or ANY term that can be taken a number of ways) won't rub people the wrong way is a clear sign of absolutism, "one way is the only way". This term can only mean THIS. That is a fascist form of thinking, something the left is doing.
And that is clearly not true because I learned the term another way. So what is the conclusion I am trying to make? Be smart by avoiding terms that will can lead to problems. I'm arguing critical thinking, not censorship. The very definition of critical analysis is the actual meaning of a discussion juxtaposed against possible interpretations of a discussion.
We are better warriors when we know the full extent of how our language (spoken or typed) can affect people.
PS: this goes to OP. If you honestly did not use this word as racist I apologize for the very insinuation. But I hope you see the point I am trying to make here.
What is labeled "racist" now is the repetition by race baiters saying that it is so. That does not make it racist. It is all a lie.
There was nothing racist by the OP and you know it.
No I don't know it.
I learned it from people using it as a racist term. That said, how do I know its not racist, nor OP was not using it in that regard when my only knowledge of the word is from a racist standpoint?
And that's point. PERCEPTION. OPTICS.
You are arguing absolutes. Black and whites. Yes there is black in white in the world. There is also a shit ton of gray.
Regardless of what you believe, the bottom line is that it is perceived as racist by some, and you are playing the race baiters game. That word is by definition: GRAY. By defending the term you are automatically:
a) put on the backfoot by defending it against the race baiters b) automatically dismissed by folks that have already made up their mind
The smart thing is to not use the term at all. You don't give the race baiters ammo, and you don't scare off the folks on the fence. But defending it? That is a hill you are going to die on because you will NEVER win that battle.
But feel free to defend the term, assume my understanding of the term, or assume my knowledge of how OP was using it. It is what the psychopaths do on the left.
Nothing was racist in OP's post. You are making shit up just to keep us divided.
I'm not trying to divide anybody. I'm trying to get people to realize the words people use, especially when they can be racially charge (OR NOT), can be cause of division.
Look at what it has caused here in this discussion alone for crying out loud!
I'm arguing my perception of the damn term. Regardless if he used it as a racist term or not, I am one person who learned it as racist and perceived it as racist. Is my perception of the term any less valid as a result?
How about the many other people who see it as racist?
Perception. Optics. And I'm going to say it, my interpretation of the is retarded to some. But NOT to ME. People here are probably saying "you are trying to stifle free speech" or some shit. I'm not saying that at all. Say whatever the hell you want.
However acting as if there are no repercussions to this term (or ANY term that can be taken a number of ways) won't rub people the wrong way is a clear sign of absolutism, "one way is the only way". This term can only mean THIS. That is a fascist form of thinking, something the left is doing.
And that is clearly not true because I learned the term another way. So what is the conclusion I am trying to make? Be smart by avoiding terms that will can lead to problems. I'm arguing critical thinking, not censorship. The very definition of critical analysis is the actual meaning of a discussion juxtaposed against possible interpretations of a discussion.
We are better warriors when we know the full extent of how our language (spoken or typed) can affect people.
PS: this goes to OP. If you honestly did not use this word as racist I apologize for the very insinuation. But I hope you see the point I am trying to make here.