As a joke I used the term ‘towel-head’ in a GQ thread. I refered of course to the people who shoot machine guns in the air, and not Arabic people in genral.
Someone compared it with using the N word. I believe some terms are more offensive than others and resent the comparrison. However it was insensetive so I apologise.
It doesn’t matter how offensive you think a term is, it’s how offensive it is to the subject of the term.
Although you personally might not find it as offensive as “nigger”, you should realize that those reading your post might reasonably think it’s as offensive or worse. Folks of Arab decent, of course, might.
Well, there are reasonable limits. I’ve heard of some Canadians (I’m a Canadian, btw) saying that “Canuck” is as bad as “nigger.” Personally, I think anyone who says that is actually just looking for an excuse to be offended. We have a hockey team called the Canucks, for God’s sake.
If you are going to aploogize, just do so. Adding in rationalizations dilutes the apology.
Maybe people are offended because they’re being compared to such a crappy team.
D&R
But do you think an Arab being offended at “towelhead” is as unreasonable as a Canadian being offended at “Canuck”? My personal opinion is that is isn’t. I’ve heard “Canuck” used as a neutral term pretty frequently, but I cannot think of “towelhead” ever used in a non-negative manner.
Alright… I apologise for making excuses in my original apology.
Must… resist… urge… to make joke… about black people playing hockey…
I am the compar-er. I’d like to point out that I was using “nigger” as hyperbole, as I am not an Arab. However, the term “towel-head” not only denotes mass generalizations (as in every single person who sports Islamic or Sikh headgear) but is personally offensive to me for a number of reasons. I was simply pointing out that what I knew was a joke was not a very funny one and one that could be offensive to a number of people. I appreciate the apology.
Though shooting in the air is awfully dangerous. It seems to be a common celebratory trait amongst many Arab peoples. (And non-Arabs on the New Years as well.) If I was in the middle of nowhere, I might even do it myself. I’d probably just wear a ball cap though. 
Really? I find every term you use offensive. Please stop posting.
All right, smartass. If I reasonably thought you actually felt that way, I might. Go ahead and tack a reasonability clause onto my post if it makes you feel better.
And we have a football team called the “Redskins”. Still offensive.
They’re rare at the professional level, but not without their successes. The best of them was Vezina-winning goalie Grant Fuhr.
Actually, your calling me “smartass” cheered me up.
Must… resist… urge… to make joke… about Scott Gomez …
Plus, you know, they don’t wear actual towels.
Must… resist… urge… to make joke… about Richard Park…
There is a oilfield supply company called REDMAN that was started by an INDIAN.