And to ruin your argument–“nigger” is a term that many African Americans use–that does NOT make it OK. Your logic sucks.
Off to pick up child #3.
And again, I’ve attempted to explain how I, personally, view the phrase.
I understand that it may have, at one time, had racist connotations (because it possibly, maybe originated in the southern US). Words and phrases change meaning over time. Just like “fair.” It no longer holds the definition it once held, indeed, if it ever held it at all. it’s entirely possible that the way I and gadarene read the definition (fair, obliging, generous, etc.) was the way it was originally intended. I’m sorry you see racist overtones in the phrase, and I’m sorry you’re offended. But I do think you’re reading more into it than is there.
Right. But not in response to a racist statement. Maureen used it to insult the Governor of South Dakota for wanting to ban abortions.
I believe that it does to some people. I believe that it doesn’t to other people. I believe the second group is substantially larger than the first.
From the cite, I would say that the meaning was in the expression from the beginning. I don’t see how you can take an expression like that and just say “It doesn’t mean that anymore, because I don’t want it to.”
No, actually, I didn’t. I used it to insult a poster on this board for explaining why he would force his 14 year old daughter to bear a child.
beats head against keyboard
And in that context it was appropriate. It was being used SARCASTICALLY.
:rolleyes:
But why does “white” NOT describe the Governor of South Dakota? Why is it not “white” of him to sign that bill?
No, I’m saying it doesn’t mean that anymore because that isn’t the way people are using it. But I question whether or not it meant that in the first place. I realize you DO believe it meant that, but I don’t see that interpretation. And you still haven’t explained why you think it’s racist. Is it because of its possible area of origin?
Very well, I misread it, then. Still, how is it not “white?” Or how is it “white?” Whichever way you meant it, what does “white of you” mean in this context?
But that is the way people are using it. The cite I’ve posted a dozen times explains the origins in terms of its racial overtones. Why do you feel it has lost its original meaning?
Look, you ignorant piece of shit, the point is, the phrase has evolved over time to mean, “Wow, you really are an ignorant, narrow-minded jackass!” It’s usually used to point out someone is being patronizing, racist, sexist, discriminating, homophobic, or basically, just an asshole.
Will you get that through your thick skull already!
I can only disagree. I don’t know what evidence either of us could produce for this.
No, it bloody well is NOT the way I’m using it! It’s the way YOU are interpreting my use of it! Two entirely different things.
I’ve read and re-read the cite. Again: The cite you posted shows the original definition is “fair.” Why do you feel “fair” translated to “white” is racist?
Well, again, in what way is requiring a 14-year-old to carry a pregnancy to term “white?” Or in what way is it not “white?” What does whiteness have to do with abortion?
Well, people started using it sarcastically, to mean the opposite of what it originally meant, and over time, through that usage, it came to be an insult meaning, “You’re a narrow-minded tool.”
Make sense?
It was quite the opposite of “fair,” wouldn’t you say?
Well you feel it’s evolved. I can see no evidence that it has. I can only see people using an expression without thinking about where it comes from or what they are implying by it.
Somebody’s being awfully seafoam.
And that was my original point. Using it as “the opposite of what it originally meant” still acknowledges, and uses, the original definition.