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Jun. 14th, 2006 12:44 pmTo continue a comment made on another journal...
When it is brought to your attention that a term you are using is offensive to someone, to continue to use it brands you not only as insensitive, but ill-mannered.
To do so shows either insensitivity (you don't care about giving offense) or naivete (you consider yourself "down" or educated enough that the offense is somehow nullified). There is, moreover, no argument that "you SHOULDN'T be offended" or "But you don't understand the history of that term". Specifically WHAT the term is is also un-important. If a person is offended by a term, they are offended. A well-mannered person will act accordingly.
I recognize arguing a point like this on the basis of good manners falls on deaf ears in most cases.
It IS however, on that basis that this argument becomes most important. Good manners are nothing more than showing consideration and respect towards the people we meet.
When it is brought to your attention that a term you are using is offensive to someone, to continue to use it brands you not only as insensitive, but ill-mannered.
To do so shows either insensitivity (you don't care about giving offense) or naivete (you consider yourself "down" or educated enough that the offense is somehow nullified). There is, moreover, no argument that "you SHOULDN'T be offended" or "But you don't understand the history of that term". Specifically WHAT the term is is also un-important. If a person is offended by a term, they are offended. A well-mannered person will act accordingly.
I recognize arguing a point like this on the basis of good manners falls on deaf ears in most cases.
It IS however, on that basis that this argument becomes most important. Good manners are nothing more than showing consideration and respect towards the people we meet.