Words

[Gvac]

I've been wondering a lot lately about what (or who) gives words such power. The way "the N word" (which no one is allowed to say anymore) can devastate someone like Earl seems mind boggling to me. I know it came from a very hateful time when black people were enslaved and treated as sub-human, but does recalling that time with a word really have to cause such pain?

Back in the 1950's, black people decided they wanted to be called "Negro" and that anything else was offensive. They they said "colored" was the preferred term and the word Negro was hateful. Then colored went out of vogue and it was decided that they should simply be referred to as 'black.' James Brown even had a monster hit back in the 60's with "Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud!"

'Afro-American' was then the new way to refer to people of that race, and yet later on it was decided that 'African-American' should be used, not Afro.

If the words can be changed from preferred to hateful so quickly, can they really be that powerful?

The word 'queer' used to be considered in poor taste, but the homosexual community has embraced it and made it their own. Ditto for the 'N word' with African-Americans.

I can't help but think it's all so silly.

[BlackSpider]

I hate the "G" word...:bye:

[donnie_darko]

the n-word doesn't bother me so much.

i had the word "negros" on a sig pic here, and apparently the mods found it offensive so i had to remove it and replace it with a strategically placed picture of earl.

which i honestly find offensive...but anywho

but seriously, not all african americans find the word offensive, a lot of us find it reflects more upon the person who's using it then it does on us. some people simply react to it because its expected.

a lot even use it to seemingly distinguish between social classes....

but whatever clarkies.

[Gvac]

I'll tell you something else; I wish people could stop referring to themselves as African-American, Italian-American, Irish-American, Asian-American, etc.

It's absurd. We're ALL Americans. The little labels only serve to further divide us.

The sooner people will realize this and give up the idiotic "I'm showing pride in my heritage" argument the better off we'd be.

[Farmer Dave]

I gotta tell you the '-American' really isn't used here in the midwest. You're white, black, or assumed to be illegal.

[Gvac]

It's even funny how 'white' became an all-encompassing term. It wasn't very long ago at all where Irish and Italians would never identify with one another and consider themselves the same race.

[Bossanova]

It's even funny how 'white' became an all-encompassing term. It wasn't very long ago at all where Irish and Italians would never identify with one another and consider themselves the same race.

Uh! Italians are NOT the same race as us Irish. How dare you sir?

[Don Stugots]

Uh! Italians are NOT the same race as us Irish. How dare you sir?

true the irish are a far lower race then the Italians.

[Gvac]

Ha!

See what I mean?

And try explaining that to a militant black separatist. If you're not black, you're white...no middle ground.

[Bossanova]

true the irish are a far lower race then the Italians.

Please, Italians are barely a step above Polocks. The Irish are far superior. Fucking guinea bastard

[torker]

Fuckin monkeys
http://www.girlposse.com/reviews/misc_reviews/gotti_boys.jpg

[Foster]

I find the term "african-american" to be inappropriate

what if the person is not from the america?

Gvac is right, sooner or later that term to will be found offensive also.

[Bossanova]

Fuckin monkeys
http://www.girlposse.com/reviews/misc_reviews/gotti_boys.jpg

exactly!

[Don Stugots]

Please, Italians are barely a step above Polocks. The Irish are far superior. Fucking guinea bastard

Come on, you faced becoming extinct to a famine because of rotten potatoes.

Torker, the asshats in that pic are monkeys and do nothing but cast a negative image of Italian people.


honestly, I don't even care about this stuff, it is just fun breaking Bossanova's balls.

[Don Stugots]

I find the term "african-american" to be inappropriate

what if the person is not from the america?

Gvac is right, sooner or later that term to will be found offensive also.

it already is. you are white, black or hispanic, thats it. no one cares where your family is from.

[Gvac]

I find the term "african-american" to be inappropriate

what if the person is not from the america?

Gvac is right, sooner or later that term to will be found offensive also.

Exactly. Are black Cubans "African-American"?

I heard Imus talking the other day and he was saying how hypocritical Europe is being for praising us for electing Obama. He said "When England or Germany elect an African-American, then they can talk."

Why would an American be elected Prime Minister of a European nation?

It just shows how terrified he was to refer to people of a specific race by any term other than the current politically correct one.

[Kris10]

I'm an Irish Polock, where does that leave me?

[Don Stugots]

I'm an Irish Polock, where does that leave me?

see the bottom of the barrel? its on top of you.

[Gvac]

it already is. you are white, black or hispanic, thats it. no one cares where your family is from.

That's another one. Hispanics were never considered a seperate race. We were taught in school that there were 3 seperate races of human beings - Caucasoids, Negroids, and Mongoloids.

They were once scientific terms, but now are considered offensive. Just like the terms 'idiot' and 'moron.' They were actual terms to describe people in a certain IQ range. Now they're insulting, only because public opinion has changed their true meaning.

[torker]

I'm an Irish Polock, where does that leave me?

Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son.

[Foster]

I'm an Irish Polock, where does that leave me?

unable to open a beer can?

[Kris10]

Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son.

Asshole, I'm a chick :furious::wallbash:

[Kris10]

unable to open a beer can?

Draft my friend!:clap:

[Kris10]

see the bottom of the barrel? its on top of you.

I do enjoy the bottom. Let the man take control. Oh wait, we aren't talking about sex :happy:

[TooLowBrow]

i think that any german who cant take a joke is a sour kraut

[Foster]

That's another one. Hispanics were never considered a seperate race. We were taught in school that there were 3 seperate races of human beings - Caucasoids, Negroids, and Mongoloids.

They were once scientific terms, but now are considered offensive. Just like the terms 'idiot' and 'moron.' They were actual terms to describe people in a certain IQ range. Now they're insulting, only because public opinion has changed their true meaning.

the bottom line is people don't like to be labeled, and blame those labels for their lack of achievement in life.

[led37zep]

Fuckin monkeys
http://www.girlposse.com/reviews/misc_reviews/gotti_boys.jpg

What the hell...its been awhile since I broke this pic out.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/led37zep/Fingerboy.jpg

[torker]

Asshole, I'm a chick :furious::wallbash:

At least I got the 'fat' part correct. :wink:

[Don Stugots]

I do enjoy the bottom. Let the man take control. Oh wait, we aren't talking about sex :happy:

maybe i was.....

[Kris10]

At least I got the 'fat' part correct. :wink:

Fat, thin, white, black, hairy, shaven doesn't bother me at all!

It's being called a guy when I have a hibiscus tattoo'd on my back the part that pisses me off.

[MacVittie]

I've considered not telling my children what their heritage is, and just tell them that they're White and American (assuming I have kids some day). Assuming my wife is as much of a Euro-mutt as I am, there's not point in telling kids that they're 7/32 German and 1/8 Italian and 1/32 Cherokee. Every relative of mine that I have ever met was born in the United States, 3 of my grandparents grew up in rural settings and none of them look or act particularly "ethnic," maybe when they're older and if they become really curious they can learn, but I'm hoping they just don't care. I almost wish my parents hadn't told me about my heritage, because it doesn't really matter to me at all. I don't feel any race or nationality other than American.

[epo]

Asshole, I'm a chick :furious::wallbash:

Some of us know that Rouski. :wub:

[Kris10]

maybe i was.....

than we'd be on the same page!

[Kris10]

Some of us know that Rouski. :wub:

Kisses for Epo!!!! You know I luv you! :wub::wub::wub::wub:

[RoseBlood]

...I have a hibiscus tattoo'd on my back...

Thank you, I've been trying to figure out what that is.

[Kris10]

Thank you, I've been trying to figure out what that is.

LOL

no problem. I have Rouski right above the hibiscus on my neck.

[epo]

Is Gvac becoming our Lenny Bruce?

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[Gvac]

Huh.

I had honestly never heard that before epo.

Thanks.

And of course, he was right.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

I blame women from age 40-55 of all races for everything

those no life losers have nothing to do but get offended by terms that don't affect them

[torker]

Is Gvac becoming our Lenny Bruce?


Somebody check the bathroom.:unsure:

[TheMojoPin]

I've been wondering a lot lately about what (or who) gives words such power. The way "the N word" (which no one is allowed to say anymore) can devastate someone like Earl seems mind boggling to me. I know it came from a very hateful time when black people were enslaved and treated as sub-human, but does recalling that time with a word really have to cause such pain?

Back in the 1950's, black people decided they wanted to be called "Negro" and that anything else was offensive. They they said "colored" was the preferred term and the word Negro was hateful. Then colored went out of vogue and it was decided that they should simply be referred to as 'black.' James Brown even had a monster hit back in the 60's with "Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud!"

'Afro-American' was then the new way to refer to people of that race, and yet later on it was decided that 'African-American' should be used, not Afro.

If the words can be changed from preferred to hateful so quickly, can they really be that powerful?

The word 'queer' used to be considered in poor taste, but the homosexual community has embraced it and made it their own. Ditto for the 'N word' with African-Americans.

I can't help but think it's all so silly.

Says the straight white guy.

Why are you going to ever really understand or embrace or feel pride in terms or movements that ultimately nothing to do with who you are?

That should just be common sense.

I think us white people really need to take more time to realize how kickass our social station is when we can act like what minorities want to call themselves is a big deal.

[red_red_red]

I've been wondering a lot lately about what (or who) gives words such power. The way "the N word" (which no one is allowed to say anymore) can devastate someone like Earl seems mind boggling to me. I know it came from a very hateful time when black people were enslaved and treated as sub-human, but does recalling that time with a word really have to cause such pain?

Back in the 1950's, black people decided they wanted to be called "Negro" and that anything else was offensive. They they said "colored" was the preferred term and the word Negro was hateful. Then colored went out of vogue and it was decided that they should simply be referred to as 'black.' James Brown even had a monster hit back in the 60's with "Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud!"

'Afro-American' was then the new way to refer to people of that race, and yet later on it was decided that 'African-American' should be used, not Afro.

If the words can be changed from preferred to hateful so quickly, can they really be that powerful?

The word 'queer' used to be considered in poor taste, but the homosexual community has embraced it and made it their own. Ditto for the 'N word' with African-Americans.

I can't help but think it's all so silly.
i'm 1/2 native north "american" (what you whiteys call "native american") and 1/2 irish....wanna drink some alcohol? cuz i bet you lose.

[britneypablo]

hail victory white power

[red_red_red]

hail victory white powder
fixed for accuracy and whiteness

[GregoryJoseph]

I think us white people really need to take more time to realize how kickass our social station is when we can act like what minorities want to call themselves is a big deal.

And therein lies the rub, my dear Mojo.

In my vision there are no minorities. Perhaps if people ceased to segregate themselves the rest of the population would be more accepting.

[NickyL0885]

I'm of Italian heritage. Sicilian Italian to be exact and I love it. I love hearing about my family past and hearing about how things were years ago for Italian people. Yes, I was born here but doesn't mean I can't appreciate my background. In fact, without Italians, we would not have some of the things we have today.

[RoseBlood]

I'm sorry Mr. G but I don't agree with you here. I think your heart and intentions are in the right place, but I think your views on this are idealistic. Let me explain because ultimately, I believe we both have similiar visions and goals of what this world could be.

Yes, words in and of itself are just words, and what are words but letters put together to form a sound? But words really do offer an extreme amount of power to us, good and bad alike. As you stated, you realize that it's not the words that evoke such strong emotions in people but the implied meanings and history behind words. I would love for words to not effect everyone so much and cause such disharmony but we have to take the good with the bad. Yes, many words have strong negative stigma's attached to them causing distress to people but the power of our words can also have the opposite effect on people. If our words didn't have such strong meaning, how boring would life be?

I'd also like to point out that while we'd all like for these words with negative racial undertones to not cause so much hurt and hate, I can understand why they would for some people. Just because a word doesn't effect one person, doesn't mean it shouldn't effect another person. For example, I know you grew tired of the "old man gvac" jokes (i apologize for my part in it as I was unaware they may have bothered you and I didn't know those jokes were around long before I started posting). Can I apply your theory on yourself and say the word "old" is just a word and shouldn't cause any resentments?

I don't know where I was going with this but i hope you see my point?

[Gvac]

Just because a word doesn't effect one person, doesn't mean it shouldn't effect another person. For example, I know you grew tired of the "old man gvac" jokes (i apologize for my part in it as I was unaware they may have bothered you and I didn't know those jokes were around long before I started posting). Can I apply your theory on yourself and say the word "old" is just a word and shouldn't cause any resentments?

I don't know where I was going with this but i hope you see my point?

The "old man Gvac" jokes didn't bother me because I felt they were derogatory in any way, it just became incredibly hackneyed and trite. Suppose you were jokingly referred to as "dumb bitch RoseBlood" and it was a cute little joke that caught on for awhile. You might laugh and snicker the first few times people called you that, but after 400 posters replied to everything you wrote with "well dumb bitch RoseBlood, that's because you're a dumb bitch!" it kind of gets stupid and annoying. And it wasn't as if I insisted everyone call me "old" then changed and said "from now on I want to be called ancient; anyone who calls me 'old' is disrespecting me."

I just think we all have to learn to stop labeling people.

[RoseBlood]

I just think we all have to learn to stop labeling people.

Ok "Big Ass Veteran" Gvac

Signed,
"Super Poster" RoseBlood

[Gvac]

Ok "Big Ass Veteran" Gvac

Signed,
"Super Poster" RoseBlood

Hello exactly!

And please tell me you saw my last post in the "Fez's eating habits" thread.

[RoseBlood]

I did and I loffed and loffed :lol::lol: till I coughed and nearly choked and couldn't loff no more :glurps:

P.S. how long before the Gvac is Westley and Sue_Bender jokes get tiresome, if they haven't already?

[Gvac]

I did and I loffed and loffed :lol::lol: till I coughed and nearly choked and couldn't loff no more :glurps:

P.S. how long before the Gvac is Westley and Sue_Bender jokes get tiresome, if they haven't already?

Ha!

Let 'em have their fun.

By the way...who are those 2? And are they the same person?

I missed a lot while I was gone, apparently.

[RoseBlood]

By the way...who are those 2? And are they the same person?

Hmm.. not sure but I don't think they are the same person.

[bigtim666]

words

[A.J.]

It wasn't very long ago at all where Irish and Italians would never identify with one another and consider themselves the same race.

I'm suprised they let my parents marry!