Just words or something sinister

Just words or something sinister (Full Version)

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Aneirin -> Just words or something sinister (1/13/2009 11:07:00 AM)
Lately on UK news we have been informed about the current saga involving a certain member of our Royal family using 'racist' terminology in a private home video. Of course, people are shocked at such words being used by one of the Royals and are crying racism. But is it racist to use such words as a term of endearment, after all, the Prince who uttered these words in private has explained the names used were nicnames for people he would trust with his life, they being members of his fighting unit. And now Prince Charles is in the firing line for a name he uses for a friend, a friend who I might add who is ok with his nicname. See here In the past most people had nicnames, a lot of them based upon where they were from, or even their appearance. The welsh were called Taffy, the Scots called Jocks and the Irish called Paddy. The Australians refferred to English as Poms and I believe some of the US referred to Brits as Limeys. Alternatively, the US were known as yanks, (though I do know the origin of that term). Then there were more regional nicnames, in the service, I came across the name scouse, as it was applied to anyone from the region of Liverpool, whether they were a scouser or not. The names that were used, no one was bothered about, as they were names used in endearment. It is with us, if we take the mickey out of someone, it is generally a sign we like them, and feel comfortable enough with them, as not to offend. If we don't like a person, well they are generally just not talked to, they don't even get as far as to get a nic name. So, back to this issue of using what some people see is racist language when referring to a friend, is it racism, perhaps closet racism, or just a load of hot air spouted by those that would like to make a mountain out of a mole hill ? What about if a word is used for a friend who sees no ill, yet another overhears that word and takes offence ? So, where is this going, is the world going mad, any thoughts on this ?

bestbabync -> RE: Just words or something sinister (1/13/2009 11:12:35 AM)
here in the US many use racist words as terms of endearment. it is even in the rap and rock music! not such a strange concept!

myotherself -> RE: Just words or something sinister (1/13/2009 11:38:02 AM)
I think it has more to do with those terms being used in a negative way for such a long time, it's hard for people to understand that they can also be used as a term of endearment. I would say that the royal family should be more sensitive about this matter and should be more careful of what they call someone, but all those generations of in-breeding haven't left us with a family of Einsteins. Or even Homer Simpsons. They're much, much stupider....

hizgeorgiapeach -> RE: Just words or something sinister (1/13/2009 11:45:10 AM)
Making Mountains out of Molehills seems to be at the top of the list of Achievements when ya look at those who are most hung up on Political Correctness. A) What business is it of Anyone's what another person says in a Private conversation or Private Home Video? It's called Private for a Reason - the reason being, it's not intended for PUBLIC viewing/hearing. B) What business is it of Anyone's what the private - Affectionate - nicnames are that one person has for a friend? C) My opinion of those who get their panties in a bunch over such issues...... "ooooh.. you don't like that word, and don't want to be called that word. So what? YOU aren't being called that, so keep your nose Short, in your own Business, and Get A Life."

bestbabync -> RE: Just words or something sinister (1/13/2009 11:46:16 AM)
hum? alot say Tupac was a genius! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88_yosw5H2U the word here is racist unless used in the slang pronunciation which makes it a term of endearment. i think the prince is telling the truth! i agree with ya hizgeorgiapeach!

sirsholly -> RE: Just words or something sinister (1/13/2009 11:50:11 AM)
quote: a certain member of our Royal family using 'racist' terminology in a private home video. If he had made the statement in public I could understand the flap. As it is...a private gathering and a private video...his privacy was invaded by who ever released the tape.

mc1234 -> RE: Just words or something sinister (1/13/2009 11:55:52 AM)
quote: just a load of hot air spouted by those that would like to make a mountain out of a mole hill ? Yup, this one. [:)]

Vendaval -> RE: Just words or something sinister (1/13/2009 12:12:08 PM)
I saw a clip about that on the news. Since I am not familiar with the UK slang, all I can say is that the best explanation comes from the Princes and their friends who are called by such words in private.

colouredin -> RE: Just words or something sinister (1/13/2009 12:12:33 PM)
Oh you know I love 'our harry' he gets such a lot of flack for silly things 18 and getting drunk, how terrible, and i hear he has taken drugs which no one else his age has. The thing is I can understand that these terms can and are used in friendly ways and I am sure that he didnt mean it nastily the problem is that after his choice of fancy dress costume people will look out for stuff like this, he is after all aware of his postion and Im sorry but he should have been more careful. Also its great when people reclaim words and all that however if someone else hears it and is offended by it then they have just as much right to feel like that as the person who see's it in a friendly way.

hizgeorgiapeach -> RE: Just words or something sinister (1/13/2009 12:29:44 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: colouredin however if someone else hears it and is offended by it then they have just as much right to feel like that as the person who see's it in a friendly way. I don't see where it's OK if someone gets snitty about something they Eavesdropped on that someone else said. And people getting their panties in a bunch about a Private video that was released without the consent of all of those who are IN said video - is (to me) the equivalant of Digital Eavesdropping. That is no different really than you and I both being on a subway, you calling your best friend whom you're talking to "sugar" and me getting snotty because I find "sugar" to be an offencive word. The conversation wasn't with me. It wasn't directed at me. It had nothing to Do with me. The person whom it Was directed at didn't consider it offencive in the slightest. I simply butted in where I had no business, got offended Because I butted in where I had no business, and now intend to raise a stink over something that - gasp - Wasn't My Business.

JustDarkness -> RE: Just words or something sinister (1/13/2009 12:52:08 PM)
We have many nationalities at work....and we laugh at eachother when we call eachother names... It is just to tease....not to hurt...

colouredin -> RE: Just words or something sinister (1/13/2009 1:11:46 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: hizgeorgiapeach That is no different really than you and I both being on a subway, you calling your best friend whom you're talking to "sugar" and me getting snotty because I find "sugar" to be an offencive word. Hmm Im not sure I agree with this, its not like using the word sugar at all its like using a word that a lot of people find offensive. If someone were to use say a homophobic term on the subway loud enough for me to hear I would be offended. However I do agree with you about the personal privacy no one had the right to publicise it I am not saying that is right. I am just saying Harry does seem to keep putting his foot in his mouth.

subtee -> RE: Just words or something sinister (1/13/2009 1:44:29 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: hizgeorgiapeach And people getting their panties in a bunch about a Private video that was released without the consent of all of those who are IN said video - is (to me) the equivalant of Digital Eavesdropping. quote: C) My opinion of those who get their panties in a bunch over such issues...... I'm offended by the references to peoples panties and the offensiveness of the bunchiness of them because I don't wear them and therefore am pantiless with no advantage of the opportunity to have a panty-bunch situation. Also my sensibilities were offended by the suggestion in another thread that NG not only wears panties but that they are at this time bunched, which has rather offended my perfectly good NG fantasy image. Just kidding. But seriously, words do have power, especially for the powerful. If they didn't Hitler wouldn't have been a world-altering dictator, but only a wanna-be artist with a little penis and a bad moustache.

NorthernGent -> RE: Just words or something sinister (1/13/2009 2:09:55 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: hizgeorgiapeach A) What business is it of Anyone's what another person says in a Private conversation or Private Home Video? It's called Private for a Reason - the reason being, it's not intended for PUBLIC viewing/hearing. Considering the monarchy are funded by the tax payer and the head of the family is the Head of State, I'd say the racist comment (and associated lack of tolerance) made by one of their clan is in the public interest. After all, these people are the highest authority in the land. Seems that he's inherited his Grandfather's ability to act like a total and utter cock end.

Arpig -> RE: Just words or something sinister (1/13/2009 2:14:03 PM)
I find the whole concept of being offended by words to be inane...I am not in any way bothered by somebody saying cracker or honky or whitey...they are just words and only have the power I choose to give them

MissSepphora1 -> RE: Just words or something sinister (1/13/2009 2:14:29 PM)
I'm sorry you missed the news. The world is already mad.

MissSepphora1 -> RE: Just words or something sinister (1/13/2009 2:19:22 PM)
Just as a side note, hasn't Harry gotten 100 times hotter than William as they've gotten older? Or is that just my perverted old mind?

subtee -> RE: Just words or something sinister (1/13/2009 2:23:28 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Arpig I find the whole concept of being offended by words to be inane...I am not in any way bothered by somebody saying cracker or honky or whitey...they are just words and only have the power I choose to give them What does offend you? Wouldn't we reasonably have a choice to feel offended or not by anything, theoretically?

StrictnSaucy -> RE: Just words or something sinister (1/13/2009 2:34:29 PM)
Not a fan or follower of the British Royalty but I feel sorry for the lad. Its been taken out of all context. How much pressure must those boys feel @ such a young age! SnS

hizgeorgiapeach -> RE: Just words or something sinister (1/13/2009 2:37:42 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: subtee quote: ORIGINAL: Arpig I find the whole concept of being offended by words to be inane...I am not in any way bothered by somebody saying cracker or honky or whitey...they are just words and only have the power I choose to give them What does offend you? Wouldn't we reasonably have a choice to feel offended or not by anything, theoretically? Short answer : Yes. It's difficult to explain adequately, since these fora are not populated strictly by Americans. In our case - well - while we were guarenteed the rights to Life, Liberty and the Persuit of Happines by the constitution... we were Not guarenteed to always Find happiness (just the right to persue it), and we were Not guarenteed that we would never be offended. Quite the opposite, in fact, since our right to free speech is protected by the same constitution - eventually, someone is going to exercise that Right, the right to say what they want (within limits such as not shouting "fire" in a crowded theater when there's not one) and something they say is Going to offend someone else. No word - even one that has "historical" connotations HAS to be considered offencive unless we Want to consider it such. If we choose not to acknowledge that sort of thing, it can and will loose it's power to offend. It will lose those connotations, and simply be a word again, devoid of the power to incite people to indignation or rage.

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