3 Nov
2015
3 Nov
'15
7:16 p.m.
I'd say I'm putting it in the context of a bigger picture, in multiple
dimensions.
I would call diving right into which phrase should replace gypsy
before there is any agreement that it should be replaced
passive-aggressive.
Go ahead and discuss.. as someone else posted, a national group in
Britain uses the term in their web address
http://www.gypsy-association.co.uk/ so maybe you can pop in there and
ask whether they find others using the term in a non-derogatory way
offensive.
Personally, I look at the situation with African-Americans. There
have been many iterations of a term being offensive and deemed
impolite. A new term comes into use, but if the same people hold the
same ill feelings with the new term, it also becomes derogatory in a
few years. Rinse and repeat; you haven't fixed anything.
If a term has its roots in disparagement, (say, "nigger" as a
demeaning variation on negro) then it is offensive from the start. I
don't think that's the case with gypsy.
On Tue, Nov 3, 2015 at 11:22 AM, Ron Blechner <contraron(a)gmail.com> wrote:
Donald,
I am reading your comments as an attempt solely at shutting up other people.
Is this your intent? It also comes off pretty passive aggressive. That is
*not* appreciated and *not* helpful.
Disagree all you like, but if you don't want to participate in a discussion,
please don't interfere with others who do.
Respectfully,
Ron Blechner
On Nov 3, 2015 9:06 AM, "Donald Perley via Callers"
<callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
> On Mon, Nov 2, 2015 at 10:42 AM, Aahz Maruch via Callers
>
> > I have to admit that technically your argument is correct WRT me, but
> > that's because I haven't been contra dancing at all (except for Queer
> > Contra Dance Camp). Instead, I've been focusing my time/energy on
> > learning to call MWSD, which leaves this as my only outlet for contra
> > dancing. ;-)
>
> Like I said, more into the crusade than the dance.
>
> While we're at it, more offensive terms that may need replacing:
>
> Chain - represents slavery
> Cast(e) - discrimination affecting a billion Indians
> Swing - derogatory term for swapping sexual partners.
>
> I notice that in quotes from the original complainant who spurred this
> subject, he never claimed to be Roma himself, and it was a little
> unclear whether he was more offended by just the term gypsy, or the
> implication that same-gender gypsies would be flirting with each
> other.
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