Originally Posted by bigTlilODD

Because marshmallows don't have bones.

Originally Posted by Hank

It most certainly was, I don’t care what they teach you guys today.
It was not universal or with more then one meaning.

Originally Posted by drgoodtrips

FWIW (and probably not too much), my personal experience is that the term is racist in nature. There is a sizeable Hispanic population in my area, and, growing up, I worked closely with a lot of Hispanics (my fluency in Spanish helped). Generally, they used the term in a racist way and also in a friendly way (calling me 'gringo', for example). I think the term was used toward me in the same vein that black people call one another "nigga". Anyway, my experience was that it was used predominantly to describe white people who were wealthy and generally rude. It was only used to describe white people, and it was never "friendly" (with the exception of what I mentioned). Personally, I believe that this qualifies it as 'racist' - at least, in my experience.

Originally Posted by Pi Jiu

How about swallows?



Nonsense. I showed you the wiki link with all the meanings.



I don't understand. You YOURSELF say (as I've been saying) that the word was used in DIFFERENT ways, and that it was used in a friendly way towards you (a.k.a. nikka). So how would it be racist?? You may think it COULD be used in a racist way, and I agree, but it doesnt mean it HAS to be used in that manner.



This is a completely different issue. But yes, I agree with you ... I don't think it's very sensible that blacks call each other "nigga" and it's not considered racists, for instance. I also dont see how Hispanics wouldn't get upset if one of their own called them Mexican but if you (white man) called them that, they'd throw a fit. Nope, I dont agree with that - but again, different issue altogether.

I have to say the point Sam made comes into play here about the white man having been the oppressor. Yep, I'm waiting for you to tell me that "this happened eons ago and isn't applicable, and I shouldn't think this way" - hey, *I* don't think that way, but unfortunately many do, and thats exactly why it happens. I am simply giving you a reason. Do I agree? No. Do I see where they are coming from? Yes, sorta ... Fair? Not at all. Realistic? Certainly.

*If this was not the point you were trying to make in the last para, please advise.*

Originally Posted by Slon

Not if you're from the District of Columbia.

District of Columbia

Originally Posted by Slon

I have heard people use "nigger" in a friendly manner. Now, I have no problem with Chavez calling anyone gringo and have no problem with people calling blacks nigger. Do you also not have a problem with people calling blacks niggers?

Originally Posted by Pi Jiu

Gringo is not a racist term per se, while nigger is. Thus I most certainly have a problem with anyone, blacks or whites, calling blacks niggers, but gringo in my book is not a racist term necessarily so no, I dont have a problem with that. I wouldn't use the term myself though.

Originally Posted by Slon

They both appear on this page:

List of ethnic slurs - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Apparently, it is a "racial" slur, not a "racist" slur. According to this:

Nigger - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia



So it just means "black," which they are. What is the big problem?

Originally Posted by Pi Jiu

The big problem is I don't agree with your interpretation of the words "racist" and "racial". If you were to say Negro, I'd have no prob with it, but not nigger.

Originally Posted by Slon

What is the difference? It's a variation of the word "negro."

Originally Posted by Donkey_Left

You can't be serious.

Originally Posted by Donkey_Left

I would, but I don't see how it relates to the subject. Negro and Nigger both refer to race, Gringo does not necessarily.

Originally Posted by trobinett

LANGUAGE, thats a preseptive YOU need to pay more attention to.

Communication of thoughts and feelings through a system of arbitrary signals, such as voice sounds, gestures, or written symbols.
b. Such a system including its rules for combining its components, such as words.
c. Such a system as used by a nation, people, or other distinct community; often contrasted with dialect.
2.
a. A system of signs, symbols, gestures, or rules used in communicating: the language of algebra.
b. Computer Science A system of symbols and rules used for communication with or between computers.
3. Body language; kinesics.
4. The special vocabulary and usages of a scientific, professional, or other group: "his total mastery of screen languagecamera placement, editingand his handling of actors" (Jack Kroll).
5. A characteristic style of speech or writing: Shakespearean language.
6. A particular manner of expression: profane language; persuasive language.
7. The manner or means of communication between living creatures other than humans: the language of dolphins.
8. Verbal communication as a subject of study.
9. The wording of a legal document or statute as distinct from the spirit.
language synonyms
noun
A system of terms used by a people sharing a history and culture: dialect, speech, tongue, vernacular. Linguistics: langue. See words
Specialized expressions indigenous to a particular field, subject, trade, or subculture: argot, cant2, dialect, idiom, jargon, lexicon, lingo, patois, terminology, vernacular, vocabulary.

I don't think you have a CLUE what language is my dear child.

Grow up.

Your dismissed.........

Originally Posted by Slon

What is the difference? It's a variation of the word "negro."

Originally Posted by Pi Jiu

It's a racist variation of the word.