[pinkies up]

Originally Posted by KSig RC

Well, you're attempting to rally a group of people to lynch O'Reilly, when there's really no need for the torches at all.

See? That's not racist - in fact, there were "lynch mobs" before there were ever slaves in the United States. The ignorant connotation behind lynchings is somewhat specific, as we can show:

"He's getting lynched by the media!" <-- No connotation at all, but still probably something to avoid in direct reference to a black person because of historical racist crimes. O'Reilly forgot the second part, but the first part was exactly the opposite of how you described it. He likely would use that term in other situations, and likely has. I use it all the time - but then again, I'm from the north.

"(Something along the lines of) hang her from a tree!" <-- direct, explicit connection to abhorrent acts in the deep south. Inappropriate in almost every context. NOT how O'Reilly used the term.

Your point only stands on its own merits if he had actually said something directly offensive, as in the second case. He didn't - you're really projecting here. The term "lynch" is a completely valid descriptor, after all.

Mentioning the word lynch and a black person isn't the smartest thing to do. There is no "oh, I didn't mean it like that" Get real.