"Frat" vs. "Fraternity"

[ufpika]

MysticCat -

I read both of your posts and you bring up great points (thank you for providing links). I respect your point of view, but would like to respond to one of your comments (which I have pasted below).

[Someone who is truly a "fraternity man" or "fraternity gentleman" would never use what is probably the single most derogatory word in the English language. Someone who is a "fraternity man" would honor and respect the females in their life and NOT use that word.]

When gentlemen are amongst gentlemen they don't speak the same as they would in front of a lady. One difference between a class-less man and a gentleman is that a gentleman knows what language is appropriate at what time. This was said behind closed doors, and not in front of ladies. As crude as it sounds, it illustrates a point. It may not be a perfect analogy, but it works. I would never repeat it in front of my mother or girlfriend, but given the time and place it was not offensive. I understand that a large number of women are offended by that word, but not all women are. A perfect example is that some people are offended when the Lord's name is taken in vain, and others aren't. Is a person crude and not a gentleman for taking the Lord's name in vain? Is a person disrespecting everyone that is a Christian by saying "Jesus Christ" when they are angry?

Calling that word the most derogatory word in the English language is an opinion. While I find the word highly inappropriate for the vast majority of my daily conversations, I am not offended by it. I could list a number of words that offend me much more.

Thank you for the welcome, have a good night.