Special Olympics aims at ending the derogatory use of the "r-word"

[christiangirl]

Originally Posted by tri deezy

I also recently learned that the origins of the word "spaz," as in, "Oh my god, she's such a spaz," refer to people with Cerebral Palsy (because of their muscle spasms and uncontrolled tension). I don't really use "spaz" anymore. One of my favorite people in the world has CP.

When my sister and I found out that the term "gypped" refers to gypsies, who were often unfairly stereotyped as cheaters and thieves, we stopped using that word as well.

[AOII_LB93]

Originally Posted by christiangirl

When my sister and I found out that the term "gypped" refers to gypsies, who were often unfairly stereotyped as cheaters and thieves, we stopped using that word as well.

That's fine and dandy that you say that, but EVERY instance I've had with gypsies in Europe has been a negative one - seeing them pickpocket, etc...There was also an article in either Time or Newsweek a long while ago where they interviewed a bunch of gypsies who openly stated they didn't work because it was more honorable to stealand beg from people than work.

As for the r word, yes I've used it, most people have. I stopped a long time ago though as I think it's not a good expression, there are much more apt expressions when dealing with those who are idiots....well, with the exception of the thread on here recently with the guy peddling online cremation or whatever it was.

[BabyPiNK_FL]

Many derogatory words as someone pointed out earlier, have taken on secondary meanings. It is called the evolution of language. You can not stop it. Words take on new meanings all the time. You don't have to like it, but most people already speak (especially when speaking casually) before they have a chance to register what they are going to say. Hence, "retarded" would not be used in a formal speech, neither would "gay", but you'll find them in casual and everyday conversation. There is no movement that will stop the natural progression of language, so I think they are going to have to go on being offended.

As a black person, I've learned to just get used to many hispanics and whites saying "nigga" on casual basis when meeting friends. No one has ever in my life (to my knowledge) used it in offense towards me. I do notice it all the time in my head and it does make me stop and think for a second, but I don't get offended about it and give them a lecture. What is the point?

[christiangirl]

Originally Posted by BabyPiNK_FL

As a black person, I've learned to just get used to many hispanics and whites saying "nigga" on casual basis when meeting friends. No one has ever in my life (to my knowledge) used it in offense towards me. I do notice it all the time in my head and it does make me stop and think for a second, but I don't get offended about it and give them a lecture. What is the point?

The point is that, if it is unacceptable and hurtful to me, there is no reason I should tolerate it. The word is offensive to me and I do not allow anyone to use it toward me, casually or not. A lecture is not necessary, but I may give one if they ask me why I feel the way I do. I ask people not to use it around me, though I can't demand that they don't. Usually, they respect that unless they're just complete jerks and say it more to annoy me (some people are just mean-spirited that way)--in which case, I just remove myself.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by AOII_LB93

That's fine and dandy that you say that, but EVERY instance I've had with gypsies in Europe has been a negative one - seeing them pickpocket, etc...There was also an article in either Time or Newsweek a long while ago where they interviewed a bunch of gypsies who openly stated they didn't work because it was more honorable to stealand beg from people than work.

And I almost had to cuss out a Gypsy woman selling roses in Manhattan who thought it was okay to blow cigarette smoke in our faces.

These people are a relatively small percentage of the world's population of Gypsies. The stereotype has taken over because most people will never interact with a substantial portion of Gypsies. That includes that potentially nonrepresentative group for Newsweek's interview.

I stopped saying "gyped" years ago and I compare it to people saying "jew me."

I don't say "retard" unless I'm actually talking about someone who is "mentally retarded." I will keep saying "mentally retarded" for people who are medically considered "mentally retarded." That isn't an insult or a stereotype. As KSig said, it is accurate and well-documented.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

These people are a relatively small percentage of the world's population of Gypsies. The stereotype has taken over because most people will never interact with a substantial portion of Gypsies. That includes that potentially nonrepresentative group for Newsweek's interview.

And if I remember right, they don't call themselves Gypsies, do they? Don't they call themselves Romani or Roma?

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

And if I remember right, they don't call themselves Gypsies, do they? Don't they call themselves Romani or Roma?

I found this. http://www.rootsworld.com/rw/feature/gypsy1.html

From my limited experiences, those who call themselves Gypsies may be doing so because outsiders identify them as such.

[minDyG]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

From my limited experiences, those who call themselves Gypsies may be doing so because outsiders identify them as such.

When I was a server, I was told by one of my customers that calling them "gypsies" is like calling a black person the "n-word." This was after he'd overheard one of my fellow servers using the word.

But I think the group that lives near this area are referred to as "Irish Travelers" so I don't know if that is the same thing or not.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by minDyG

When I was a server, I was told by one of my customers that calling them "gypsies" is like calling a black person the "n-word." This was after he'd overheard one of my fellow servers using the word.

But I think the group that lives near this area are referred to as "Irish Travelers" so I don't know if that is the same thing or not.

That's interesting. Does "gypsy" have an offensive origin or did it simply develop a stigma?

"Irish Traveler" isn't an ethnic distinction so I wouldn't use that to refer to a group of people.

/end thread hijack...maybe

[CutiePie2000]

Originally Posted by christiangirl

When my sister and I found out that the term "gypped" refers to gypsies, who were often unfairly stereotyped as cheaters and thieves, we stopped using that word as well.

Here's another one for you....

Okay, Greece is called "Hellas" in Greek, hence the term "Hellenic" to refer to things Greek.

I recently went to a concert at our local "Hellenic Community Centre", (formerly the Greek Community Centre). I asked my Greek friend about it and she said that "Greek" actually comes from a Turkish word meaning "slave"! I was

So I wouldn't be surprised if we see that change over time as well.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by CutiePie2000

Here's another one for you....

Okay, Greece is called "Hellas" in Greek, hence the term "Hellenic" to refer to things Greek.

I recently went to a concert at our local "Hellenic Community Centre", (formerly the Greek Community Centre). I asked my Greek friend about it and she said that "Greek" actually comes from a Turkish word meaning "slave"! I was

So I wouldn't be surprised if we see that change over time as well.

The word "Greek" isn't changing at this stage of the game.

And your friend was wrong -- "Greek" comes the name of a tribe or group of people (the Graikos) that once lived in what is now Greece but migrated to what is now Italy and were called (in Latin) Graecus.