| Topic: | Re:Re:Making a drachma out of a crisis | |
| Posted by: | Alan Clark | |
| Date/Time: | 10/07/15 17:50:00 |
| This claim that rhyming slang is all so lovely and jolly and harmless is misplaced. The terms that stick are ones where the user finds fun in the implications of the term, regardless of the impact on the recipient. So this is all fine for plates or stairs - these rarely feel offense. And interestingly the rhyming slang is very benign for such objects. But for non-English targets, the rhyming slang takes on a new dimension. The terms bubbles and sweaties carry clear implications on those people - flaky and smelly. Not complementary. Not kind. It might make the user of these terms smile (as a bully smiles when doing down another). It does not make the recipient feel good. This is similar to the many current issues of what causes offense and what is a fine tradition to be protected. The use of the confederate flag and sinter Pieter at christmas have similarities in application and (perhaps accidental) intent. Lots of people claiming the long tradition should take precedence over the offence to caused. I feel sorry for those who claim "I'm a Greek / Scot / whatever and I've never been offended by this, all my mates call me this, I call myself this and its fine". This is simply insecure oafs aligning themselves with the bullies to chum up rather than make a simple, polite but clear request to stop being offensive. My own measure of what is acceptable is simple - would I feel comfortable using such a term to the face of the recipient. Calling a someone who is Greek a 'bubbles'? And the answer has to be no, it would make me feel uncomfortable and embarrassed. It is not a charming old luv-a-duck tradition. It is mean, derogatory and in need of being retired. |