(02-06-2022, 08:47 AM)flsprtsgod Wrote:

(02-06-2022, 08:01 AM)The Real Marty Wrote: That's a pretty good point, actually.  

But I still don't think the use of a racist term makes one automatically a racist.

Depends on the definition of racist being used I guess. Now that words can mean whatever an individual thinks they should mean we have no way to really communicate anymore.

I'll give a practical example.  I grew up in an all-white environment here in Jacksonville.  As a young person, many of my friends were obviously racist.  And I can recall that I used the N-word at least a few times.  The reason wasn't because I was a racist.  I used the N-word because I was young, and wanted to fit in with the group.  I do recognize racist feelings in myself from time to time.  But I don't think using the N-word as a very young person or occasionally having racist reactions to people makes me a racist.  I think everyone has had similar experiences and feelings, but I don't think everyone is a racist.  

Is the NY mayor a racist because he used a racist word?  Or was he just trying to impress his audience, like I was?  We can't automatically draw a conclusion.

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