The Official Complaint Thread!

[louisstamos]

Go ahead then and ask a Japanese Jap if he is offended.

I work with one.  I asked her.  She said she would be offended.  Undertones of the term and all that.

Case closed?

 

[TBLeafer]

Yes, it seems pretty clear that you should listen to the people of Australia on what is offensive to Japanese people instead of a Japanese person who has been hired by the Japanese government to represent them internationally.

As someone who actually lived in Australia I can say that they are not a nation anyone should look to for cues on racial sensitivity.

Yes that or what was once considered offensive because it was meant to be offensive in WWII is no longer meant to be taken or construed as such because in today's society, it is NOT derogatory, nor is it used as such.  I can see someone like a aged Ambassador, with some sort of strong emotional connection to WWII being offended.

I can't see anyone being 2+ generations removed from it being the same.

And if none of you here have a Japanese backgound, there was ZERO need to even make this a thing.

 

[Beowulf]

Seriously? Yikes.

 

[TBLeafer]

And yet nobody blinked when I said Horsey Highway, despite of the fact that some horses may have been offended.

 

[Kin]

And yet nobody blinked when I said Horsey Highway, despite of the fact that some horses may have been offended.

It's almost like most of us don't equate Japanese people with animals.

 

[bustaheims]

 

[bustaheims]

And yet nobody blinked when I said Horsey Highway, despite of the fact that some horses may have been offended.

 

[herman]

Up until now, I think I was still open to giving you the benefit of the doubt, but I'm now more offended by the narcissistic attitude than any racial epithets inadvertently or ignorantly uttered. Everyone's been pretty patient about steering you back on track. It's clear to me you're not interested.

 

[TimKerr]

And yet nobody blinked when I said Horsey Highway, despite of the fact that some horses may have been offended.

Honestly? I wasn't on the other forum you were on, that you supposedly had to leave for one reason or the other, but if you acted there, like you act here, I don't think they are missing you.

You just have no idea when to admit you're wrong and just shut the hell up.

 

[louisstamos]

Yes, it seems pretty clear that you should listen to the people of Australia on what is offensive to Japanese people instead of a Japanese person who has been hired by the Japanese government to represent them internationally.

As someone who actually lived in Australia I can say that they are not a nation anyone should look to for cues on racial sensitivity.

Yes that or what was once considered offensive because it was meant to be offensive in WWII is no longer meant to be taken or construed as such because in today's society, it is NOT derogatory, nor is it used as such.  I can see someone like a aged Ambassador, with some sort of strong emotional connection to WWII being offended.

I can't see anyone being 2+ generations removed from it being the same.

And if none of you here have a Japanese backgound, there was ZERO need to even make this a thing.

I know what you're trying to say - South Park did an episode recently discussing a derogatory term for homosexual, and how definition of words should be "fluid" (i.e: it didn't always mean that term, and now it's used more so to mean "stupid" than any reference to a homosexual), but you have to understand where they're coming from, and what it feels like for them to hear derogatory words like that.  I just asked my Japanese colleague if the term was used, even in a non-aggressive way to refer to Japanese people, how it would make her feel, and she said offended, because of a) the history of the term, b) even in passing, it seems like an attempt to belittle/minimize them.  "Oh, those people..."

Also - there may be people on this board of Japanese background; it certainly wouldn't surprise me.  But offensive terms are offensive terms.  Even if there wasn't a black person on this board (there definitely are), we shouldn't be tossing around the "N" word since it wouldn't directly affect us.

I'm a freedom of speech guy, so you can say what you want and try and rationalize it all you can.  But if you say racist things, people will call you out on it.

 

[Beowulf]

It is really disturbing that you still think you know best and are arrogantly defending your position. You are telling people what they should or should not be offended by.

 

[TBLeafer]

Yes, it seems pretty clear that you should listen to the people of Australia on what is offensive to Japanese people instead of a Japanese person who has been hired by the Japanese government to represent them internationally.

As someone who actually lived in Australia I can say that they are not a nation anyone should look to for cues on racial sensitivity.

Yes that or what was once considered offensive because it was meant to be offensive in WWII is no longer meant to be taken or construed as such because in today's society, it is NOT derogatory, nor is it used as such.  I can see someone like a aged Ambassador, with some sort of strong emotional connection to WWII being offended.

I can't see anyone being 2+ generations removed from it being the same.

And if none of you here have a Japanese backgound, there was ZERO need to even make this a thing.

I know what you're trying to say - South Park did an episode recently discussing a derogatory term for homosexual, and how definition of words should be "fluid" (i.e: it didn't always mean that term, and now it's used more so to mean "stupid" than any reference to a homosexual), but you have to understand where they're coming from, and what it feels like for them to hear derogatory words like that.  I just asked my Japanese colleague if the term was used, even in a non-aggressive way to refer to Japanese people, how it would make her feel, and she said offended, because of a) the history of the term, b) even in passing, it seems like an attempt to belittle/minimize them.  "Oh, those people..."

Also - there may be people on this board of Japanese background; it certainly wouldn't surprise me.  But offensive terms are offensive terms.  Even if there wasn't a black person on this board (there definitely are), we shouldn't be tossing around the "N" word since it wouldn't directly affect us.

I'm a freedom of speech guy, so you can say what you want and try and rationalize it all you can.  But if you say racist things, people will call you out on it.

Thanks for finally being the one to discuss it civilly, not just being an eye roller and a face palmer (like I haven't seen/used those a million times myself).

I just refuse to walk around on eggshells and I'm the least racist/sexist/homophobic/xenophobic you'll actually ever meet.

I was identifying the region of which the car manufacturers that created the cars were located.  That's it, that's all.

What followed after simply boggles my mind.

 

[TimKerr]

Yes, it seems pretty clear that you should listen to the people of Australia on what is offensive to Japanese people instead of a Japanese person who has been hired by the Japanese government to represent them internationally.

As someone who actually lived in Australia I can say that they are not a nation anyone should look to for cues on racial sensitivity.

Yes that or what was once considered offensive because it was meant to be offensive in WWII is no longer meant to be taken or construed as such because in today's society, it is NOT derogatory, nor is it used as such.  I can see someone like a aged Ambassador, with some sort of strong emotional connection to WWII being offended.

I can't see anyone being 2+ generations removed from it being the same.

And if none of you here have a Japanese backgound, there was ZERO need to even make this a thing.

I know what you're trying to say - South Park did an episode recently discussing a derogatory term for homosexual, and how definition of words should be "fluid" (i.e: it didn't always mean that term, and now it's used more so to mean "stupid" than any reference to a homosexual), but you have to understand where they're coming from, and what it feels like for them to hear derogatory words like that.  I just asked my Japanese colleague if the term was used, even in a non-aggressive way to refer to Japanese people, how it would make her feel, and she said offended, because of a) the history of the term, b) even in passing, it seems like an attempt to belittle/minimize them.  "Oh, those people..."

Also - there may be people on this board of Japanese background; it certainly wouldn't surprise me.  But offensive terms are offensive terms.  Even if there wasn't a black person on this board (there definitely are), we shouldn't be tossing around the "N" word since it wouldn't directly affect us.

I'm a freedom of speech guy, so you can say what you want and try and rationalize it all you can.  But if you say racist things, people will call you out on it.

Thanks for finally being the one to discuss it civilly, not just being an eye roller and a face palmer (like I haven't seen/used those a million times myself).

I just refuse to walk around on eggshells and I'm the least racist/sexist/homophobic/xenophobic you'll actually ever meet.

I was identifying the region of which the car manufacturers that created the cars were located.  That's it, that's all.

What followed after simply boggles my mind.

Just to be clear we can refer to all Italian cars as w@p cars and all German cars as Kr@ut cars correct? Just want to make sure I'm following your impenetrable logic.

 

[Kin]

In the immortal words of Louis CK, whether or not you're being an [expletive] isn't actually up to you.

 

[TBLeafer]

Yes, it seems pretty clear that you should listen to the people of Australia on what is offensive to Japanese people instead of a Japanese person who has been hired by the Japanese government to represent them internationally.

As someone who actually lived in Australia I can say that they are not a nation anyone should look to for cues on racial sensitivity.

Yes that or what was once considered offensive because it was meant to be offensive in WWII is no longer meant to be taken or construed as such because in today's society, it is NOT derogatory, nor is it used as such.  I can see someone like a aged Ambassador, with some sort of strong emotional connection to WWII being offended.

I can't see anyone being 2+ generations removed from it being the same.

And if none of you here have a Japanese backgound, there was ZERO need to even make this a thing.

I know what you're trying to say - South Park did an episode recently discussing a derogatory term for homosexual, and how definition of words should be "fluid" (i.e: it didn't always mean that term, and now it's used more so to mean "stupid" than any reference to a homosexual), but you have to understand where they're coming from, and what it feels like for them to hear derogatory words like that.  I just asked my Japanese colleague if the term was used, even in a non-aggressive way to refer to Japanese people, how it would make her feel, and she said offended, because of a) the history of the term, b) even in passing, it seems like an attempt to belittle/minimize them.  "Oh, those people..."

Also - there may be people on this board of Japanese background; it certainly wouldn't surprise me.  But offensive terms are offensive terms.  Even if there wasn't a black person on this board (there definitely are), we shouldn't be tossing around the "N" word since it wouldn't directly affect us.

I'm a freedom of speech guy, so you can say what you want and try and rationalize it all you can.  But if you say racist things, people will call you out on it.

Thanks for finally being the one to discuss it civilly, not just being an eye roller and a face palmer (like I haven't seen/used those a million times myself).

I just refuse to walk around on eggshells and I'm the least racist/sexist/homophobic/xenophobic you'll actually ever meet.

I was identifying the region of which the car manufacturers that created the cars were located.  That's it, that's all.

What followed after simply boggles my mind.

Just to be clear we can refer to all Italian cars as w@p cars and all German cars as Kr@ut cars correct? Just want to make sure I'm following your impenetrable logic.

Even though I'm Canadian, my Dad's family's heritage is Polish.  Feel free to call me a dumb Polak anytime.  I won't be offended.

What I don't get is how people get offended on behalf of people, when it doesn't actually affect them personally one iota.

Jaw dropped, hand over mouthed, finger pointing, gasping, holier than though "he just said THAT?!!!!!!!!!!!!!" instead of asking for clarification.

And nobody, not once, asked me what I actually thought of Japan and Japanese people.

 

[bustaheims]

What followed after simply boggles my mind.

Then, clearly, your mind needs some pretty serious boggling! The fact that you keep trying to defend your use of an offensive term is beyond repugnant.

 

[Bullfrog]

Even though I'm Canadian, my Dad's family's heritage is Polish.  Feel free to call me a dumb Polak anytime.  I won't be offended.

What I don't get is how people get offended on behalf of people, when it doesn't actually affect them personally one iota.

Jaw dropped, hand over mouthed, finger pointing, gasping, holier than though "he just said THAT?!!!!!!!!!!!!!" instead of asking for clarification.

And nobody, not once, asked me what I actually thought of Japan and Japanese people.

Your thoughts on people of Japanese descent are irrelevant to the discussion and it's a little sad that you don't grasp that. It's like saying "I can't be racist, I have a black friend!"

We're actually trying to help you out here; to educate you on why it's considered derogatory. In situations where it's you against 20 people, do you ever stop to think "huh, maybe I'm wrong?"

 

[Bullfrog]

I just refuse to walk around on eggshells and I'm the least racist/sexist/homophobic/xenophobic you'll actually ever meet.

In my attempt to be a decent human being and not offend people, I don't find myself walking on eggshells. I find it rather comfortable and simple to do.

If I say something that offends somebody and they point it out, my immediate response isn't "it's not derogatory, I didn't mean to offend, so it shouldn't bother you", it's "oh crap, I'm sorry; I didn't realize that was hurtful. I won't do that again."

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

Who ordered the military coup?

 

[louisstamos]

Yes, it seems pretty clear that you should listen to the people of Australia on what is offensive to Japanese people instead of a Japanese person who has been hired by the Japanese government to represent them internationally.

As someone who actually lived in Australia I can say that they are not a nation anyone should look to for cues on racial sensitivity.

Yes that or what was once considered offensive because it was meant to be offensive in WWII is no longer meant to be taken or construed as such because in today's society, it is NOT derogatory, nor is it used as such.  I can see someone like a aged Ambassador, with some sort of strong emotional connection to WWII being offended.

I can't see anyone being 2+ generations removed from it being the same.

And if none of you here have a Japanese backgound, there was ZERO need to even make this a thing.

I know what you're trying to say - South Park did an episode recently discussing a derogatory term for homosexual, and how definition of words should be "fluid" (i.e: it didn't always mean that term, and now it's used more so to mean "stupid" than any reference to a homosexual), but you have to understand where they're coming from, and what it feels like for them to hear derogatory words like that.  I just asked my Japanese colleague if the term was used, even in a non-aggressive way to refer to Japanese people, how it would make her feel, and she said offended, because of a) the history of the term, b) even in passing, it seems like an attempt to belittle/minimize them.  "Oh, those people..."

Also - there may be people on this board of Japanese background; it certainly wouldn't surprise me.  But offensive terms are offensive terms.  Even if there wasn't a black person on this board (there definitely are), we shouldn't be tossing around the "N" word since it wouldn't directly affect us.

I'm a freedom of speech guy, so you can say what you want and try and rationalize it all you can.  But if you say racist things, people will call you out on it.

Thanks for finally being the one to discuss it civilly, not just being an eye roller and a face palmer (like I haven't seen/used those a million times myself).

I just refuse to walk around on eggshells and I'm the least racist/sexist/homophobic/xenophobic you'll actually ever meet.

I was identifying the region of which the car manufacturers that created the cars were located.  That's it, that's all.

What followed after simply boggles my mind.

Uhhh....you realize that nothing in my post supported you, right?

For someone who claims to be the "least racist/xenophonic/homophobic/etc" person I'll ever meet, your casual use of racist terms, even if not meant to be used in a belittling way, is kind of off putting.

You could have simply said Honda and Toyota, or Japan (gets used a lot in tech pieces), or even "the Japanese" would have been fine.  The term you use was derogatory.    And that's great that you're comfortable being called derogatory terms, but a lot of people aren't.  And this is a public forum - not you and your buddies in your basement saying whatever you want because you can get away with it and you're all cool with each other.

Again, you can say and think and feel whatever you want within the limitations of the Charter.  But, that extends to everyone else who can/has called you out on it.  To be honest, I'm actually surprised a Mod hasn't stepped in and at least warned you yet (or maybe they have privately)...