I was reminded today of the complexity of the words which we choose to use. During an interview on NPR I used the word "gyp" which I wasn't aware is a derogatory word used towards people of gypsy descent. In retrospect, given the lexical similarities I think it doesn't take a genius to figure that out. I am told that its use is as hurtful as saying "Jap" (for a "Japanese" person) and so forth. Thanks to Eddy in Oregon for pointing this out to me. Perhaps dictionaries should mark the word as Disparaging and offensive as they do for the word "Jap." I will certainly choose my words more carefully. Such experiences are important and significant to me.
Posted by maeda at July 13, 2007 03:30 PM