Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Guest
250 years of oppression, I can't imagine why it's offensive. (since people can't tell, I'm being sarcastic!)
|
Dear Guest,
First, I do understand your sarcasm.
Second, I do understand that some individuals could find "Dixie" offensive.
Third, taking both first and second responses into consideration, I do still believe that, in some cases, the removal of certain words because someone finds them offensive could eventually, if taken to excess, limit discourse that is necessary.
I have known girls/women who were named "Dixie". Think of how greatly demanding they change their names, names given by loving parents, might offend them, their family's and friends. How does this add positively to the much needed conversation. And, this is only one of the many examples that could be shown.
As for the "250 years of oppression", there is no denying that injustice is a sad stain on the fabric of our nation's history. It has left a scar on us all. But it is time to look up from that scar and focus on the future and acknowledge the positive advancements since those times and look forward to a better and brighter future.
Living with hate, dwelling on the past and continually picking at the scar of past injustices will only reopen old wounds and aggravate all sides.
Are things not better today than in those old days? Have things not changed? I think so, but I also believe there is much left to do.
So, do you want to work together to improve things for all? Or do you want to continue living with anger because you can't let go othe ugly past and squabble over details like the name "Dixie"?
I choose a peaceful future together.