I see that word flying around on the biosphere all of the time. We are ignorant if we don't vote right or use the wrong word or even look the wrong way. After all, we should know better shouldn't we?
Pia Savage wrote on Facebook yesterday about the phrase "Jewing them down". It is phrase used to explain a business deal where the seller is bullied enough to sell for a lower price than ask in the first place. We all know it is offensive. I agree with Pia that people really do need to quit saying that if they still do.
But when I was growing up in a very small community where we never saw the outside world and had no idea what it like that meant, I am sure I heard the phrase many times. I may have used it myself because I did not know any better.
Pia Savage wrote on Facebook yesterday about the phrase "Jewing them down". It is phrase used to explain a business deal where the seller is bullied enough to sell for a lower price than ask in the first place. We all know it is offensive. I agree with Pia that people really do need to quit saying that if they still do.
But when I was growing up in a very small community where we never saw the outside world and had no idea what it like that meant, I am sure I heard the phrase many times. I may have used it myself because I did not know any better.
The only thing I did know was that I should not take the Lord's name in vane.
But I don't think I was ignorant. I think I was innocent of a lot of things back in those days.
I remember the first time I heard someone say "What in the Sam Hill?". It was the same as saying "What the hell?" accept they used an actual person's name. See Sam Hill was a man that built a castle on a dry cliff over looking the Columbia River in hopes that the Queen of Romania (or somewhere like it) would come and visit. It was so...I don't know...personal. I could only think that a real person belonged to that name.
But I don't think I was ignorant. I think I was innocent of a lot of things back in those days.
I remember the first time I heard someone say "What in the Sam Hill?". It was the same as saying "What the hell?" accept they used an actual person's name. See Sam Hill was a man that built a castle on a dry cliff over looking the Columbia River in hopes that the Queen of Romania (or somewhere like it) would come and visit. It was so...I don't know...personal. I could only think that a real person belonged to that name.
Then it hit me. That is how real people feel when they hear epithets associated with their faith or people.
So I do keep learning. That lesson I learned all those years ago has stayed with me. It is still true...words can hurt you. I have come to believe that innocence is not an excuse. No name should be used in vane.
It is just a thought.
b+
Oh what an enlightening thought to start out my holiday weekend with Barb. Thanks and Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas whichever is proper for you....
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you RJ. We really are such blessed people to have lived on this earth during this era. :)
DeleteSo true. We don't get to tell others whether they "should" be offended or not. If they are, the kind thing to do is apologize, try to understand the reason they find something offensive, and try not to say it again. On the other hand, I also think that most of us could also be more forgiving and understand that many (most?) slights are not made with malice.
ReplyDeleteI think that was the point...when did innocent become ignorant? Thank you for stopping by and have such a wonderful holiday.
DeleteA thoughtful post. I know I've said things that offended others, but I never have meant to. That must count for something.
ReplyDeleteYes it does...most people are not mean or unkind. Letting it go is a very good idea. I have been called on things even now but I was not ignorant...I was innocent.
DeleteHi Barbara
ReplyDeleteThanks much for using my comment as apost springboard
As a Jew in aChristian community I am very aware that most go out of their way not to offend me. I hope I do the same.
This comment bothered me both because I am close to the person who said it, and as you stated these days its overtly offensive
I understand that Judaism is difficult for many to understand as it's both a faith and a culture--- but all people have to do is ask questions. People love to explain.