After reading all of these comments from everyone, it would seem that no matter what we do, it is easy to offend some people, even when not intended. I do think some people over react, or are too quick on the defensive. I know that I tend to be OVERLY careful of what I say, and still worry about whether or not I might have offended someone unintentionally. Most of my adult life I have mingled with many different cultrues, races, people. I have always considered myself fortunate in that regard, but it can also make one a bit too sensitive, too, perhaps. Hard to say.
Here in Tucson, we recently had an incident that I thought was an example of over reaction. The City of Tucson was hyping a campaign for some Summer activities, and the logo they came up with was a cartoon characterization of a city bus in a siesta position with a large, Mexican sombrero (hat), taking a nap against a wall. A group of people (not Mexicans, mind you) raised hell about stereotyping the Mexicans, implying they are lazy, etc. The City pulled the logo. Interviews with several prominent Mexicans in the area demonstrated that, as usual, no one was offended.
Similarly, the sexist campaigns of recent years to eradicate the male/female designations in just about every walk of life. Mailman must be Mailperson, for example. All of the school books had to be re-written to get rid of sexist material. Give me a break!
Regads,
Tachi
