General Discussion

MellowDem

(5,018 posts)

333. Is Obama a racist?

Thu Apr 30, 2015, 04:47 PM

Apr 2015

Yeah, I get it that using thug for black people now comes across as racist, and I think it's a good idea to spread the news it's a dog whistle, but many people are naive of it, or don't think not using the term is a way to battle a dog whistle. You can label them racists, but it won't have much meaning in some cases, and come across as pretty ridiculous in some.

I think you are trying to persuade people to stop using the term, and part of your strategy is to call anyone who uses the term against black people a racist. I don't think that's going to be effective, and even if it is, it's kinda a shitty way to convince people, threatening them with negative labels that don't necessarily fit. It just diminishes real charges of racism.

Again, is Obama a racist? Is it not possible to just disagree with wanting to give up every word the right appropriates for whatever purpose? Is your only response to people who don't know or who don't agree to give up the term that they are racists? You're not going to get far, IMHO. Better ton

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Thug is the new Nigg**!! [View all] bravenak Apr 2015 OP

This message was self-deleted by its author 1000words Apr 2015 #1

Yep. Sorry about that. I think we're clever enough to come up with a poot centric term. bravenak Apr 2015 #2

nah, poster is being disingenuous notadmblnd Apr 2015 #27

Oh yes. bravenak Apr 2015 #33

I've been a Union "THUG" since I could work. bvar22 Apr 2015 #335

Um? bravenak Apr 2015 #344

I still have the t-shirt shaayecanaan May 2015 #492

I'm "white," too, and I have NEVER heard a white anything call another white anything that word. Judi Lynn May 2015 #534

I'm not going to argue with you about it notadmblnd May 2015 #535

"Goon" seems pretty apt for Rooty-Poot. hifiguy Apr 2015 #238

The Pooper Jack Rabbit Apr 2015 #255

"asshole" works for me. Cha Apr 2015 #457

I will have to correct you only on ONE detail nadinbrzezinski Apr 2015 #3

True! bravenak Apr 2015 #5

and white. 840high Apr 2015 #75

Unfortunately, true. calimary Apr 2015 #225

Read this nadinbrzezinski Apr 2015 #239

but... hopemountain Apr 2015 #466

Agreed. Richard Sherman said so, too. PeaceNikki Apr 2015 #4

Post removed Post removed Apr 2015 #6

What ever. bravenak Apr 2015 #12

What about the black people that agree with me ? NM_Birder Apr 2015 #45

Black people that agree that you can call black kids thugs as a white dude are simply wrong. bravenak Apr 2015 #55

I don't call anybody nigg*r, because that is a racist label. NM_Birder Apr 2015 #69

Thug is racist. bravenak Apr 2015 #72

Post removed Post removed Apr 2015 #81

You like being wrong. bravenak Apr 2015 #82

If I ever am, I'll let you know. NM_Birder Apr 2015 #93

If you ever are? Hee hee! bravenak Apr 2015 #97

really / here is where you call me "pale face" if you don't think it's racist. NM_Birder Apr 2015 #106

I never called YOU, anything. bravenak Apr 2015 #111

I am SO sorry you have to deal with that crap NoJusticeNoPeace Apr 2015 #122

Post removed Post removed Apr 2015 #128

I wish you would stop taunting one of the most respected members of this community. Ed Suspicious Apr 2015 #166

.. Cha Apr 2015 #461

Ha!!! bravenak Apr 2015 #463

question heaven05 Apr 2015 #152

LMAO, marym625 Apr 2015 #177

back atcha heaven05 Apr 2015 #223

I just love you! marym625 Apr 2015 #227

You're the one that keeps bringing up pale face. Dont call me Shirley Apr 2015 #240

The term "thug" may not have began as a racist term but the RW nc4bo Apr 2015 #103

wow mythology Apr 2015 #84

I thought I fixed you up nice and tight yesterday. bravenak Apr 2015 #88

Lol~ sheshe2 Apr 2015 #362

Hey! bravenak Apr 2015 #363

Yes you do~ sheshe2 Apr 2015 #369

I do what I can... bravenak Apr 2015 #371

Read.... Dont call me Shirley Apr 2015 #245

^ BlancheSplanchnik Apr 2015 #296

excellent read heaven05 Apr 2015 #383

Of course it's meant as an isult melman Apr 2015 #367

To me, "thug" has the same dog-whistle effect as "states' rights" or other innocuous terms. alp227 Apr 2015 #315

Yes. Thank you for this. bravenak Apr 2015 #318

I'm amazed that even on DU, people are playing the "buttwhuddabout" game to excuse using racist shit Scootaloo Apr 2015 #424

It happens everytime. bravenak Apr 2015 #425

what???????? heaven05 Apr 2015 #141

What black people agree with you? Bjorn Against Apr 2015 #59

No, President Obama, and the Baltimore mayor used THUG, to describe NM_Birder Apr 2015 #73

And the mayor of Baltimore has apologized BrotherIvan Apr 2015 #87

Here is a hint from covering politicians nadinbrzezinski Apr 2015 #96

"THUG" has been used to describe NM_Birder Apr 2015 #118

Language evolves nadinbrzezinski Apr 2015 #211

Well, I'm wondering if maybe we defeat the whole "thug" thing by spreading it around. calimary Apr 2015 #420

People have tried, but the term has taken hold nadinbrzezinski Apr 2015 #422

clueless heaven05 Apr 2015 #158

Obama used it the first day, then he was obviously advised that it was wrong to do NoJusticeNoPeace Apr 2015 #129

Seems he is sticking with it... Oktober Apr 2015 #205

Are you sure? marym625 Apr 2015 #221

Wow, I am SHOCKED that was hidden at all, let alone 6-1 PeaceNikki Apr 2015 #51

Me too. I had hoped they would revise it a bit. bravenak Apr 2015 #57

Note it and start using it JustAnotherGen Apr 2015 #52

This is crazy. If I were sensitive at all as a black woman, I'd probably be dead. bravenak Apr 2015 #58

I know JustAnotherGen Apr 2015 #110

I just cannot even understand... bravenak Apr 2015 #117

Quick - JustAnotherGen Apr 2015 #138

No shit, girl!! bravenak Apr 2015 #145

I laughed so hard heaven05 Apr 2015 #167

I know, he's crazy right. bravenak Apr 2015 #172

It is so funny when you think of it, over sensitive, coming from what I assume is a white NoJusticeNoPeace Apr 2015 #149

There are not even enough marshmellows in the world. nt nc4bo Apr 2015 #161

uhm? marym625 Apr 2015 #292

Hee hee!! bravenak Apr 2015 #299

why yes, yes we do heaven05 Apr 2015 #130

Hell, I'm not Black and I picked up on the obviousness of it long ago. ieoeja Apr 2015 #319

Absolutely. bravenak Apr 2015 #321

Thank you. n/t ieoeja Apr 2015 #330

no what bravenak said is true rbrnmw Apr 2015 #13

Your post is so incredibly RUDE BrotherIvan Apr 2015 #14

Jfc, Google "thug is the new n word", there are a lot of people who feel that way. PeaceNikki Apr 2015 #17

"Over-sensitive head"? Really? ... 1StrongBlackMan Apr 2015 #18

You should get out more nadinbrzezinski Apr 2015 #23

Have your parents ever had the basement checked for mold? notadmblnd Apr 2015 #38

oy veh cyberswede Apr 2015 #40

Okay so what term should we use... NaturalHigh Apr 2015 #7

Looters BrotherIvan Apr 2015 #15

Looters are looters, burners are arsonists, and rioters are 'celebrants'. bravenak Apr 2015 #16

They are going to use the term that makes them feel better. NoJusticeNoPeace Apr 2015 #213

They just feel so righteous and comfortable. bravenak Apr 2015 #218

Our job...friend NoJusticeNoPeace Apr 2015 #312

High five! bravenak Apr 2015 #316

Obama just made that all the more difficult frylock Apr 2015 #407

He's just wrong. That's all. bravenak Apr 2015 #408

I would hope so frylock Apr 2015 #411

. bravenak Apr 2015 #413

I think Nadin made the excellent observation that politicians nc4bo Apr 2015 #412

I think that it's a valid point.. frylock Apr 2015 #416

Thieves, arsonists, and rioters.... LanternWaste Apr 2015 #21

Until we are informed treestar Apr 2015 #184

We don't live in a f---ing vacuum, though. How hard is it to understand that? F4lconF16 Apr 2015 #195

I never watch Fox News treestar Apr 2015 #209

Then educate yourself. F4lconF16 Apr 2015 #214

People tell me plainly and I meekly accept? treestar Apr 2015 #224

Back in be real world nadinbrzezinski Apr 2015 #261

The same thing you call white people who loot, burn, and riot when their sports team loses. TekGryphon Apr 2015 #25

+1 ... 1StrongBlackMan Apr 2015 #31

Has a white person never ever been referred to in this way? treestar Apr 2015 #104

Oh, yes -- it is, and was for many years, used to refer to members of the Mafia and Nay Apr 2015 #143

+1 well said. F4lconF16 Apr 2015 #159

People who are already racist might be using it as a substitute treestar Apr 2015 #173

Then call them criminals. F4lconF16 Apr 2015 #182

The dictionary uses the word criminal to define "thug" treestar Apr 2015 #203

I'm done trying to talk to you about this. F4lconF16 Apr 2015 #222

that was unjustified treestar Apr 2015 #230

No, you are trying to assert the neologism nadinbrzezinski Apr 2015 #272

You keep throwing this word around that TM99 Apr 2015 #378

It also stands for a new use of a word nadinbrzezinski Apr 2015 #393

Playing, hardly. TM99 Apr 2015 #426

Yup and gay still means happy nadinbrzezinski Apr 2015 #430

The word gay has evolved over a longer period of time TM99 Apr 2015 #432

Of course it has, language evolves nadinbrzezinski Apr 2015 #442

This message was self-deleted by its author Petrushka May 2015 #490

As Arnold Horshack might say, waving his hand in class, "Ooh! Ooh!" Petrushka May 2015 #497

Thank you for trying. LeftOfWest Apr 2015 #234

+1 uponit7771 Apr 2015 #287

Where have you been all of my life? JustAnotherGen Apr 2015 #358

Looters, Arsonists and Rioters, ... 1StrongBlackMan Apr 2015 #28

Right. cyberswede Apr 2015 #42

Or, perhaps, passive permission ... 1StrongBlackMan Apr 2015 #53

I don't think I need your permission to use anything. NaturalHigh Apr 2015 #56

LOL. n/t 1StrongBlackMan Apr 2015 #71

The anger is seething, you can feel it. This is actually a good reflection of what we are dealing NoJusticeNoPeace Apr 2015 #137

LOL. Yes, it is and Yes you can ... 1StrongBlackMan Apr 2015 #156

This is it, right here. F4lconF16 Apr 2015 #186

Scalia came right out and said that as to gay marriage the other day, he sincerely wanted NoJusticeNoPeace Apr 2015 #198

I really hope so. F4lconF16 Apr 2015 #217

and you heaven05 Apr 2015 #175

Gee, thanks for letting me know that. NaturalHigh Apr 2015 #180

+1 Buzz Clik Apr 2015 #190

Criminals. nt. NCTraveler Apr 2015 #46

Okay, so what do you call them? Bobbie Jo Apr 2015 #83

As someone suggested, criminals works well. NaturalHigh Apr 2015 #86

What is the price of air these days? stone space Apr 2015 #107

Actually Bobbie Jo Apr 2015 #124

Cool. NaturalHigh Apr 2015 #134

Crystal. nt Bobbie Jo Apr 2015 #169

Every one of those terms is horrible. F4lconF16 Apr 2015 #150

MLK used the term NOLALady Apr 2015 #356

"The Baltimore Resistance" - nt KingCharlemagne May 2015 #479

Criminals AgingAmerican May 2015 #511

You Are Correct HassleCat Apr 2015 #8

Yep. People are using the President for cover right now. bravenak Apr 2015 #30

What about ReTHUGs? malaise Apr 2015 #9

That's perfect. bravenak Apr 2015 #19

Malaise, after Richard Sherman's presser last year, I stopped using it... countryjake Apr 2015 #317

Disparaging names C_U_L8R Apr 2015 #10

Remember the DU discussion wherein ... 1StrongBlackMan Apr 2015 #11

Exactly. bravenak Apr 2015 #24

This 60 year old white woman agrees with you SalviaBlue Apr 2015 #89

You love him too? bravenak Apr 2015 #94

Yes - He is... SalviaBlue Apr 2015 #132

Were Paul Robeson alive today, I have little doubt that he would be called the "T-" word. Robeson KingCharlemagne May 2015 #480

Thank you, I'll look it up. bravenak May 2015 #491

Rec this post a million times BrotherIvan Apr 2015 #20

Surprise!!! bravenak Apr 2015 #44

I was the one to alert on the above post BrotherIvan Apr 2015 #79

I noticed that one yesterday. bravenak Apr 2015 #85

Yes, they used it for Michael Brown and Trayvon BrotherIvan Apr 2015 #92

To me, thug should be reserved for the powerful. bravenak Apr 2015 #105

You are killing it BrotherIvan Apr 2015 #125

Here is a group of sweethearts nadinbrzezinski Apr 2015 #278

Yeah. bravenak Apr 2015 #281

Ah yes nadinbrzezinski Apr 2015 #283

Maybe we could use hooligans? Texasgal Apr 2015 #22

Just remember, hooligans is also charged nadinbrzezinski Apr 2015 #26

From wiki: Texasgal Apr 2015 #35

And wiki is not giving you the class undertones nadinbrzezinski Apr 2015 #49

This message was self-deleted by its author 1000words Apr 2015 #29

The rose that grew in concrete. Tupac. Read that one. bravenak Apr 2015 #37

This message was self-deleted by its author 1000words Apr 2015 #48

Yep. One of my favorite poets. bravenak Apr 2015 #66

He went to Tamalpais High School in Marin County XemaSab Apr 2015 #460

A black Rose. bravenak Apr 2015 #462

I'm equal opportunity Snow Leopard Apr 2015 #32

. bravenak Apr 2015 #39

The bullets a blind person fires are also equal opportunity, but their impact may differ, depending jtuck004 Apr 2015 #256

damn.. frylock Apr 2015 #409

True... tridim Apr 2015 #34

They love feeling clever. bravenak Apr 2015 #41

. BKH70041 Apr 2015 #36

I never realized thug had a color Politicalboi Apr 2015 #43

Welp, now you have been informed. bravenak Apr 2015 #47

+1000 n/t 951-Riverside Apr 2015 #63

Sorry you feel that way Snow Leopard Apr 2015 #68

You can stop using it now. bravenak Apr 2015 #74

"Etymology bro." is an instant classic BrotherIvan Apr 2015 #114

Do it!!! bravenak Apr 2015 #119

+1 frylock Apr 2015 #410

President Obama has not been informed treestar Apr 2015 #215

When Tricky Dick and Spiro Agnew used to complain about the "Eastern KingCharlemagne May 2015 #482

It didn't use to, but usage changes gollygee Apr 2015 #192

Hmm, no. linuxman Apr 2015 #50

I was informing you. bravenak Apr 2015 #64

Hardly. linuxman Apr 2015 #77

Racism is not rational. Thug is racist. bravenak Apr 2015 #164

I will continue to use it when it applies, as well. hamsterjill Apr 2015 #155

Oh you know heaven05 Apr 2015 #181

..that's not applied equally as explained but continue to ignore that fact. uponit7771 Apr 2015 #288

I strongly admired your op from yesterday, for those that missed it, please read it.. AuntPatsy Apr 2015 #54

That one was so good I had to put it in my journal so I won't forget it. bravenak Apr 2015 #61

It has been for some time Capt. Obvious Apr 2015 #60

My Man!! bravenak Apr 2015 #62

Was going to post about this yesterday but fell asleep F4lconF16 Apr 2015 #65

I was sad to see it too. bravenak Apr 2015 #67

I don't fully agree with that statement. Beacool Apr 2015 #70

Thank you for common sense. 840high Apr 2015 #76

I just don't agree with justifying criminal behavior. Beacool Apr 2015 #102

You don't need to justify. bravenak Apr 2015 #135

I don't think that a blank statement should be made about all these kids. Beacool Apr 2015 #170

Do it then. bravenak Apr 2015 #188

My biggest problem with O'Malley is exactly that. F4lconF16 Apr 2015 #210

No problem. It's the first thing I look for bravenak Apr 2015 #220

Yeah really. F4lconF16 Apr 2015 #243

This won't get to me. bravenak Apr 2015 #250

O'Malley did that? Beacool Apr 2015 #229

Yes. He did. bravenak Apr 2015 #233

I'm glad that you were able to get out. Beacool Apr 2015 #264

The community is broken. bravenak Apr 2015 #271

It would behoove you chervilant Apr 2015 #354

A point and a question... tjl148 Apr 2015 #458

Calhoun's seminal study (mid 60s) chervilant May 2015 #473

Thanks, tjl148 May 2015 #540

Well, since you are a teacher, then what's your solution? Beacool Apr 2015 #469

You will agree with me soon enough. bravenak Apr 2015 #80

Post removed Post removed Apr 2015 #123

& you seem to live in a world surrounded by white lillies. giftedgirl77 Apr 2015 #226

I'm interested in making peace. Goodbye. 840high Apr 2015 #277

Yeah, I could tell by the bullshit you said to B. giftedgirl77 Apr 2015 #290

do accusations of shit stirring go a long way toward making peace? frylock Apr 2015 #414

In the real world it's 840high Apr 2015 #427

f'sho frylock Apr 2015 #431

Well, here on DU Bobbie Jo May 2015 #517

You're one to talk! bravenak Apr 2015 #284

Don't worry B, I had your back with that one. giftedgirl77 Apr 2015 #293

That one think's we can't see what it's up to. bravenak Apr 2015 #301

Well they continue to show their true colors more & more giftedgirl77 Apr 2015 #307

Don't like people disagreeing with you? 840high Apr 2015 #322

I love it. bravenak Apr 2015 #324

Perfect response. F4lconF16 Apr 2015 #147

I get what you are saying, but why give the cops and the racists more fodder? Beacool Apr 2015 #154

Cops and racist do it regardless. bravenak Apr 2015 #297

oh no heaven05 Apr 2015 #194

I believe the nursing home fire was the one started by the police. ieoeja Apr 2015 #329

Just because you say it don't make it true derby378 Apr 2015 #78

You'll look like a racist if you run around calling our black children thugs. bravenak Apr 2015 #90

Because YOU say so? derby378 Apr 2015 #99

Yep. I just told you to inform you how you will look. bravenak Apr 2015 #108

Aaaaand you've just made the classic conservative mistake... derby378 Apr 2015 #126

The classic conservative mistake was to think blacks were too stupid to understand dog whistles. bravenak Apr 2015 #142

There are a bunch of People of Color on this thread saying the same thing BrotherIvan Apr 2015 #151

If you're going to let some racist teabagger keyboard jockey define your vocabulary... derby378 Apr 2015 #183

Or are Obama and I both wrong on this matter? BrotherIvan Apr 2015 #196

"racist teabagger keyboard jockey" LeftOfWest Apr 2015 #232

if you want to use code words that racist teabagger keyboard jockeys use.. frylock Apr 2015 #415

Add to that tally one white person (me) and a few others. It's so shameful and KingCharlemagne May 2015 #483

Yeah, people are clinging to a damn word BrotherIvan May 2015 #485

I actually suspect use of the word 'thug' to describe urban black males precedes KingCharlemagne May 2015 #487

You could be right BrotherIvan May 2015 #489

Not about PC. It is about how the word has been used by rw hate media (fox, Rush, etc.) salin Apr 2015 #254

you've got your nerve heaven05 Apr 2015 #202

Thug AlbertCat Apr 2015 #91

Post removed Post removed Apr 2015 #95

One has to be deliberately obtuse not to recognize that "thug" is being used by the media Maedhros Apr 2015 #98

It is by the media Go Vols Apr 2015 #112

And ponder what 'deliberately obtuse' actually means. It ain't pretty. - nt KingCharlemagne May 2015 #484

Those people have always been with us. Maedhros May 2015 #531

After reading this thread I think you are trying to force us treestar Apr 2015 #100

I'm just telling you what it looks like. bravenak Apr 2015 #247

what are you saying???? heaven05 Apr 2015 #405

I naturally tend to push back when presented with a statement treestar May 2015 #478

Well "badly stated" or not heaven05 May 2015 #501

Obama stands by the term 'thugs,' White House says Freddie Stubbs Apr 2015 #101

You do everything black people do? bravenak Apr 2015 #148

Yes, "Thug" is the politically tolerated way to say Nigg**. Half-Century Man Apr 2015 #109

Well, we know that the REAL atrocity is expecting white people to slighly alter their vocabularies. Maedhros Apr 2015 #116

God, ain't that the truth. +1 nt F4lconF16 Apr 2015 #133

would you call a black man "boy", or would you slightly alter your vocabulary? frylock Apr 2015 #423

That is so sad. - nt KingCharlemagne May 2015 #486

Yep, true!!!!! heaven05 Apr 2015 #113

I will respond to you by copy/paste a comment from a person I know and love who is AfAm NoJusticeNoPeace Apr 2015 #115

I've always used that word to describe cops arikara Apr 2015 #120

Guess you better tell President Obama. He says they're thugs and standing by it riderinthestorm Apr 2015 #121

Some people heaven05 Apr 2015 #212

Can we call white people thugs, or is that off limits too? B2G Apr 2015 #127

Save it for people with positions of power is my suggestion. bravenak Apr 2015 #370

New? Iggo Apr 2015 #131

Unrec for BS - I call my grandsons 840high Apr 2015 #136

Rerec cause I'm right, regardless of what YOU call your grandsons. bravenak Apr 2015 #157

Rerec cause I'm right F4lconF16 Apr 2015 #249

I see you figured it out. bravenak Apr 2015 #253

Ok - that is just silly. jonno99 Apr 2015 #380

No. Imma do it my way. If it makesthem uncomfortable to be labeled - GOOD! bravenak Apr 2015 #381

The problem is that you risk needlessly alienating those jonno99 Apr 2015 #388

Not really. bravenak Apr 2015 #394

Not true. I can't imagine that everyone in your immediate circle jonno99 Apr 2015 #400

They can disagree. bravenak Apr 2015 #402

Rerec for you living in a bubble & never having to have giftedgirl77 Apr 2015 #437

LOL, the black female mayor used it! She grew up there. Get it? nt Logical Apr 2015 #139

Hey, smartypants, she apologized for calling them that. Get it?!? bravenak Apr 2015 #168

Only because of whiners. Most people dont associate it with a color.... Logical Apr 2015 #174

Yes. Black people (me in particular)are whiners, you are made of tougher stuff. bravenak Apr 2015 #265

Sounds like you need to take up this argument with this guy...... Logical Apr 2015 #337

And apologized, but, you know... nt F4lconF16 Apr 2015 #171

I don't think so ann--- Apr 2015 #140

The Unheard. NOLALady Apr 2015 #406

Rioters, looters, vandals = Thugs VScott Apr 2015 #144

Exactly gopiscrap Apr 2015 #146

So, now we have another word we've been using for years that... TreasonousBastard Apr 2015 #153

Sorry. Like I said above. Etymology, Bro. bravenak Apr 2015 #163

You can post this a million timws 840high Apr 2015 #325

I could never be as wrong as you. bravenak Apr 2015 #327

Hardly new - packman Apr 2015 #160

Baloney. I've been calling the white cops thugs forever. Vinca Apr 2015 #162

Does calling them thugs make you feel better about yourself? bravenak Apr 2015 #193

It doesn't make me feel one way or another. Vinca Apr 2015 #216

It gets used as a racial slur. So, yes, it gets construed as a racial slur. bravenak Apr 2015 #391

So please. Tell me what I'm supposed to call people who commit arson and loot. Vinca May 2015 #493

"All pale faced"? bluesbassman Apr 2015 #165

It's damned amazing what is allowed to pass Buzz Clik Apr 2015 #187

Why would "pale face" apply to people from Hong Kong? ieoeja Apr 2015 #334

Why are you claiming I denied that? bluesbassman Apr 2015 #338

Dude - you got 150 replies JustAnotherGen Apr 2015 #176

Some people REALLY don't like me. bravenak Apr 2015 #197

Do you know how many threads go in the trash JustAnotherGen Apr 2015 #208

Uh oh. bravenak Apr 2015 #267

White ppl hate it when you call them out on their dog whistles. giftedgirl77 Apr 2015 #440

Don't forget the term 'criminal thug' BklnDem75 Apr 2015 #178

We don't need no stinking trials. bravenak Apr 2015 #200

I hafta disagree and will continue to call out thugs as I see em... Oktober Apr 2015 #179

Do what you gotta do. And we will call you names like racist. bravenak Apr 2015 #280

Which 'we' do you claim to speak for? Oktober Apr 2015 #294

Look around the thread. bravenak Apr 2015 #298

Does that mean I get the ones who disagree...? Oktober Apr 2015 #304

You can have all the racists and people who value calling young black men thugs more than they bravenak Apr 2015 #306

That means I get Obama... Oktober Apr 2015 #342

I'm good with that too. bravenak Apr 2015 #343

I've never heard the "N" word routinely used for any other race, but.......... George II Apr 2015 #185

Anyone that perpetrates violence and/or vandalism is a thug to me. cherokeeprogressive Apr 2015 #189

Fine with me. Call my kids thugs i'll call you racist. To your face. bravenak Apr 2015 #206

I'm guessing your kids don't hurt people and break orher peoples' stuff. cherokeeprogressive Apr 2015 #231

One is autistic and very strong like her father. bravenak Apr 2015 #237

Fair enough. cherokeeprogressive Apr 2015 #241

Why no respect for the rest of black parents, then? nt F4lconF16 Apr 2015 #266

. cherokeeprogressive Apr 2015 #361

Thank you. bravenak Apr 2015 #274

It is so obvious that it makes the "obtuseness" of some sickening. ScreamingMeemie Apr 2015 #191

+1 F4lconF16 Apr 2015 #268

It absolutely is. Marr Apr 2015 #199

You're right gollygee Apr 2015 #201

Thank you. bravenak Apr 2015 #207

Kick. Recommended. Outstanding. LeftOfWest Apr 2015 #204

see what you started heaven05 Apr 2015 #219

I wish I didn't have to do it. bravenak Apr 2015 #263

bravo and bravo again heaven05 Apr 2015 #346

I'm trying to get my money up so I can get out of here too. bravenak Apr 2015 #350

yep you nailed it as always! nt steve2470 Apr 2015 #228

Let's see if I got all of the arguments down Capt. Obvious Apr 2015 #235

Perfect. bravenak Apr 2015 #259

I agree. The folks who used it with Trayvon Martin were clearly insensitive bigots,rising the new Hoyt Apr 2015 #236

bravnak, I wrote the same thing in an OP, back on December 1 cali Apr 2015 #242

Sad that this has to be said over and over and over. bravenak Apr 2015 #258

maddening. and the defense can be proven to be bullshit cali Apr 2015 #262

My kinda post. Thanks. nt F4lconF16 Apr 2015 #276

Agree abelenkpe Apr 2015 #244

You nailed it, bravenak mike dub Apr 2015 #246

I see that all the time. bravenak Apr 2015 #417

I use Thug for anyone who uses intimidation and violence to get their way. OnlinePoker Apr 2015 #248

This post sounds just like my grandmother... ScreamingMeemie Apr 2015 #252

What a crock The Green Manalishi Apr 2015 #251

I swear I should do an op on ETYMOLOGY. bravenak Apr 2015 #257

I wouldn't use it to describe ANYONE who didn't deserve the description. The Green Manalishi Apr 2015 #269

The dictionary lags behind common usage as you know. bravenak Apr 2015 #273

Maybe I will, maybe not The Green Manalishi Apr 2015 #285

You will see that I'm right and be pleased that you dropped the word. bravenak Apr 2015 #328

Just on principle, it's a toss The Green Manalishi Apr 2015 #357

I never said not to use the word. Just that if you do, the word 'racist' will be applied to you in bravenak Apr 2015 #359

Call me a racist if it makes you feel better. The Green Manalishi Apr 2015 #377

I said if you sit around calling young black kids thugs, I'd call you racist. bravenak Apr 2015 #379

If you use *THAT* definition, and not a blanket one The Green Manalishi Apr 2015 #390

Cool. Glad we agree. bravenak Apr 2015 #392

The Etymology of the word "Thug" is interesting. Warren DeMontague May 2015 #481

Agreed Jack Rabbit Apr 2015 #260

It flashes in my brain when I see a picture of Ted Cruz or Huckabee The Green Manalishi Apr 2015 #289

For Cruz, Jack Rabbit Apr 2015 #349

What's a "crock" is to think the term is applied evenly... it's not... that's a fact not in dispute uponit7771 Apr 2015 #295

I disagree. Thugs come in all colors. Aryan Brotherhood are Thugs. SaveOurDemocracy Apr 2015 #270

Thus gets used on black kids way more than the Aryan brotherhood. bravenak Apr 2015 #275

Google 2008-2011. Bill Clinton 1st used the term "Chicago thug" in describing O's politics nc4bo Apr 2015 #279

Good find. bravenak Apr 2015 #282

I hear you and agree. m-lekktor Apr 2015 #286

hey brave! i stopped posting for awhile but i do check in to see what is being discussed. locdlib Apr 2015 #291

It is pretty funny to me. bravenak Apr 2015 #305

Set the record stright BrainMann1 Apr 2015 #300

Thank you for letting us know. bravenak Apr 2015 #302

You aren't going to convince many people... MellowDem Apr 2015 #303

I'm not trying to be persuasive. bravenak Apr 2015 #314

Is Obama a racist? MellowDem Apr 2015 #333

No. Obama is just wrong and will come over my way on this issue. bravenak Apr 2015 #375

I think you're right and Obama is wrong... MellowDem Apr 2015 #445

Okay. I can understand your point. bravenak Apr 2015 #446

It's not new...... yourout Apr 2015 #308

I use the term thug all the time to refer to Klansmen, Mobsters and Neo-Nazis. bluestateguy Apr 2015 #309

The whole co-opting of words is driving me nuts. Vinca Apr 2015 #313

Yup alcibiades_mystery Apr 2015 #310

DUers used it about Oscar Grant during the Meserle trial. That's when I started seeing the coded Starry Messenger Apr 2015 #311

Thank you. bravenak Apr 2015 #320

"thug" is also used in the phrase "union thugs" by many on the right. guillaumeb Apr 2015 #323

Wow. bravenak Apr 2015 #326

Yes, Canadian. guillaumeb Apr 2015 #336

No, it's not dumbcat Apr 2015 #331

Enjoy your dictionary and hiding behind the President. bravenak Apr 2015 #352

I will, thank you dumbcat Apr 2015 #355

Cool. Just make sure you call them thugs to their faces. bravenak Apr 2015 #360

That was a good response JustAnotherGen Apr 2015 #366

Yes, they do, don't they. They always get away with it. bravenak Apr 2015 #374

We were wrong - I'm wrong JustAnotherGen May 2015 #504

Thank God we were wrong about that. bravenak May 2015 #507

I have nothing to add. johnp3907 Apr 2015 #332

Hey! bravenak Apr 2015 #351

I find it somewhat difficult to take such a word out of context Wash. state Desk Jet Apr 2015 #339

I can't even believe I'm jumping into this fray, but here goes. Butterbean Apr 2015 #340

Thank you so much. bravenak Apr 2015 #376

OK, please let me clarify The Green Manalishi Apr 2015 #385

Yes. That's exactly it. Butterbean Apr 2015 #421

Disagree. See: butt hurt. Prism Apr 2015 #341

I agree with you, Bravenak Oilwellian Apr 2015 #345

Thank you. bravenak Apr 2015 #347

yw Oilwellian Apr 2015 #401

This message was self-deleted by its author Marr Apr 2015 #348

You assume dumbcat Apr 2015 #353

Durn... chervilant Apr 2015 #364

I know. I don't even bother ignoring anybody. bravenak Apr 2015 #365

True, that. chervilant Apr 2015 #368

You're doing the right thing, imo. bravenak Apr 2015 #373

K&R Pooka Fey Apr 2015 #372

you must be protecting those thugs in Baltimore backwoodsbob Apr 2015 #382

Are you being a racist by doing exactly the opposite of what you should do? bravenak Apr 2015 #384

Post removed Post removed May 2015 #514

I just asked you to not call black people thugs. Are you okay? You need more explainations? bravenak May 2015 #516

Pale face? Seriously? Pale face? marym625 Apr 2015 #386

I was harsh. bravenak Apr 2015 #387

Why is it ok GummyBearz Apr 2015 #389

Because I got alerted on once for spelling it out. bravenak Apr 2015 #395

That doesn't answer my question GummyBearz Apr 2015 #449

You got the answer you were going to get. bravenak Apr 2015 #451

The answer I got was GummyBearz Apr 2015 #459

No. I don't think it's okay for white folks to sit around calling our youth thugs. bravenak Apr 2015 #464

White folk Snow Leopard May 2015 #505

White folks is only racist if black folks is racist. I think white folks were wrong and still are. bravenak May 2015 #508

When I think of "thug", I think of white bandits with fat and shaved heads. n/t Lil Missy Apr 2015 #396

I think of cops. bravenak Apr 2015 #397

imagine, if you dare nc4bo Apr 2015 #398

The rending of garments and gnashing of teeth would be epic. bravenak Apr 2015 #404

I see! So for you, it does refer to Caucasions too. Lil Missy Apr 2015 #399

Black cops too. Hell, any cop. bravenak Apr 2015 #403

then Thug is now the word for the poor and disenfranchised.. 1handclapn Apr 2015 #418

Pretty much. I only see poor, hungry tired white folks get called thug so nasty style. bravenak Apr 2015 #419

Thug used to mean Union Member. OnyxCollie Apr 2015 #428

We have a whole reTHUGlican party full of thugs IronLionZion Apr 2015 #429

Ok. I was just informing about the changes the word has gone through recently. bravenak Apr 2015 #438

The media code words are soooooo blatant. They never stop serving their billionaire masters valerief Apr 2015 #433

Yep. I liked Erin Burnett getting it handed to her yesterday. bravenak Apr 2015 #434

She's a despicable POS. A taint on humanity. nt valerief Apr 2015 #465

I'd say CullenBohannon Apr 2015 #435

Good for you. Say it to their face. bravenak Apr 2015 #436

Why? CullenBohannon Apr 2015 #448

Exactly. You can call names from afar, while safe. bravenak Apr 2015 #450

I was originally going to ask ManiacJoe Apr 2015 #439

Then why did you come? Do as you please and I'll call you as I see you. bravenak Apr 2015 #441

Did you post your response to the correct message? ManiacJoe Apr 2015 #443

I was using the generic you. bravenak Apr 2015 #444

OK, I guess. ManiacJoe Apr 2015 #447

The term "thug" has sus453 Apr 2015 #452

Tell your Council man thank you!!! bravenak Apr 2015 #453

I thought these were thugs! backscatter712 Apr 2015 #454

No. These are thugs. bravenak Apr 2015 #455

Life is the beginning of death seveneyes Apr 2015 #456

Every time someone says, "thug" the word smiths are smiling. Spitfire of ATJ Apr 2015 #467

Lol!!! bravenak May 2015 #472

Yeah,...it's smelly money. It comes from assholes. Spitfire of ATJ May 2015 #477

I cannot abide racism. It hurts. raven mad Apr 2015 #468

I agree. bravenak May 2015 #476

I tell white people they should encourage rights for EVERYONE.... Spitfire of ATJ May 2015 #488

My dad got that before I was born. raven mad May 2015 #538

Agreed. egduj May 2015 #470

so which of the two applies to PBO . . . or both? DrDan May 2015 #532

It's easy to avoid using the word on DU when folks call it out as a common bigoted slur. U4ikLefty May 2015 #471

Don't worry, our American racism will always enable new terms for racial division Suji to Seoul May 2015 #474

So true. bravenak May 2015 #475

Great OP. GeorgeGist May 2015 #494

" . . . . those were thuggish acts" . . . . nuff said DrDan May 2015 #495

Omg. Where did YOUR authority come from. I told you what you will look like. Not what to do. bravenak May 2015 #525

President Obama referred to some in Baltimore fadedrose May 2015 #496

From a black man, it means thug. From the media and white society it means something else. bravenak May 2015 #524

I thought a thug was anybody fadedrose May 2015 #533

Well... JackInGreen May 2015 #498

Please keep your thug life tees and your thuggish ruggish bone poster. bravenak May 2015 #526

President Obama called the hooligans criminals and thugs Harmony Blue May 2015 #499

K&R! stonecutter357 May 2015 #500

I used the word "thug" recently to describe some rioters in Baltimore. Vattel May 2015 #502

Thank you Vattel!!! bravenak May 2015 #519

I still use the word thug...But.... blackspade May 2015 #503

I agree with your usage. bravenak May 2015 #515

Thanks, And I completely understand where you are coming from. blackspade May 2015 #522

You got it right!! bravenak May 2015 #523

It is. They actually charged these assholes! blackspade May 2015 #527

Whoo!! It looks like a wake on Fox News! bravenak May 2015 #528

Their sadz has overcome them... blackspade May 2015 #529

Yes, I've noticed that too. It's Con dog whistle since Damansarajaya May 2015 #506

Thought you might appreciate this... chervilant May 2015 #509

Thank you! bravenak May 2015 #510

Yes, and I have been reading about how much those chervilant May 2015 #512

They need to never get out. bravenak May 2015 #513

Indeed!!! chervilant May 2015 #518

Also, I was just watching Kwame Rose chervilant May 2015 #520

That's the only way to turn the tide. bravenak May 2015 #521

There are few "journalists" chervilant May 2015 #539

This white guy agrees. JoePhilly May 2015 #530

I agree with this post d_legendary1 May 2015 #536

I remember that. I was so pissed off all the time. bravenak May 2015 #537

I have heard it used for some kids in yuiyoshida May 2015 #541