General Discussion

jonno99

(2,620 posts)

380. Ok - that is just silly.

Thu Apr 30, 2015, 07:01 PM

Apr 2015

"naming" someone a racist doesn't make them a racist.

Racist comments are about intent. There is absolutely no doubt that a non-poc directing the word nigge* at a POC, is racist in every way shape or form.

The word "thug" is one COMMON description of a person acting "badly".

IMO - unless you know the mindset of the person using "thug", or unless you know their intent - you cannot assign the label "racist" - without the risk of being wrong. That "thug" may now be be used by racists as code for, or in place of, nigge* can only be reliably true if the word is directed exclusively towards POC.

That you are offended by the use of the word is unfortunate, in that I fear you are wasting energy - energy (and cachet) better used fighting ACTUAL racism. Worse yet, you risk diminishing actual racist behavior and speech - because it will get lost in the noise generated by sensitivity to the word "thug".

IMO - Let's reserve the racist label for actual racists.

my two cents...

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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