Reply #13

extreme shock over the use of such a slur on DU.

I am relieved to learn that you actually did not realize the term is as much a slur to a person of German descent as the "n" word is to a person of African descent. I was horrified to think of a long-time DU member slinging ethnic slurs

I will say, though, that as soon as someone pointed out to you that it was a slur, instead of doubling down on it you should have looked it up to make sure you were not committing an ethnic slur--as I assume you really would not want to do.

If you had just checked any online (or print) dictionary, you would have found that it is defined as offensive slang for a person of German descent, and that quick check would have prevented you from emphatically repeating the slur several times in the thread.

I honestly do believe you didn't realize what the term meant, and I do believe this apology is sincere. Furthermore, I am really glad to see it, because it allows me to continue to think as well of you as I have in the past (with the slurs flying hard and fast, I was beginning to reconsider my good opinion of you for a while there!)

I think this apology does belong in GD, because Lionessa's use of the term was so offensive to so many people that it is really important to widely disseminate the information that she didn't understand that it is a slur and didn't realize that there is no other way to use it except as a slur.

Unfortunately Lionessa's image suffered some damage in that thread, so everyone from that thread needs to see this apology in order to make sure they all understand where she was coming from.

Please don't lock this thread!