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charlotte_webFeb 1, 2012
Have we become so brittle in our society that a term of endearment is offensive?
Context is everything, though, I suppose...
The_SovereignFeb 1, 2012
You answered your own question. It has always been offensive to intimate a desire for intimacy with someone who finds you unattractive.
charlotte_webFeb 1, 2012
If some older guy is eying some hot young thing and very sexually calling her, "Babe," then yeah, I could see a case.
If a bus driver is just trying to be friendly and keep a positive spirit on the bus by calling people "babe" and "honey", then this is totally ridiculous.
But in our litigious society, it's hard to argue such distinctions of perception. Therefore, to be politically correct, it all has to be banned.
The_SovereignFeb 1, 2012
You make perfect sense until the last paragraph.
I suggest saying what you mean to avoid confusion.
chordonblueFeb 1, 2012
I take it 'Hot Lips' and 'Tight Thighs' are right out then?
antdudeFeb 1, 2012
Yes, sir.
beachsideladyJan 31, 2012
Yes,with some people, i think it does offend,
depends who its coming from , But i do think that taxi drivers should not call women babe.Especially
viralinFeb 1, 2012
I get called 'babe', 'honey', and 'sweety' all the time at restaurants and other service oriented businesses. I don't mind, and I'm a guy! I usually return the gesture.
mheykFeb 1, 2012
get over it you overly offended f**ktards
missinglinkFeb 1, 2012
Yes, always.
If they're cool with it, then no worries.
If they're uptight and cranky about it, they deserve to be offended.
njdoo7Feb 1, 2012
"they deserve to be offended"
I specifically like this part, which I why I am more likely to use words people are offended by.
njdoo7Feb 1, 2012
This whole concept of some speech being acceptable or unacceptable is at odds with freedom and the first amendment.
How long until people start getting punished for the use of a word in the language?
Already here and children are already being trained:
"#16 A teenager in suburban Dallas was forced to take on a part-time job after being ticketed for using foul language in one high school classroom. The original ticket was for $340, but additional fees have raised the total bill to $637."
http://endoftheamericandream.com/archives/19-crazy-things-that-school-children-are-being-arrested-for-in-america
The_SovereignFeb 1, 2012
lol "first amendment"
What the f**k does that have to do with England?
Anyway, say what you like, as long as it isn't harassment.
njdoo7Feb 1, 2012
Quit harassing me by telling me what I can and cannot say.
The_SovereignFeb 1, 2012
I'm not harassing you, and I'm not telling you what you can nor what you cannot say.
njdoo7Feb 1, 2012
you: "say what you like, as long as it isn't harassment."
The_SovereignFeb 1, 2012
Correct.
I occasionally make factual errors, but my use of the language is precise. Examine the exchange more closely.
You may say what you like, and you may speak to anyone you like. You may not do both.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
njdoo7Feb 1, 2012
"The reason [for subjective interpretation of who is right and wrong] is control."
Yes, your motive was precisely communicated. You feel others should have control over subjective interpretations of what is harassment, and by extension what should and shouldn't be said.
The_SovereignFeb 1, 2012
Say what you like, speak to whomever you like.
You may not necessarily do both at once.
The_SovereignFeb 1, 2012
Now you've gone a bit far afield. I just believe that people should be protected from harassment.
njdoo7Feb 1, 2012
You believe I should be protected from you. Interesting. How would I be protected?
The_SovereignFeb 1, 2012
And now it is plain that you are not trying to advance the discussion, but just ignoring what I say.
It's been nice talking to you, but we're done here. I'm sorry if you misunderstood my position.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
njdoo7Feb 1, 2012
What you're saying is very inconsistent. Sorry you don't have a consistent position on the subject..
chordonblueFeb 1, 2012
Kinda hard to enforce what is abusive language now. A lot of music today drops the 'F' bomb and it might be the only thing left you can't say on the radio (at least at night).
Is the 'N' word abusive? So many people use it...
njdoo7Feb 1, 2012
That's where subjectivism comes into play.
Is the person using the n word white or black?
Is the person calling you babe a man or a woman?
Many people say words should be unacceptable if offensive, but the offensive nature changes with such meaningless situational changes (gender, color of skin, etc..).
This would be reverse progress in treating people equally.
bobturtleFeb 1, 2012
This is why they should refer to everyone as "****", even children. Especially children.
Ouzel7Feb 1, 2012
If you don't know them, it's unacceptable.
mtownFeb 1, 2012
Whatever you say, babe.
Ouzel7Feb 1, 2012
Try that with your female boss and see what happens.
FearTheTachikomaFeb 1, 2012
But he would know them, which means the only criterion you supplied wouldn't apply.
mtownFeb 1, 2012
What if my boss was Babe Ruth?
concusionFeb 1, 2012
call him George :)
Ouzel7Feb 2, 2012
:)
There are some circumstances where it's ok. But a female you don't know ... I wouldn't go there, really.
It implies something less than woman. Some use it in a sexy fashion when appropriate...
njdoo7Feb 1, 2012
Is it acceptable to be offended by the use of any word?
Words are just that, words. Get over it.
ninhFeb 1, 2012
Any idiot can get offended over anything. It doesn't make for a suitable level of communication to accommodate them.
ityiwsFeb 2, 2012
I work in retail and "honey" or "sweetie" doesn't bother me. "Babe", to me, is a term of endearment I only want to hear from my significant other.
ityiwsFeb 2, 2012
I work in retail and "honey" or "sweetie" doesn't bother me. "Babe", to me, is a term of endearment I only want to hear from my significant other.
EastexdanFeb 2, 2012
Babe, like the word bloody are British words and I for one like their British Accent.
EastexdanFeb 2, 2012
Babe, like the word bloody are British words and I for one like their British Accent.
EastexdanFeb 2, 2012
Babe, like the word bloody are British words and I for one like their British Accent.
liljewnbug2023Feb 1, 2012
It really depends on who you're talking to...whenever someone I don't know well calls me babe, it always feels like they're talking down to me.
thefirewireFeb 1, 2012
If they are cute or handsome, its a compliment. If they are homley and burley then it's sexual harrasment.
gr8day8Feb 1, 2012
So 1 nutbag complains over the years and now it's a big deal?!?
Grow some skin people. Life is about dealing with diversity.
The_SovereignFeb 1, 2012
It is only unacceptable to address an individual as "babe" if they have objected to it.
njdoo7Feb 1, 2012
I object to the concept of some words being considered unacceptable.
The_SovereignFeb 1, 2012
I couldn't agree more, but that is not the entirety of the issue here. We're mostly talking about labeling people. If someone objects to a label, using it on them is harassment.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
njdoo7Feb 1, 2012
If someone objects to my use of a word in our language, something I object to and find offensive, they are harassing me as well.
I see no reason for subjective interpretation of who is right and who is wrong.
The_SovereignFeb 1, 2012
Again, I agree.
njdoo7Feb 1, 2012
Just trying to emphasize my point that harassment is subjective.
The_SovereignFeb 1, 2012
Mind you, you edited your post after I replied.
I now disagree because you added that last line. The reason is control.
njdoo7Feb 1, 2012
Just as you edited out the question I replied to.