Ok, Gene, you asked me to be specific,...
For me, it's not about imagination, it's about empathy-putting yourself
in someone else's shoes.
I find it difficult to understand how you can only take personal offense
to something ONLY if it relates to you personally.
I take offense when
I hear certain racially or ethnically charged words or stereotypes, even
though the comments aren't directed to me. Stereotypes are often true,
so how does your bias for truth sit with that?
If I were ever to visit
you in Phoenix, and one of your friends called me a Cracker, I sure hope
that you would set them straight that while I may be from Georgia, I
ain't no freakin' cracker. (Someone in OR once called me a cracker,
thinking it was cute, akin to Peach) Your friend may not even realize he
is being offensive or the history of that word, and he may only be
joking around, but it is still not acceptable. Or, would you do nothing
and remain quiet because you can't relate to that personally?
Out of
curiosity, would you still remain friends with your neighbor after that,
or would you look around for different friends, perhaps one that is not
so bigoted/ignorant/prejudiced.
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