I would like to say that I have really enjoyed the generosity of Matrix games. Well, that said, I have a concern I would like to share with everyone. Reading some of these posts, I have noticed some of us use the word "Jap" freely in these forums like it is just another word. I am quite concerned. The word "Jap" is a word of hate and I feel that too many people use it too freely. This is a word of hate and discrimination and I believe firmly that it is time for the word to GO! So I kindly ask all of you to refrain from using ANY derogatory terms that are designed to degrade any race of people. You know when people see some of these forums and see the word what would people think? What would children think? It seems to me that knowingly or not, the word is sending a message of hate. It is not what the civilized world does. Have we not got over the tragedies of hate and discrimination? As many of you understand, discrimination and hate has caused nothing but harm and hurt for all those involved. Look at Hitler as a good example. Look at what hate did to Germany. Sure, some of you may use derogatory terms just because you do not like a certain group of people, or just because you allow your emotions to control your thoughts, not your conscious mind. All I am saying is THE NEXT GENERATION OF PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE TO BE CONTAMINATED BY HATE AND MESSAGES OF HATE. IS IT NOT TIME TO PUT AN END OF HATRED TOWARDS OUR FELLOW MAN? HAVE WE NOT LEARNED FROM OUR PAST MISTAKES WHAT HATE DOES TO THE HUMAN RACE? IT SIMPLY SETS US APART FROM ONE ANOTHER. SO PLEASE, FOR EVERYONE AND FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF PEOPLE, PLEASE STOP THE SPEREAD OF HATE! THIS IS ONE STEP, BUT A HUGE STEP TO STOPPING THE SPEREAD OF HATE. SO FOR ALL OF YOU THAT HAVE USED OR USE DEROGATORY TERMS OF ANY KIND THAT ARE DESIGNED TO HURT OTHERS, PLEASE PUT AN END TO IT. WE DO NOT NEED ANOTHER CENTURY OF HATE.
Good day to you all and thank you for taking your time to read my message. And please refrain from using derogatory terms. Do your part to stop hatred and discrimination. Thank you
Wasp
Notice for All
Moderators: Joel Billings, wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
Dear Wasp
I love Japan and travel there every year to have a good time and to meet friends (japanese friends). I am one of the persons who write Japs because I am too lazy to write Japanese. I do know that it can be used in a racist way but this forum is something different. You and I and the rest of this community would notice if someone used the word "Jap" in a racist way. I would be one of the first ones to react. Thanks for your concern but I feel that it is not necessary here. But it is a very good point that you make and we must all make sure that we have racist free forums.
Dan
I love Japan and travel there every year to have a good time and to meet friends (japanese friends). I am one of the persons who write Japs because I am too lazy to write Japanese. I do know that it can be used in a racist way but this forum is something different. You and I and the rest of this community would notice if someone used the word "Jap" in a racist way. I would be one of the first ones to react. Thanks for your concern but I feel that it is not necessary here. But it is a very good point that you make and we must all make sure that we have racist free forums.
Dan
ok, I was not intending for it to be that way. I took the screen name Wasp in honor of the USS Wasp. This has absolutely nothing to do with degrade any one. If this angered anyone I sincerely apologize. I will even offer to change my screen name to some thing else or add USS in front. However, in my opinion the term "Jap" is totally different, for this word has long been used in a hurtful way, the original intent of this word was never ment to be used as a shorter way of saying Japan/Japanese (Although some people has used it as a shorter way of saying it) mostly to belittle and to degrade the Japanese race. Because of this problem, an abbreviation JPN was created a while ago. That's all, I am not trying to start up a huge argument over this. Just trying to get the message across that the word "Jap" is alot more hurtful than just an casual saying that people use. I hope you understand where I am coming from. Good day to you all.
HiOriginally posted by Wasp
ok, I was not intending for it to be that way, however, in my opinion this is different, for this word has long been used in a hurtful way, the original intent of this word was never ment as a shorter way of saying Japan/Japanese (Although some people has used it as a shorter way of saying it) mostly to belittle and to degrade the Japanese race. Because of this problem, an abbreviation JPN was created a while ago. That's all, I am not trying to start up a huge argument over this. Just trying to get the message across that the word "Jap" is alot more hurtful than just an casual saying that people use. I hope you understand where I am coming from. Good day to you all.
I understand you and even though I mean no harm by "Jap" I will do my best to write IJN or the japanese. You never know when a japanese player might show up on this forum and perhaps be insulted. That is something I dont want to happen.
Dan
Wasp, no one expects or want you to change your name. Just illustrating a point. I am just wondering why 'Jap', obviously short for Japanese, is slanderous.
While I agree with you and U2, and don't wish anyone to be offended here, I now am genuinely curious as to how this shortening is a bad thing. Does anyone know?
Goblin- A Goblin means no harm;)
While I agree with you and U2, and don't wish anyone to be offended here, I now am genuinely curious as to how this shortening is a bad thing. Does anyone know?
Goblin- A Goblin means no harm;)
I always squirm a little when I see "Japs" used. At one time it was considered mildly deragatory. As a rule I don't use it.
So Crusher where are you in the PI? I lived in Angeles City for a couple of years when I was a kid. Sadly I have forgotten almost all of my Tagalog. Do they still make Texas buble gum? I used to spend all of my allowance on that stuff.
So Crusher where are you in the PI? I lived in Angeles City for a couple of years when I was a kid. Sadly I have forgotten almost all of my Tagalog. Do they still make Texas buble gum? I used to spend all of my allowance on that stuff.
If something's not working you might want to tunk it a dite.
Mojo's Mom
Mojo's Mom
Once again the evil head of PC rises up and I don't mean personal computer. Give it a rest. Jap short for Japanese. I was watching the movie Midway the other day and good old Ted Turner had his people bleep out "Jap" but left in loads of profanity. What a joke. I try to be racially sensitive, but in the interest of laziness some people will use it when typing.
As far as doing away with hate, it was, is, and will ALWAYS be with us. It won;t be overcome in our or anyone's lifetime. Unfortunate but true. For example remember 9/11, the Balkans, and the Palestinian problems.
Sorry got on my soap box. Will not happen again today.
As far as doing away with hate, it was, is, and will ALWAYS be with us. It won;t be overcome in our or anyone's lifetime. Unfortunate but true. For example remember 9/11, the Balkans, and the Palestinian problems.
Sorry got on my soap box. Will not happen again today.
SF3C B. B. New USS North Carolina BB-55 - Permission is granted to go ashore for the last shore leave. (1926-2003)
You're entitled to a soapbox. That's what this place is for.Originally posted by showboat1
Once again the evil head of PC rises up and I don't mean personal computer. Give it a rest. Jap short for Japanese. I was watching the movie Midway the other day and good old Ted Turner had his people bleep out "Jap" but left in loads of profanity. What a joke. I try to be racially sensitive, but in the interest of laziness some people will use it when typing.
As far as doing away with hate, it was, is, and will ALWAYS be with us. It won;t be overcome in our or anyone's lifetime. Unfortunate but true. For example remember 9/11, the Balkans, and the Palestinian problems.
Sorry got on my soap box. Will not happen again today.
As far as this being a PC issue I see it as a matter of manners more than anything else. I lived in Japan for three years and not once did I ever hear one of my Japanese friends refer to themselves as Japs.
I'm glad Wasp posted this. Some people find the term offensive, some don't. We've heard that at least some Japanese find it offensive and that's good enough for me.
If something's not working you might want to tunk it a dite.
Mojo's Mom
Mojo's Mom
I have to admit, I am really torn here.
Mojo and Wasp have a valid point. We do not want to offend anyone.
However, Mojo points out that some find it offensive, some don't. Hmmm. If we start down that road, we will soon be entirely out of things to print.
'Paras' will become 'Airborne Infantry' to someone that was in the AB and found Paras offensive. 'Brit' will become 'Citizen of the United Kingdom', because some found it offensive. Goodbye Swastika (which, incidently, was a symbol of healing at one time, but is now found to be offensive). No more wargaming, some find it offensive. Its not U.S. please, its United States of America. On and on.
I sincerely do not wish to offend or hurt anybody, but I don't believe anyone playing a WWII era game can be that sensitive to WWII era lingo, especially from other gamers who mean no harm, and wish to have fun, away from real life problems (like worrying about offending someone).
I have used the word Jap in my AAR/DAR's. If I have offended anyone, my apologies. No harm was intended. As I said, I am torn between using the phrase, or allowing (dare I say it?) a form of censorship to control what I have written in a non-hostile manner.
Peace-Goblin
Mojo and Wasp have a valid point. We do not want to offend anyone.
However, Mojo points out that some find it offensive, some don't. Hmmm. If we start down that road, we will soon be entirely out of things to print.
'Paras' will become 'Airborne Infantry' to someone that was in the AB and found Paras offensive. 'Brit' will become 'Citizen of the United Kingdom', because some found it offensive. Goodbye Swastika (which, incidently, was a symbol of healing at one time, but is now found to be offensive). No more wargaming, some find it offensive. Its not U.S. please, its United States of America. On and on.
I sincerely do not wish to offend or hurt anybody, but I don't believe anyone playing a WWII era game can be that sensitive to WWII era lingo, especially from other gamers who mean no harm, and wish to have fun, away from real life problems (like worrying about offending someone).
I have used the word Jap in my AAR/DAR's. If I have offended anyone, my apologies. No harm was intended. As I said, I am torn between using the phrase, or allowing (dare I say it?) a form of censorship to control what I have written in a non-hostile manner.
Peace-Goblin
I understand the dilema oh sensitive green one. (Igotta be quick cause I can smell the rice cooking. red beans and rice for dinner tonight. I do love andouille sausage)
I don't know what to tell you. Tokuhu (or whatever his name is) never mentioned this and he is the only Japanese contributor to the forum that springs to mind.
If I was in the midst of role playing like in a DAR I can see it. USMC vs ........well, you know.
That's authentic and appropriate for the period.
But I don't want to be the judge here. Hell I'm as whitebread as you can get.
Can't talk. Gotta go stuff my face. First I have to open the windows and let that aroma out. Maybe I can draw a hungry woman to my door.
I don't know what to tell you. Tokuhu (or whatever his name is) never mentioned this and he is the only Japanese contributor to the forum that springs to mind.
If I was in the midst of role playing like in a DAR I can see it. USMC vs ........well, you know.
That's authentic and appropriate for the period.But I don't want to be the judge here. Hell I'm as whitebread as you can get.
Can't talk. Gotta go stuff my face. First I have to open the windows and let that aroma out. Maybe I can draw a hungry woman to my door.
If something's not working you might want to tunk it a dite.
Mojo's Mom
Mojo's Mom
For those of you who have believe that "Jap" is not an offensive term, and believe that Jap is short for Japanese, please read this:
Jap Pronunciation Key (jp)
n. Offensive Slang
Used as a disparaging term for a person of Japanese birth or descent.
Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
As it shows here and as it would show in any dictionary, Jap is a derogatory term designed to degrade the Japanese. I believe that some of us believe that Jap is acceptable because we have heard people using it. (fathers, grandfathers who fought against the Japanese may have used it, and as a result, we began to think it was acceptable, when in fact it is totally unacceptable.) Although in the first half of the last century people have used Jap for short, I would like to remind you there was a hidden message behind it. It was a message of hate and the degrading of Japanese so that non-Japanese could get a laugh at some one else's expense. Because this problem surfaced, it was decided that an abbreviation JPN, I repeat JPN be used as an abbreviation for Japan/Japanese so that no misunderstandings would cause problems. Which is where we are at now. I understand why Jap has not been thought of as a derogatory term as it should be, because no one has specificially made a stand and said it was degrading and humiliating to those who see such words even if they are not meant to be disparaging. It is just like a white person going down into the hood and calling the African American people N------. I'm sure that you cannot get away by saying that it is short for African American or Negro. That is totally unacceptable. Why do we know this? Because strong minded leaders of the black community made a stand and told everyone that N----- was not acceptable and it was disparaging. They made it clear that racism was unacceptable. Because of the fact that the Japanese have not made a strong and serious attempt to get the message across that the word "Jap" is derogatory and unacceptable, because we have heard Jap being used, and because we are not reminded that it is a derogatory term, most people are misled to believe that there is nothing wrong with the word Jap, when in fact there is definitely something wrong with the term. Sure, we may never be able to completely destroy hatred, but we can do small things that will make a difference, a difference that will allow the futrure generation to live with out the tragedies of hatred. Now, everyone can do something to help, and I ask for all of us who believe that hatred is wrong to do something about it. Do the little things:
1. Don't pass the message of hate to childeren, no matter how much you dislike or hate a particular race of people, because the next generation does not need to endure the sadness, tragedies of hate. We must learn from our history, or history will repeat its self only resulting in pain.
2. Ask yourself if what you are doing is right before doing something. Just because one uses or has messages of hate, does not make it right. YOU have the final decision with what to do with your life: To let history repeat its self or to learn from the mistakes of our past generations and do our very best to make the world a better place. If you are in doubt, if something could be harmful, just ask, there is no harm in asking is something is wrong or not. As humans we can only continue to learn, for those who refuse to be open minded there is only sadness and pain. The IJN/IJA is a good example, they refused to be open minded to new ideas and they were defeated by the Allies who were always open minded and were ready to listen. WE AS A HUMAN RACE, MUST NEVER STOP LISTENING, BECAUSE WHEN YOU REFUSE TO LISTEN, YOU BECOME IGNORANT AND CAN NEVER GET THE FULL VIEW OF WHAT'S GOING ON.
3. Someone pointed it out that you cannot ever erase hatred; although we may not be able to erase hatred from the human race, we can contain hatred. (For those of you who watch basketball, when MJ used to play for chicago, you knew you could not stop MJ, but you knew you could contain him, sure he will get his dose of 30 points, but you could contain him: Damage control.) This is the same thing. Sure, you cannot stop hatred, but you can contain hatred, and stop the destruction of hate. Hate is one weapon that does not cost anything, it is the only weapon that kills and hurts people like no other weapon can. And guess where hate is created? People who are not able to come to an understanding that no one is perfect, and cannot accept the imperfections of his fellow man. Because when you hate, you are only weakening the Human race. You are only making the weapon called hate stronger than ever. So do your part to contain hatred, and even if only one person gets the message, that is an improvement, for that means that we are one person closer to stopping the speread of this virus called hate.
I know there is probably more, but I will stop it at this. Hopefully everyone now understands the full significance of one little word like "Jap"
Now, someone asked weather a Japanese person finds "Jap" offensive. Well, I must say that the Japanese people are not really informed about history like we are, so most young Japanese do not understand what "Jap" is. However, for Japanese and people who have Japanese ancestors and truly understand what it means, it is highly offensive. Some of you may ask why is the common Japanese not informed? Well, the Japanese try to hide the Pacific war from its own citizens by not teaching children about the war: by doing this they hope that time will erase all the tears of war and hate. Which is the same reason the Japanese government has problems with it's Asian neighbors over the Pacific war. Has anyone heard about the Japanese textbooks for school children in Japan? In the textbook, it tells children that in the Pacific war, Japan did no harm. Of course, along with this, people are not informed what "Jap" is. I could almost guarantee that you could ask a common Japanese person, who does not have strong knowledge of the American culture, language, customs, etc, and they will not be able to tell you what "Jap" means. Some older people who lived through the American occupation will know, because they have heard it. And to add insult to injury, the government of Japan has made all attempts to hide everything, so that the people do not know anything. This is quite sad. Which is probably why the Japanese people may not be offended. Bottom line.... They are not offended because they do not know the meaning of the word because they never knew, because the government has hidden everything. How can you ask some one if they are offended at something when they do not even know what it is? That is the big issue in Japan right now. The majority of Japanese people has lost their identity (of course with an exception of a few who actually understand history: just like there is always an exception to everything. But to those who understand, it is very offensive, and I would like to make that very clear. We must get the message out to people that "Jap" is not just another word, but it is an highly derogatory term that destroys relations between the Japanese people and the rest of the world. We must do this to make this world a better place to live, for the more knowledge a person gains, the wise he becomes, and I sincerely hope that everyone reading this has learned something: That the little words such as "Jap" fuel the fire of hatred......
"One small step for man - one giant leap for mankind"--Neil Armstrong
Well, now we are taking a small step, however we are also taking one giant leap for mankind. We have the power to let everyone know what this is all about. Although this is a small step for containing hatred, this is one giant leap forward to containing hatred.
P.S. I am sure you are wondering how I know all this stuff about Japanese, culture, history, and the governemnt's attempt to hide information from it's own people? Well, I am Japanese my self. I have seen the bad side and the good side of both countries and there is a ton I can say about both countries, however, I don't think I will fully list each and everything wrong with each country, because I will never get done. I leaned and studied both American and Japanese culture in person not from a book or TV, although my study of people and history is still continuing and will probably never end, I know enough to tell you this. As an well informed Japanese who have lived both in the states and in Japan, I would like to say that "Jap" is highly offensive--equally as offensive as the word "gook", or for chinese-C----, or for african Americans, N-----. We must never call people by derogatory terms, because it is hurtful to others, so why should "Jap" be any different? From my personal experience, I have had a white person who called me a Chink. I was astounded by this person's foolishness. Not only did he assume I was a chinese just because of my Asian features, but he hurt me deeply inside. To see how people can hurt a fellow man is totally sad. It is something you must experience to understand. So take the first step, never hurt your fellow man, it will only cause pain and suffering. Some of you may ask, why I did not tell you I was Japanese? Well, I feared that people will not understand what I had to say, so I just played it by ear wondering if you guys were sophisticated enough to understand that hate takes you nowhere but into the abyss of pain, hurt, guilt, and everything that goes along with it. I am pleased to say that many of you understand it is wrong and I am very very pleased to say that people are willing to listen and understand, but most important of all people of all ages and races are willing to stop this nonsense called discrimination and hatred. The Nazis are a prime example of what hate does to a generation, a country, a race, the people, and religion. Hopefully, by me pointing this out, I can help the world be a better place for all others who may come after us.
I leave you with this final note.
Don't let history's mishaps destroy our future, let us learn from our mishaps so that we will never make the mistakes our previous generations have made.....
Thank you all who have read my very long post. I sincerely thank you for being so open minded to understand what is wrong is wrong and what is right is right. Good day to you all, and may god (or buddah, Jesus, Allah, or anything else you may happen to believe in.) bless you all.
Thank you
Wasp
Jap Pronunciation Key (jp)
n. Offensive Slang
Used as a disparaging term for a person of Japanese birth or descent.
Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
As it shows here and as it would show in any dictionary, Jap is a derogatory term designed to degrade the Japanese. I believe that some of us believe that Jap is acceptable because we have heard people using it. (fathers, grandfathers who fought against the Japanese may have used it, and as a result, we began to think it was acceptable, when in fact it is totally unacceptable.) Although in the first half of the last century people have used Jap for short, I would like to remind you there was a hidden message behind it. It was a message of hate and the degrading of Japanese so that non-Japanese could get a laugh at some one else's expense. Because this problem surfaced, it was decided that an abbreviation JPN, I repeat JPN be used as an abbreviation for Japan/Japanese so that no misunderstandings would cause problems. Which is where we are at now. I understand why Jap has not been thought of as a derogatory term as it should be, because no one has specificially made a stand and said it was degrading and humiliating to those who see such words even if they are not meant to be disparaging. It is just like a white person going down into the hood and calling the African American people N------. I'm sure that you cannot get away by saying that it is short for African American or Negro. That is totally unacceptable. Why do we know this? Because strong minded leaders of the black community made a stand and told everyone that N----- was not acceptable and it was disparaging. They made it clear that racism was unacceptable. Because of the fact that the Japanese have not made a strong and serious attempt to get the message across that the word "Jap" is derogatory and unacceptable, because we have heard Jap being used, and because we are not reminded that it is a derogatory term, most people are misled to believe that there is nothing wrong with the word Jap, when in fact there is definitely something wrong with the term. Sure, we may never be able to completely destroy hatred, but we can do small things that will make a difference, a difference that will allow the futrure generation to live with out the tragedies of hatred. Now, everyone can do something to help, and I ask for all of us who believe that hatred is wrong to do something about it. Do the little things:
1. Don't pass the message of hate to childeren, no matter how much you dislike or hate a particular race of people, because the next generation does not need to endure the sadness, tragedies of hate. We must learn from our history, or history will repeat its self only resulting in pain.
2. Ask yourself if what you are doing is right before doing something. Just because one uses or has messages of hate, does not make it right. YOU have the final decision with what to do with your life: To let history repeat its self or to learn from the mistakes of our past generations and do our very best to make the world a better place. If you are in doubt, if something could be harmful, just ask, there is no harm in asking is something is wrong or not. As humans we can only continue to learn, for those who refuse to be open minded there is only sadness and pain. The IJN/IJA is a good example, they refused to be open minded to new ideas and they were defeated by the Allies who were always open minded and were ready to listen. WE AS A HUMAN RACE, MUST NEVER STOP LISTENING, BECAUSE WHEN YOU REFUSE TO LISTEN, YOU BECOME IGNORANT AND CAN NEVER GET THE FULL VIEW OF WHAT'S GOING ON.
3. Someone pointed it out that you cannot ever erase hatred; although we may not be able to erase hatred from the human race, we can contain hatred. (For those of you who watch basketball, when MJ used to play for chicago, you knew you could not stop MJ, but you knew you could contain him, sure he will get his dose of 30 points, but you could contain him: Damage control.) This is the same thing. Sure, you cannot stop hatred, but you can contain hatred, and stop the destruction of hate. Hate is one weapon that does not cost anything, it is the only weapon that kills and hurts people like no other weapon can. And guess where hate is created? People who are not able to come to an understanding that no one is perfect, and cannot accept the imperfections of his fellow man. Because when you hate, you are only weakening the Human race. You are only making the weapon called hate stronger than ever. So do your part to contain hatred, and even if only one person gets the message, that is an improvement, for that means that we are one person closer to stopping the speread of this virus called hate.
I know there is probably more, but I will stop it at this. Hopefully everyone now understands the full significance of one little word like "Jap"
Now, someone asked weather a Japanese person finds "Jap" offensive. Well, I must say that the Japanese people are not really informed about history like we are, so most young Japanese do not understand what "Jap" is. However, for Japanese and people who have Japanese ancestors and truly understand what it means, it is highly offensive. Some of you may ask why is the common Japanese not informed? Well, the Japanese try to hide the Pacific war from its own citizens by not teaching children about the war: by doing this they hope that time will erase all the tears of war and hate. Which is the same reason the Japanese government has problems with it's Asian neighbors over the Pacific war. Has anyone heard about the Japanese textbooks for school children in Japan? In the textbook, it tells children that in the Pacific war, Japan did no harm. Of course, along with this, people are not informed what "Jap" is. I could almost guarantee that you could ask a common Japanese person, who does not have strong knowledge of the American culture, language, customs, etc, and they will not be able to tell you what "Jap" means. Some older people who lived through the American occupation will know, because they have heard it. And to add insult to injury, the government of Japan has made all attempts to hide everything, so that the people do not know anything. This is quite sad. Which is probably why the Japanese people may not be offended. Bottom line.... They are not offended because they do not know the meaning of the word because they never knew, because the government has hidden everything. How can you ask some one if they are offended at something when they do not even know what it is? That is the big issue in Japan right now. The majority of Japanese people has lost their identity (of course with an exception of a few who actually understand history: just like there is always an exception to everything. But to those who understand, it is very offensive, and I would like to make that very clear. We must get the message out to people that "Jap" is not just another word, but it is an highly derogatory term that destroys relations between the Japanese people and the rest of the world. We must do this to make this world a better place to live, for the more knowledge a person gains, the wise he becomes, and I sincerely hope that everyone reading this has learned something: That the little words such as "Jap" fuel the fire of hatred......
"One small step for man - one giant leap for mankind"--Neil Armstrong
Well, now we are taking a small step, however we are also taking one giant leap for mankind. We have the power to let everyone know what this is all about. Although this is a small step for containing hatred, this is one giant leap forward to containing hatred.
P.S. I am sure you are wondering how I know all this stuff about Japanese, culture, history, and the governemnt's attempt to hide information from it's own people? Well, I am Japanese my self. I have seen the bad side and the good side of both countries and there is a ton I can say about both countries, however, I don't think I will fully list each and everything wrong with each country, because I will never get done. I leaned and studied both American and Japanese culture in person not from a book or TV, although my study of people and history is still continuing and will probably never end, I know enough to tell you this. As an well informed Japanese who have lived both in the states and in Japan, I would like to say that "Jap" is highly offensive--equally as offensive as the word "gook", or for chinese-C----, or for african Americans, N-----. We must never call people by derogatory terms, because it is hurtful to others, so why should "Jap" be any different? From my personal experience, I have had a white person who called me a Chink. I was astounded by this person's foolishness. Not only did he assume I was a chinese just because of my Asian features, but he hurt me deeply inside. To see how people can hurt a fellow man is totally sad. It is something you must experience to understand. So take the first step, never hurt your fellow man, it will only cause pain and suffering. Some of you may ask, why I did not tell you I was Japanese? Well, I feared that people will not understand what I had to say, so I just played it by ear wondering if you guys were sophisticated enough to understand that hate takes you nowhere but into the abyss of pain, hurt, guilt, and everything that goes along with it. I am pleased to say that many of you understand it is wrong and I am very very pleased to say that people are willing to listen and understand, but most important of all people of all ages and races are willing to stop this nonsense called discrimination and hatred. The Nazis are a prime example of what hate does to a generation, a country, a race, the people, and religion. Hopefully, by me pointing this out, I can help the world be a better place for all others who may come after us.
I leave you with this final note.
Don't let history's mishaps destroy our future, let us learn from our mishaps so that we will never make the mistakes our previous generations have made.....
Thank you all who have read my very long post. I sincerely thank you for being so open minded to understand what is wrong is wrong and what is right is right. Good day to you all, and may god (or buddah, Jesus, Allah, or anything else you may happen to believe in.) bless you all.
Thank you
Wasp
I still fail to understand. Why is this word so offensive? What does it mean? The definition listed only that it is offensive, but not why. Can you tell me why it is so offensive? For that matter, I have never understood the 'N' word either. Or Dego, Wop, Guinea, etc (I am Italian American;) )
One of the best ways to end hate is to promote understanding. I also believe that, since so many younger Japanese and American people fail to even realize the word has negative connotations, that somewhere, someone has taught their children properly!
Wasp, out of respect for you as a fellow wargamer (it makes no difference to me where you are from), I will curb my use of the term. I would like you to think on something that maybe will ease your mind when you see words such as 'Jap'.
Words are tools. No word is inherently bad or negative, no matter what the dictionary may list as the definition. Just tools. The way a word is used makes it wrong. If you look at the context that your fellow gamers use the term in, it is not intended in a hateful, hurtful way. I hope you don't take that from these posts.
End sermon;)
One of the best ways to end hate is to promote understanding. I also believe that, since so many younger Japanese and American people fail to even realize the word has negative connotations, that somewhere, someone has taught their children properly!
Wasp, out of respect for you as a fellow wargamer (it makes no difference to me where you are from), I will curb my use of the term. I would like you to think on something that maybe will ease your mind when you see words such as 'Jap'.
Words are tools. No word is inherently bad or negative, no matter what the dictionary may list as the definition. Just tools. The way a word is used makes it wrong. If you look at the context that your fellow gamers use the term in, it is not intended in a hateful, hurtful way. I hope you don't take that from these posts.
End sermon;)