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Okay, I've only lived in GA since I was 27, but I never, ever associated the word with racist anything. I do think of it as an upper-class Brit sort of term.
I admit to a lot of ignorance about racial things, even as an adult. I took a class once on racial differences and learned a lot. I learned, while teaching middle school, that it was not okay to use "boy" when referring to a black student (okay with other male students), that there were racial connotations for things like watermelon and fried chicken. I learned that my neighbor was out of line for putting a noose up with his over-the-top Halloween yard display. There was some problem with ghosts, too, but I can't remember what it was. I remember that I got in trouble in college for implying that my black roommate was messy. (Even though I was just as messy, and she was allowed to say that.) I remember being rebuked without even knowing what I did wrong. I grew up in PA, in an ethnic Swedish household, and just didn't get these things explained.
There probably needs to be a whole class in school dedicated to what different groups find offensive. How will we ever learn to get along if everything we say or do offends someone? Having to tip-toe - or avoid - because we might inadvertantly fan the flames does not lead to genuine discourse and open communication.
I applaud the Obama group for refusing to engage.
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