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vicente · 06-22-2008, 11:45 PM

The vast majority of people in the U.S. has not had my life experiences.

Well, sir, it's unfortunate that you so many problems with the Mexicans on the border or wherever else you have had bad experiences but if they had not called you gringo they would have called you something else, equally offensive.

Here's part of the problem. You equate gringo with citizen of the USA, right? That's not it. It's someone white. It definitely refers to your race. If you are called that excessively, I'll bet you a dollar to your doughnut you're going to get tired of it.

A white US citizen. Correct. And that is what I am. But I don't need to tell them that I am white, They can see that. I don't care that it refers to my race. I am what I am. It's no big deal. Hell, many of us celebrate our race all the time. The Irish, Germans, African Americans, Italians, Mexicans, etc., all have their "Days" and parades

Hang on. I'm not expecting it to stop. It will continue. But when people talk to me, I prefer that another word or, even better, my name be used. My name. Is that such a big sacrifice? I use their name. Is that such a big sacrifice?

Do you think "the old guy" or "the black guy" may get tired of it too?

I guess I might get tired of it if nobody ever called me by my name and always referred to me as "gringo" but that's the point. It doesn't happen. The way you state your case makes it seem more like a problem of respect. Nobody constantly calls someone gringo, old guy or black guy to their face unless they are trying to offend them or get under their skin.

It is puzzling to me that you encounter the word so often (or so it would seem) because even though I tell people I am a gringo they do not call me that. I do not hear others use the word all that much...and when they do they are referring to another white Norte Americano and always in a matter-of-fact or respectful way.

To me this discussion is similar to the one we recently had about other offensive words. Words are just words. They are offensive only if you perceive them as offensive. I am not offended by the word itself. I consider the person's intent.

Seeker said it. If we are friends you can call me an old s.o.b. or a bastard and I will know you don't intend to offend me. If I don't know you, you can call me "amigo" with a sneer or the wrong tone of voice and I will know you are trying to insult me.

What do they call you when they know you? LOL

They call me Vicente.

Saludos

06-22-2008, 11:45 PM	#17
vicente Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 599 Rep Power: 1079	The vast majority of people in the U.S. has not had my life experiences. Well, sir, it's unfortunate that you so many problems with the Mexicans on the border or wherever else you have had bad experiences but if they had not called you gringo they would have called you something else, equally offensive. Here's part of the problem. You equate gringo with citizen of the USA, right? That's not it. It's someone white. It definitely refers to your race. If you are called that excessively, I'll bet you a dollar to your doughnut you're going to get tired of it. A white US citizen. Correct. And that is what I am. But I don't need to tell them that I am white, They can see that. I don't care that it refers to my race. I am what I am. It's no big deal. Hell, many of us celebrate our race all the time. The Irish, Germans, African Americans, Italians, Mexicans, etc., all have their "Days" and parades Hang on. I'm not expecting it to stop. It will continue. But when people talk to me, I prefer that another word or, even better, my name be used. My name. Is that such a big sacrifice? I use their name. Is that such a big sacrifice? Do you think "the old guy" or "the black guy" may get tired of it too? *I guess I might get tired of it if nobody ever called me by my name and always referred to me as "gringo" but that's the point. It doesn't happen. The way you state your case makes it* *seem more like a problem of respect. Nobody constantly calls someone gringo, old guy or black guy to their face unless they are trying to offend them or get under their skin.* It is puzzling to me that you encounter the word so often (or so it would seem) because even though I tell people I am a gringo they do not call me that. I do not hear others use the word all that much...and when they do they are referring to another white Norte Americano and always in a matter-of-fact or respectful way. To me this discussion is similar to the one we recently had about other offensive words. Words are just words. They are offensive only if you perceive them as offensive. I am not offended by the word itself. I consider the person's intent. Seeker said it. If we are friends you can call me an old s.o.b. or a bastard and I will know you don't intend to offend me. If I don't know you, you can call me "amigo" with a sneer or the wrong tone of voice and I will know you are trying to insult me. What do they call you when they know you? LOL They call me Vicente. *Saludos* __________________ vicente