Before everyone totally jumps down my throat, let me explain what I mean. I mean saying "they" as in, "Black people feel that they are still discriminated against." I recently heard someone say that using the word "they" in such a way is just as bad as saying the n-word. But in terms of simple language usage I'm not quite sure what should be used in place of "they"?
I hope that makes sense....
2006-08-21 06:06:03 · 5 answers · asked by What now? 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Okay, I get the generalization idea, but what would you suggest as a substitute for the word? Anyone?...
2006-08-21 07:25:02 · update #1
Why do you people all have to say they! Get my point!
2006-08-21 06:16:07 · answer #1 · answered by Star of Florida 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It took me a bit to figure this out. By using "They" you are moving from the specific reference to Black People and making the term a general one, which, I suppose, some people could consider a raciest remark because of it generality.
Personally, I don't see anything wrong with using a pronoun, but in this stupid Politically Correct country, it doesn't matter what you say, someone will be offended by it.
2006-08-21 13:32:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
using the word they is another way of separating people or putting your self in a different group. in any case or situation
2006-08-21 13:57:42 · answer #3 · answered by tahiratboop 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the same reason we get mad when someone says "you people". it's lumping us all together into one large group--we don't all think and act alike.
2006-08-21 13:50:19 · answer #4 · answered by faorie_arcana 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe if you said in reference to black people (or another racial minority group), "Man, they are all alike!!!" then that's pretty bad.
2006-08-21 13:14:05 · answer #5 · answered by nightingale974 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋