RE: [Marxism] Re: Adios, Marxmail-niggardly

["David Quarter" <davidquarter@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

From:                   "Mark Lause" <MLause@xxxxxxxxxxxx>

> DOQ wrote; "are you naive enough to think that there is NO
> resemblance/connection between the word 'nigger' and 'niggardly'? If the
> word was nigg*e*rly would you then see the resemblance?"
>
> Yes, there is absolutely no connection.  The association is nothing but
> a superficial similarity lacking any substance.>>>>

 What I'm reading from the internet is that the words "nigger" and
"niggardly" have different roots. That nigger derives from the Latin,
Niger and niggardly comes from Scandivanian orgin. (btw, Thanks
to all who enlightened to me on this).  What I'm *also* reading is
that niggardly, after its introduction into English, started out as nig
and prior to that, had been nigon. I'm not getting a definitive answer
as to *when* this change from these words to the present,
niggard(ly), took place. I'm reading all sort sources "suggesting"
somewhere around the 16th century. Though none seem to be
sure, even while every so-called linguistic "expect" assures us that
the connection between the two is spurious. So, for the sake of
caution, i'll  assume that you're correct and I'm wrong.

Neverthless, I find it just a tad strange that you'd be so dismissive
of significance in the similarities of the terms in terms of the effects
they may project, despite the different orgin of the words ?

Also,

 Liberals in academe has spared no effort to reduce social conflict
into
> a public relations crusade on behalf of "politically correct"
goodspeak.
> Radicals desperately need to get beyond the superficial and
focus on the
> substance of meaning behind words.

 Is it politcally "incorrect" in your mind to consider  the historical
role used by language to justify/reinforce political oppression?


> This point typifies the discussion about "nation."  We speak to cross
> purposes if we get wrapped up in the word to the detriment of what we
> actually mean by it.

There is the issue of speaking at cross purposes. And then there is
the issue of deconstructing/unpacking the meaning of terms/words
that reinforce stereotypical notions of groups in society. Not
necessary the same thing.

DOQ



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