RE: [Marxism] On the Use of the Word "Niggardly"

["Austin, Andrew" <austina@xxxxxxxx>]

As an educator, I have corrected many papers that used the word "gypped," 
"gypt," or even "jipped."  I advised the student that this is a racist word the 
equivalent of the phrase "jewing him down."  I have also criticized students 
for using the word "bitch" to refer to an aggressive woman.  We talk a lot 
about language in class.  However, the term "niggardly" isn't the same as these 
other words.  It only somewhat sounds like an offensive word.  
 
I personally don't use the word; "stingy" is the word I use to get at the 
meaning.  But when people use the word I have no grounds for criticizing them 
for it and, frankly, I don't even flinch.  If somebody were to say, "Hey, that 
is an inappropriate word," I would defend the person who uttered it by 
explaining that the word has a completely different origin and doesn't mean 
anything like what they might have thought it meant.  It's what they call a 
teachable moment.  You should never be afraid to expand a person's vocabulary, 
an old mentor of mine used to say.  If the word makes you feel uncomfortable 
then of course you shouldn't use it.  
 
I remember the controversy several years back and I felt no solidarity with 
those who hounded the man out of his position.  As soon as the offended parties 
learned what the word meant they should have dropped the matter.  The man in 
question was openly gay, so a genuine question could be raised about whether 
there was discrimination involved.  
 
None of this makes me a provocateur or a racist.  I have been involved in 
struggles against white supremacy since I was a child.  My family was hounded 
out of two towns for our "nigger lovin'" and I have endured insults and fist 
fights ever since, so I know how it feels to be the victim of genuine 
discrimination.  Given what our brothers and sisters have endured, I think the 
claim that a person who uses the term "niggardly" is a racist or provocateur is 
ridiculous.  It raises the question what you think we're fighting for.
 
Andrew

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