Dear Cary: "My friend calls Obama a monkey"

[daaron]

http://www.salon.com/2012/05/23/my_friend_calls_obama_a_monkey/

Dear Cary,

I have a friend that cannot speak about the president of the United States without using the word “monkey” or “chimpanzee.”

There have been presidents I was not thrilled about, but certainly I would not stoop to this.

This individual is well-off, has a degree and is considerate about most other topics.

What the HELL is his problem?

Thanks Cary,

Bewildered

Dear Bewildered,

Your friend’s problem is that he is a racist.

It’s not nice to label people. A racist may be an excellent builder of miniature racing-car models. He may be a good whistler.

But he’s still a racist. Being a racist is stupid and repugnant. What’s worse, it can spread. It’s each person’s job to not be a racist.

He can stop being a racist. You can help. You can tell him that while he may have certain racist thoughts, he can stop being a racist by not voicing any of these thoughts ever under any circumstances.

....

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Cary actually has some good advice for this chap, or anyone in his situation.

[Petrushka]

1. Monkey? Chimp? --->

[JoePhilly]

2. Tell your friend to just go ahead and use the word n****r, he'll feel better.

I've found this approach works well. You don't have to call them a racist to let them know that they are a racist.

Simple suggest that they use the word that they really want to use. That's usually enough.