Full Version: Illegal Aliens
From The Atlanta Journal Constitution:
My gut reaction to this article is to call it PC, pure and simple. This group is urging the use of the phrase "undocumented workers." Have we reached a point in society where if we don't like the truth, we simply choose a less offensive way to express it?
Questions for debate:
1. Does the term Illegal Alien constitute a racial slur?
2. If so, is it on the same level, or carry the same weight as the 'N' word?
3. Why does it seem that we continue to play word games, as opposed to calling something by a factually accurate name?
QUOTE
"It's easy to dismiss someone when you use a disparaging term such as 'illegal immigrant' or 'illegal alien,' " surmised Gonzalez, who oversees the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials, an Atlanta-based political action committee.
"I can't speak for other immigrant groups," he said, "but on behalf of the Latino community, many people I speak to on a day-to-day basis think it serves to dehumanize the person, makes them less than human. Similar to the way the n-word was used to dehumanize African-Americans."
"I can't speak for other immigrant groups," he said, "but on behalf of the Latino community, many people I speak to on a day-to-day basis think it serves to dehumanize the person, makes them less than human. Similar to the way the n-word was used to dehumanize African-Americans."
My gut reaction to this article is to call it PC, pure and simple. This group is urging the use of the phrase "undocumented workers." Have we reached a point in society where if we don't like the truth, we simply choose a less offensive way to express it?
Questions for debate:
1. Does the term Illegal Alien constitute a racial slur?
2. If so, is it on the same level, or carry the same weight as the 'N' word?
3. Why does it seem that we continue to play word games, as opposed to calling something by a factually accurate name?
Well let's see if you come into the US and circumvent the immigration process you are committing an illegal act. And being that you are not from the United States the you are an Alien(unless we are now to 'sensitive' to call people aliens).
Illegal Alien fits pretty well.
The PC patrol is at it again.
Illegal Alien fits pretty well.
The PC patrol is at it again.
1. Does the term Illegal Alien constitute a racial slur?
2. If so, is it on the same level, or carry the same weight as the 'N' word?
3. Why does it seem that we continue to play word games, as opposed to calling something by a factually accurate name?
1. It's not a racial slur, but it does make me think of UFOs. Alien isn't specific to a race, hence not racial.
2. See #1
3. Well, I'm sure back in the '50's some people thought the n-word was "factually accurate name", but others took offense nonetheless. I'm not in favor of language being static (hence my desire to change the term "gay", which I want shifted back to mean "happy"; let homosexuals use "fabulous" instead, since we're not using it anyway... "Are you two just friends?" "No, we're fabulous!"
).
Don't be so worried about someone with a constituency trying to put a better face on the problem.
2. If so, is it on the same level, or carry the same weight as the 'N' word?
3. Why does it seem that we continue to play word games, as opposed to calling something by a factually accurate name?
1. It's not a racial slur, but it does make me think of UFOs. Alien isn't specific to a race, hence not racial.
2. See #1
3. Well, I'm sure back in the '50's some people thought the n-word was "factually accurate name", but others took offense nonetheless. I'm not in favor of language being static (hence my desire to change the term "gay", which I want shifted back to mean "happy"; let homosexuals use "fabulous" instead, since we're not using it anyway... "Are you two just friends?" "No, we're fabulous!"
).Don't be so worried about someone with a constituency trying to put a better face on the problem.
1. Does the term Illegal Alien constitute a racial slur?
2. If so, is it on the same level, or carry the same weight as the 'N' word?
3. Why does it seem that we continue to play word games, as opposed to calling something by a factually accurate name?
1 No it doesn't whatsoever. Sounds like a politician trying to gain attention.
2 Not even close as Illegal Alien describes accurately the person who is engaged in an illegal activity the second is a derogatory insult.
3 It falls along the same lines as repeating a lie over and over to make it true in the minds of stupid people. Standard PC zealousness.
2. If so, is it on the same level, or carry the same weight as the 'N' word?
3. Why does it seem that we continue to play word games, as opposed to calling something by a factually accurate name?
1 No it doesn't whatsoever. Sounds like a politician trying to gain attention.
2 Not even close as Illegal Alien describes accurately the person who is engaged in an illegal activity the second is a derogatory insult.
3 It falls along the same lines as repeating a lie over and over to make it true in the minds of stupid people. Standard PC zealousness.
"undocumented workers" are all Illegal Aliens working? Well good for them! Gee I wish all legal non-aliens were working too.
1. Does the term Illegal Alien constitute a racial slur? No, it does not ! Now there are racial slurs that do apply to any specific racial group and I would never want to use those terms.
2. If so, is it on the same level, or carry the same weight as the 'N' word? No way, The N word refers to a specific ethnic group where any person of any group can be an Illegal Alien if they choose to break the laws and reside a country illegally.
3. Why does it seem that we continue to play word games, as opposed to calling something by a factually accurate name? The PC police have gone and found themselves a new cause, they desire to validate their own purpose by systematically dissecting the English language to the point where no one will be able to communicate w/o offending someone.
1. Does the term Illegal Alien constitute a racial slur? No, it does not ! Now there are racial slurs that do apply to any specific racial group and I would never want to use those terms.
2. If so, is it on the same level, or carry the same weight as the 'N' word? No way, The N word refers to a specific ethnic group where any person of any group can be an Illegal Alien if they choose to break the laws and reside a country illegally.
3. Why does it seem that we continue to play word games, as opposed to calling something by a factually accurate name? The PC police have gone and found themselves a new cause, they desire to validate their own purpose by systematically dissecting the English language to the point where no one will be able to communicate w/o offending someone.
I don't have much time to chime in on this, but I would like to point out that the word "Alien" is a long-standing legal term. It has been used in English Common Law for centuries now, L - O - N - G before the US had any issues with Latinos crossing into the US illegally.
Anyone remember the "Alien & Sedition Acts" (1798)? That term was HARDLY used as racist. Exclusionary, yes; but racist, no. To me, this is just another sad example of Americans making fools of themselves because they don't know the history of their own country.
So, yes, I agree with the other members here that this guy is only trying to make headlines for himself by creating a mountain out of a molehill.
Anyone remember the "Alien & Sedition Acts" (1798)? That term was HARDLY used as racist. Exclusionary, yes; but racist, no. To me, this is just another sad example of Americans making fools of themselves because they don't know the history of their own country.
So, yes, I agree with the other members here that this guy is only trying to make headlines for himself by creating a mountain out of a molehill.
I don't really think he is making a 'mountain out of a mole-hill.' It says clearly that this issue is not a priority on their agenda. Sounds to me like he said something within his rights to say - namely that it offends him, and many people he has spoken to - and that the media has given it more attention than it really deserves.
Looking at the matter historically, we could say legitimately that if if millions of Mexicans, Central Americans, and Canadians came into our country, killed most of us, and sent the rest of us to live on reservations, their progeny would not be illegal aliens, but citizens by right of birth.
While the term 'illegal aliens' is technically correct, and does not offend me in any way, I can certainly see the point he is making, though it is an issue we all face in one way or another; namely, it is dehumanising to categorize whole groups of people, all of whose motivations and stories are unique, into one lump definition, in particular one which carries, we must admit, a highly charged political context, and we should further admit, is as often as not used in a negative way these days.
As for the political correctness movement, while there have been some seemingly silly aspects to it, why do people rail against it so hard? After all, kind, loving people will be naturally politically correct anyway. They will think twice before speaking; they will not wish to offend others unnecessarily; they will do their best to see the 'other' in a full way, without lumping them into some category which allows them to dismiss that person's ideas and views.
Looking at the matter historically, we could say legitimately that if if millions of Mexicans, Central Americans, and Canadians came into our country, killed most of us, and sent the rest of us to live on reservations, their progeny would not be illegal aliens, but citizens by right of birth.
While the term 'illegal aliens' is technically correct, and does not offend me in any way, I can certainly see the point he is making, though it is an issue we all face in one way or another; namely, it is dehumanising to categorize whole groups of people, all of whose motivations and stories are unique, into one lump definition, in particular one which carries, we must admit, a highly charged political context, and we should further admit, is as often as not used in a negative way these days.
As for the political correctness movement, while there have been some seemingly silly aspects to it, why do people rail against it so hard? After all, kind, loving people will be naturally politically correct anyway. They will think twice before speaking; they will not wish to offend others unnecessarily; they will do their best to see the 'other' in a full way, without lumping them into some category which allows them to dismiss that person's ideas and views.
Illegal alien is a legal term, not a categorization. All Mexicans are not illegal aliens: only the ones who move to California without following the proper channel are.
I think this is an attempt to destigmatize these illegals. Removing the "offensive" term "illegal" gives these "undocumented workers" an amount of legitimacy that they do not deserve. Adding the term "worker" accomplishes much the same.
So, we transform the phrase "illegal alien" (technically, a non-citizen who is not authorized to live in this country) to "undocumented worker" (a hard working, productive member of society who failed to fill out the proper paperwork).
This attempt to transform the connotation shouldn't fly with law-abiding people.
I think this is an attempt to destigmatize these illegals. Removing the "offensive" term "illegal" gives these "undocumented workers" an amount of legitimacy that they do not deserve. Adding the term "worker" accomplishes much the same.
So, we transform the phrase "illegal alien" (technically, a non-citizen who is not authorized to live in this country) to "undocumented worker" (a hard working, productive member of society who failed to fill out the proper paperwork).
This attempt to transform the connotation shouldn't fly with law-abiding people.
QUOTE(Dontreadonme @ Feb 27 2004, 08:31 AM)
From The Atlanta Journal Constitution:
My gut reaction to this article is to call it PC, pure and simple. This group is urging the use of the phrase "undocumented workers." Have we reached a point in society where if we don't like the truth, we simply choose a less offensive way to express it?
Does the term Illegal Alien constitute a racial slur?
QUOTE
"It's easy to dismiss someone when you use a disparaging term such as 'illegal immigrant' or 'illegal alien,' " surmised Gonzalez, who oversees the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials, an Atlanta-based political action committee.
"I can't speak for other immigrant groups," he said, "but on behalf of the Latino community, many people I speak to on a day-to-day basis think it serves to dehumanize the person, makes them less than human. Similar to the way the n-word was used to dehumanize African-Americans."
"I can't speak for other immigrant groups," he said, "but on behalf of the Latino community, many people I speak to on a day-to-day basis think it serves to dehumanize the person, makes them less than human. Similar to the way the n-word was used to dehumanize African-Americans."
My gut reaction to this article is to call it PC, pure and simple. This group is urging the use of the phrase "undocumented workers." Have we reached a point in society where if we don't like the truth, we simply choose a less offensive way to express it?
Does the term Illegal Alien constitute a racial slur?
No. It is a legal name to call those who are not registered with the INS. They are illegal and they are aliens (or foreigns). I don't think it is a racial slur and i don't see how it is seen as a racial slur.
You have got to be kidding. Let's disect the term "illegal alien".
That's about right. Maybe we should start calling homeless people undocumented homeowners.
As to question three...good question, hypersensitivity is running wild in this country, maybe that has something to do with it.
CP
QUOTE
Illegal: not according to or authorized by law
QUOTE
Alien: relating, belonging, or owing allegiance to another country or government
That's about right. Maybe we should start calling homeless people undocumented homeowners.
As to question three...good question, hypersensitivity is running wild in this country, maybe that has something to do with it.
CP
Maybe we should call homeless poeple "long term campers" LOL
NO- they are criminals and do not deserve some exalted name that somehow makes the stigmata of thier crime less. I don't care what race they are or what country they come from, they should be treated as felons, and any name calling that call out thier criminal status is fine with me.
I also don't have a problem with "legal aliens" - they have abided by our laws and deserve our respect and admiration, and therefore, we should emphasize "LEGAL"
NO- they are criminals and do not deserve some exalted name that somehow makes the stigmata of thier crime less. I don't care what race they are or what country they come from, they should be treated as felons, and any name calling that call out thier criminal status is fine with me.
I also don't have a problem with "legal aliens" - they have abided by our laws and deserve our respect and admiration, and therefore, we should emphasize "LEGAL"
Does the term Illegal Alien constitute a racial slur?
No, it is a perfectly legal and accurate term to use.
If so, is it on the same level, or carry the same weight as the 'N' word?
Please..what a stretch. One is an acceptable legal term and the other is a racial slur.
Why does it seem that we continue to play word games, as opposed to calling something by a factually accurate name?
Some people have entirely too much time on their hands and for lack of anything better to do, they dream up more terms to add to the already overstated PC list.
Found the link below which expresses their views:
No, it is a perfectly legal and accurate term to use.
If so, is it on the same level, or carry the same weight as the 'N' word?
Please..what a stretch. One is an acceptable legal term and the other is a racial slur.
Why does it seem that we continue to play word games, as opposed to calling something by a factually accurate name?
Some people have entirely too much time on their hands and for lack of anything better to do, they dream up more terms to add to the already overstated PC list.
Found the link below which expresses their views:
QUOTE
http://www.illegalaliens.us/
'UNDOCUMENTED' is politically correct nonsense!
Burglars are not uninvited house guests.
Car-jackers not are under-rated drivers.
Bank robbers are not making unauthorized withdrawals.
Illegal aliens are not undocumented immigrants.
'UNDOCUMENTED' is politically correct nonsense!
Burglars are not uninvited house guests.
Car-jackers not are under-rated drivers.
Bank robbers are not making unauthorized withdrawals.
Illegal aliens are not undocumented immigrants.
This just ocurred to me - why aren't more spanish-speaking Americans upset that this term has seemingly come to be "owned" by their particular group. I know there are illegal aliens in this country from all racial and ethnic backgrounds - they don't all come from Mexico... This seems like a men's advocacy group saying they don't like the term "wife beater" because it is derogatory - even though its a term used to describe a very small number of men (and of course, in places with same-sex marriage, would not necessarily implicate a man).
1. Does the term Illegal Alien constitute a racial slur?
No. Illegal means breaking the law. Alien means someone who is not a citizen. I don't see any racial epithets in there. Illegal Aliens come from all nations and creeds. The second most amount of people that enter this country from California at least is Chinese.
2. If so, is it on the same level, or carry the same weight as the 'N' word?
Hell No.
3. Why does it seem that we continue to play word games, as opposed to calling something by a factually accurate name?
Because the truth hurts. And when people feel like they've had their feelings hurt and that no one has apologized for it, they cry.
Minimum wage in this state is $6.75 an hour. That's more than a dollar of what the federal minimum wage is set as. And if you paid 6.75 to those that work minimum wage in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, you'd have a lot less illegals here because there wouldn't be any work for them. They'd already have Americans working them.
No. Illegal means breaking the law. Alien means someone who is not a citizen. I don't see any racial epithets in there. Illegal Aliens come from all nations and creeds. The second most amount of people that enter this country from California at least is Chinese.
2. If so, is it on the same level, or carry the same weight as the 'N' word?
Hell No.
3. Why does it seem that we continue to play word games, as opposed to calling something by a factually accurate name?
Because the truth hurts. And when people feel like they've had their feelings hurt and that no one has apologized for it, they cry.
Minimum wage in this state is $6.75 an hour. That's more than a dollar of what the federal minimum wage is set as. And if you paid 6.75 to those that work minimum wage in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, you'd have a lot less illegals here because there wouldn't be any work for them. They'd already have Americans working them.
1. Does the term Illegal Alien constitute a racial slur?
Oh no. What it means is that they are people who have willfully broke the law. Why we coddle lawbreakers and allow it to go on is beyond me. It is not fair to the legal immigrants.
Plus - "alien" in and of itself is rather neutral. I see no slur.
2. If so, is it on the same level, or carry the same weight as the 'N' word?
No. A racial slur such as "wetback" or the like would be the equivalent of the "n" word. "illegal alien" simply describes those who sneak into America. Plus - an illegal alien doesn't have to be Hispanic. Other nationalities can and do sneak into America, so the term isn't exclusive to one group. If an Irishman sneaks in illegal, he's an "illegal alien".
3. Why does it seem that we continue to play word games, as opposed to calling something by a factually accurate name?
Because politicians want the votes and are afraid to call a spade a spade. They condone illegal immigration, thereby cheating legal immigrants and Americans (who end up paying the bill for them.)
Oh no. What it means is that they are people who have willfully broke the law. Why we coddle lawbreakers and allow it to go on is beyond me. It is not fair to the legal immigrants.
Plus - "alien" in and of itself is rather neutral. I see no slur.
2. If so, is it on the same level, or carry the same weight as the 'N' word?
No. A racial slur such as "wetback" or the like would be the equivalent of the "n" word. "illegal alien" simply describes those who sneak into America. Plus - an illegal alien doesn't have to be Hispanic. Other nationalities can and do sneak into America, so the term isn't exclusive to one group. If an Irishman sneaks in illegal, he's an "illegal alien".
3. Why does it seem that we continue to play word games, as opposed to calling something by a factually accurate name?
Because politicians want the votes and are afraid to call a spade a spade. They condone illegal immigration, thereby cheating legal immigrants and Americans (who end up paying the bill for them.)
Questions for debate:
NO.
NO.
Because otherwise useless people will always have a need to proclaim that the things that bother them should be considered to be impending tragedies that only they have the ability to mitigate.
QUOTE
1. Does the term Illegal Alien constitute a racial slur?
NO.
QUOTE
2. If so, is it on the same level, or carry the same weight as the 'N' word?
NO.
QUOTE
3. Why does it seem that we continue to play word games, as opposed to calling something by a factually accurate name?
Because otherwise useless people will always have a need to proclaim that the things that bother them should be considered to be impending tragedies that only they have the ability to mitigate.
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