Hey Kenji, just FYI, I find something a little off-putting in using "midget porn" as the example of something worse.
Maybe I've become overly sensitive to possibly hurtful language in this era of codes of conduct, microaggressions, trigger words, etc. But I think it's marginalizing to use the sexuality of a segment of people (consenting adults, let's assume) as something shameful. I've also read that midget is considered a derogatory slur by many in that community.
Anyway, I'm not trying to condemn you, because I know you didn't mean anything hurtful or negative. You're just using the phrase as a generic example of sexual deviancy. And sexual deviancy is inherently embarrassing in our Puritanical culture – and worse from a PR perspective.
And like I said, I might be way off base here. I might be that annoying guy in the conversation who isn't actually offended but thinks someone else might possibly be offended. But since we're all focused on being more inclusive these days, I thought it was worth saying something. I say accidentally-possibly-exclusionary shit like this all the time – part of the reason I'm more vigilant about it lately, trying to improve my own behavior. :)
That's fine. If OP had an email address in their profile, I would have sent a private message. I'm not trying to make some big statement here, just share a reflection.
From the Little People of America organization:
"The word 'midget' is used as a derogatory slur to refer to people of short stature. Whether or not the intention of using the word is to bully and to demean, or just as a synonym for small, the term has been deemed a slur by those within the community and should be eliminated accordingly. In a recent organizational statement, LPA put forward a call to action to abolish the word from the everyday nomenclature and to replace it with synonymous designations when necessary."
Thank you, I took notice of your comments. I should add contact options, you're right. As for the offensiveness of my joke, I usually interact in circles where people are less sensitive and can take a joke. I am at odds with the political correctness movement. That is all I can say about this.
Strangely enough, I do too [interact in circles.. ]. I've started making more of an effort, because I've been called out on borderline jokes by people I respect.
Anyway, thanks for observing the feedback in the spirit it was given. Cheers.
Cool. You're entitled to your opinions. There's no need to hide behind a temp account. We can have differing opinions and still be civil.
I'm not offended on others' behalf. I'm not a social justice warrior. I'm not demonizing anyone. I just wanted OP to know that the term "midget" is viewed as a derogatory slur by people in that community. I probably wouldn't have brought it up, but it was used in a context that I found slightly negative, slightly off-putting.
That's it, not a big deal. If we want to be a more inclusive community, I personally think it's good, necessary even, to give people polite, respectful feedback about something they said being exclusionary. And the OP can choose to incorporate that feedback or ignore it. I don't think I'm 100% right all the time; ignoring or disagreeing with my opinion won't offend me. (Implying I somehow vaguely belong in the Female Hitler Youth is a little excessive, but whatevs.) Honestly, I would have preferred to provide feedback privately in this case, but HN doesn't have a means to do so unless you put contact info in your profile.
You and I seem to disagree on this, but there's probably at least one thing we agree on, like books or movies or programming languages or freakin' pizza toppings. I hate how public Internet discussions so quickly escalate into full-scale ideological war. Sometimes a comment is just a comment, not an opening gambit.
Maybe I've become overly sensitive to possibly hurtful language in this era of codes of conduct, microaggressions, trigger words, etc. But I think it's marginalizing to use the sexuality of a segment of people (consenting adults, let's assume) as something shameful. I've also read that midget is considered a derogatory slur by many in that community.
Anyway, I'm not trying to condemn you, because I know you didn't mean anything hurtful or negative. You're just using the phrase as a generic example of sexual deviancy. And sexual deviancy is inherently embarrassing in our Puritanical culture – and worse from a PR perspective.
And like I said, I might be way off base here. I might be that annoying guy in the conversation who isn't actually offended but thinks someone else might possibly be offended. But since we're all focused on being more inclusive these days, I thought it was worth saying something. I say accidentally-possibly-exclusionary shit like this all the time – part of the reason I'm more vigilant about it lately, trying to improve my own behavior. :)