Well that surprises me.

I guess this is a predominantly "white" website, and I am not used to chatting with non-whites in such a casual manner.

Or I have extremely tolerant non-white friends who don't care about OTT PC-ness.

I had no idea it was offensive.

I've certainly learnt a very valuable lesson about being careful what I say here.
Most of my close friends call me "White Ni**er" (the starred out letter of course is the first letter of the word "goat"), and we laugh about it. (yes most of my friends are not caucasian).

I am dumbfounded. But there you go.
What a strange world in which we live.

I’m just being neutral here.

I administrate (and therefore also moderate) a number of forums as part of my workload and I think the best advice I could give to anyone who posts on a public forum is to bear in mind that whilst ones friends might not be offended by certain words that they use, that publicly accessible forums attract a wide range of visitors (whether they are registered members or not) and the owners of forums (and their representatives) need to make sure that no-one who visits their forums will be offended by use of words or terminology that is widely accepted as non-PC.

My own opinion is that any terms or words that describe race, a racial feature, or sexual slant for that matter (such as ‘men always ….. ‘ or ‘women always……’) shouldn’t be used on public forums at all.

Generally, people will always defend their use of words that someone else might find unacceptable, but I think it wise to avoid certain areas of conversation on public forums. To be honest, and as some people might have noticed, on this forum I try to avoid any topic that invites personal observation of someone's looks, habits, etc. On my own blog I will say what I like, on almost any topic; on forums I am somewhat more inhibited.

Thanks Darkhorse, I appreciate your advice.
I am somewhat new to forums.
I am on a greyhound forum and a short while ago I mentioned that there is a new website dedicated to the black ones because they never get a look-in when it comes to be picked for adoption (this is true of all black dogs, mainly male ones) and I was thrown when someone responded "I didn't realise people are racist when it comes to choosing a dog" - it isn't about racism towards dogs, its cuz they don't look colorful and cute! I was gobsmacked that they made that connection.

But yes like I said - and you've reiterated it for me - I've learnt now that I must be VERY PC here just to keep the peace.

I do think though that the only reason why this ridiculous PC crap has gotten so far nowadays is cuz we are daft enough to pander to it and agree to tiptoe around on eggshells.

Talking of "political correctness" about other stuff as well - it seems to me that by omitting to use certain words for fear of offending someone (who sets the precedent?) it can actually belittle and patronise the very people you are fearful of offending.

And I've noticed in life lately that it is the caucasian people, and not the non-caucasian people (see? I don't even know what to call them now!!) who are the first and loudest to be offended when you are not even talking about them. Why on earth is that?

Let's take height. I read the other day that it's PC to say "height challenged" when talking about a person who stands lets say 5'.
Now, to me that is basically inferring that not being tall is something to be avoided mentioning.
Why not say of tall people "A little further up in the air than we ought to mention in a direct fashion"?

Why is it ok to say "tall" but not "short"? What's so wrong with short that we darent mention it anymore?

ANY word can be used against someone in a nasty, spiteful manner.
If a word is just a word which means what it says, I don't see the problem.

My step-grandson is learning at playschool "Ba ba Rainbow Sheep" - Black is a color of sheep, so is white. "Rainbow" is not a color of sheep. WTF???!!

So what the heck is this PC nonsense really about? Who started it and why?

With all due respect Susie, I don't think you can leave "PC-ness" out of it. I wrote an apparently Un-PC word that offended you.

Can I just say that I have probably done more with my little finger to promote racial equality than you will probably do in your entire life ten times over.
My 'family' has been promoting "Equality For All" since people here were shoving little kids up chimneys and didn't know, or want, "equality for all".
I've been spat on, beaten, arrested and called "n***er lover" (those choice words from a UK policeman who 25 yrs later is still in his job!) and not once has anybody ever alluded to me being racist. That, I find shocking and offensive, in all honesty.
If I am racist then so was Donald Woods!

Rest assured I shall in future think very carefully before posting on here.

Anyways, who's had snow yet? That's what I want to know! There is still ice on my car windshield at 12.30pm - first time this year. And its ruddy freezing out there, I don't like the cold or snow, but I am sure some of you guys are eagerly polishing up your sled as I type?

I need to have a big clean up in my pigeon lofts before I pair up..any willing helpers please??

I'm sure it'll fill you with a great sense of satisfaction.

I need to have a big clean up in my pigeon lofts before I pair up..any willing helpers please??

I'm sure it'll fill you with a great sense of satisfaction.

I would be happy to come up and clean out dem boids wiv u.
But it would have to be after new years now, cuz I'm kind of pushed for time to do it til then, and I could organise an overnight stay with my dad/get a friend here to feed my gang.

A women touch would be nice around the loft, women do the corners I tend to ignore. Pigeons do appreciate these things

I'll supply overalls and grub.

Just have to attack my garden first..any keen gardeners in the house

Ah well now.....ya lookin at the right gal there! And my son is/was a gardener/groundsman by trade really, I am sure he would be more than happy to be volunteered - he's used to me doing that to him!
We'll def organise it in the new year ok?
How soon though do you need it done?