3 ms·

This is not about demographics or whether there is a factual basis for the stereotype... If I contrasted super-wealthy-nations with African nations, would this

This is not about demographics or whether there is a factual basis for the stereotype... If I contrasted super-wealthy-nations with African nations, would this be hurtful towards Africans or is it just a reflection of economic statistics? In fact, it is both. Even if we can agree that African countries are on the whole poorer than those on other continents, it is not typically such facts that cause offence, no matter how ugly or inconvenient they are. What is hurtful is the gratuitous use of a racial/national stereotype to enforce a negative association. African nations did not have to be singled out to make the point. There are many other countries struggling with poverty. And it was more accurate for me to say something like "low-income-nations". Yet I chose to single out Africans for the association with poverty rather than use a more general term. This is what many people find insulting about such use of stereotypes.

maratd 10y ago
> This is what many people find insulting about such use of stereotypes. If we're making small talk and mentioning the factual disparity offends and the statement makes little difference to the conversation, then I concede your point. There is no reason to say it. In fact, saying it would be quite rude. However, if the factual statement has a material impact on the conversation, you have a responsibility to speak the truth. It doesn't matter how hurt your feelings may be, it is absolutely despicable to try to silence those speaking the truth, regardless of how it may offend your sensibilities. If you read this thread, you would think you can jump on Upwork, hire some guy in India, and build a complex SPA or similar and save yourself some $$$. As a matter of fact, you can't. And it's important to say that so that people don't waste their time and money.

maratd 10y ago

> This is what many people find insulting about such use of stereotypes. If we're making small talk and mentioning the factual disparity offends and the statement makes little difference to the conversation, then I concede your point. There is no reason to say it. In fact, saying it would be quite rude. However, if the factual statement has a material impact on the conversation, you have a responsibility to speak the truth. It doesn't matter how hurt your feelings may be, it is absolutely despicable to try to silence those speaking the truth, regardless of how it may offend your sensibilities. If you read this thread, you would think you can jump on Upwork, hire some guy in India, and build a complex SPA or similar and save yourself some $$$. As a matter of fact, you can't. And it's important to say that so that people don't waste their time and money.