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It's nice that someone is actually pointing them out, not that most people don't already know that these statements are but-heads to begin with. Everyone knows

It's nice that someone is actually pointing them out, not that most people don't already know that these statements are but-heads to begin with. Everyone knows "I'm not racist, but..." is followed by a racist statement. So the article in and of itself is essentially nothing more than blogspam. What would be nice is if they provided some counter-interjections to use right after someone uses a statement like this. If someone says "I'm not saying X, but..." it would be nice to know a polite and decisive way to respond with "Oh yes you are".

rdtsc 16y ago
The article does do that. Towards the middle of it. --- Once someone has said “It’s (really) none of my business, but...” it’s entirely permissible (if slightly rude) to reply “You’re right, it is none of your business.” It’s also reasonable to reply “Well, then, don’t!” to someone who says “I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable, but...” --- That doesn't work as well for others, Imagine "I am not racist but ... " <interrupt> "Oh, but you are racist". So now you accused someone of being a racist. Sure you have stood up and called them on their racism, but you also created an enemy. Sometimes it is worth it, sometimes it isn't. Depending on the situation. Or for example "To be perfectly honest ... " <interrupt> "Oh but you are not honest". Well now you are the one accusing them of dishonestly simply because they started the phrase with a stupid "but-head". I think the point of the article is that some such phrases should raise red flags. They are not 100% proofs of lying or deceit.