U.S. declares swine flu emergency

[Dr. Shane]

I am not of Mexican decent but I am in a biracial marriage and I have been an elder in a Hispanic church. I live in the Hispanic culture.

Many white racists use the word "Mexican" in a derogatory way. So when we use that word it is best to qualify it with another word next to it. The news story pasted here added the word "toddler" to it. It referred to the child as a "Mexican toddler". The word "Mexican" is correct but because it is so often used as a derogatory word we have to use it delicately. Many Hispanics of Mexican origins are still referred to as "Mexicans" even after they have become US citizens.

If we want to get along with people of other races we have to try and put ourselves in their shoes. I was not personally offended by the comment made here and I am sure it was not intended to be racist. My point is, and has been, that Hispanics reading the thread could have easily taken it the wrong way.

[Woody]

When you apologize ... I will. Having looked up the word Mexican ... I can find no indication that it is offensive in any way shape or form. Yet when I look up Gringo ... I find a much different situation. Interesting.

The difference here is: You think that "Gringo" is acceptable but you feel that the term Mexican is not. You say that the use of terms like "Mexican" "are demeaning, hurt people and reinforce stereotypes" ... yet somehow ... Gringo does NOT do all that?

Give me a break. Let's be somewhat consistant.

[Dr. Shane]

I have apologized many times for stupid things I have said that were taken the wrong way. Your apology shouldn't be directed at me. You said some pretty cruel and provocative things to Stan. You didn't offend me. He is the one that should get an apology, not me.

[Woody]

Oh ... some one lump sum vague apology is good. No specifics. Like this one ...

I apologize for any and all dumb things or offensive things I have ever said.

Guess that covers it and I am done.

[Woody]

I should remind everyone that I said ...

"That death was a Mexican."

And in the very next post ... Stan said:

"I was just going to say that.. just read it."

So .... IF my statement is racist ..... so is Stan's

[True-believer]

This thread is getting off track... please stay focused.

And please stop it with the nonsense above like mexican and gringo...

I have never heard of those two words spoken ever in offensive ways before.....

So my request to everyone on this thread is:

Lets get back on topic and learn to forgive ok Redwood and Shane and the others who are involved...

We are all Christians, so lets start behaving like one, and have a forgiving heart.

Enough said.