If words are ‘meaninless’ ,not like sticks and stones, then lets recall their use in demonising groups before the onset of ethnic cleansing at worst or the marginalising of groups like Travellers. Things do change I never minded been called ‘paddy’ but my English born sons will break your nose if they here you calling me one. They know its true meaning when used by some english people. Is mise le meas Sémus

I agree with both Webwisewoman and Jenny but that doesn’t mean I can agree with you on other matters, like how nice a good cup of tea can be. And for what it is worth, I think age (being a proxy for experience) has little to do with this.

Golliwogs – I have explained this one in a post I have just put up today. The concept of returning to “the age of wogs, queers and chinks” is yours, not mine. I never suggested any such thing.

Green Day – The town of Greenville, South Carolina. I quote from an e-mail I received from a resident there -
“Greenville, South Carolina, decided behind closed doors to rename our St. Patrick’s Day festivals, Return to Green or Green Day as Grandad put it. So, they wouldn’t offend the myriad of other ethnic backgrounds in said county.”
I wonder if the “myriad of other ethnic backgrounds” were consulted, or whether they complained?

The last line in my post? – See todays.

With regard to things like causing offence through gratuitous political cartoons, I would assume that common sense would dictate that these be moderated. I have nothing against moderation, just the concept that I be dictated to as to what words I may, or may not use.

Everyone is assuming that I am advocating that we should all go around insulting people. If you can show me where I said that, then I will apologise.