IS ALL THIS REALLY NECESSARY?

I heard curry-muncher on the radio tonight. It refers to people of the sub-continent (Indian, Pakistani etc.) and who also, as it happens, eat curry, hence the nomenclature
It’s an arguably offensive and irreverent moniker, used predominately by Anglo Saxons.
A well-know radio presenter, in his bumbling attempt at shock-jock humour (think Howard Stern but not as successful), cast it out there this evening. It’s a favourite of this man.
On occasion, callers may have a go at verbal sparring, to be cut down with much self-satisfaction by his superior wit and dismissal (with the added safety of the cut-off button should he meet his equal).
Some do consider it offensive; some are driven to the extreme by its irreverence.

This same presenter earlier in his show, with equal triumph, alluded with his razor-sharp repartee, that the Irish by nature were stupid. This particular slur has been around for centuries. Yeah, let’s all laugh at the dumb Paddy! The Paddys don’t seem too bothered by it – of course, they’ve had other things commanding their attention.
Consider the following:

PADDYS AND TOWELHEADS



Yep – you heard right – I said it. The ‘T’ word. It’s the new ‘C’ word y’know! Sue me! But first let me say this; the ‘T’ word is a pet name/nickname for those that wear the headgear a certain persuasion wear.
Just like most have a nickname for their wife – and dog. In fact, here in Australia they have nicknames of a sort (more accurately shortening of words) for everything. Afternoon becomes arvo; Jonathon becomes Jonno and sausage becomes sanger. (How they came up with that particular one I’ll never know).
Moreover, they are referred to in such a way based on logical analysis of a familiar sight – they wear cloth in such a way that resembles the towels women, fresh out of the shower, wrap around their head while it dries – or something – not absolutely certain.

This headgear has a significance for the wearer, based in a fervent belief. And to discriminate against those of this (in fact, all) belief is of course unacceptable. No-one is disputing that. But we mustn’t become so over-sensitive that becomes farcical.
And, it doesn’t alter the fact that the image it promotes is of the aforementioned woman/shower thing.
Now, if you want to wear this particular head-dress, go right ahead, I’ve no complaints; in fact it’s infinitely preferable to baseball caps – especially white ones – worn backwards (by wee bastards who’d stick a knife in you as soon as look at you).
And if you want to believe in a particular deity – that’s okay too. That is your undeniable right and one I won’t be opposing. You’re not called towelhead because you worship Islam; or because you’re considered inferior; that you’re in some way less a person because you believe in something different.
You’re called it because of a sense of humour. Just like the ‘Paddy’ reference in jokes.
How many – wait, better this way – is there a man on the planet that doesn’t know or hasn’t heard a ‘paddy’ joke? They’re older than I am; the stereotypical red-haired, freckled dumb Paddy. A virtual career for many a comedian.

Wogs, Lebs, Pakis, Yanks, Pommies, Whiteys, Canucks, Chinkys, Abos, Frogs, Eyties, Nazis, Redskins, Palefaces, Hippys, Tree-huggers – and these are only some of the printable ones.

And I know there are many more. To have a nickname for most things is human nature and while some may be overtly derogatory, the majority are said (without prejudice.

Frankly, I couldn’t care less who’s offended at my term of endearment uttered with innocent indifference. My conscience is clear.

It could be that these extremists are simply unstable and like a drunk man with an imagined umbrage, (God, I’ve encountered a few of those in my time) they seek reasons to be offended in order to act out their ways.

I stand by this argument and invite anyone to present an alternative.