What Should Not I Call You?
I’m a political news junky. I pay a lot more attention to the domestic affairs of the nation, like presidential and congressional elections, than the domestic affairs of the home, like home improvement.
Having heard countless speeches, debates, or even testimonies by politicians, I can attest that American politicians, save our current president, are the most articulate group of people among all. In fact, I even wouldn’t “misunderestimate” George W. Bush’s speaking skill. After all, he persuaded American people twice to elect him to the highest office.
Politicians are usually very precise about the words they choose to say in public. Words are their weapons that need to be handled with a great care. They know every gaffe costs them votes. Some politicians go to extreme for clarity, such as former President Bill Clinton’s famous one-liner “It depends on what “is” is”, when replying the question about his affair with Monica Lewinsky.
Despite of their carefulness, the politicians inevitably make a gaffe or two every once a while. George Allen, the Republican Senator from Virginia, became the latest victim of a slip of the tongue. His gaffe? Calling someone by something that I had absolutely no clue what it means. Here is an excerpt from the Washington Post’s report:
At a campaign rally in southwest Virginia on Friday, Allen repeatedly called a volunteer for Democrat James Webb "macaca."… pointed at S.R. Sidarth in the crowd. "Let's give a welcome to macaca, here. Welcome to America and the real world of Virginia."
What does “macaca” mean? According to the same article:
Depending on how it is spelled, the word macaca could mean either a monkey that inhabits the Eastern Hemisphere or a town in South Africa. In some European cultures, macaca is also considered a racial slur against African immigrants, according to several Web sites that track ethnic slurs.
The incident happened in the mid-August, when Sen. Allen was leading in the polls by a large margin. Since, he’s been on network every night apologizing for what he said. Yet, he saw his lead evaporated. Once a potential presidential candidate in 2008, Sen. Allen is now just trying to save his political life.
I’ve learned a new word from Sen. Allen, as well as a lesson at his expense. Knowing what should not to call someone is even more important than what should.
When in doubt, better say lady or gentleman. Don’t try to be a smart monkey.
Having heard countless speeches, debates, or even testimonies by politicians, I can attest that American politicians, save our current president, are the most articulate group of people among all. In fact, I even wouldn’t “misunderestimate” George W. Bush’s speaking skill. After all, he persuaded American people twice to elect him to the highest office.
Politicians are usually very precise about the words they choose to say in public. Words are their weapons that need to be handled with a great care. They know every gaffe costs them votes. Some politicians go to extreme for clarity, such as former President Bill Clinton’s famous one-liner “It depends on what “is” is”, when replying the question about his affair with Monica Lewinsky.
Despite of their carefulness, the politicians inevitably make a gaffe or two every once a while. George Allen, the Republican Senator from Virginia, became the latest victim of a slip of the tongue. His gaffe? Calling someone by something that I had absolutely no clue what it means. Here is an excerpt from the Washington Post’s report:
At a campaign rally in southwest Virginia on Friday, Allen repeatedly called a volunteer for Democrat James Webb "macaca."… pointed at S.R. Sidarth in the crowd. "Let's give a welcome to macaca, here. Welcome to America and the real world of Virginia."
What does “macaca” mean? According to the same article:
Depending on how it is spelled, the word macaca could mean either a monkey that inhabits the Eastern Hemisphere or a town in South Africa. In some European cultures, macaca is also considered a racial slur against African immigrants, according to several Web sites that track ethnic slurs.
The incident happened in the mid-August, when Sen. Allen was leading in the polls by a large margin. Since, he’s been on network every night apologizing for what he said. Yet, he saw his lead evaporated. Once a potential presidential candidate in 2008, Sen. Allen is now just trying to save his political life.
I’ve learned a new word from Sen. Allen, as well as a lesson at his expense. Knowing what should not to call someone is even more important than what should.
When in doubt, better say lady or gentleman. Don’t try to be a smart monkey.
posted by Lingual Bee at 2:40 AM
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