I was discussing this on a comment thread, and I mentioned that I am of German descent, but don't appreciate being referred to as a Nazi. However, a person has the right to say it as much as I have the right to disagree. A short time later, I received a private message from a friend, asking me if I've actually been referred to as a Nazi undeservedly. Yes. It does happen. I've mentioned that I'm German and my mother (may she rest in peace) was an immigrant, and often gotten in reply, "So, you're a Nazi?" or "Ah, sieg heil!"
Does this offend me? It used to. Then I found my sense of humor. So this was my reply to his question:
My mom got it a lot worse than I have, but yeah. Long time ago. I find it amusing anymore, because I'm a German editor who often gets referred to as a "Grammar Nazi" LOL. I've learned to take it in stride. Humor gets me through most anything though. I'm one of those types that feels anything can be joked about, and racism won't truly end until everyone can laugh at themselves and one another. I should be able to tell a black joke or a Nazi joke in front of any crowd without them taking offense. I know black people who have told me some of the most "racist" jokes I've ever heard, I've had gays tell me some of the most obscenely bigoted jokes I've ever heard....part of all of it ending is learning to find humor in life, instead of getting offended by everything. I'm a mother, but I know some damn funny dead baby jokes. "Offensive" is a perception thing, most of the time. If I choose to see something as funny instead of derogatory, it both makes me feel better and disarms the person who was trying to be an asshole. Example: "You're so gay." "I know, I am right? LOL." Sort of an extension of the "kill them with kindness" thing, I guess.
So maybe...just maybe...the solution to all this is half "stop being a jerk" and half "grow a sense of humor"...just a thought.
