Where different cultures meet there have to be conventions which allow each to feel comfortable. Figuring out what these conventions are and how they are applied has always been a problem, sometimes solved.

The only way to avoid this is to not be diverse, just have one segment of society completely dominate public discourse with its ideas, language and behavior. If there are to be co-equal cultures, then some rapprochement is necessary, and this kind of dialogue is how it happens.

Actually, this seems to be a continuation of society maturing. 150 years ago slavery was legal in the US, for instance.

Then segregation was legal. Separate but equal. And that was challenged, and the response was the same as is the dialogue on speech.

I think the issue here is not the language, but demanding respect for each party while the discourse continues. While I don't do it, I know people who can disagree without being disagreeable. There are some on these boards, and they are the ones with the power, not us loudmouths.

Arf