[Buddha-l] Re: +AFs-Buddha-l+AF0- What's wrong with a little Dharma?

[Stephen Hodge]

Dear Richard,

> As a matter of curiosity, what expression is not
> offensive when one wants to refer collectively to people who live in
> Great Britain?

The "great" is, alas, optional these days, but "British" is correct.  An 
older term is "Briton", as in "ancient Britons".


> Some might find the term "idiot" offensive. (That's probably why you
> used it, I would guess.) How about refering to such people as "those who
> are not as eager as I to take offence at everything Americans say" or
> simply "people with whom I disagree or from whose tastes mine differ"?

Yes, I could have used your alternative suggestions, but they neither have 
the impact of "idiot" as you correctly surmised, nor accurately describe my 
position, as I am sure that you actually do realise.   Being a fair-minded 
person, I only take offence at some of the things USAmericans say, not 
everything.  As we all know, Dan has certain ethno-racial sensitivities, but 
in this instance seemed oblivious of other people's sensitivities.

Best wishes,
Stephen Hodge