by machineman9 » Tue Feb 21, 2012 3:42 pm
While absolutely in the territory of 'not smart', I don't believe it to be a racist attack of any sort. It is a common English phrase, but it's hard to deny that the parallels with racism exist within this case.
It's not the first time that they've used this phrase, but it might not be the most tasteful choice of words to use. On one hand you could argue that it was only found by people who were looking for racism (and jumping to the conclusion that it must be), and on the other hand it is just an English phrase.
I don't know if it's respectful to deliberately avoid such choice words to not sound racist... Or if it's racist to not use those phrases, as you must be prejudice to recognise that they're different and could take offense.
I firmly believe that it is in the realm of 'pure accident', with no harm intended. I think we have all said something, then later realised that by trying to treat people as equal, we've actually said something that offends their nationality or beliefs.