State Department: Watch your mouth...

Locutus

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Jun 18, 2007
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from Fark

The U.S. State Department tells employees to stop using common phrases such as "hold down the fort" and "rule of thumb" because they are culturally and racially insensitive

Watch your mouth -- everyday phrases like "hold down the fort" and "rule of thumb" are potentially offensive bombshells.
At least according to the State Department.

Chief Diversity Officer John Robinson penned a column in the department's latest edition of "State Magazine
" advising readers on some rather obscure Ps and Qs.

Robinson ticked off several common phrases and went on to explain why their roots are racially or culturally insensitive. The result was a list of no-nos that could easily result in some tongue-tied U.S. diplomats, particularly in an administration that swaps "war on terror" for "overseas contingency operation" and once shied away from using the word "terrorism."

For instance, Robinson warned, "hold down the fort" is a potentially insulting reference to American Indian stereotypes.

more laffs


State Department: 'Hold down the fort,' other common phrases could be offensive | Fox News
 

55Mercury

rigid member
May 31, 2007
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oh fark! This guy needs to get a job!

No, no you Loc. You stay right where you are.

..and pass me the nigger-toes, er... Brazilian testicles.
 

shadowshiv

Dark Overlord
May 29, 2007
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You know, as a 'rule of thumb', I tend to use it to signal that I am hitchhiking.

Could you help me 'hold down the fort'? It's quite heavy just for myself.