Maybe the ricer / race discussion should be split out of this thread and merged with the new chit-chat thread? Mods?

Regarding that discussion:

Verbage with a separatist intent (e.g. racial & cultural qualifiers) tend to divide society into sub-classifications. Regular use of such descriptors changes an individual's perception of the diverse mixture that is society, in a sense dehumanizing portions thereof by classifying them as other than oneself.

With no intention of disrespecting any board members here, use of the terms "African American" or "Asian American" are no better than "Black," "Chink," "Spic," or the dreaded "N*gger". They have the same separatist intent, only with a "politically correct" derivation. Note that political correctness does not equate to social or ethical correctness. You're still dividing society, but only in a way that is acceptable in politics. That only makes you as good a person as the average politician.

When I think of my friends, I don't classify them as white, black, asian, or hispanic - nor jew, buddhist or gentile. They are people. I classify people by the attributes that define them as post-natal individuals - intelligence, kindness/empathy, interests and philosophy. These are the characteristics that make us unique and interesting human beings. Focusing on race in any way is patronizing and counter-productive in the evolution of ubiquitous harmony in this world.

I suggest that anyone here who seeks out prejudice in gray areas like the word "rice" look within. Remember that intention is more important than semantics. Try to understand why you feel the need to extend the fight for political correctness to unnecessary lengths. Perhaps you're inadvertantly imposing your self-mortification upon others for your own past offenses? Think about it.