You don't. And I'm offended by a lot of "ghettoness" too-- Have I mentioned lately how much I hate music videos? And a lot of it is offensive to women in particular.
I do have to point out that even living in a community where Euro-Americans are the numerical minority is not the same as being an ethnic minority in America (however uncomfortable and frightening it may be at times!). "Minority" status is probably the wrong term, but it's the one I know, and it refers to a group's sociopolitical power rather than their actual numbers-- hence the fact that I consider women a "minority."
It would be very interesting to see if there's ever been a case where the power structure has been reversed, so that a previously minority group became the more powerful one, which would raise all sorts of new and interesting questions about offensiveness. But to my knowledge, it's never happened.
And again, the only works I'd advocate changing are those intended for children, who internalize negative messages and stereotypes in a way that adults don't, and hence should be protected from them. I think it's better explained over at the "bookaddiction" post on this topic.
no subject
I do have to point out that even living in a community where Euro-Americans are the numerical minority is not the same as being an ethnic minority in America (however uncomfortable and frightening it may be at times!). "Minority" status is probably the wrong term, but it's the one I know, and it refers to a group's sociopolitical power rather than their actual numbers-- hence the fact that I consider women a "minority."
It would be very interesting to see if there's ever been a case where the power structure has been reversed, so that a previously minority group became the more powerful one, which would raise all sorts of new and interesting questions about offensiveness. But to my knowledge, it's never happened.
And again, the only works I'd advocate changing are those intended for children, who internalize negative messages and stereotypes in a way that adults don't, and hence should be protected from them. I think it's better explained over at the "bookaddiction" post on this topic.