Cultural diversity in small town Alberta
Mar 26th 2008, 4:07 pm
#1
Sawdust making harpy
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Alberta
Posts: 11,291
Cultural diversity in small town Alberta
Obviously because it's a post by me this is not a long winded statement about the what whys and wherefores of the title more so an observation and how we as a group of friends here in Drumheller relate to each other.
We are all people, all nice (hopefully!) all friendly and all like to have fun!
But this made me laugh and is how we all relate to each other, there is a pet Indian (because he is), a pet cowboy (because he wears the boots and a big chuncky buckle), a pet redneck (speaks for itself), a pet eskimo (because she is) Mr MMC and I that are the pet immigrants (obvious one really) and there are a couple of others whom our group of friends haven't thought of titles for!
Some may find it derogatory, but it isn't we are who we are! so when the phone rings and its normally pet redneck, asking if we wanna go out somewhere, we'll agree and ask who else is coming, the answer will be something like "my pet cowboy definately, but I need to call my pet indian to see"
Theres a big diverse range of people and cultures just in our little group, we accept what and who we are and embrace it I suppose by taking the p**s out of ourselves for it - shouldn't that be how it is
We are all people, all nice (hopefully!) all friendly and all like to have fun!
But this made me laugh and is how we all relate to each other, there is a pet Indian (because he is), a pet cowboy (because he wears the boots and a big chuncky buckle), a pet redneck (speaks for itself), a pet eskimo (because she is) Mr MMC and I that are the pet immigrants (obvious one really) and there are a couple of others whom our group of friends haven't thought of titles for!
Some may find it derogatory, but it isn't we are who we are! so when the phone rings and its normally pet redneck, asking if we wanna go out somewhere, we'll agree and ask who else is coming, the answer will be something like "my pet cowboy definately, but I need to call my pet indian to see"
Theres a big diverse range of people and cultures just in our little group, we accept what and who we are and embrace it I suppose by taking the p**s out of ourselves for it - shouldn't that be how it is
Mar 26th 2008, 4:17 pm
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Northern Ireland
Posts: 116
Re: Cultural diversity in small town Alberta
I like your style. 
Obviously because it's a post by me this is not a long winded statement about the what whys and wherefores of the title more so an observation and how we as a group of friends here in Drumheller relate to each other.
We are all people, all nice (hopefully!) all friendly and all like to have fun!
But this made me laugh and is how we all relate to each other, there is a pet Indian (because he is), a pet cowboy (because he wears the boots and a big chuncky buckle), a pet redneck (speaks for itself), a pet eskimo (because she is) Mr MMC and I that are the pet immigrants (obvious one really) and there are a couple of others whom our group of friends haven't thought of titles for!
Some may find it derogatory, but it isn't we are who we are! so when the phone rings and its normally pet redneck, asking if we wanna go out somewhere, we'll agree and ask who else is coming, the answer will be something like "my pet cowboy definately, but I need to call my pet indian to see"
Theres a big diverse range of people and cultures just in our little group, we accept what and who we are and embrace it I suppose by taking the p**s out of ourselves for it - shouldn't that be how it is
We are all people, all nice (hopefully!) all friendly and all like to have fun!
But this made me laugh and is how we all relate to each other, there is a pet Indian (because he is), a pet cowboy (because he wears the boots and a big chuncky buckle), a pet redneck (speaks for itself), a pet eskimo (because she is) Mr MMC and I that are the pet immigrants (obvious one really) and there are a couple of others whom our group of friends haven't thought of titles for!
Some may find it derogatory, but it isn't we are who we are! so when the phone rings and its normally pet redneck, asking if we wanna go out somewhere, we'll agree and ask who else is coming, the answer will be something like "my pet cowboy definately, but I need to call my pet indian to see"
Theres a big diverse range of people and cultures just in our little group, we accept what and who we are and embrace it I suppose by taking the p**s out of ourselves for it - shouldn't that be how it is
Mar 26th 2008, 4:31 pm
#3
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Joined: Jul 2007
Location: White Rock BC
Posts: 11,682
Re: Cultural diversity in small town Alberta
Of course. And it just shows that there is nothing inherently offensive about words or names. It is the way they are used that can give offense.
Mar 26th 2008, 4:36 pm
#4
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Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
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Mar 26th 2008, 4:37 pm
#5
Sawdust making harpy
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Alberta
Posts: 11,291
Re: Cultural diversity in small town Alberta
Thats exactly it, in this instance they are used as terms of endearment if you like - so I suppose it isn't what you say - more how you say it.
Mar 26th 2008, 6:56 pm
#6
GO FLAMES GO!!!!
Joined: Feb 2005
Location: Calgary eh?!
Posts: 571
Re: Cultural diversity in small town Alberta
Obviously because it's a post by me this is not a long winded statement about the what whys and wherefores of the title more so an observation and how we as a group of friends here in Drumheller relate to each other.
We are all people, all nice (hopefully!) all friendly and all like to have fun!
But this made me laugh and is how we all relate to each other, there is a pet Indian (because he is), a pet cowboy (because he wears the boots and a big chuncky buckle), a pet redneck (speaks for itself), a pet eskimo (because she is) Mr MMC and I that are the pet immigrants (obvious one really) and there are a couple of others whom our group of friends haven't thought of titles for!
Some may find it derogatory, but it isn't we are who we are! so when the phone rings and its normally pet redneck, asking if we wanna go out somewhere, we'll agree and ask who else is coming, the answer will be something like "my pet cowboy definately, but I need to call my pet indian to see"
Theres a big diverse range of people and cultures just in our little group, we accept what and who we are and embrace it I suppose by taking the p**s out of ourselves for it - shouldn't that be how it is
We are all people, all nice (hopefully!) all friendly and all like to have fun!
But this made me laugh and is how we all relate to each other, there is a pet Indian (because he is), a pet cowboy (because he wears the boots and a big chuncky buckle), a pet redneck (speaks for itself), a pet eskimo (because she is) Mr MMC and I that are the pet immigrants (obvious one really) and there are a couple of others whom our group of friends haven't thought of titles for!
Some may find it derogatory, but it isn't we are who we are! so when the phone rings and its normally pet redneck, asking if we wanna go out somewhere, we'll agree and ask who else is coming, the answer will be something like "my pet cowboy definately, but I need to call my pet indian to see"
Theres a big diverse range of people and cultures just in our little group, we accept what and who we are and embrace it I suppose by taking the p**s out of ourselves for it - shouldn't that be how it is
I know exactly what you mean! In our cirlce of friends we have a guy of Malaysian decent who was raised in Alberta and has embraced the cowboy culture. He is nearly always seen in his jeans, Wrangler shirts, huge JD belt buckle and boots and is affectionately know to us all as "the Asian Cowboy" because he is Asian and a cowboy (some times he even does saddle bronc riding!) No offence is taken and the guy laughs and says things like "yep the only one in Calgary!"
I am often referred to as "European" or "The Brit" and get asked jokingly if I could invite the Queen over for a visit!
I love it, we are all ourselves and no-one takes offence (apart from me at the European thing so I get them back by calling them Yanks!) 
Mar 26th 2008, 10:19 pm
#7
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Joined: Aug 2006
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Posts: 2,087
Re: Cultural diversity in small town Alberta
In our Office we have just about someone from each continent.
I'm "The Brit" (They didn't used to call me that till they found out my wife was "The Raging Brit")
One of our Indian lads calls himself "the Paki" (I've had so many years of being told thats offensive that I'm quite shocked when he calls himself that).
The Jews are always cracking Jewish Jokes.
and so it goes.......
I'm "The Brit" (They didn't used to call me that till they found out my wife was "The Raging Brit")
One of our Indian lads calls himself "the Paki" (I've had so many years of being told thats offensive that I'm quite shocked when he calls himself that).
The Jews are always cracking Jewish Jokes.
and so it goes.......
Mar 27th 2008, 1:06 am
#8
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,715
Re: Cultural diversity in small town Alberta
Many years ago, I worked in a sushi bar and got the nickname 'Token' - regular customers thought it was my Japanese name... it was really shortened from 'the token white chick'. 
Mar 27th 2008, 2:33 am
#9
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Posts: 3,124
Re: Cultural diversity in small town Alberta
Myself I do not object in the least to being called a 'limey'. But I daresay that there must be a few at this forum who would squirm at the thought.
There is also a disconnect with the 'N' word which, I trust, most here would find offensive. And yet Rap 'artists' (for lack of a better word) unhesitatingly use that very term in their 'lyrics' (again for lack of a better word).
And my final pet peeve: Women who take offence at being called 'dear' by men because, in their world, they consider it patronizing.
As was already pointed out it is not the term per se but rather how it is used. In other words the intent.
It just goes to show that one can't please everybody.
So why bother?
Mar 27th 2008, 2:39 am
#10
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Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Cascadian Autonomous Elysian Region
Posts: 5,069
Re: Cultural diversity in small town Alberta
They all be loving the N-word especially from yo cracker.
R.
Mar 27th 2008, 2:48 am
#12
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,842
Re: Cultural diversity in small town Alberta
Stop this nonsense Richard, you won't get a girlfriend you know. No marriage, no children. What will come of you. Why you'll end up a hippy in some foreign island in the empire, god help you.
Mar 27th 2008, 3:02 am
#13
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Location: Cascadian Autonomous Elysian Region
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Re: Cultural diversity in small town Alberta
And I don't need a girlfriend; a wife of many years is enough to handle. Keep life simple
R.
Mar 27th 2008, 10:09 am
#14
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Posts: 806
Re: Cultural diversity in small town Alberta
I regularly label myself a cloggie....or in one company we had a list called 'cheesyheads' for the dutch...
its all in good fun and basically a name is what you make it. I had a nickname as a scout leader which translates into english as 'Sweetheart'. Now, imagine 40 girls of 7-11 and 5 other leaders calling you that...but they were a lovely bunch and I wouldn't have traded them or the name for the world.
Its like a guy I had on the phone for a support case. In Ireland they occasionally use hte phrase 'wee' for little, same as the northern irish and scots..I had a scotsman on the phone and told him 'Oh, thats just a wee little problem, we'll have that sorted in a jiffy' as it was literally five minutes work. He went off how I was mocking his accent, until I had to turn around and say, no, actually wee little is used over here as well, and its a normal turn of phrase and I would definitely not mock a customers accent! Oh and by the way, the issue is now resolved.
i mean really!
Deb
its all in good fun and basically a name is what you make it. I had a nickname as a scout leader which translates into english as 'Sweetheart'. Now, imagine 40 girls of 7-11 and 5 other leaders calling you that...but they were a lovely bunch and I wouldn't have traded them or the name for the world.
Its like a guy I had on the phone for a support case. In Ireland they occasionally use hte phrase 'wee' for little, same as the northern irish and scots..I had a scotsman on the phone and told him 'Oh, thats just a wee little problem, we'll have that sorted in a jiffy' as it was literally five minutes work. He went off how I was mocking his accent, until I had to turn around and say, no, actually wee little is used over here as well, and its a normal turn of phrase and I would definitely not mock a customers accent! Oh and by the way, the issue is now resolved.
i mean really!
Deb
The problem. as I see it. is that we live in an era of sickening political correctness.
Myself I do not object in the least to being called a 'limey'. But I daresay that there must be a few at this forum who would squirm at the thought.
There is also a disconnect with the 'N' word which, I trust, most here would find offensive. And yet Rap 'artists' (for lack of a better word) unhesitatingly use that very term in their 'lyrics' (again for lack of a better word).
And my final pet peeve: Women who take offence at being called 'dear' by men because, in their world, they consider it patronizing.
As was already pointed out it is not the term per se but rather how it is used. In other words the intent.
It just goes to show that one can't please everybody.
So why bother?
Myself I do not object in the least to being called a 'limey'. But I daresay that there must be a few at this forum who would squirm at the thought.
There is also a disconnect with the 'N' word which, I trust, most here would find offensive. And yet Rap 'artists' (for lack of a better word) unhesitatingly use that very term in their 'lyrics' (again for lack of a better word).
And my final pet peeve: Women who take offence at being called 'dear' by men because, in their world, they consider it patronizing.
As was already pointed out it is not the term per se but rather how it is used. In other words the intent.
It just goes to show that one can't please everybody.
So why bother?
Mar 27th 2008, 11:28 am
#15
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Joined: Jan 2008
Location: West Lothian
Posts: 685
Re: Cultural diversity in small town Alberta
The problem. as I see it. is that we live in an era of sickening political correctness.
Myself I do not object in the least to being called a 'limey'. But I daresay that there must be a few at this forum who would squirm at the thought.
There is also a disconnect with the 'N' word which, I trust, most here would find offensive. And yet Rap 'artists' (for lack of a better word) unhesitatingly use that very term in their 'lyrics' (again for lack of a better word).
And my final pet peeve: Women who take offence at being called 'dear' by men because, in their world, they consider it patronizing.
As was already pointed out it is not the term per se but rather how it is used. In other words the intent.
It just goes to show that one can't please everybody.
So why bother?
Myself I do not object in the least to being called a 'limey'. But I daresay that there must be a few at this forum who would squirm at the thought.
There is also a disconnect with the 'N' word which, I trust, most here would find offensive. And yet Rap 'artists' (for lack of a better word) unhesitatingly use that very term in their 'lyrics' (again for lack of a better word).
And my final pet peeve: Women who take offence at being called 'dear' by men because, in their world, they consider it patronizing.
As was already pointed out it is not the term per se but rather how it is used. In other words the intent.
It just goes to show that one can't please everybody.
So why bother?
I don't mind being called, dear, love, duck, pal, wifey (wifey and pal are new as I'm now in Scotland).....I tend to object when it is followed by "you ladies, getting to sit round all day drinking coffee...." which someone did actually say to me!
As a surveyor, I'm always referred to as "girl", I'm not sure if I called the blokes, "boys" they would be that happy?!!