The Democrat Flap

[TheCalvinator24]

Can someone explain just why "Democrat Party" is considered a pejorative?

And, "Rush started using it that way as a pejorative" really isn't that persuasive.

Isn't "Democrat Party" really just another way of saying "the Party consisting of Democrats"? Much the same way the "Republican Party" is another way of saying "the Party consisting of Republicans."

Also, please note that I do not normally use "Democrat Party." I am genuinely wondering why it seems to set off Democrats so much.

[silvercamaro]

I find myself wondering if elderly and incontinent Independents end up wearing Independs.

[Bob Juch]

Can someone explain just why "Democrat Party" is considered a pejorative?

And, "Rush started using it that way as a pejorative" really isn't that persuasive.

Isn't "Democrat Party" really just another way of saying "the Party consisting of Democrats"? Much the same way the "Republican Party" is another way of saying "the Party consisting of Republicans."

Also, please note that I do not normally use "Democrat Party." I am genuinely wondering why it seems to set off Democrats so much.

Because that's not what we call ourselves. Should we start saying "Republicans Party"?

[ToLiveIsToFly]

Can someone explain just why "Democrat Party" is considered a pejorative?

And, "Rush started using it that way as a pejorative" really isn't that persuasive.

Isn't "Democrat Party" really just another way of saying "the Party consisting of Democrats"? Much the same way the "Republican Party" is another way of saying "the Party consisting of Republicans."

Also, please note that I do not normally use "Democrat Party." I am genuinely wondering why it seems to set off Democrats so much.

I've never in my life heard someone refer to the "Democrat Party" and not intend it as a pejorative.

I can't remember where I saw it, and don't have the time to look it up, but I believe the intended connotation is something along the lines of "there's nothing Democratic about it".

It's use, intended as a pejorative, predates Limbaugh by 50-60 years, I believe.

[TheCalvinator24]

Can someone explain just why "Democrat Party" is considered a pejorative?

And, "Rush started using it that way as a pejorative" really isn't that persuasive.

Isn't "Democrat Party" really just another way of saying "the Party consisting of Democrats"? Much the same way the "Republican Party" is another way of saying "the Party consisting of Republicans."

Also, please note that I do not normally use "Democrat Party." I am genuinely wondering why it seems to set off Democrats so much.

Because that's not what we call ourselves. Should we start saying "Republicans Party"?

Thanks for that oh so helpful explanation.

[TheCalvinator24]

Can someone explain just why "Democrat Party" is considered a pejorative?

And, "Rush started using it that way as a pejorative" really isn't that persuasive.

Isn't "Democrat Party" really just another way of saying "the Party consisting of Democrats"? Much the same way the "Republican Party" is another way of saying "the Party consisting of Republicans."

Also, please note that I do not normally use "Democrat Party." I am genuinely wondering why it seems to set off Democrats so much.

I've never in my life heard someone refer to the "Democrat Party" and not intend it as a pejorative.

I can't remember where I saw it, and don't have the time to look it up, but I believe the intended connotation is something along the lines of "there's nothing Democratic about it".

It's use, intended as a pejorative, predates Limbaugh by 50-60 years, I believe.

Okay, I understand that there is the assumption that the person using it means it as a pejorative, but why do Democrats see it as a pejorative?

[Rexer25]

Can someone explain just why "Democrat Party" is considered a pejorative?

And, "Rush started using it that way as a pejorative" really isn't that persuasive.

Isn't "Democrat Party" really just another way of saying "the Party consisting of Democrats"? Much the same way the "Republican Party" is another way of saying "the Party consisting of Republicans."

Also, please note that I do not normally use "Democrat Party." I am genuinely wondering why it seems to set off Democrats so much.

I think it's just a matter of courtesy.

[silverscreenselect]

Can someone explain just why "Democrat Party" is considered a pejorative?

And, "Rush started using it that way as a pejorative" really isn't that persuasive.

Isn't "Democrat Party" really just another way of saying "the Party consisting of Democrats"? Much the same way the "Republican Party" is another way of saying "the Party consisting of Republicans."

Also, please note that I do not normally use "Democrat Party." I am genuinely wondering why it seems to set off Democrats so much.

I've never in my life heard someone refer to the "Democrat Party" and not intend it as a pejorative.

I can't remember where I saw it, and don't have the time to look it up, but I believe the intended connotation is something along the lines of "there's nothing Democratic about it".

It's use, intended as a pejorative, predates Limbaugh by 50-60 years, I believe.

Okay, I understand that there is the assumption that the person using it means it as a pejorative, but why do Democrats see it as a pejorative?

The reason why Republicans refer to the party as the Democrat Party is to imply that the Party does not stand for Democratic principles, but is just a party filled with people who call themselves Democrats. And I have heard a number of people including Rush Limbaugh explain that's the reason they use the term Democrat Party.

[TheConfessor]

Can someone explain just why "Democrat Party" is considered a pejorative?

And, "Rush started using it that way as a pejorative" really isn't that persuasive.

Isn't "Democrat Party" really just another way of saying "the Party consisting of Democrats"? Much the same way the "Republican Party" is another way of saying "the Party consisting of Republicans."

Also, please note that I do not normally use "Democrat Party." I am genuinely wondering why it seems to set off Democrats so much.

Probably because the only reason anyone ever says "Democrat Party" is to poke a sharp stick at Democrats, and they take the bait. When bullies find out what it takes to bully someone, they latch onto it and use it relentlessly to torment others, trying to compensate for their own feelings of inadequacy.

Offensive terminology doesn't have to be logical or overtly pejorative. Why do black people take offense at being called "boy"? Is there something wrong with boys?

As you like to say, "You're smarter than that." You're also confusing a noun with an adjective.

[silvercamaro]

I will show respect. Henceforth, I will say Republicans and Democratics.

[TheCalvinator24]

Well, the Democrats are the one who use different word for the Noun and Adjectival forms.

[MarleysGh0st]

Can someone explain just why "Democrat Party" is considered a pejorative?

It's immature and childish. Childish taunts don't need a logical reason to be pejorative.

But as SSS said, there is a rationalization for the usage.

Now, if it's not intended to be pejorative, as you and BiT are implying, then it's time to grow up and use the formulation all your English teachers would want you to use!

[MarleysGh0st]

I will show respect. Henceforth, I will say Republicans and Democratics.

I'm surprised I have to say this, but you can grow up, too.

[gotribego26]

I find it easier to refer them as

- the party bought and paid for by big corporate interests

and

- the party bought and paid for by trial lawyers and unions

Neither gives a damn about me.

[silvercamaro]

I will show respect. Henceforth, I will say Republicans and Democratics.

I'm surprised I have to say this, but you can grow up, too.

Excuse me. I forgot that it is impossible to inject light-heartedness into politics.

I'll try to remember.

[TheCalvinator24]

I guess I don't get it because I've always that "Democrat Party" was a particularly dull pointy stick.

[MarleysGh0st]

I will show respect. Henceforth, I will say Republicans and Democratics.

I'm surprised I have to say this, but you can grow up, too.

Excuse me. I forgot that it is impossible to inject light-heartedness into politics.

I'll try to remember.

If there was an invisible smiley in your post, then there was one in mine, too.

[tlynn78]

Should we start saying "Republicans Party

I don't quite get the 'insult' either, but the above would not bother me in the slightest.



t.

[Flybrick]

Should we start saying "Republicans Party

I don't quite get the 'insult' either, but the above would not bother me in the slightest.



t.

Two things if I may (rhetorical, I'm not really asking permission.)

1. If you were to use the above, it would just remind me of the failing American school systems far too prevalent and the NEA who fight tooth and nail to not allow for merit-based pay. Which party do they support? Why?

2. From reading the thread title, I thought this was going to be about a piece of skin from the male that is often times discarded after an operation.

My mistake...

[Sir_Galahad]

I don't understand why the flap. We have Democrats and Republicans, not Democratics and Republicans. So, what's this issue here?

[earendel]

I don't understand why the flap. We have Democrats and Republicans, not Democratics and Republicans. So, what's this issue here?

In a nutshell, as I understand it, the "issue" is what others have already said - traditionally the party has been known as the "Democratic" party. The use of "Democrat Party" has been seen as a slur. According to Wikipedia the phrase originated in the 1930s with Republicans who were criticizing the "machine politics" of the big-city Democrats. Joseph McCarthy used it in the 50s, and that has, in some people's minds, tainted the phrase. Add to that its pejorative use in the mouths of Rush Limbaugh and other ultra-right wing commentators and it becomes a "pointy stick" with which to jab the left. The traditional use of "Democratic" makes "Democrat" grate on the ear.

[MarleysGh0st]

I don't understand why the flap. We have Democrats and Republicans, not Democratics and Republicans. So, what's this issue here?

English is a complex language. Certain root words can be different for their noun and adjective forms. Sometimes there are technical, learned explanations for why that it so, sometimes it is just long, historic precedent for what sounds better to the ear.

I know you're intelligent enough to understand that.

Everyone who replies "I don't know what the complaint's about" reminds me of the kids who'll hold their finger an inch away from their siblings and then--after provoking the expected reaction--proclaim in mock innocence, "I'm not touching him!"

[danielh41]

I don't understand why the flap. We have Democrats and Republicans, not Democratics and Republicans. So, what's this issue here?

In a nutshell, as I understand it, the "issue" is what others have already said - traditionally the party has been known as the "Democratic" party. The use of "Democrat Party" has been seen as a slur. According to Wikipedia the phrase originated in the 1930s with Republicans who were criticizing the "machine politics" of the big-city Democrats. Joseph McCarthy used it in the 50s, and that has, in some people's minds, tainted the phrase. Add to that its pejorative use in the mouths of Rush Limbaugh and other ultra-right wing commentators and it becomes a "pointy stick" with which to jab the left. The traditional use of "Democratic" makes "Democrat" grate on the ear.

I rarely refer to the "Democratic Party" or the "Republican Party." I just say Democrats and Republicans. But I can see why Democrats might be irritated by the use of Democrat Party just as 49er fans were irritated when I referred to their football team as the Farty-niners (back in the height of the Cowboys-Niners rivalry in the early 90s). That irritation is why I kept calling them Farty-niners. So..... Democrat Party, Democrat Party, Democrat Party....

[MarleysGh0st]

Grow up, Daniel.








(No implied smiley this time, because if he implied one, the joke is stale already.)

[The Snark]

I don't understand why the flap. We have Democrats and Republicans, not Democratics and Republicans. So, what's this issue here?

In a nutshell, as I understand it, the "issue" is what others have already said - traditionally the party has been known as the "Democratic" party. The use of "Democrat Party" has been seen as a slur. According to Wikipedia the phrase originated in the 1930s with Republicans who were criticizing the "machine politics" of the big-city Democrats. Joseph McCarthy used it in the 50s, and that has, in some people's minds, tainted the phrase. Add to that its pejorative use in the mouths of Rush Limbaugh and other ultra-right wing commentators and it becomes a "pointy stick" with which to jab the left. The traditional use of "Democratic" makes "Democrat" grate on the ear.

I rarely refer to the "Democratic Party" or the "Republican Party." I just say Democrats and Republicans. But I can see why Democrats might be irritated by the use of Democrat Party just as 49er fans were irritated when I referred to their football team as the Farty-niners (back in the height of the Cowboys-Niners rivalry in the early 90s). That irritation is why I kept calling them Farty-niners. So..... Democrat Party, Democrat Party, Democrat Party....

And you wonder why you don't get invited anywhere.