On a recent episode of It Takes Two with Amy and JJ, a guest used the term “Old White Men” to describe a group of people in a derogatory fashion.
Our guest did not mean an disrespect and, truthfully, I was thinking the same thing. I didn’t even consider rephrasing during the interview. I didn’t think about it, because I knew to what she was referring.
“Old White Men” – a group of Baby Boomers who choose to act like they are the only ones who matter and are known for their bias on racial, financial or government matters.
After the show, I received a phone call from a listener who was very upset. He identifies as “Old” “White” and a “Man” – but couldn’t be further from the description above. He mentioned that this term is used often enough that he gets embarrassed when others lump him into that category because of his age, race and sex.
It was an eye and mind opener for me.
I believe that racial slurs or phrases associated with bigotry are disgusting…but it appears I am a hypocrite. I have been using the phrase Old White Men for years and have been marginalizing a group of individuals. I should have been better and I vow to be better.
My sentiments are explained in the podcast above and I apologize to anyone who I have shoved into a box with that thoughtless turn of phrase. I am sorry.
—JJ Gordon—
If you have thoughts on this subject, I would be glad to take them at JJ@kfgo.com
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(Amy Iler & JJ Gordon are talk-show hosts at 790 AM KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. “It Takes 2 with Amy & JJ” can be heard weekdays 11am-2pm. Check out the show page on
FACEBOOK.
Follow Amy on Twitter
@AmyKFGO
. Follow JJ on Twitter
@JJGodon701
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