Reply #13: I can understand when some phrases make people wince, but I think...

[Pacifist Patriot]

the responsibility should be on that person to inquire as to what is meant rather than immediately jump to a negative conclusion. And then the writer or speaker should graciously explain.

But this also means the person using the phrase should be able to explain what they mean by it. I have seen occasions where someone used what they believed to be a benign phrase that they did not know had racist origins. Both participants in the dialogue have the potential to learn something new.

The exchange can and should be done respectfully by both parties.