Beyond the fact that we are really supposed to be discussing museum things, why would we not engage in a discussion of whether or not to dumb down the language. The word in question has always been in my vocabulary (I was, in fact, called to task once by a black college trustee for using it until I handed her a dictionary). I think the word is much stronger than "stingy" and would choose to use it when I want to be particularly forceful in my argument, e.g. the salaries paid by most museums are niggardly, at best. In my mind, that expresses it the way I think it should be expressed. The word is a part of the English language. Perhaps the recent issue will serve to educate some of the public to its meaning. I might point out that a number of highly prominent black leaders criticized the Mayor for his actions, noting that someones lack of understanding of a word is not justification for calling the user to task. You are tired of the subject, as I can understand, so I don't expect a response. Just wanted to get my last few words in. ------ Robert Handy Brazoria County Historical Museum 100 East Cedar Angleton, Texas 77515 (409) 864-1208 museum_bob [log in to unmask] http://www.bchm.org ---------- From: Indigo Nights[SMTP:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Monday, February 08, 1999 2:25 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Was: Your TOP EVENT Now: news