OPEN

[mythalenaste]

FORM: Sending crystal
SENDER: Pel
RECIPIENT: Everyone
WHAT: Awkward question?
WHEN: Present
WHERE: Kirkwall
NOTES: Fantastic racial slurs.

 

Why is 'knife-ear' worse than 'rabbit?'

Comments

[circleprodigy]

Because of the tone in which it is said, and the intent behind it. I have rarely heard 'knife-ear' that wouldn't have been followed by an act of violence were my mabari not a deterrent.

[byblow]

You know, I once asked a Sister why I could say Andraste's sword but not Andraste's knickers.

[gatheringstorm]

Beats me. 'Rabbit' is just as bad as 'ox', as far as I can tell. Humans just love comparing us to animals, don't they?

[failedfirst]

It's not.

[indocile]

It isn't. ( a sound from the back of her throat; ) It is only how cultured shems feel when they speak hate to us. Rabbit only means if they want to hit you they have someone else to do it.

[aforethought]

Is this one of those riddles?

[ what came first, the chicken or the egg. what's black, white, and red all over. makes about as much sense. ]

[meds4sale]

How can one be worse than the other when they are simply ... different means to the same end?

[eolasemah]

Are they not both a bit stupid?

[misdirection_hex]

I've only ever been called "rabbit" by Orlesians and people who wish they were Orlesian. I feel like that alone makes it worse on principle.

[Not that Vandelin's had much dealing with Orlesians at all, but he doesn't mind implying that his limited experience is some universal constant.]

In seriousness, though, whoever said that "knife-ear" is more often a prelude to violence is right. But I'd almost rather the violence be explicit. You can't defend yourself fairly against snickers behind your back.