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Of Tea Bags and Epithets

Chappy

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— Feb. 27, 2009, Washington, D.C. (click the image)​

So, here's the thing: it was once meant to insult Liberals leaders, Tea Party people were going to “Tea Bag” them. But then it caught on with the public as a handle for the activists themselves, they were “teabaggers.”


Now, the conservatives are reviewing their current … ahem … position about the term.


Of course, one might carefully research the alternatives before embracing a new term of art.


Epithet or a term of endearment? I really don't know what to make of it. One thing that seems certain, the “teabagger” term has entered common, everyday usage.

 
:2brickwal

Look guys, let's make this simple, so we don't get 20 more threads about this today. Yes, Tea Partiers used the term Teabagger too. Yes, there is some hypocrisy there. Both these are irrelevant. The Tea Partiers here prefer to not be called "teabaggers", and it's a painless thing to accede to that request. There are things worthwhile to put effort into, but this ain't one of them.

Conversely, those crying about the use of the term do need to realize that it's a weak point to rally around. "Oh noz, we are being called a name" is not going to gain alot of sympathy considering that basically every political group gets called names regularly. Take it from your left wing friend, the socialist, commie, pinko, Obama worshiping, fascist, terrorist sympathizing, troop hating libtard.
 
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omg...i love that avatar.
 
Redress said:
… The Tea Partiers here prefer to not be called "teabaggers", and it's a painless thing to accede to that request. …
Click to expand...

Personally, I learned some things about the term today and while I regret that you didn't see value in my post, I made every effort to be as informative as I possibly could be.

  • The photograph is the first recognized instance of the term “Tea Bag” in the context of recent conservative political demonstrations.
  • The fact that the term “teabagger” has entered the American lexicon officially.
  • The article in the NRO that examined the dilemma that conservatives face in the term.
  • And the fact that the alternative term “tea partier” has a negative connotation, too.
Sorry, but, I think you got it wrong, Redress. I created a thread to inform people. I am not advocating using one term or another beyond having as much information as is reasonable.
 
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Ignorance is bliss, eh, liblady, ignorance is bliss.
 
They're Freepers, which means they are few in number, incredibly stupid and proud of it. Mainstream -- well, everyone, disowned them years ago.

But good job with the cherry-picking. Next time I want to see what the typical liberal thinks, I'll go over to DU and just assume they speak for all of you. :roll:
 
Coronado said:
But good job with the cherry-picking. Next time I want to see what the typical liberal thinks, I'll go over to DU and just assume they speak for all of you. :roll:
Click to expand...

I was told that DU is representative of all us liberals though. Been there, done that.
 
Redress said:
I was told that DU is representative of all us liberals though. Been there, done that.
Click to expand...
Don't believe everything you read on the Internet.
 
Coronado said:
They're Freepers, which means they are few in number, incredibly stupid and proud of it. Mainstream -- well, everyone, disowned them years ago.

But good job with the cherry-picking. …
Click to expand...

The folks in the photograph are definitely from the Free Republic demonstration in late February 2009 and as I say, this was the first known instance of the "Tea Bag" verb being used in a recent conservative demonstration. The point is there is lineage to the term. And, just because there is a history in no way justifies its continued use. I accept that, too.

The term and idea behind it lived on from that February 2009 demonstration and took root with the Tea Party movement and became a part of the American language, for good or ill. Again, not justifying its usage today, just noting how it came about.

But, I am more interested in your cherry-picking remark. What did I leave out? I would rather have more information than less. What would you add?
 
The portion you left out of my post when you quoted it answers your question. Taking the outliers and saying they represent the whole group is disingenous, yet all too typical. As much as it gets pointed out to certain posters here, one would think those posters would figure it out, but I guess I hope in vain.
 

My god, I have never seen such a transparent attempt to cherry pick examples. And all to justify continued use of a vulgarity.

Only the leftwaffe. :doh
 
jallman said:
leftwaffe.
Click to expand...

Seriously. Don't use that term because the earliest chance I will get to have waffles will be tomorrow morning and I would rather not be tempted before then.
 

Are you talking about the ‘Tea Bag’ terminology or the Tea Party movement itself? This thread is intended to examine the terminology which has its roots in part in a poster carried in a Free Republic demonstration in February 2009 but has gone on much further than that now. I think the NRO article I linked to in the opening post gives some useful information.

Another aspect of the article is how should we refer to people in the Tea Party movement now? What is their preferred term?

Personally, my preference is to refer to them as they would have me refer to them. I thought I was, but, now I am told I am not. Problem is, the Tea Party is a movement and suffers from a lack of cohesive leadership; some even prefer the term that others consider a pejorative.

What do you think is the proper term to refer to Tea Party movement participants?
 
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megaprogman said:
Seriously. Don't use that term because the earliest chance I will get to have waffles will be tomorrow morning and I would rather not be tempted before then.
Click to expand...

I just think it's such a classy response to the vulgarity of "tea bagger".

Plus, I'm an instigator. :mrgreen:
 
jallman said:
My god, I have never seen such a transparent attempt to cherry pick examples. And all to justify continued use of a vulgarity. …
Click to expand...

Again, offer information. If you feel something was left out, offer it now. And, I'm not seeking to justify anything. I was hoping for an intellectual exploration, but, that's not everybody's cup of tea, I know.
 
Chappy said:
Again, offer information. If you feel something was left out, offer it now. And, I'm not seeking to justify anything. I was hoping for an intellectual exploration, but, that's not everybody's cup of tea, I know.
Click to expand...

I am offering an explanation...you cherry picked your visuals in an effort to justify your use of vulgarity.

And your backhanded priss fit about the supposed lack of intellectual value of others is noted as nothing more than a typical leftwaffe attempt at claiming an undeserved superiority.

See, making thinly veiled insults is fun for the whole family!!!!:2wave:
 
jallman said:
I just think it's such a classy response to the vulgarity of "tea bagger".

Plus, I'm an instigator. :mrgreen:
Click to expand...

If my stomach starts growling, I will PM you a nasty image! :mrgreen:
 
Again, the photo is earliest known instance of the Tea Bag term used in a recent conservative demonstration. It's very specific: February, 2009. Which justifies nothing, but, tells us when it started.

Sorry, if you can't enjoy a joke but, I do think your sole purpose here is to instigate and that doesn't help anything but your own sense of superiority.
 
Chappy said:
Again, the photo is earliest known instance of the Tea Bag term used in a recent conservative demonstration. It's very specific: February, 2009. Which justifies nothing, but, tells us when it started.
Click to expand...

OK...now tell me how this justifies your use of the term "tea bagger" now that you have enlightened us all with this oh so impressive discovery of recent Americana?

Sorry, if you can't enjoy a joke but, I do think you purpose here is to instigate and that doesn't help anything but your own sense of superiority.
Click to expand...

Oh really? Wasn't it you who immediately set about insulting the intelligence of others, oh Fuhrer of the Leftwaffe?
 
Nothing justifies the “tea bagger” term. If people don't like it then we should avoid it.

I have used it in the past because my understanding was that it was the preferred term. There are some in the movement who still prefer it. But, I recognize that there many in these forums who don't and I will show my respect for them by avoiding its use in the future.

What is the preferred term?
 
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