el cid again
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Joined: 10/10/2005 Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: TulliusDetritus El Cid Again, maybe this has been answered, but I could not find it. What are the "coolies" for? Aesthetics? And by the way, I am not a native english speaker, but from what I know "coolie" is a derogatory term (just like "jap" or "cowboy" for that matter). Shouldn't you be avoiding it? "Workers" or any other synonymous would be fine? It is indeed a pejorative. But is also a proper noun. I have two different kinds of civilian worker units - Field Hand Squads and Coolie Squads. They are identical in primary function - eat supplies - and secondary function (if it works - WITPQs and my tests indicate they don't - but Matrix says otherwise) - building (fixing) things. But they are different in military value in a fight. Neither is worth a whole lot - but a Field Hand Squad fights harder than a Coolie Squad. Now the term is questionable in modern politically correct America. On the other hand, it has real meaning - laborers without a lot of tools. Since I was married in China - I don't think many people think I am anti-Chinese. Note also I have "coolies" in many places - including Russia, China, Japan, Malaya, India, Burma - and some colonial islands - notably the family owned island of Christmas and Nauru (guano miners). Note I mix in a few construction engineers in medium and large supply sinks. Try to take those places you are almost guaranteed to destroy the industry/resources there. IF you or anyone else feels we need to aviod this term - I will change it. It exists as a device name so one change has global effect. I am a bit of a multi-culturalist, a linguist, a member of my School District's Minority Education Concerns Committee, and I go after cops who think it is OK to do the Rodney King thing (or rape) to minorities: I am not insecure in my credentials as a person who believes in and fights for respect for all. But I recognize this may be a controversial choice: In the end it is artistic: it would have made perfect sense to everyone in 1941.
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