An apology.

Published on March 18, 2005 By dharmagrl In Blogging

Earlier this week I wrote an article about the scruffy appearance of some reservists on the base I live on. In that article I referred to them as 'Weekend Warriors'.

I would like to apologize for using that particular term. I realize that some resevists find it offensive, just as some active duty members find it offensive when they are referred to as 'boys and girls' or 'kids'. I also realize that reservists and Guard members do their part (and sometimes more than their part) in the defense of this country. I feel that my article tarred all reservists with the same brush, and that was not my intention.

..as for the men I and other people observed this weekend...well, I'd have made the same comments about them had they been full time active duty. Military personnel are expected to maintain a standard of appearance even when they're in a 'hot' or combat zone ( that's why a lot of guys shave their heads before they deploy; that way they don't have to worry about getting a haircut every couple of weeks - my husband and his team did just that last week), and these guys were waaaay out of 35-10 (the AFI regarding appearance). They were not deploying or just returning from a deployment, they were simply fulfilling their 'once a month' obligaton and taking advantage of the military facilities (as they are entitled to)...so there really wasn't much excuse for their appearance.

So, my use of the phrase 'Weekend Warriors' wasn't warranted, and for that I apologize. If I offended anyone, I am honestly and sincerely sorry.....

Comments

Myrrander

on Mar 18, 2005

Kick ass, Karen. Good on you for posting this.

*hugs*

dharmagrl

on Mar 18, 2005

Thanks, Mikey.

shadesofgrey

on Mar 18, 2005

Karen--I didn't think that you meant it the way I was taking it (I think I said this in my post--at least I hope I did, and that my rant wasn't directed at any one person)--I just get sensitive about stuff like that. Just like I don't always think that people mean to be derogatory when they say "boys" and "girls."

As always, you have a huge heart and class to correct yourself when you perceive you've made a mistake--I commend you for both!

dharmagrl

on Mar 18, 2005

--I didn't think that you meant it the way I was taking it (I think I said this in my post--at least I hope I did, and that my rant wasn't directed at any one person)--I just get sensitive about stuff like that.

I know, but it wasn't the right thing to have said, regardless, and it's been bothering me all week. I don't like leaving things left undone or unsaid, so i thought I ought to correct myself.

I get sensitive too. Words can hurt, you know.....no matter what anyone might say to the contrary.

Reiki-House

on Mar 18, 2005

This is almost like the David Cole retraction. There should be no fear in using a term you've used comfortably your whole life. Before Iraq the reservists were warriors on the weekends. Now they're dying every day in Iraq so the term no longer applies. Just as you're allowed a grace period from the banks when dating cheques in the first week of a new year, you're allowed to use a term for a while after it no longer applies.

dharmagrl

on Mar 18, 2005

Reiki, don't bother commenting on my blogs anymore. Obviously you don't like anything I have to say, so why do you come here? To belittle me and the people who comment here? Does it make you feel like a big man to look down on the rest of us? Do you get a kick out of telling us all how wrong we are?

I've tolerated you for long enough. I'm not going to tolerate you anymore.

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