Sad State

Now, now, let's not make fun of our multifaith sisters, others, and brothers. Do you think that it is easy for an individual to have a deep faith in Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, wiccanism, Unitarianism, liberalism, feminism, socialism, and Yoga all at the same time. And, all the while, maintain an hyphenated last name?

Speaking of Hyphenated last names, I oppose them because they are awkward and inefficient.

Here's a typical name
Mary Ellen Smith

Here's a hyphenated name
Mary Ellen Smith-Balgangadhar

So you have to say, "Hello, my name is Mary Ellen Smith-Balgangadhar." Or this is my colleague, "Mary Ellen Smith-Balgangadhar." Meet, "Mrs. Mary Ellen Smith-Balgangadhar" - our new director of intercultural relations.

So much easier to say "Mary Ellen Smith"

I'm waiting to see children with hyphenated last names marry each other. This has probably happened in England for a long time, but I have no idea how it works out.

I don't suppose I have to tell you that using the word "fruits" in the context you just used it in is a slur, do I?

J'accuse, eh?

Playing the victim card over a word that is at worst mildly offensive nowadays is a stretch.

Furthermore, the word "fruit", like "fruitcake", can be taken to mean, yes, an effeminate male; but also "someone eccentric, a strange person, a weirdo" (reference here.)

So in order to complain about it, you have to exclude the meaning that doesn't fit into your schema.

My comment was meant to be taken as somewhat tongue-in-cheek. As I'm sure you recall, RC, I get a lot more pious and verbose when I'm actually offended. ;)