RE: WWJD -
I think lluvia is implying that she would try to do what Jesus would do - Emphasis on "try" That's the way I read it, anyway. As to what exactly that is...
I think Jesus would tell you to teach your son to act and speak in kindness. Period. I think it's more about whether the choice of word is *kind* rather than whether it's "allowed." If certain words are hurtful to some, don't speak them to or about that person. I think he would apply this standard to everyone, regardless of skin pigmentation or ancestry. (unfortunately, our SOCIETY can't seem to grasp the fact that it's wrong for EVERYONE) I can't quote it verbatim, because I left my Bible in the car today, (maybe neo can help?) but I'm thinking specifically of a passage where (Paul? don't remember) is saying "yes, we can eat or drink whatever we want, but I'm choosing NOT to eat or drink certain things, because it makes my neighbors (probably Jewish neighbors) uncomfortable." I think the same should be applied to language.
Again, I don't have the reference at hand, but there's also a passage regarding *choosing* not to do something that's perfectly allowable for you, but that may cause your neighbor to stumble. As it was presented in our church, drinking alcohol is not a sin. However, if you drink in the company of a recovering alcoholic, knowing that it may cause him to stumble, then it IS a sin.
Do I think it's right that certain ethnic groups can spew hateful language at other groups with no consequences, but the reverse is ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE? Hell no! It galls me NO END! I've snotted and fumed over that crap more times than I can count!
But I think a better answer would be to teach the name-callers to behave better, rather than allowing the "victims" to behave worse.
BTW, I do NOT think Jesus would mandate the emptying of the jails. He was pretty adamant about expecting folks to OBEY THE LAW. I've always thought the kind of forgiveness he was talking about was more a personal and spiritual issue, not some kind of carte blanche to do whatever you want with no consequenses.
Just my opinion.
I'd say to teach your son the difference between what's allowed and what's *right*. Is it fair? HELL no! And that SUCKS! But I believe he'll grow to be a better man than most "men" out there today, and I think that's what you want for him. The part that's gotten tricky with my own teenage son is figuring out how to teach him to make kind choices without ending up being used as a doormat....any suggestions you have are welcome!
Sorry if I rambled/babbled
Tannt