Gorilla

[Inchante]

If the person being labeled as a gorilla/monkey feels that it is a racist slur, then it is a racist slur...end of story.

I'm afraid I cannot agree with that statement. The idea itself is rather narrow. Anything I perceive to be something, is that something . . . end of story? That is a positively midievil mode of thinking.

I look out my window and, despite a few rolling hills, I perceive that the world is flat and not a sphere. I look up at the sun and see the sun moving from one corner of the sky to another. Then, the sun must move while the Earth stands still. I toss some seeds and rags in a corner of my house and a mouse appears there, it must be a recipe for spontaneous generation.

No, I am afraid that I am going to have to reject the notion that FEELING (not even perceiving) is BEING as ridiculous. Intention is as important as reception. And there is such a thing as misconstruing a person's statements.

Jay, let them know how you feel about the subject if you want to remain friends with them. But, be sensitive to the fact that they were likely just teasing you and had no harmful intent. If they care about you as they should, they will realize their error and cease doing it in the future. You have handled everything well so far.