Dissent Of The Day II

A reader writes:

"Midget," used here, is a highly offensive term to little people.

It's also disappointing that someone who champions rights of a minority group during this critical time for human rights would display such a lack of sensitivity as to mock Prince by comparing him to a minority of which he is not a member. Like being a dwarf (little person, person of short stature) is an insult. My daughter is little. I'm not ashamed of her. Are you saying I should be?

Essentially, what you've done would be like if a caucasian person you were angry at had a dark complexion and you referred to him as "colored" or "negro".

And all this in a post about tolerance? You're better than that.

It's not the first time you've published the word "midget" in your column. Last time I wrote to you to complain and as a defense you pointed out that you were merely quoting someone else. Well, this time it's your own use of the word, Andrew. What do you say now?

Oy. I'm sorry.