Friend argument

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(Created page with 'The '''friend argument''' is an argument used by people who want to claim knowledge about and/or sympathy with a group, by referring to their friends belonging to this group....')
 
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What is a '''friend'''?
 
What is a '''friend'''?
  
Most people would say that a friend is someone who you frequently spend free time with, outside work or school, someone you would share a secret with, or someone you would lend expensive possessions. The classmate you occasionally greet, or the receptionist at your office don't count as friends. Most people only have a handful of close friends at the same time.
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Most people would say that a friend is someone who you frequently spend free time with, outside work or school, someone you would share a secret with, or someone you would lend expensive possessions. The classmate you occasionally greet, or the receptionist at your office don't count as friends. They are ''acquaintances'', and no good for clearing you from prejudice. Most people only have a handful of close friends at the same time.
  
 
And seriously, does a "friend" from a group really insure anyone from prejudice against "them"?
 
And seriously, does a "friend" from a group really insure anyone from prejudice against "them"?

Revision as of 00:44, 11 June 2010

The friend argument is an argument used by people who want to claim knowledge about and/or sympathy with a group, by referring to their friends belonging to this group. It is commonly used to denounce racism or other kinds of prejudice.

A typical friend argument is:

  • I don't hate blacks. I have many black friends.
  • I am not homophobic. I have a gay friend, and he is OK.

What is a friend?

Most people would say that a friend is someone who you frequently spend free time with, outside work or school, someone you would share a secret with, or someone you would lend expensive possessions. The classmate you occasionally greet, or the receptionist at your office don't count as friends. They are acquaintances, and no good for clearing you from prejudice. Most people only have a handful of close friends at the same time.

And seriously, does a "friend" from a group really insure anyone from prejudice against "them"?

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