"Latte Liberal" is right wing speak for "Fag".

[last1standing]

Don't agree with that? OK, then let's look at another bit of right wing code speak.

"Welfare Queen"

Does anyone not agree that "welfare queen" is the right winger's way of saying "nigger" in public?

The term "welfare queen" was started by right wing think tanks in the 70's as a way to harness the anger, ignorance and hatred many racists felt but could not express in the terms they were used to. Calling African Americans "welfare queens" allowed them to look into the camera and print columns disparaging black people without being called racists because "white people get welfare, too". Yet the image of an overweight black woman sitting behind the wheel of her Cadillac was still ingrained on our collective psyche.

Now we get back to "latte liberal".

"I think Howard Dean should take his tax-hiking, government-expanding, latte-drinking, sushi-eating, Volvo-driving, New York Times-reading ..." -- and then his wife picks up the litany -- "... body-piercing, Hollywood-loving, left-wing freak show back to Vermont, where it belongs."

When that ad was used against Howard Dean before the 2004 Iowa caucus people knew what it meant. It meant an elite, out of touch, somewhat effeminate man was going to come in and make Iowans accept gay people. Let's look at the words:

"latte-drinking": When lattes were first introduced they were marketed mostly for women and "metrosexuals" who were most likely to drink a frothy, whip cream topped coffee. Having worked at an ad agency that marketed items like this, I got to see first hand how agencies would market to homosexuals without explicitly saying so.

"Hollywood-loving": What's wrong with Hollywood, you ask? Well, to the less informed among us it is the home of gays and freaks unlike the good old Midwest.

"left-wing freak show": Does that need much explaining?

"Vermont": The first state to legalize civil unions. Also the home of Howard Dean, the governor who signed it into law.

Put all together there is no doubt that the ad was used to capitalize on the anti-gay agenda being pushed by karl rove that year to drum up dispirited evangelical support in November. Articles at the time denounced the ad and made mention of it's obvious meaning. Now, as the whole phrase is too long to repeat easily, it has been shortened to "latte liberal" and repubs have been pushing the term for four years.

Now we have Dems pushing the term, slandering good people, merely because they didn't vote they way some wanted them to.

The question is, are we going to allow "latte liberals" to become the new "welfare queens"? Are we really going to accept more hate into our collective psyche?

[NashVegas]

1. You Wish

It's the update of "limousine liberal," which so few people see. But everyone knows what people look like at Starbucks, as opposed to those at Dunkin Donuts (cops).

[last1standing]

7. It's certainly no wish of mine.

And it is definitely NOT an update of "limousine liberal". In fact, that is code speak for an entirely different subset of people who are wealthy supporters of liberal causes. The concept was to suggest that wealthy people couldn't understand the needs of the working classes, so when they supported liberal ideas they were trying to control them with big government.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

38. Didn't take long for one of those "hard working white voters" to come along and defend it, did it?

Matter of fact, I think we deserve to appropriate Hard Working White Voter as our own Latte Liberal "code" for bigoted dimwit. You know, wink wink nudge nudge.

[last_texas_dem]

76. They need to update their terminology again, IMHO

I'm not a coffee fan, "regular" or "fancy" latte type or whatever, so it's not as if I'm taking the whole "latte liberal" thing too personally. But I think stereotyping latte-drinkers and Starbucks "types" is out-of-touch. There is a Starbucks in Brenham, TX. Has anyone besides me *been* to Brenham, TX? Those are hardly "limousine liberals" frequenting that Starbucks...

[eridani]

122. Sign at bait and tackle shop in Gearhart, OR

Live Bait and Espresso

[Leopolds Ghost]

113. "You wish" latte sippers were gay? Got some bitterness or something?

Latte sippers to me means elite neo-liberal yuppie scum, but that is
obviously NOT what Hillary and her racist George Wallace useful idiots
mean by the term. They mean gay people and anyone who does not eat at
McDonalds and drink the #1 beer like a "normal" American.

Obviously the term cannot be used to mean "wealthy elites" in general
because Hillary and her supporters are RIGHT WING populist who believe
that some people DESERVE their ill-gotten gains by virtue of their
"proper" behavior and heritage. It is okay for such people to sip
lattes, drive cadillacs, vacation in the Bahamas and commit crimes
without being shot at, handcuffed or otherwise molested by authorities.

[FrenchieCat]

2. I thought San Francisco Elites was Hillary's code for Liberals,,,,,,

and she telegraphed that "real Americans" should not like "those kind of people"?

[last1standing]

8. "San Franciso" is code for "fag" and "elite" is short for "Hollywood elite".

n/t

[Leopolds Ghost]

114. Obviously she can't mean "elite stockbrokers and chain retail magnates" when she says "elite".

Then her and all her friends would be the enemy of decent, working americans.

[iamthebandfanman]

99. she doesnt use codes to bash liberals

she just flat out says they , activists, and grassroots campaigns are useless and mean nothing.

[asthmaticeog]

120. She's done both. Which track she chose depended on the audience. nt

[Johnny__Motown]

3. I agree with you, but sometime you need to let these things pass and hope they die off on their own

Bringing attention to this just repeats the statement.


I am taking the ....LET IT SINK.. approach to this and I suggest others do the same

(not your post, the repug slurs)

[last1standing]

35. I wish it was that easy.

The repubs have mastered the game of using simple phrases to encapsulate hatred and bigotry. "Latte Liberal" is already part of the common vernacular.

[Enrique]

4. my image of a latte liberal is a woman

I know it's a myth, but that's what the term brings to mind for me.

[wearethedream]

5. a latte liberal

is someone who claims to be a liberal while being a snob and looking down on rural hard working americans. thinking they are hicks etc.

[TahitiNut]

13. "rural hard working americans" ... who take their milk direct from the cow's teat, huh?

:eyes:

Funny ... it seems somehow clear that it DOESN'T refer to Hispanic field workers ... does it? No. Of course not.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

48. It's the glorious ideal. Mayberrry USA.

Awwwww...there goes good ol' Barney and Aunt Bee.

And, Hispanics, if there were any, would be that guy who talks funny, smiles a lot, and rakes Aunt Bee's lawn. Ain't he just the cutest thang?

[TahitiNut]

62. Norman Rockwell, Walt Disney, Reader's Digest ... the mythical facade.

The reality of "America" NEVER matched such portrayals ... a veritable OCEAN of brainwashing. "Some day my Prince will come." Father Knows Best. Amos and Andy. Scarlett O'Hara. Andy Hardy.
:puke:

[cali]

31. oh codswallop. It's a right wing bullshit frame.

And I drink lattes when I have the chance, and live in a very rural part of *gasp* Vermont. I do not look down on my friends and neighbors.

[last1standing]

9. Same concept. Men drinking lattes is code for "effeminate men"

n/t

[PBS Poll-435]

129. I just thought latte = European

Who knew?

[Johnny__Motown]

21. I think of it as an updated "Limousine Liberal" but I don't see any gender implied

[RandomKoolzip]

6. What I hate also is the conflation of New England/Northeast U.S. with "unreality."

Or "UnAmerican," as if anyone from the Northeast is automatically less American somehow than someone from Alabama or West Virginia. Weren't the original colonies up in the Northeast?

It sucks that both parties can squeeze so much political mileage from slagging off New England. It's gotten to the point that hailing from New England or the Northeast US is seen as a political liability. That sucks and it's unfair, and just because in previous times the South was seen as backward and/or unimportant doesn't make New England-hate any less odious, nor should it be seen as "balance."

[last1standing]

12. The saddest part is that some Dems use and buy into the right wing slurs.

Only certain areas of the country matter.

Only men matter.

Only white people matter.

Only heterosexuals matter.

Only Christians matter.

Strange that the only people voting for repubs are straight, white Christian men. Yet even Democrats will espouse that view. I don't get it.

[Arugula Latte]

47. Yeah, exactly, if you live in one of the western coastal cities or anywhere in New England

(with the possible exception of New Hampshire, which was sort of libertarian-Republican until relatively recently, and Maine, which is sort of a rugged place unto itself), then you don't count as a real Americans. You have to be a white, possibly racist, church-going, gay-hating, anti-intellectual, Frenchie-dissin', Nascar-lovin' blue collar worker with minimal education who lives in either the South or the interior of the country to count as a "real" American.

[NorthernSpy]

86. Maine is a blue state -- even most of the rural areas...

Our two US Senators are both liberalish Republican women. But our Governor and both US Reps are Dems, and our state House and Senate have Democratic majorities.


(Obama won here by 20 points.)


No, we probably don't count as "Real Americans" either.

[Arugula Latte]

88. I LOVE Maine.

I've been there a few times. Beautiful, beautiful state. :toast:

[Rockholm]

101. Considering that New England brought the Revolution!

We started the whole frigging country. Take THAT, Mississippi.

[Clark2008]

126. Like that's any better.

Ragging on Mississippi (or anywhere else in the South and mid-West) is just as divisive as what's being pointed out upthread.

Look, not all Southerners and mid-Westerners are racists anymore than New Englanders aren't "real" Americans.

The regional hatred works both ways. In fact, I dare say the "looking down the nose" practiced by many (not all) New Englanders at Southerners and mid-Westerners started this particular cold civil war.

We all need to practice a little less regional divisiveness and realize that there is racism in every region, there are hard-working people in every region, there are party activiest (for both parties) in every region, there are homosexuals in every region, there are Bible-thumpers in every region, there are latte-drinkers in every regions and there are beer swillers in every region.

NONE of these people are confined to the North or the South or the mid-West or the West.

[Rockholm]

132. Chill.

I was born and raised in South Carolina, so trust me, I wasn't attacking the "South."
Honestly, I just picked a state. A state, mind you, where some people probably make fun and take jabs at Massachusetts for it's stands on social issues. Not saying that Mississippi isn't forward thinking, just pointing out that Massachusetts is used, even by our former governor Mitt Romney, as a code word.
Nothing more. Nothing less.

[ClassWarrior]

10. I see it more as "wuss," tho certainly "fag" would be a subset of that.

:shrug:

But your point about RW codewords is an excellent one.

NGU.

[ruggerson]

11. Maybe the answer is to make the hard choice and back gay equality

instead of trying to finesse the issue.

Democrats deserve what they get with the gay innuendo, because they don't have the guts to stand up for what is right.

[last1standing]

16. I completely agree.

This separate but equal bullshit is sickening, yet none of the major candidates supported full equality for GLBT. Even the Human Rights Coalition was willing to stab the transexual community in the back this year.

ALL people need to be given equal rights - without exception. Anything less is an unprincipled, and cowardly, stance.

[ruggerson]

24. Read this article

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-gay18-2008may18,0,4272300.story

It's a sad day when a moderate Republican is light years ahead of the Democratic party and many Democrats.

[last1standing]

34. It wasn't that long ago when a moderate Republican was to the left of most current Dems.

Including Obama and Clinton. They were all chased out of the party by the Gingrich revolution in the early 90's after the Reagan revolution had sidelined them. Sadly, too many just melded into the new agenda but there are still some judges out there who have life tenures who remember their core beliefs.

I wonder how many people here know that Justice John Paul Stevens, the most "liberal" member of the Supreme Court, was appointed by Gerald Ford, the last moderate Republican president.

[Maven]

110. YUP

[La Lioness Priyanka]

14. i thought fag was rightwing code for fag

i have never seen them hesitate to use the word

[last1standing]

17. They can't use it on camera or in opinion columns.

Unless they're ann coulter or michelle malkin. :eyes:

For everyone else, code speak is necessary.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

19. i know. i was just being facetious. i dont think its really fag though, i think its more rich city

dweller.

[last1standing]

42. Some of the power behind it will lie in who you are and where you live.

To many rural, white heterosexuals, "rich city" and "educated snob" are also code words for "effeminate" or "gay". They see cities like New York, LA or Chicago as the modern day equivalents of Sodom and Gomorrah.

I'm not saying everyone sees the same thing but there is a large group in this category who does.

[Leopolds Ghost]

117. A huge number of people who kept Kerry out of office probably were afraid he was gay, w/ that yankee

accent and Ivy League air about him... and super-rich wife... obviously not a "real" man. :eyes:

[Leopolds Ghost]

116. I thought Dems were opposed to rich city type...Oops, forgot the Dems are infiltrated by yuppie scum

Perhaps if we recognized that Hillary was cynically playing traditional
Democrats off against her socially liberal / economically conservative,
yuppie scum friends in New York and DC, we could make some progress.

Without populist Dems, the Dem party is useless as it becomes just another
vehicle for (yes, latte-sipping) neoliberals who don't invest in local
businesses or support the poor or working class.

Without a frontal attack on racism and demagoguery, populism cannot
survive subversion by cynical figures such as Clinton.

[ruggerson]

20. there are many here who use the word as well

[La Lioness Priyanka]

23. there are many here who shouldnt be here.

[ruggerson]

25. yep

[nadinbrzezinski]

15. Framing is not something people do very well or understand

That said, what we need to do is fight framing with framing

My favorite for the republicans is warmongers

Followed by chickenhawks...

Of course those are common to us... and they are as much code as welfare queen

[last1standing]

27. You'll notice that our code words are about philosophy not bigotry.

That's the difference to me. "Chickenhawk" is solely identified with specific people who push us into war while themselves avoiding service. No one ever called Lincoln Chaffee a chickenhawk even when he was a repub because he didn't support the war. Likewise, McCain is not called one because, while he supported the war, he also served in Vietnam.

I'm mostly talking about the use of code words to spread bigoted memes while maintaining a facade of civility.

[nadinbrzezinski]

29. I just pointed out that both sides do it

that said, the frames used by the right are indeed based on hate, fear and other things... but that is where they live, FEAR

[last1standing]

40. I didn't mean to suggest that I disagreed with you.

I just wanted to take what I saw as a broad idea and narrow it down to show where the two like concepts diverge. :hi:

[Raine1967]

18. K&R

We need to discuss Code words.


We need to. The right is VERY good at this, The left needs to learn this.

[bridgit]

22. Nonsense, it's code for exhausted, of little consequence, unwilling/unable to work out...

hard long lasting solutions to problems where gravitas is key, or if you prefer: effete

1. lacking in wholesome vigor; degenerate; decadent: an effete, overrefined society.
2. exhausted of vigor or energy; worn out: an effete political force.
3. unable to produce; sterile.

You won't need to be a "Fag" to be considered as having been 'exhausted of vigor or energy; worn out: an effete political force.'

[last1standing]

30. "effete" has long been a code word for "fag" as well.

Just as were "artistic", "confirmed bachelor", "queer" and "gay". Some made it into everyday vernacular and others didn't.

If you don't believe me, try reading some medical literature on homosexuals from the 19th and early 20th centuries. You may be very surprised.

[bridgit]

95. Urban Dictionary: 1. Latte Liberals - "Liberals" who have nothing better to do than to join...

...fashionable causes.

This term derives from liberals who sit around and drink overpriced diluted Starbucks coffee while lamenting the plight of the poor.

Latte Liberals have no sense of discretion and usually forget what they're arguing about soon after other latte liberals judge newer causes (polygamy, discrimination against left-handers, etc.) to be more worthy.

Note contrast to cornflake conservative http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=cornflake+conservative

New Hampshire is invaded by Latte Liberals from Vermont once every four years.

If it is your penchant, and it is; to redefine the english language and the many accepted uses of it, then you'd do better imo to get over to sites and begin to effect those changes. In that as you can see, not even at Urban Dictionary is your take on the matter duly noted http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Latte+Liberals

'Urban Dictionary is a slang dictionary with your definitions. Define your world.'

Or so as to suggest, it's your world go ahead and define it. I, for one, am thankful I live in a part of the country with more diversity than you are able to convey.

[last1standing]

96. Sorry, but Urbandictionary.com is about as reliable as Wikipedia for political matters.

Anyone can send in any definition they want and that makes them a very poor resource for any contentious issue.

[bridgit]

97. Pft, so are your recitations of what American society is and is not...

:spray: It's the same with Wiki, stop it! I'll try the veal, I'll tip my waitress but you're killing me here :rofl: You must have better things to do :rofl:

[last1standing]

98. I never stated I was providing the absolute fact. This is an opinion board.

And I've said in this thread that this is my opinion. I think there's some decent backup to my beliefs and I used that to show why I believe what I do. You don't agree and I'm fine with that, but now you feel the need to belittle my argument without provocation.

I provided a detailed post and you've dragged it down to "I'll try the veal". I guess I need it ask if you don't have better things to do?

[bridgit]

100. Better things to do than read your OP's? From here on out? I'll make a point if it.

:)

[last1standing]

103. Sounds good.

Have a nice day. :hi:

[LanternWaste]

125. Well, you gotta see what's happening here...

Well, you gotta see what's happening here-- people are posting links refuting your definition and the best you're coming back with are variations of "they're wrong and I'm right...".

I'm sure you yourself could post a few links to strengthen your thesis and assertions, yes?

[anigbrowl]

80. Oh yeah, that's the Obama campaign right there (not)

Why am I not surprised.

[last1standing]

85. You have to wonder why anyone would need a code word for "effete".

Wouldn't they just use the word, itself?

Unless, of course, the word "effete" was being used as a code word for "fag".

[anigbrowl]

105. They think it looks sophisticated, I guess.

[bridgit]

106. Nobody's even *talking* about the Obama campaign here, why am I not surprised...

his supporters are so slap-happy they see his face in scrambled eggs, sheesh

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

26. Latte Liberal Has Nothing To Do With 'Fag', And It's A Sign Of An Irrational And Skewed Mind To

think that it would. It's a total stretch to relate the two and is most definitely reaching.

Put simply, you're just dead wrong.

[Raine1967]

32. Frank Luntz would disagree.

I suggest 2 books...

"The Political Brain" by Drew Westin, and "Cracking the Code" by Thom Hartmann.

Code IS used. And it has been used VERY well by the right. First we need to acknowledge it and next we need to start using it. This stuff exists. Where do you think Newt Gingrich got his talking points from? Frank Luntz.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

75. Take A Step Back Jack.

You're taking this highly ignorant stance that my reply equates to a concept of my believing that code in talking points doesn't exist. That's just dumb. My comments stand for what they are. Equating them to something so immensely more broad is silly.

It would be like my saying "I don't like asparagus.", and you then saying "Doctors would disagree! You NEED food! You have to have food to live! How can you possibly think you can survive without eating any fooooooddddddd!!!!!!!!".

See how retarded that conversation would sound? Yeah, like that. Sooooo my reaction to your post.

[Raine1967]

94. Read the books.

Then tell me I am dumb.

:peace:

[Freddie Stubbs]

124. Oh course code words are used. But that doesn't prove that this one means what the OP says it does

[last1standing]

36. You could have made a rational argument but instead decided to insult me.

Why did you feel the need to do that? I didn't insult you, I merely posted my opinion on an internet forum.

What is in your make up that made you feel the need to spread anger and hatred through insults?

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

77. Well Boo Hoo For You. Fact Is, I Was Just Being Honest.

The theory is completely skewed and irrational in theory. It just is. Now granted, the term is meant to be a put down for sure, but to try and convince so steadfastly that it means 'fag', is just plain silly and uninformed.

No. Latte liberal is not code for fag. Sorry!

[last1standing]

78. No, you were trying to be hateful and you suceeded.

I'm done with the childish name calling and hatemongering so until you can converse like a reasonable adult, I can't discuss this with you.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

81. Project Much?

Throw a little critique at your concept and you stomp away like a child. Nothing in my previous post was childish name calling, and it is you throwing the tantrum; with all due respect.

You posted a silly concept. We all have done it from time to time. Don't take it so personally.

[last1standing]

82. No, I don't. Thanks for asking, though.

n/t

[foo_bar]

104. you didn't mention any concepts at first, you wrote "It's A Sign Of An Irrational And Skewed Mind"

Not that I'm averse to ye olde ad hominem, like pointing out that you seem to come from an abusive upbringing, but let's not be completely full of shit:

<#77> Fact Is, I Was Just Being Honest.
The theory is completely skewed and irrational in theory. It just is. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x6017872#6019125

Earlier:

<#26> Latte Liberal Has Nothing To Do With 'Fag', And It's A Sign Of An Irrational And Skewed Mind To
think that it would. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x6017872#6018095

You could have spared everyone this subthread by writing #77 first, then providing critique of some kind (since you mentioned it), as calling it a "stretch" or "dead wrong" merely reforms your opinion (like assholes, everyone has one or more). For instance you could argue that "Latte liberal" is actually an anti-Italian epithet, not unlike calling John Kerry "French looking", the suggestion being that any sort of refinement to Dunkin' Donuts or freedom fries is effete and extraño.

[Neshanic]

65. Is this just the most bizzare thing yet on GDP?

[LostinVA]

90. OMG -- I just found something that I 100% agree with you on

[RiffRandell]

102. Totally agree.

As always, smart post.

[Bullet1987]

28. I never looked at "latte liberal" as a sexual code word...

I always took it to mean 'high-minded and idealist.' I've noticed a lot of RWers and even some Clinton supporters refer to Obama supporters as "purists." A type of person who read Noam Chomsky or Cornel West.

[DU GrovelBot]

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[KittyWampus]

37. Dude, if you worked doing ads, you should consider writing semi-regular columns explaining

how symbols do influence people.

It's the black art.

[last1standing]

39. I didn't wite ads, but I worked closely with those who did.

And you're right, it is the black art. It's downright frightening to see how easily a modern ad campaign can manipulate the average consumer. Just look at Axe Body Spray.

[Raine1967]

46. I was an Art Director for big Pharma

Our Firm had to tell parents how great it was to get kids on ADD drugs.

It's Soul sucking and...

CODES DO EXIST.

It's all about marketing images and WORDS. The right wing figured that out over a decade ago. We need to as well.

[KittyWampus]

70. I study qabala and a great deal of what it entails is using the power within symbols.

[KittyWampus]

69. and now they have guerilla marketing to reach those of us who think we're impervious to such

[Cleita]

41. Okay here's another one that left me scratching my head:

"security, waitress moms"

How does that compare to soccer moms?

As for putting adjectives in front of another adjective "liberal" it just goes on and on from the grammatically challenged right. We really need a slang dictionary just for them.

[last1standing]

43. "security" means "fearful" and "waitress" means poor.

Both groups are supposed to fall into the "Low Information Voter" demographic.

[Beregond2]

44. But "fag"

doesn't mean homosexual, just "wuss." It is merely a schoolyard taunt. I have this on the authority of Ann Coulter!

[JackBeck]

49. There's a sarcasm smilie missing from your post.

Right?

[Beregond2]

87. Right.

Is it really necessary? lol

[BlooInBloo]

45. The Clinton term. Hard to tell the difference in campaign tactics, of course.

[last1standing]

50. I don't remember Clinton, herself, ever using "latte liberal".

I know she has used several code words but I don't remember that one. I wouldn't think she'd insult the GLBT community as we are a big part of her base.

[casus belli]

52. She may not have, but then there's that clip of the union guy

opening for her at one of her campaign stops who bitterly denounced the "Prius-driving, latte liberals" as naive and out of touch for supporting Obama.

[casus belli]

51. I think they'd classify "metro" males as latte liberals as well

So it isn't necessarily a dig at sexual orientation, though I agree with you that it is definitely a term they might use to describe effeminate gay men. I think, if anything, it's a dig at a perceived lack of masculinity or courage. I see the term latte liberal used to define what they perceive as cowardly intellectual behavior. I'm pretty sure a soft-spoken liberal professor type would be thrown into their "latte liberal" stereotype based on his profession and demeanor - not necessarily related to any perceived sexual orientation.

But, again, I don't disagree that it is a code-word that they would (and have) used to describe gays, i just don't think its exclusive to that particular demo.

edited: for additional thought.

[last1standing]

53. "Metrosexual" was invented in the 90's as a way of saying "homosexual"

It was done for advertising purposes as a way to skew advertising to the GLBT community without the blowback from the right wing evangelicals. At that time any company that showed someone who "looked" gay could be subject to a boycott. By inventing the "metrosexual" they were able to avoid that.

[casus belli]

58. Not sure I agree with that

While your timeline is spot on, metro wasn't a replacement for the term homosexual. It was a term created to define an emerging trend of males with grooming habits that were considered rare outside of the gay community. If you had said it was invented to describe stereotypical "gay-like" meticulous grooming behaviors, then yes. But the point was to differentiate between gay men and straight men who were known to exhibit similar characteristics, not create another word to describe homosexuality.

Now, we could start a whole thread on the stupidity of attempting to classify any group based on what is perceived to be a "straight" or "gay" behavior, but I don't think there's any doubt that it was a term invented for the sole purpose of transferring stereotypes long associated with gay men to straight men exhibiting similar characteristics. Though you make an interesting point with resepect to the term being driven by marketing. That is a point that, on the surface, I'm inclined to totally agree with you on.

[last1standing]

64. I can only say that this is how it was being used in the ad agency I worked at.

And everyone knew it was code speak at that time. The term was even developed to sound similar because "urbane" was tested and did not have the same connotations with focus groups.

[Leopolds Ghost]

119. Damn, if only people would realize this.

Americans are being target-marketed to death.

[Neshanic]

54. No, fag means fag. "Latte-drrinking" is an update of the "limousine liberal".

It's incomprehensible that someone could make that stretch.

So the high school and grade school kids that hurl "fag" at each other are in actuality calling another a "latte-drinker"? Wow. Who knew those kids getting gay bashed at school and then killing themselves were doing it for a code word that made them compliant devices of a liberal agenda and not being the victims of hate.

"Latte-drinker" is a transformation of the classic "limousine liberal" tag.

You are going to have to get step ladder next time you reach that far.

[last1standing]

55. I covered this in post #7.

n/t

[EmilyAnne]

56. I've heard the word "effete" used quite a bit by some on this board to describe

Obama. I suppose its meant to be the opposite of having "testicular fortitude."

Its the sort of thing I would always expect to hear from the Republicans, but I can't believe that it is coming from fellow Democrats.

"Latte liberals" seems like the current version of "Real Men Don't Eat Quiche," remember that expression? Its all so laughably stupid, yet it really pisses me off when I hear it from a Dem.

[last1standing]

61. Nutjob Larry Sinclair is trying to push the idea that Obama is gay.

He claims to have four sources and is trying to link him in with a "gay murder" charge. He is also one of those pushing the "latte liberal" meme.

[Neshanic]

63. Link?

[last1standing]

67. Nope. I won't link to his site. You can' easily google it, however.

He'll pop up on the first try.

[EmilyAnne]

71. Didn't he fail his polygraph?

[last1standing]

73. Yes, but some people are trying to say they were improperly administered.

Some people will excuse anything, however.

[EmilyAnne]

74. You are right about that. Its such bullshit, but I have come to expect it.

I'm actually surprised that there aren't more rumors about Obama's sex life. Maybe they'll start up in the GE, or maybe that's an area of weakness for John McCain that they know could backfire?

[Neshanic]

57. I see no mention of "fag".

Limousine liberal (also latte liberal, limousine leftist, learjet liberal, lakefront liberal, lexus liberal, parlor pink, white wine socialist or champagne socialist) is a pejorative North American (USA and Canada) political term for an affluent, usually well-educated liberal (American) or liberal (Canadian) who vocalizes a deep personal empathy for those in the lower social classes who suffer from a poor standard of living, despite having no experience with privation and living a lifestyle which clearly demonstrates their status as privileged member of the upper class.

The idea is that the "limousine liberals" support progressive causes more at the intellectual level but are not generally involved in grass-roots organizing. They may contribute financially. The term can also carry the connotation of someone expressing concern for the poor and improving the environment who does not spend any considerable portion of their time or money to help. Further, it is used to illustrate perceived hypocrisy, such as someone calling for the use of mass transit while they themselves frequently use private jets (ergo: learjet liberal).<1>

[last1standing]

59. Still covered in post #7, just like last time.

n/t

[Neshanic]

60. What are trying to accomplish? A new definition for "fag"?

[last1standing]

72. This was covered in the original post.

It is a way to make hateful, bigoted statements just like "welfare queen" was used in the 80's.

Look, I know we don't support the same candidate, but it does no good for any of us in the long term if we allow these code words to be used to slander our own side. Can't we even agree on that?

[rodeodance]

66. OP is code for: Lets all ban folks who use the words "Latte Liberal" !!

[last1standing]

68. No, I was very blunt in what I was trying to say.

If you don't like my opinion please feel free to say so, but please don't lie about my intentions.

[rodeodance]

79. Its my opine. I did not say you lied. Get over yourself.

[last1standing]

83. You stated that I was trying to get people banned. That is the opposite of truth.

Feel free to have opinions, but if one of them is that I'm a liar, then I'm going to disagree with you.

Thank you.

[anigbrowl]

84. Sounds good to me

I don't care for the denigration inherent in such terms. I was especially offended by that union leader Tom Buffenbarger...“Give me a break! I've got news for all the latte-drinking, Prius- driving, Birkenstock-wearing, trust fund babies crowding in to hear him speak! This guy won't last a round against the Republican attack machine. He's a poet, not a fighter.”

Yeah, I've met a lot of people like that. They're the first to cry 'foul' and run away when the smackdown comes.

[Steepler0t]

89. I do not hear conservatives use latte liberal on the street

they use fag, like someone else pointed out that word is for mass media where they cannot get away with it. Yet. (unless you are coulter)

[last1standing]

91. That's the point.

Just like "welfare queen" and so many other code words, "latte liberal" is used to say vulgar things in polite company.

[AllentownJake]

92. So is San Francisco

Nothing against the city but when anyone is bashing liberals and throws San Francisco into the sentence that is what they are trying to convey.

[last1standing]

93. Some here don't want to accept it because they think it's a jab against their candidate.

But it's not. This should be a bi-partisan issue that we can ALL agree on. In fact, it looks like most people on both sides do, with a few hold outs who think it's better to just throw out insults instead of discussing a real issue.

San Francisco, latte liberal, effete, etc... they all mean the same thing. Fag.

[Romulox]

107. "Latte Liberal" speaks to CLASS, not sexuality. nt

[bluedawg12]

108. I think it's a little bit of both.

The RW portrays liberal masculinity with over sensitivity to human rights and environmental causes.

Liberal men are perhaps portrayed as "effete" as compared to their own "ideal" male self image. The gun toting, hunting, beer drinking, pick-up driving, "guy".

Hollywood is also code for left wing, viz a viz, the McCarthy era.

French is code for cowardly, maybe a bit fussy about food or fashion, but I don’t get gay from it. It comes from the neocons who hate “old Europe”.

However, anything will set off the RW gay basher, without the slightest provocation of cause. Hence we get stupid rumors, as mentioned here, about Obama. Just because a slur, any slur, will do and the more the better, when heaped upon an opponent.

They heap the same crap on Hilary, she's been accused of being gay, and her pantsuits seem to bother a few, and they mention it with greater meaning than just sartorial choice.

I'd say there is nothing wrong with being vigilant.

[Romulox]

130. The upper middle class is NOT a protected class.

Why do I feel like that this thread is an attempt to portray the well-to-do as a put upon minority? I find it...distasteful, at best.

[2rth2pwr]

109. If I call someone a "latte liberal", are you saying that it's a hate crime?

Or just assault?

[Secret_Society]

111. I think "latte liberal" refers to a much larger group of voters than homosexuals

[Leopolds Ghost]

112. Maybe someone should tell them that Good Liberals don't patronize Starbucks.

Starbucks is for the type of crowd who say:

"Such-and-such is my favorite restaurant in the city where I'm from.

Do you have that here??? :eyes:

[EmilyAnne]

115. True, but Starbucks didn't invent lattes. They did start their own sort of syrupy, milky,

sickly sweet beverages with over roasted coffee. And they treat their employees pretty well, from what I've heard. They are actually very conscientious about treating coffee growers well and are mindful about recycling. Still, their product is pretty nasty and quite expensive, in my opinion.

[Leopolds Ghost]

118. No offense to folks who are big on chain coffee shops like Starbucks, but most of my friends

and relatives who meet that description tend to refuse to shop at anything but chains, as I mentioned. It gets pretty ridiculous when they ask you "if you have that here" in reference to their favorite coffee shop (they used to say it about Starbucks, now they don't have to -- this sort of pathology is why there is a Starbucks on every corner. I had someone ask me if there was a drive-thru Starbucks on the Mall in DC. They seemed inconvenienced by the fact that there wasn't. This sort of "elitism" is hardly a liberal phenomenon. It is characteristic of prissy, yuppie suburbanites who are by and large class conscious.

(The number one question tour guides get asked in DC is "if this is the Mall, where are the stores?" The number one question tour guides get asked in New York is "why don't they tear down all these horrible old buildings?" usually in reference to 5th Ave, Riverside Drive, etc.)

[spoony]

121. "right wing speak" is DU speak for "quashing dissent"

[RoadRage]

123. As a "straight" latte liberal....

I can't say I agree with your defininition.

I think it refers much more to left leaning liberals who live out in the suburbs.. drive our kids to soccer practice in our volvo's, have plenty of money stocked up in our 401K's, and savings accounts - and have no problem paying the mortgage on our 4,000 sq. foot McMansions.

So, theoretically for all practical purposes the Repugs think we should vote along with them to "keep our taxes low", and to "keep with the family values we should want to instill in our children". Basically - on the outside, we sort of look like Repugs - so it pisses them off to high hell when we don't stand in line and vote with their pathetic candidates who want to take away basic rights, send our kids into needless wars, and lower taxes for everyone BUT those who make over $200,000 a year.

[madrchsod]

127. i always thought it was "San Fransisco Democrat"

[PBS Poll-435]

128. Yikes!

Too much caffeine in this OP.

[last1standing]

131. OK. To address all the critiques of my O/P.

Or at least as many as I can remember...

1. "Latte liberal" is very unlikely to be code for middle class liberals because they are a target demographic for the repubs who think that if they can scare these people enough, they will vote their fears. Also, code words are rarely used for demographics that can be discussed in polite company.

2. It is ceratainly not a synonym for "Limousine liberal" as I doubt very much the repubs would be talking about the vast number of rich liberals in Oregon or Vermont. "Limousine liberal is generally directed at the wealthy in New York and LA.

3. Code words are generally useless against vast demographics like middle class liberals. Code words are used to target, then disenfranchise, specific subsets of people who can easily be alienated or made the object of ridicule.

3. You don't have to agree with my post, but are the insults really all that necessary? I was trying to make a point about code words and how they are used to target specific groups in order to alienate them with smears that would not be acceptable otherwise. I do have some experience in seeing how code words are used on a daily basis so I was sharing my opinion on them. If you don't agree, that's fine but let's stay respectful of each other.

4. This is not a partisan issue. This isn't Hillary against Obama. The point of this post was to try to make people aware of the meaning of words and how they can hurt people.

5. Lastly, as some posters have mentioned, "latte liberal" to them means "effete", "womanly", "self-involved", etc... These are all terms that have been used to stereotype gay people through the years which is where I got my original idea from. The connotation is that drinking lattes is a example of being less of a man than "the normal Joe". Being less of a man to homophobes means "fag".

I will say that I'm glad there's so much interest in talking about code words whether some people agree with me or not. If there had been more discussion about terms like "welfare queens" in the past maybe they wouldn't have been so effective. :shrug:

One more point. If you really, really feel the need to insult me and express your hatred of my beliefs, then do what you must, but I'm not going to be getting into any more grade school pissing matches with anyone. You can only do so much of that before you realize what you've become. :scared: