I’m Not Ready To Give Up On The Word Thug Yet

Since when does the word "thug" equate to any kind of racial pejorative?  I've heard this complaint before, but during a recent CNN interview this point was made big time.

I looked up the definition of "thug", not from some old time book, but from Wikipedia, probably the most up to date source there is. The definition is "a common criminal who treats others violently and roughly".  I don't see any mention of color in that definition or any of the common hidden meaning words like "urban" that tend to point things in that direction.

When I first moved to Brownfield in 1979, I was warned to stay away from the "thugs". In Brownfield they had an entirely different definition. They used it to refer to the pot smokers in town.  Still, even with an expanded definition, I don't see any skin color in that word.

At the point where "protesters" begin throwing rocks and destroying stuff, they are "thugs". There's no two ways about. They are not "frustrated youth" or "oppressed people", they are thugs-common criminals who treat others violently and roughly. 

I understand that at some times in history and in some places in the word that violence may be necessary to effect change and If I have have to destroy something in order to make something better, your welcome to call me the "thug" element of the movement.

I agree in many cases it's worth ditching or avoiding words that are hurtful to some people; it's just a small step towards getting along. I don't agree that the word "thug" means anything more than a violent criminal.

Here's the original CNN interview.