Being an Aussie, and wholey used to using abreviations and slang as a matter of course in every day life, I find this whole topic a bit trivial.
If the use of the word "Jap" upsets you, one must ask 'Why?'.
Would it be because it shames one to be associated with the actions of ones race/countrymen throughout the last century?
Like it or not, there are thousands of families in Australia, Britain, New Zealand, the United States etc that have in some way lived with the effects of your countrymen's actions 60 odd years ago.
What is it that makes you think that they should care about what words do or do not offend you?
I hate to put it this way, as it is a bit blunt, but have you ever heard the saying "You made your bed, now you must lie in it?"
I wholey respect the way you presented your request FD, and I can even understand where you are coming from with it, however, I dont believe the Japanese people as a whole have the right to make such a request. Their absolute barbarism and disregard for humanity in world war two removed that right.
To look at it from another point of view, I would be dishonouring the memory of my countrymen who suffered at the hands of yours, were I to accept your request, because for me to do so would be to forget the events which you apparently find shameful.
I think you will find that most all the world has forgiven Japan's past, but you cant expect us to ever forget, as to do so would be to invite a repeat performance.
Having said that, I must say though, that it is merely an abreviation, nip, slope, tojo etc, yes, wholey intended to be derogatory, and shouldnt be used, but I think asking us not to use Jap is a bit overboard.
I only wish your whole country was as compassionate and sensitive as you FD, maybe both my grandfathers and several of their brothers, plus a whole big bunch of thier mates would have lived to see thirty, my country would never have been bombed or threatened, and no Aussie would ever use the word Jap.
But that just aint how it is at all Im afraid.
(edited in afterthought) In fact, if my using the word 'Jap' on the internet now shames even one single japanese person enough for them to not forget the actions of their father's and grandfathers, and perhaps feel a tiny little bit of the pain and suffering they caused, causing them to wish it never happened, and perhaps doing that little bit more to ensure it never does again, then it is definately worth my while to start using it a whole lot more often.
