[Hack&Lube]

It's always been my understanding (perhaps since I'm asian) that calling a Vietnamese g**k a is the same as calling a Chinese a Chink. I'm pretty sure that no asian cultures associate this word only with combantants (whereas the word Jap is in the same catagory but definetely carries WWII connotations). It is a racial and derogatory slur, even other asians use it against others in a bad manner. If you call an asian person that to his face, he will take it as a directly racial and not 'historical' slur referring to a combatant force.

It's sort of like the N-word if not as severe. It is definetely used to catagorize an entire race of people. So what if you know the etymologies of certain words? That does not make them harmless. That the N word may have come from a neutral background (Spanish and French words related to the latin Niger - black) does not excuse it's use in it's current context.

But I'll tell you this. As an asian, I have no problem with Mccain's usage of the word, knowing what he went through and his personal experience, I can understand why that word sticks with him.

Jayems - you cannot be certain of your etymologies, there are many explanations of the origins of the word. Generally it is usually a derogatory and racial slur used against people of south asian origin. I've read many explanations (including the one in the article claiming 19th century colonial origins not Korean related).