A Carpetbagger is now generally recognized to be an asshole form out of town who is only out for personal gain.

I think there are a lot of words out there that are politically charged that invoke different responses: Tar Baby, Malacca, etc. I really dig etymology so I was just curious.

As far as historical documentation, nah, I don’t have any. I’m not a historian, but I’ll pretend I am and see what I can find. Another day.

I appreciate the Huck Finn reference. And I agree it’s semantics–to a point.

Now, if I can find historical evidence that supports my point of view, is that going to settle it? Or should I ask: Do y’all think it even matters? I think it does, but I just like to cover my bases that way.

My first exposure to the term came while reading Huck Finn, i.e. “The King” and “The Duke”. I always associated it with exploitative businessmen from the north who took advantage of the post-war, ravaged southern states…much like Naomi Klein’s disaster capitalists in the present.

On what basis are you implying that the term has racial implications? This cartoon you posted? I’m not disagreeing with you, this is just the first time I’ve ever seen the term associated with a racial undertones. I read the Britannica definition, but I think it’s kind of splitting hairs.

Do you actually think Jeffery was using the term with any racial undertone? I seriously doubt that. I understand you may perceive the word differently but I can’t imagine you thought he was using it with maleficence.

While were on the subject, have you ever used the term “Eskimo”? You may be surprised to learn that its actually considered a derogatory term to the Inuit. The word essentially translates to “savages who eat raw meat” and was picked up by Europeans who got the name from neighboring Native American tribes who disliked the Inuit.

So, my point is, I think we’re arguing semantics more than anything.

Just my two cents.