Amergin,

your language has crossed a line with me that makes me want to comment. However you feel, in my eyes you should not use the word 'thing' or 'it' (that part is for you too, Sorcha) for a person. Look e.g. at kat's post (strong words, yes, personal attack, yes, but never crossed the line to inhumane language) for an example I have not the slightest problems with (in the context of a provocation, I mean).

Peter has described a Cafe in which he feels comfortable. I do not feel comfortable in a Cafe in which inhumane language is left without comment.

Here's something to ponder about from a book I'm reading right now (Susan McKay, Norther Protestants). It is an interview with a protestant double murderer who now works as hard as he can for peace and understanding. He describes the feelings among his peer group of protestants about the catholics in former times and says:
But mostly we didn't rationalise. We were just caught up in the hurly-burly. You didn't think of a target as a person with family and feelings. A target was an enemy of Ulster. A thing.

Wolfgang