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It is acceptable to use offensive nicknames for colleagues if they don’t mind.
What do you think? Does is matter whether or not your colleague finds it acceptable?

“Among close teams, nicknames- even uncomplimentary ones- can help cultivate a sense of belonging and camaraderie” (Brett). Keeping this in mind, it is still important that soldiers do what they believe is right regardless of the situation and the opinions of others. “The man of integrity does what he thinks is right, even in the face of disapproval by others” (Robinson).

While for many, a peer-given nickname will be seen as a badge of honour, for others, even an affectionate nickname can still be considered abusive. Some people will pretend not to be offended in order to ‘fit in’. Therefore, it is not safe to assume that because no-one has complained therefore no-one minds.

 

The military needs people who will resist peer pressure when necessary.

Oliver Brett, ‘What’s in a nickname?’ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7829013.stm

Paul Robinson, ‘Magnanimity and Integrity as Military Virtues’, Journal of Military Ethics, 6 (2007), p261-262.

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