Wednesday, April 16, 2008

I Am Sorry

Purrageous Mom here. We had an entire post that we were going to do today but after reading the comments from yesterday's post, I am very upset. Apparently our newest kitten's name is offensive to some. And it is considered by some to be antisemitic. Reading this made me cry.

First of all, I want to say that I had no knowledge that this name was ever used as a racial slur. We named the kitten after a character that we loved out of a book and a musical. The character was described as having grey hair and beard and since the kitten was grey, we thought it was a good match. Secondly, the idea that some people may think we are antisemitic is really bothersome as I am of Jewish desent and had family that were murdered in concentration camps during World War II. I realize that I could go on and on and try to defend myself, but I also realize that its probably pointless for some. After living in the South all of my life I understand that racism is racism and some people are never going to believe me when I proclaim my ignorance and my innocence. You will think what you will think and that makes me even sadder.

The idea that something that was so fun has now turned a lot less than fun is painful. I will speak to my husband about changing the kitten's name and I may delete this blog as apaprently it is ripe with racial slurs. If I do that I do not know whether I will start another one. I refuse to spend my time and energy on anything where I am known as a racist and an antisemite. This has hit me really hard, just knowing that I, who has always been taught about the horrible things that was done to my family, may now be classified with those monsters. I am not asking for your sympathy, I may just be saying good bye.

82 comments:

Anonymous said...

I would not change the kitten's name nor stop blogging. The reason you chose the name is completely acceptable and someone else's perception should not influence you.I have enjoyed reading your blog. I have 4 cats and a dog but have never taken the leap into blogging. I do not have the time. Please reconsider. There is always someone, somewhere who is going to be offended by something and we only have control over ourselves. You and most intelligent readers know how Fagin got his name and I would leave it that.

Hope you stay in the blogosphere.

Colleen

Parker said...

Um, Dear Dante, Capt. Jack and Fagin's Mommy,
Please don't stop blogging! Mommy says she is well read and well traveled and she never never knew about the name stuff either. I don't think you were called a racist. Please reconsider and keep doing what you are doing!
We all love ya' here in O Hi O and feel awful that you are upset!
Smooches!

The Meezers or Billy said...

Please do not delete your blog! You chose the kitten's name because of a character that you and your husband loved, and not because of any other reason. Your blog is NOT ripe with racism or anything of the kind. Whether you choose to rename your kitten is up to you. Or you could give him a nickname. But whatever you do, we do not want you to leave the cat blogosphere at all. We love you guys! and Dante is a hero to our young Bill - a gallant ginger gentleman! And Bill is also very excited to have another kitten in the blogsphere to compare stories with. Please feel free to email me (our email link is on our profile page) if you just want to vent. The cat blogosphere would be a much less colorful and wonderful place if you were to leave.
MeezerMomMary

Cap'n Jack, Dante and baby Fagin, PWEASE DON'T LEAVE!!!!

PB 'n J said...

Dearest Purrageous Mom,

Please don't stop blogging! You are all well loved within this community and we all know that you would not have chosen a name for the kitten just to be offensive. I still think it's a wonderful name. My husband is Jewish and he has never heard of the name being used in a derogatory way - nor has he taken exception to anything we've ever read on your blog.

We here all hope that you reconsider your decision. Please don't let one persons comments and opinions stop you from doing something you enjoy!

Hugs,
PB&J's Mom (and Pearl, Bert and Jake of course)

Anonymous said...

OH please don't stop...I LOVE this blog! Some people read things into everything.. If they don't like it, they should just not read it.

Please stay. FAGIN is a cute kitty and until this enty I didn't even know it was "supposed" to mean something else.

Barbara in Hoffman Estates

Robyn and The (Mostly) Badass Cat said...

Please don't be sorry and don't stop blogging or rename Fagin. There will always be someone somewhere who will be offended by anything, as others have said. We can't control how people will see everything in this world, and shouldn't even bother trying. Most people know how Fagin got his name, and if some people choose to see it differently, oh well. For any name or term, there is almost always somewhere a negative connotation for it, and you can't do anything about it. I'm sorry this happened, but anyone who knows you or the kitties is well aware no such thing was intended.
*hugs*
Robyn
and Purrrrrrrrrrrs,
from all the Hotties

Dragonheart, Merlin, Devi, and Chloe said...

Please, please don't stop blogging, and please don't delete the blog. We had no idea that name could be considered antisemitic at all. We only knew the name from the book and musical, as you did. We are so sorry that some people have left comments that have made you upset. We know what that's like, although the comments on our blog are usually about how ugly we are, and how disturbed our humans must be to have cats like us. So we know how hurtful comments can be.

Please stay around. Those of us who have gotten to know you through your blog know where Fagin's name come from. Hugs and purrs to you.

Unknown said...

This is the husband. As a complete geek I am accustomed to people who troll blogs and forums looking for an opportunity to make comments such as this. I am inclined to ignore it. Because after all its about intent of use. We did not name our fuzzy little ball of joy (claws and teeth included) as an attempt to defame a people. That others would think so is preposterous to say the least. Fagin has offered to put the bitey on anyone who say otherwise.

Chance said...

I had no idea either. I have never ever heard of such a thing. So I looked it up on Wikipedia.org. Here is the definition they give.

Fagin (pronounced /ˈfeɪɡɪn/) is a fictional character who appears in the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist, referred to in the preface of the novel as "a receiver of stolen goods", but referred to more frequently within the actual story as "the merry old gentleman" or just "the Jew".

Quote from Charles Dickens:
"There is nothing but good will left between me and a People for whom I have a real regard and to whom I would not willfully have given an offence," wrote Dickens.

He set about revising Oliver Twist in the light of criticisms, removing almost all mention of "the Jew" from the last 15 chapters. In one of his final public readings in 1869, a year before his death, Dickens cleansed Fagin of stereotypical caricature.

There is more on wikipedia if you are curious, but to me it seems the name was never meant to be antisemetic in any way. It all came about as a misunderstanding that was later redeemed. If you still wish to change the kitty's name then that is your decision, but please do not let some small misunderstanding (that did no damage as far as I am concerned) keep you from blogging. We would all miss you way too much.

Chance, Shadow, and Mommie

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Oh Captain Jack

PLLLLLEEEEZZEEE don't leave. I don't know what I would do without having your bright and cheery (not to mention handsome) face to bring a smile to my face and a zing to my heart. WE all love you and Dante and lil' Fagin. We love the name Fagin and we have never heard of it being derogatory in any way. We want you to know we stand tall by your side and if you need us please feel free to emails us. We don't want you to leave who would sail the Black Furball but the one and only fearless Captain Jack with Dante and Fagin by your side and the lovely lady Boo? We wish we could do something to make you feel better and to not be upset. Please know we are all here for you.

Purrs and Headbumpies
Your devoted pirate lady love,
Miss Boo

Diamond Emerald-Eyes said...

You know what? People will take offense at just about anything. You can just look at them and they get all hot under the collar about it. Don't let all these people who said things hurt your feelings. Who are they to you anyway? No one. Please don't leave all your friends here on the blog0sphere and PLEASE don't blogging because of a few inconsiderate litter box droppings.

Tiki, Kirby, and StanLee said...

Please don't leave! We never heard of Fagin being a derogatory term either. He's a cute little kitty as far as we know.

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness! I was stunned when I read your post, it amazes me that some people can put a negative spin on just about anything!

I, like most people know the name Fagin from the book and the musical. The Cat Blogosphere knows how you came up with the name.

Please don't let one persons ignorant comment deny you the pleasure of blogging and us the pleasure of reading about Dante, Captain Jack and Fagin.

I know how upsetting this must be for you, but please know that we all love you and would be crushed if you stopped blogging.

Love
Kellie and Kellie's Mum Shelley

The Misadventures Of Me said...

Mommy Bean here!

As a person that has also lived in both the South and North and has traveled, I can not believe someone of your nature would even contemplate that name as such (as claimed by that Tracy in your last post).

If you do a google search on "Fagin" it comes up with it being a last name, a character in Dickens and also a character Wil Eisner wrote about BUT NOTHING is said about it being antisemitic.

Do NOT leave because ONE person chooses to believe an innocent name is anti whatever religion or race. If you leave that leaves us bare of your witty journal and without one of us, it makes a hole in our circle.

Please stay, don't let an A$$ on the internet sway you from what you know is the truth!

Laurè

Anonymous said...

Smokey and I are not brave enough to do our own blog, so our enjoyment comes from reading other cat's blogs. Your blog brings so much enjoyment to others, please reconsider your decision. No matter what you name your cat, someone will manage to take offense. Please don't deprive the rest of us, just because of someone else's misunderstandings. Hang in there; your are much loved and appreciated.

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

Please don't apologize, you did nothing wrong. And please don't stop blogging. What would we do without our Purrageous Pirates????
The entire Cat Blogosphere knows how Fagin got his name. Please don't stop blogging because of one opinion.
The Sherwood Bunch

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

Oh, and I would not change Fagin's name, either.

Millie said...

Please don't change your kitten's name or stop blogging. Enable comment moderation and delete that comment. It's your right. I know that Fagin is from Oliver Twist, and I think it's a great name for a cat. YOUR CAT! I've never heard of that other association.

Please stay in the blogosphere!

sending purrs & hugs

Jans Funny Farm said...

We like Millie's idea. You can totally delete the comment, as if it never existed. Forgetting it is harder, we know, but it's true, anyone can take offense over anything. Jan took Samaritan's name from the Bible and she wouldn't change it if dozens of anti-God people complained. You didn't name your cat to cause controversy or offend anyone. Fagin is a nice name.

We know you are upset, but please don't close your blog over this. We always enjoy your posts.

Daisy said...

Oh, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not stop blogging. We love your blog, and it makes me sad that someone would take offense. I never, ever knew of any bad connotations to that name. I do know how you feel, because one time, someone left some very mean comments on my blog about the pictures of me with a lizard in my mouth and it made me feel very terrible, too. But if you stop, then the meanies will win! When I got those mean comments, I felt bad for a few days and it did take some of the joy out of blogging for a little while. But then I realized that there are always those who will find a reason to take offense. We love you and we support you.

Anonymous said...

Dear Captain Jack, Sir Dante and Fagin's Mum,

I think your blog is great fun I see no antisemitc slurs on anyone at all. Ignore the person who is trying to cause a problem where there is none. I think the person needs to become better travelled, better read and educate themselves as to the meaning of the word "appropriate"

Please don't delete your blog or rename the delightful FAGIN!

You're great as you all are :)

Zippy, Sadie, Speedy and M'Gee said...

Don't stop blogging or change a name just because one person found some obscure reference to some perceived slight. If we follow that track Jack would need a name change cuz of a reference to "being jacked" and Dante is a horrible reference to a religious belief! There will always be one who will find offense at something. These people are hyper sensitive and shouldn't be forced to live in the real world where other people say words. Seriously, there should be a place where sensitive people can go where no one ever says anything.

Bonnie Underfoot said...

Don't you DARE stop because of this! If someone finds your blog offensive, they can go somewhere else. MOST people only know Fagin as the Oliver Twist character. Your blog is cute and clever. Your blog only has to please ONE person, and that's you. ~Tabbymom Jen
My woman is almost right. You prepare the blog to please the cats. Again, what pleases Jack, Dante, and FAGIN doesn't have to please anyone else. Don't let one opinion ruin their fun! ~Bonnie Underfoot

Motor Home Cats said...

We must say that we agree with everyone else. We think you should keep blogging and you should keep Fagin's name as it is. His name is perfect for him, and when you first thought of the name, someone could have said something at that time and didn't. You have a lot of friends who are standing behind you!

Tiki, Tavi, Cody and Camie (and mom - Tara (not the cat)

Gemini and Ichiro said...

Umm... It's your kitten. Name it however you want. Some people go to far in what they attempt to say or do.

A lot of what Mark Twain writes is now considered racial slurs--and people do try and get his books banned. Imagine if we banned Tom Sawyer because of the language that was used--appropriate for the characters at the time. We shouldn't try and bury our history (the negatives or the positives) because it might offend someone to remember it.

Fagin seemed like a great name for a kitten because we are familiar with Oliver Twist. We have never heard the term used in a negative manner.

I know how hard it is when someone comments on your blog and you think you have done some awful thing. We have gotten comments like that too and have considered stopping blogging. We have always sat down and reconsidered and then gone back to what we do. After all, they don't have to visit our blog, do they?

muffinmidi said...

Please don't stop blogging. I wasn't accusing you of being anti-Semitic at all. I was merely pointing out the negative associations of the name Fagin.
What you name your cat is your business.A lot of times we use a word, not realizing that ,in some circles, it can be used as a racial or ethnic slur.Remember the controversy over Condasleeza Rice and the word 'articulate'?
Dickens himself faced charges of anti-Semitism after creating the character of Fagin. He felt terrible and apologzed, but the term caught on with anti-Semites.
I've heard the term used in three different communities that I've lived in.Prejudice operates in
its own argot.
My main reason in pointing it out to you was not to accuse you of anti-Semitism but to warn you about that shadowy world of jargon
and symbols that the word fagin can be a part of.If something on my blog could accidently be construed as connected with a hate group I'd certainly want to
be warned.
Tracy

HRH Yao-Lin said...

Excuse me but how exactly is FAGIN a racial slur? It is the name of a character in a Charles Dickens book - Oliver Twist of course! I find it utterly proposterous, not to mention stupidly politically correct that anybody could misconstrue such a lovely name as racist!!! How ridiculous! My human once had a hamster named Shylock. Does that make HER racist too? Please don't stop blogging, fagin is a great name so don't change it! By order of royal Yao-Lin x

Monty Q. Kat said...

I think muffinmidi has done enough for today. There was no reason to even suggest something like that over a simple kitten's name.

What you need to see is the love and support you're getting from us all. One person versus 26+ furrends. It shouldn't even be an option for you to leave.

The Lee County Clowder said...

Everyone has already said about anything we could think of.

So let us just add to the "FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, DON'T STOP BLOGGING OVER THIS" yell, and let it go at that.

The Furry Kids said...

Please please please don't stop blogging! Especially because one person got their tail in a knot. What we do without our favorite fuzzy pirates???

Tybalt said...

Mommy says you already know what we think . . . so . . . I'm just sending you lots of PURRRRRS.

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

We agree with everyone else.....DO NOT STOP BLOGGING! You chose that name out of love...love for the book/character and love for the kitty. You have done nothing wrong.

And please don't rename Fagin....he is purrfect with that name!

momsbusy said...

we jus founds yu ans think yur blog is wunderful. mommees says cat bloging is fur fun. it is fur the luv of cats ans kritters. donts stop bloging.

yur furrends,
y2k

Magoo, Smudge, Bella & Dolce said...

Please don't let this get to you.

If you go to Wikipedia and lookup Fagin, you will see that Dickens rehabilitated the image he created to make it less anti-semitic.

Fagin is fine name for a little cat that "stole" your hearts.

You using that name no more makes you a anti-semite, than my friend is a satanist for calling his dog, Demon.

Marilynn said...

All of us here at Grace's house agree with everything that the others have said -- except for the obvious attempt to spin the original comment.

Please don't let someone like that stop you from naming your kitten something you find charming or from continuing your blog.

Don't stop blogging, please! And don't change your baby's name! We love you all just as you are.

Purrrrrrrrrrrrrs...

Marilynn, Grace & Company

Marilynn said...

PS -- I also agree about the comment deletion action you could take. I've done it before. It's your blog; you're in control.

=)

Astrid (…and the kitties too) said...

hey there,
as all the others before us said: Don't close your blog and don't let one negative response spoil the fun.
we know sometimes comments hurt but be sure that all of the blogging cats know where the little kittens name came from and that it was given to him with entire love from both of you!!
we would pretty much miss you and jack and dante and of course fagin.

please pleas stay!

love and purrs and hugs
Kashim, Othello & Momma Astrid

Anonymous said...

I've never heard the name used as a racial slur. I only know it from the book. In any case, you didn't intend to hurt anyone and that's what counts. Please don't change a thing. Purrs and hugs from all of us,
Karen
Grr, Midnight, Cocoa
Rascal, Riley

Fat Eric said...

That person is just being ridiculous! Ignore them, they are talking nonsense. Fagin is a cute boy and we love his name. As you can see, it is only one person (troll) trying to upset you and everyone else is 100% on your side. Delete their comments, it's easy. And please don't let one person put you off blogging! We would really miss Captain Jack, Dante, Fagin and all of you.

Mickey's Musings said...

What can I say but DITTO to what everyone else has said. Fagin is a fine name!
People CHOOSE to be offended.
What are people ,whose name is Fagin ,supposed to do?Change it? Hardly!
Keep blogging!
Keep the name Fagin!
Delete any post you don't like!! ;)

One more thing , check this out :)
(Irish)
http://www.houseofnames.com/xq/asp.c/qx/Fagin-coat-arms.htm?a=54323-292

Purrs Mickey

Artsy Catsy said...

Oh, no no no, you can't stop blogging over something this obscure and nit-picky! EVERYONE knows you didn't, and would never, choose a kitty's name as a racial slur! That's so ridiculous.

This is a democracy and the majority rules ... and the majority have never even heard of Fagin's name being used as a racial slur; the majority know you did nothing wrong; and the majority want you to keep blogging!

Please, just delete the offending comments and stay with us, because we love you!!

Rocky
& everybody at Artsy Catsy

Spirit and Ezra said...

Please don't stop blogging. We all know you're none of those things that mean lady called you. She didn't even give you a chance to defend yourself. PLease realize we love you and would miss you so much if you were gone. We know you would never say anything hurtful or derogatory on purpose. We lub you.

Spirit, Ezra, and Momma Breane

Brownie said...

Hey, that happens to me too, someone tells my mom "how stupid was you thinking Stifler for a poor hamster's name, that's totally absurd." The the person writes stupid 11 times. Hey, person, stupid is your name, or u was thinking you're not getting troubles?

I'm totally with you, mom
-Stifler
PS. You can't close ur blog because
1. We ♥ ur cat's post
2. It's ur decision to put your pet's names, that's personal
3.Don't let one opinion change yours-To me, the author is unknown

Bye

Poppy Q said...

I agree with all my friends. Please don't leave us. Please know we all love you all and support you. Fagin is a cute name for your kitty. If people don't like the name or your blog they shouldn't read it - they should just ignore your blog. How stupid are they?

Please stay blogging with us, you help to make our days richer with your sweet cats and great stories.
Poppy Q and mum

Team Tabby said...

We came over from the Cat Blogosphere to give you our support. Please don't leave, nor change your kitten's name. Fagin is just a character in the book "Oliver Twist" and we've not heard anything bad associated with the name.

Don't leave us!!
Mindy & Moe

MISS PEACH ~(^.^)~ said...

I think the support of this community clearly speaks for itself! Please be comforted knowing this and continue to keep up your bloggie!
Fagin is a sweet kitty and has a fitting name. Thanks to my Mickey, he now even has his own coat of arms to proudly display on the Pirate Ship!
You are loved...Miss Peach

Lux said...

Silky & Ninna & I just want to give you a big group hug!


Luxie

Angel MoMo and Charlotte said...

I am sorry that you got upset by that one person. Please don't stop your blog because of that. You know and we know that you meant nothing nasty and that you are not racist. Some people would read all sorts of things into an innocent name.

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

We agree with what everyone else has said. Don't stop blogging because of one person's narrow minded and mis-placed point of view.You have many many more friends who enjoy your blog and reading about little Fagin and Captain Jack and Dante. We have never heard the name used in a racist way. If some one wants to take offence, they will always find something in the most innocent of things. Just delete the comment from this and the last post and try not to give it another thought.
Jackie

The Cat Realm said...

PLEASE don't let a hateful ignorant comment get to you!!!! PLEASE do not delete the blog, or rename Fagin. There will always be people who LOOK for things that could offend them and try and spread poison! Please know that you have lots of friends who don't want to miss you!!! We are all with you and support you!!!!
And what would the parties be without you guys coming along - like you did to our blogoversary yesterday and we want to thank you very much for celebrating with us!!!
So PLEASE: NO GOOD BYE!!!!
Karl

Sunny's Mommy said...

Please do not delete this blog or stop blogging. For every reason given already, but also because I need my Dante fix. I would miss your blog so much.

I do think you should consider comment moderation and deleting inappropriate comments. I would hate to see this blog cease :(

DK & The Fluffies said...

Please do not stop blogging. Please, Please, Please, Please, Please, Please, Please, Please, Please, Please, Please, Please, Please, Please, Please, Please, Please, Please, Please, Please, Please!

DK & The Fluffies said...

Plus it will also break Miss Boo's heart. She already lost one special kitty friend, I hope she doesn't loose another.

Milton said...

Yeah! What they said. And a big
Thhhhhhhhhhhppppffffftttttt (raspberry) to anyone who thinks you might have done anything wrong. I love lil Pirate Fagin, and we all purred for him to be strong and grow big. I hope we can continue to see his adventures on the Black Furball and watch Dante teach him how to be the bestest mancat Pirate ever.

The Tower Hill Mob said...

We once had a cat whose name was considered offensive by some people. It was not intended that way- he was named for a family friend who had the nickname back when America was less culturally sensitive.
You have the right to name your kitty whatever you want and people who are offended have the right to not read your blog.
Keep blogging and as Captain Jack would say, " Damn the torpedoes and full speed ahead!"

Anonymous said...

There is no need to for us to repeat what every other Kitty & their human in the Cat Blogosphere has already said so well.

The Delete button is there for a reason. Put it to good use!

It will feel SO good once you have!

Kitty Smooches and Head butts to ALL the Purrageous Pirates!!

Tiger Lily said...

No no no no no!!! Dear Purrageous Mom, please do not stop blogging and do not change Fagin's name. He is so cute and he stole your hearts and his name is perfect for him. Political correctness run amok can do so much damage but we must not allow that to happen here.

prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrs and seriously hard tail wags,
Jemima, Zeke, Sushi, Tiger Lily and Ruckus

Samantha & Mom said...

Oh my gosh!!! Please do not stop blogging!! You are our most wonderful furiends and such a lovely family!! We love your blog! And it's ditto from us to all the reasons every kitty mentioned. Don't let one person ruin it for all of us! Please! Pretty, Pretty please!! Fagin is a great name and don't change it! We need our pirate fix!!!
Your FL furiends,

Anonymous said...

I agree with what others have said. You've explained thoroughly where the name comes from and if the person doesn't like it, that's really their problem.

I'm sorry that you've been so upset by this. Please stay and keep blogging.

Colleen
mommy to Charlemagne and Tamar (2 non-blogging kitties)

The Taylor CatSSSSS said...

Fagan \f(a)-gan\ is of Irish and Gaelic origin, and its meaning is "little ardent one". Fagin is a wily con artist in Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist.

I was just in Scotland in January and happened to meet several "Fagan"'s. Sweet men all!

PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE YOUR KITTY'S NAME BECAUSE OF SOME IGNORANT PERSON WHO IS JUST TRYING TO CREATE CONTROVERSY WHERE THERE IS NONE!!!

You have absolutely NOTHING to be sorry about! This name was never a racial slur!!!

Please don't leave us and PLEASE DON'T CHANGE FAGIN'S NAME!!! We are sure that he is indeed a "little ardent one"!

The Taylor CatSSSSS said...

FORGOT TO INCLUDE THIS INFORMATION:


Fagan has 3 variant forms: Fegan, Feggan and Fagin.

Sabrina, Sam and Simon said...

Absolutely, positively do not stop blogging or let anyone intimidate you because of their misconstrued beliefs! You have a wonderful blog that brings joy to so many! We hope to continue seeing you in the Cat Blogosphere!
Jan, Momma to Sabrina, Sam and Simon

SophieKitty said...

I hope you don't stop blogging. I love to read about your adventures.

To think that someone turned something fun and positive into a negative makes me mad. Mean people suck! I think we should make whoever made the comment walk the plank on the Black Furrball!

We are your friends and hope you stay with us!

Karen said...

Please do not stop blogging. You chose a name you liked for your reasons. There are many words that have had other meanings in the past.

Dr Tweety of da Fab Five said...

Capn' Jack & Dante...
We likes your new itty-bitty brudder. & we likes Dickenz furry much az well. Havin' read more den one or two books in our past, da Fab Five can uneeek-quivervocally say, "Fagan (Fagin)waz not named a name dat wouldz demean."
& dere you haz it! Da moral of da story? Do nots takes dis commint to heart. Read it wit a objective eye, den uze dis-sirnmint & follow your heart. When you followz da heart, you willz not be wrong.
-Dr Tweety

Meowers from Missouri said...

oh, meadow muffins!! horse hockey!! bull puckey!! woofie doo!! we are outraged that someone should hurt you so in your own safe harbor!! you has nuthin' to 'pologize for. you haf your reasons for namin' him, an' that's good enough for us.

we truly hopes you does not cave in acause of this! nocat wif common sense took that li'l feller's name as nuffin' but meanin' he was a li'l bit rascally, like all kittens is. nefur inna squillion years would it haf made us think his mama went to temple! an' so what if she did?????

PLEASE STAY!!! do not let someone else decide that you should not haf fun inna blogosphere. PLEASE DON'T FEEL SAD NO MORE; do not let someone else spoil the light-hearted adventures of our furriends. PLEASE DON'T CHANGE FAGIN's NAME, or you'll be letting someone else decide the name of YOUR furry own kittyboy!!! PLEASE DON'T FEEL LIKE A RACIST because someone else made an ill-advised comment!!

we wants youse to stay inna blogosphere--we enjoy the adventures of the good ship black furball an' her steadfast crew an' cabin-kitteh. if any bean or kitty finds them objectionable in any way, well--that's when they can just steer a course for anofur port an' stay away from this harbor, where we all feel safe an' come to haf a good time!!

we loves you all, an' wishes you fair seas an' a following wind for a LONNNNNNNNG adventure onna seas o' the blogosphere!

Anonymous said...

Please don't stop or delete your blogging, I read your blog everyday. No need to change the kitten name. We love you.




Joanne, Jane, Jill, Johnny, Jayboy & Capu from Singapore(6 cats)

Just Ducky said...

Please don't go, we love you all and people can find fault with practically anything.

I had a comment that someone said I was cruel because I caught and killed a mouse. Well, duh, I am a cat, what did he expect.

Purrs.

Karen Jo said...

Please don't stop blogging or delete your blog because someone took offense at Fagin's name. All of us in the Cat Blogosphere know how Fagin got his name and that no offense was ever intended to anyone.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Captain Jack, Dante, Fagin and Purreagous Mom...
I just wanted to stop in this morning and see how you were all doing. I hope that you have reconsidered deleting your bloggie and can overlook this hurtful comment. The outpouring of affection for all of you is true and strong. We all want you to continue -- and keep Fagin's name just as it is. It's a cute name for a very cute lucky little guy. The only connotation for Fagin's name is only synonomous with cuteness and sweetness because indeed he is.
We just wanted to let you know again you are in our thoughts and that we care....

Purrs
Miss Boo & family

Kaz's Cats said...

To all Purrageous Pirate Kitties and their Mom and Dad, We love reading about your adventures, and we're rapt that little Fagin has joined your crew. We loved the story of how he got his name. Like everycat else has said, please don't change his name, 'cos he belongs with you, and please don't delete this blog, 'cos there are some classic pirate adventures chronicled here for posterity.

Hugs and purrs and gentle headbutts from downunder,

Gypsy & Tasha & Karen (Mum)

The Taylor CatSSSSS said...

Please check out this blog today:

http://pbjcats.blogspot.com/

It will make you smile!

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

Oh, please don't stop blogging! Little Fagin is so adorable! We are so confused someone would think his name is antisemetic. IF they don't like it, they don't have to visit.

Sassy Kat said...

No, no, no don't go away and don't change your kittie name. Anyone that knows all of you at your place knows that you are not someone that would be mean to others. Some bad people just like to start trouble because maybe they feel bad about themselves. Your blog has always been fun and I am so sorry that meanies have made you sad and I am sure mad!!!! The mom of the house knows the name in the book that you named your kitty for and thinks it is a cute name. Don't go, stay and keep us entertained with all of the fun things that you all do at your place.

Sassy Kat said...

Hey idea, you could have your post reviewed by you before they are put in the comments, that way you would just delete the bad comments that make you mad and sad. None of us would ever have to see things written about you all that are not true!!!!
I know there were some really bad folks out there that were making fun of a kitty that was hurt when he was young and now looks different. How mean is that? There are just bad people out there, just delete them, I mean their comments.

Jans Funny Farm said...

We are so sorry you were hurt by something someone said. And the person who made it had no way of knowing how deeply that comment would hurt you.

Sassy's comment contains a good idea. You can turn on Comment Moderation and screen comments.

But please don't give up blogging. You are greatly loved in the blogosphere.

The Crew said...

I think everyone has said it all already, but I'll add my comment anyway!

Our entire group loves Capt Jack & Dante, so you must not stop their blog because of this thing. Your regular readers know that you aren't racist or anti-semitic and I think MuffinMidi's mom was just trying to point out that Fagin's name may have some negative historical connection. Regardless, if you like the name and it fits him, keep it. Fagin is a darling and none of us will think less of him, or you!

Charlotte
Crew's Mom

Cynthia Rae said...

Dear Captain Jack, Sir Dante, Dearest Fagin and Mom of these wonderful cats,
First and formost, we think you are all wonderful and we know in our hearts that you ment nothing mean spirited. Oliver is one of our favorite musicals and Fagin is our favorite character from the moive.

Please don't let the mean spirit of others ruin your blog. Know that we all love and support you. Please don't go away and please don't change the name of your sweet little cat.

Love,
Opus and Roscoe's Mom

Cat Naps in Italy said...

PLEASE DON'T GO!!!! We love and support you. Besides Datne, Captain Jack and little Fagin still need to come to Ravenna so we can take them on a tour.

Sending kitty kisses from Italy.
Love,
Opus and Roscoe

snowforest said...

We agree with all the kitties ~ please don't stop blogging and let some hurtful comments influence your perspective - people will always say bad stuff and try to defame/insult anybody! Yours is a wonderful blog and the kitties are all so adorable and kyoot :)
Sending you many comforting and encouraging purrs from the SnowForest family :)

Unknown said...

We are missing all of you! Please continue blogging. I miss seeing Dante play with little Fagin!

The Misadventures Of Me said...

We's missing the Captain, Sir Dante the wonderful squinty gentleman and Fagin, kitty wonder and cabin boy.

We all's hope that you are okay and well. We even has all 4 legs and tail crossed thats you will be back soon.