Is It Now Offensive To Described A Black Person As Black?

[anotheoldgit]

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-6719773/John-Motson-apologises-Millwall-striker-Tom-Elliott-race-gaffe.html

[spathiphyllum]

"Elliott has acknowledged Motson's apology and wants to draw line under affair"

I think that Elliot knows there was no ill intent, and he doesn't want it to be made into a big deal. I think others have took offence on behalf of Elliot which has prompted the apology.

Yet another race race furore.

[BANANASPLITS]

It never stops!

[Spicerack]

No.

[retrocop]

I suppose in this day and age it is courtesy how one should enquire which colour they would wish to self identify with first. I am green at the moment as in mal de mare

[aelmpvw]

this nonsense is making me go ashen colour, don't you dare call me white

[agchristie]

Poor John,he obviously got mottled and felt an apology was in order..

Unfortunately,in these times you can't get away with that as even if the 'injured' party isn't particularly offended,others will pick up the reins and ratchet it up.

Motty has had a fantastic broadcasting career and should be remembered for being a master of his craft.

[Rockrose]

//he described the Millwall striker as 'big, black and brave' //
Has he ever described a white footballer as 'big, white and brave?
I doubt it very much - it has made the colour of the footballer an issue not the otherway round

[agchristie]

Motty has commentated for over 40 years on thousands of matches involving thousands of black players.I can't recall him ever being picked up for a controversial remark about black players.

Bit of perspective required here...

[Rockrose]

Well he has now!

[agchristie]

Rockrose - like I say,perspective.

[agchristie]

If he was racist why would the Beeb see fit to employ him for half a century?

[Mamyalynne]

//Is It Now Offensive To Described A Black Person As Black?//

The answer to that I feel is that it depends on how and why it is said and the tone of the remark.

Regarding this particular comment, it was complimentary and Tom Elliott has dealt with it perfectly.

[Ellipsis]

He was trying to use alliteration in a "1,2 and 3" and, in searching for the third B, found "black". Clumsy, that's all, but he should thank goodness it wasn't an N he was looking for.

[THECORBYLOON]

Being big and brave are qualities which affect the way a person plays football, whereas being black does not.

[Rockrose]

I didn't say he was racist - my point is that you would not describe a white player with the word white in the description so why use the work black.
Its highlighting the difference when there is no need to.

[anotheoldgit]

Rockrose

/// Has he ever described a white footballer as 'big, white and
brave? ///

Being white himself that would be just silly.

Now if the commentator had been Black and addressing a white footballer then that statement would have been a complement, but then they do not dish compliments out to us so easily.

[naomi24]

How come black people say they're proud to be black but when someone else says they're black they take offence? If he's black he's black. What's to be offended about?

[Ellipsis]

To be a fair comparison it would have to be something like "waspish, white and wily".

[Rockrose]

//Being white himself that would be just silly. //
Why, does his colour not provoke comment - just if the person is black?
As I said I don't believe he was racist just clumsy for using a word that was not necessary.

[spathiphyllum]

To the BA, maybe being described as "big, black" to some is offensive?

I wouldn't know i'm neither big nor black.

Also describing someone from their colour is like describing someone from their sexual orientation. It's just not the done thing.

Imagine if they said "Big brave gay" or even "big brace heterosexual"

It's just unnecessary.