Racist words

[FredPuli43]

Prompted by an earlier thread: It is sometimes said that 'black' is merely descriptive, as 'ginger' would be. But 'black' is offensive, runs the counter argument,because of the history of everything from slavery to segregation, and lodgings advertised or treated as 'no blacks', which it brings to memory.

But how much is that true of young blacks? They have no memory of the extreme racism which existed in the past, and which their grandparents or great-grandparents suffered in 'no blacks need apply' society. If a 16 year -old was called a "black "can't" by his mate, or an opponent, on the Hackney Marshes, would he really be hurt by the word 'black',any more than an American or fair person would be by 'American ' or 'blonde' ? Depending on context, it's the four- letter word that's insulting.

[anotheoldgit]

sp1814

/// Who has protection under the equality laws that others do not enjoy? ///

We are not talking about 'Equality' laws we are talking about Racial Laws, Terry was charged for making racist comments ie verbal insults, not because he wanted to be equally treated as Ferdinand.

[anotheoldgit]

sp1814

/// However, if you walked into a hotel with a load of bags, and you pointed to a middle-aged black porter and said, "Hey the boy, can you take my luggage up to room 107", suddenly the word 'boy' takes on a whole new meaning. ///

Only to a black person it would seem, if one said the same to a white middle aged porter, I doubt if he would have bat an eyelid, in fact he would have most likely have found it rather funny being called a 'Boy'.

Has a matter of fact, are they not called 'Bell Boys' in the States?

[sp1814]

AOG

But which black footballer has ever been found shouting racist abuse at a white player?

If it doesn't happen, how can black (or rather, non-white) players be charged?

[sp1814]

AOG

Perhaps I didn't explain that hotel context correctly...calling a black adult male 'boy' is near the top of the slur list.

I'm assuming you know the word's historical context (white slave owners etc)?

[FredPuli43]

aog, if your view is the same as mine, and yet I am being a trouble maker, I have finally reached your exalted status on this site (albeit by chance).

But I don't think it does. I was asking whether young blacks see 'black' as as hurtful or offensive as older ones might. I don't regard the adjective black as offensive per se;'black man' isn't and I used 'blacks'; but offensive in the context discussed in the ensuing paragraph of my post , for the reasons given in the counter argument . Do you seriously believe that, because 'boy' is not offensive to a white, it can't or shouldn't be offensive to a black man, and that whether or not a word is offensive is a matter of mere fashion only?

And I ask again: what are the 'ends' which you say are furthered? Profit? Creating trouble without reason? Political domination? What?

[bazwillrun]

There doesnt seem to be much that blacks dont consider a slur.
Call me what you like I'll just laugh in your face

Its a case of <shoulders chip on>

[bazwillrun]

edit to above: with most blacks.

I hate touch pads. am i allowed to say that or will it offend anybody...not that I care ?

[ludwig]

// ... if one said the same to a white middle aged porter, I doubt if he would have bat an eyelid, in fact he would have most likely have found it rather funny being called a 'Boy' //

Why not try it AOG?. Next time you're in hotel, restaurant, or anywhere being served by a white middle aged man, address him as 'boy'.
Let us know how you get on.

[anotheoldgit]

sp1814

/// I'm assuming you know the word's historical context (white slave owners etc)? ///

Of course I do, but I didn't think anyone would still be going on about it nearly 200 years after it was abolished.

"BOY" yet another racist word, absolutely amazing.