Our society has become too concerned with offending people. I remember someone telling me a story - they were at work and someone asked him where "John"was. Instead of saying "John is the black guy" they go back and forth with "the guy in the blue shirt" "that guy?" "No the other blue shirt" "there is 3people in blue shirts" "the tall one". Why not just say "the black guy"and be done with it? I mean, John is a black dude, it's ok to say that. Everyone goes out of their way to avoid offending people. I understand if it is something reasonable, but some things I just don't get. Is it a white thing? I know plenty of black people who wouldn't think twice in the situation above if reversed. "John?, Oh yeah that's the whiteboy over there in the blue shirt". Someone please help me understand this!
How do you feel about being called African-American? Personally, I think when referring to black people it is a ridiculous term, and I know several people who were born in Africa and moved to America. They are by definition African American. None of them are black.
I'm white and I certainly don't think black people are too sensitive. Nevertheless, black people have reason to be sensitive and easily offended by whites. Had me or my white ancestors been enslaved, subjected to unspeakable crimes and abused by black people, I don't think I could be as forgiving as black people are to whites. Blacks have a right to be angry, suspicious, skeptical, cautious and aggressive when dealing with whites. Even though black people are now in control of the nation, they are very generous and gracious and let us stay here. One would think they would kick white people out of their nation. I appreciate their kindness and would never offend them. Thank you sir.
Ummm... are you for real? Black people are in control? And I never enslaved anybody or gave anyone a reason to not trust me. Not every white person is a member of the ruling class, just like not every black person is poor. To say that whites enslaved blacks is over simplifying the situation. Not all whites owned slaves. My great grandparents couldn't afford to care for their children so they gave one of them to a family that could. Not the type of people to own anything, slaves included.
Certainly Political Correctness intimidates the holy hell out of people. But on the other hand, it's not really all that important an issue. If you look at it a certain way then it's amusing. Yeah . . . everybody knows the person you mean and they know WHY you don't dare use the skin hue qualifier and so privately everyone KNOWS just how stupid Political Correctness has become. They also know that it's the end result of really asinine and over-the-top liberalism.
But nobody is afraid to offend white people! Just look at popular culture-black comedians all have a "white guy" impression. Could you imagine if a white comedian made fun of black people for the way they talk?
What part of liberal political correctness is difficult to grasp? It's a group psychosis mental illness on the part of leftwingers. As far as such people are concerned Whites SHOULD BE the punching bag of all minorities. It's just that simple . . . and since they have controlled the mainstream media for quite a while now, their psychosis shapes cultural habits.
IDK. Some are some aren't. I try not to say anything that will create drama, but in the OP's example, I would say "the black guy" and not think twice about it. If I were talking about a white guy with brown hair I would say "The white guy with brown hair". If I were talking about the white guy with red or blonde hair, I would leave out the "white" because one seldom sees a black guy with red or blonde hair (though it does occur infrequently).
It is politically incorrect to refer to a black person's skin color because of the race baiting industry bolstered by radical leftist, liberal, so-called 'progressive' people. That being said, 'John' probably has a last name and that (IMO) would be a better form of identification of who he is rather than his skin color.
I think black people have less problems with white people if they talk to them like they would anyone else. "Like you know... John, the black dude with the red shirt". - - - Updated - - - I talk and work with black people every day...no worries.
I think it is a power thing. lots of people only see support for democratic progressives in society, and, subconsciously, they think of offending people as being loosing power. if you were to observe the state in south africa, if white people see a lot of black people, they will try to avoid them and be apologetic anytime some of them talk to whites. that is because the numbers are with the black people in south africa, which is 70 percent black or so. Now, i wonder what they expect to happen? if they were to be nice to a member of a majority, they would expect the majority to be nice to them. have you ever heard of a someone saying that they don't deserve to be treated like this because they are a christian? like that has anything to do with anything! if you were to observe america though, everyone is scared of insulting minorities. this is because the campaigns are always mentioning minorities, as, every multitude of people is made of a lot of minorities. that means the power thing in america is about not offending minorities instead of majorities. well i think so anyways. So, if you were honest with yourself, first of all there is honestly nothing wrong with individuals of another race. then, you won't be hung for calling someone a black or other slang terms. if the obsession with power were to be observed, then we would see a lot of fantasies being played out. like, for example, we would see the guys around a bar bragging about who they know - this is a claim to connections or power. this is posturing. this is natural. so, if it is natural, is it natural to be obsessed with power? i would think so. if the populace ever gave up on having a leg up on each other, then there would be apathy. this is not social, so, power obsession it is. If you were to see people whispering about you, saying you are the most connected or steely example of modern person, then these fantasies come to life. well, in the individuals mind at least. if you are obsessed with it, you will have high stress, and if you let it go, you will be happier and more grounded in reality, and some people prefer that, but those are usually older 'mature' people.
None of us are white either. Should we be referring to whites as "Caucasian Americans"? To each their own, but personally I just come out and say it. Language is utilitarian, man The best way to point out some asian guy is to say "that Asian guy over there". Race is a very identifiable feature. Feel free to use whatever term you like.
You seem to forget that it was in fact the African Lords who captured the slaves and sold them to the whites. <<< MODERATOR EDIT: FLAMEBAIT >>>
Yes, us poor white people are the victims. Come on, I'm white and can acknowledge that my race enslaved black people, eradicated native Americans and under pays Latino immigrants. We have historically exploited basically all other races... And now those minorities have a few voices. Let them get their laughs in, I'm right there laughing with them. If humor is how we move past a violent past I'm all for it. As for the OP, I agree it's a bit too sensitive to not feel like you can use race to describe a person. I would have, but I think where we liberals get upset is when people use words that people of the race you're describing don't like. Being sensitive to words people accept or reject is just courteous. I'm a lesbian, and I don't mind being described that way if it's crucial to what is being talked about. But there are certain words I'm ok with and ones I find offensive. I don't think it's overly sensitive to ask people not to use the words I find offensive. Comedians excluded. I think stand up is the funniest when it's offensive haha! But it should be in good fun.
We're afraid of offending co-workers. One small slip of the tongue and you could be dumped the same day, even if you've been with the company 35 years. People are so sensitive these days, especially liberals. They love to play the role of victim. - - - Updated - - - And that's a good thing? A country where everyone is afraid to speak? That's not the America I grew up in.
