# Do racist comments REALLY offend you? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 12, 2008, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-racist-comments-really-offend-you/476900 "2008-12-12T16:54:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![EpicNonsense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c37758/32.png) [@EpicNonsense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EpicNonsense)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-racist-comments-really-offend-you/476900/1 "2008-12-12T16:54:27Z")
Maybe it’s because I’m white… not sure why that’d make me special in any way, but I think it’s funny when people try to offend me by calling me names. I’ve heard just about everything… snow white, Ali B, albino, Albin, cracker, cracker jack, hick, red neck, haole, white trash, trailer park, trailer trash, white powder, white power, gringo, honky, whitey… you name it… I’ve heard it. I just can’t take offense to it. Do racial slurs towards you really push your buttons? ---
**Author:** ![Swallowed\_My\_Cellphone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9d8465/32.png) [@Swallowed\_My\_Cellphone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Swallowed_My_Cellphone)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-racist-comments-really-offend-you/476900/2 "2008-12-12T16:58:43Z")
> [@EpicNonsense](#): > > I just can’t take offense to it. You don’t have the socio-political history of having to drink from separate drinking fountains so that decent people don’t have to risk getting your filthy germs near them. Add a history of nasty behaviour and things get a helluva lot more personal and offensive. I doesn’t mean jack shit to me if anyone calls me a “cracker” but in highschool, I got in plenty of fist-fights defending my lesbian sister’s honor from a variety of slurs. ---
**Author:** ![Monstera\_deliciosa](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monstera_deliciosa/32/109_2.png) [@Monstera\_deliciosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monstera_deliciosa)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-racist-comments-really-offend-you/476900/3 "2008-12-12T17:04:32Z")
Yes, because even if the current speaker is just an impotent jerk, slurs directed toward me and mine (I’m black) have a history of violence and discrimination behind them. In that spirit, I’m offended by extension for other oppressed groups. And yes, I am also offended by slurs toward non-oppressed groups, because I’m offended by rudeness. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-racist-comments-really-offend-you/476900/4 "2008-12-12T17:06:38Z")
Well, yes, of course. If someone calls me a sandnigger or makes reference to a turban or calls me a Paki it tells me they have looked no further than my color, especially since I am none of those. If they bitch about Indians stealing their jobs I want to tell them - do you even know what India is like? Do you know why my parents brought me here? I have a story, too. If people flinch when I get on planes - which has happened once or twice - that offends me too. There’s another thing, too. People don’t talk about this much. It’s always “pride in what you are”. Well, sure, I’m proud, but I’ll tell you, the first reaction is of shame. No matter what. I had an incident a year or two back at a pizza store, and as it became clear what was happening - that everyone else was getting served and taken care of except for the one Chinese & Indian couple - I was angry, but I was also just a tiny bit ashamed. No matter how old you get I think that’s the first thing you feel. It’s humiliating. Honestly I think the Internet is the best thing ever. For the first time we can talk to people anywhere and we realize they are just human, too, with jobs and families and dogs and cats and worries that they can’t put food on the table…it’s bringing us together. ---
**Author:** ![EpicNonsense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c37758/32.png) [@EpicNonsense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EpicNonsense)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-racist-comments-really-offend-you/476900/5 "2008-12-12T17:12:34Z")
> [@Monstera\_deliciosa](#): > > Yes, because even if the current speaker is just an impotent jerk, slurs directed toward me and mine (I’m black) have a history of violence and discrimination behind them. I knew this was coming… I know first hand the black community takes racial slurs very personal, but it just doesn’t make any sense to me. The black community has made it so common to refer to _themselves_ as “n”… but take so much offense to it when the word is used by others… I mean, it just wouldn’t make sense to say “Hey, what’s up my cracka!”.. or "Hey, what’s up chinky! (should you be Chinese)… If the black community takes so much offense to this word, why do you constantly address fellow A.M. as “n”? and why does it surprise you that others use the word? I don’t understand it. ---
**Author:** ![EpicNonsense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c37758/32.png) [@EpicNonsense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EpicNonsense)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-racist-comments-really-offend-you/476900/6 "2008-12-12T17:20:48Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > There’s another thing, too. People don’t talk about this much. It’s always “pride in what you are”. Well, sure, I’m proud, but I’ll tell you, the first reaction is of shame. No matter what. Why shame? Why not just laugh at their attempt… joke about it some. When someone asks for a flashlight I’m usually the first one to lift up my shirt. You know, I’m white, so I’m bright… Gets some laughs, whatever. Be PROUD of what you are, not ASHAMED… The more you take offense to it… the more people are going to discriminate against you. ---
**Author:** ![JSexton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/96bed5/32.png) [@JSexton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JSexton)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-racist-comments-really-offend-you/476900/7 "2008-12-12T17:23:16Z")
> [@EpicNonsense](#): > > I knew this was coming… I know first hand the black community takes racial slurs very personal, but it just doesn’t make any sense to me. The black community has made it so common to refer to _themselves_ as “n”… but take so much offense to it when the word is used by others… I mean, it just wouldn’t make sense to say “Hey, what’s up my cracka!”.. or "Hey, what’s up chinky! (should you be Chinese)… > > If the black community takes so much offense to this word, why do you constantly address fellow A.M. as “n”? and why does it surprise you that others use the word? I don’t understand it. Because as with any slur, the intent behind it means something. Most minority groups have adopted slurs internally as a way of taking back the word, or maybe just to be shocking. Doing so doesn’t justify evil intent from others. Do’t beleive me? My wife’s friends cheerfully call each other bitches, but woe to a stranger who walked up and asid the word. Gays call each other “fag”, but it’s not appreciated when directed at them by the likes of Fred Phelps. I even see bumperstickers that say “Jesus Freak”, which sounds to me like Christians adopting their own slur and turning it around. As for me personally? Well, I’m a fat white guy, so not terribly persecuted historically. I’m comfortable with my weight and joke about it, but it’s still hurtful when others make mean-spirited comments about it. ---
**Author:** ![Atomicflea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/58956e/32.png) [@Atomicflea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomicflea)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-racist-comments-really-offend-you/476900/8 "2008-12-12T17:24:11Z")
Of course. Even the post is disturbing. I’m trying to take you at face value when you say you don’t understand and not infer that you mean people shouldn’t just because you don’t. Oh wait, then there’s post #5. If I am referring to myself as a bitch, does that give someone else permission to call me one as well? Think about it. ---
**Author:** ![orcenio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/orcenio/32/1036_2.png) [@orcenio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/orcenio)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-racist-comments-really-offend-you/476900/9 "2008-12-12T17:24:51Z")
> [@EpicNonsense](#): > > I knew this was coming… I know first hand the black community takes racial slurs very personal, but it just doesn’t make any sense to me. The black community has made it so common to refer to _themselves_ as “n”… but take so much offense to it when the word is used by others… I mean, it just wouldn’t make sense to say “Hey, what’s up my cracka!”.. or "Hey, what’s up chinky! (should you be Chinese)… > > If the black community takes so much offense to this word, why do you constantly address fellow A.M. as “n”? and why does it surprise you that others use the word? I don’t understand it. This reminds me of a post from a [good blog I read](http://stuffblackpeoplehate.com/2008/08/29/nigger/): > [@](#): > > Oddly enough, when black people started using the word, non-blacks (whites in particular) wanted to convince themselves that the word ceased to be as a racial slur, and that it was OK for everyone to use it. Ignoring the patent weirdness of so-called non-racist white people being so eager to call black people ‘niggers’, every black person in America has certainly heard a non-black person make the following statement with complete and utter sincerity: > > “I don’t get it. I mean, if black people can say it then why can’t I?” > > This person is usually named ‘Chad’ and looks like this fucking guy: It goes on to say > [@](#): > > Fortunately, I’ve heard the Chad Question so many times that I’ve developed a scripted response to it: > > Chad: “I don’t get it. I mean, if black people can say it then why can’t I?” > Me: “Do you have a girlfriend?” > Chad: “Uh, yea…” > Me: “Do you fuck her?” > Chad: “…..yeah….” > Me: “Cool. Mind if I fuck her?” > Chad: “DUDE! NOT COOL!” > Me: “I don’t get it. I mean, if you can fuck her then why can’t I?” > > Unfortunately, this response isn’t given nearly often enough ---
**Author:** ![Atomicflea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/58956e/32.png) [@Atomicflea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomicflea)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-racist-comments-really-offend-you/476900/10 "2008-12-12T17:25:15Z")
> [@EpicNonsense](#): > > Be PROUD of what you are, not ASHAMED… The more you take offense to it… the more people are going to discriminate against you. Who’s ashamed? How, in your mind, does taking offense mean you are ashamed? ---
**Author:** ![Monstera\_deliciosa](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monstera_deliciosa/32/109_2.png) [@Monstera\_deliciosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monstera_deliciosa)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-racist-comments-really-offend-you/476900/11 "2008-12-12T17:27:21Z")
> [@EpicNonsense](#): > > I knew this was coming… I know first hand the black community takes racial slurs very personal, but it just doesn’t make any sense to me. The black community has made it so common to refer to _themselves_ as “n”… but take so much offense to it when the word is used by others… I mean, it just wouldn’t make sense to say “Hey, what’s up my cracka!”.. or "Hey, what’s up chinky! (should you be Chinese)… > > If the black community takes so much offense to this word, why do you constantly address fellow A.M. as “n”? and why does it surprise you that others use the word? I don’t understand it. What’s this “you” shit? I’m not the “black community,” and I am not the “black community’s” spokesperson. I’m an individual black person, and I foolishly assumed you were asking for personal opinions. I am personally offended by slurs, and I don’t use them, _at all_, not even in the way you describe. ---
**Author:** ![EpicNonsense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c37758/32.png) [@EpicNonsense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EpicNonsense)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-racist-comments-really-offend-you/476900/12 "2008-12-12T17:28:08Z")
> [@Atomicflea](#): > > Of course. Even the post is disturbing. I’m trying to take you at face value when you say you don’t understand and not infer that you mean people shouldn’t just because you don’t. > > Oh wait, then there’s post #5. > > If I am referring to myself as a bitch, does that give someone else permission to call me one as well? Think about it. I’m speaking of RACIAL slurs.. not just any old slur. I may take offense of someone called me a fag, but that is completely off topic here. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-racist-comments-really-offend-you/476900/13 "2008-12-12T17:29:53Z")
I find racial slurs very offensive against any group but whites. The only thing lamer than attempted slurs against white people is white people who get offended by them. ---
**Author:** ![Atomicflea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/58956e/32.png) [@Atomicflea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomicflea)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-racist-comments-really-offend-you/476900/14 "2008-12-12T17:32:04Z")
> [@EpicNonsense](#): > > I’m speaking of RACIAL slurs.. not just any old slur. I may take offense of someone called me a fag, but that is completely off topic here. And slurs due to your race are different than those based on sexual orientation…how? ---
**Author:** ![EpicNonsense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c37758/32.png) [@EpicNonsense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EpicNonsense)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-racist-comments-really-offend-you/476900/15 "2008-12-12T17:44:02Z")
> [@Monstera\_deliciosa](#): > > What’s this “you” shit? I’m not the “black community,” and I am not the “black community’s” spokesperson. I’m an individual black person, and I foolishly assumed you were asking for personal opinions. I am personally offended by slurs, and I don’t use them, _at all_, not even in the way you describe. Which is good. You shouldn’t. I don’t understand it one bit. But it’s becoming really common for a lot of blacks to use the term, as if it’s a fad or something. It’s stupid.. which is why I wanted some insight. I’m curious though, and I’m in no way trying to imply hypocrisy with this question, I strictly want your outlook on this issue. Should you be hosting a party, or bbq, and another A.M. come up to you, someone who frequently uses the term to address other A.M. friends or acquaintances, and he say’s “Yo, my n, can I get drink?”… Would you take offense to this? I have several friends who are fully against the term, or anything relative, but some people, even those who don’t use it, are not completely offended by it, if used in a case like this… ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-racist-comments-really-offend-you/476900/16 "2008-12-12T17:46:35Z")
> [@EpicNonsense](#): > > Why shame? Why not just laugh at their attempt… joke about it some. When someone asks for a flashlight I’m usually the first one to lift up my shirt. You know, I’m white, so I’m bright… Gets some laughs, whatever. Be PROUD of what you are, not ASHAMED… The more you take offense to it… the more people are going to discriminate against you. I don’t know why. It’s only a split second and then it’s gone, but it just is there. I don’t think you can understand, honestly, being white. I don’t say this in a mean way at all but you have always run the world. It’s different being any other color, and living here, it really is. I’m always the minority, wherever I go. And I always will be. And I’d like to add, also, that I am not the Indian spokesperson. This is all just my personal opinion. But I have read many great men and women also speak of the split second of shame, so I know I am not alone. ---
**Author:** ![EpicNonsense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c37758/32.png) [@EpicNonsense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EpicNonsense)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-racist-comments-really-offend-you/476900/17 "2008-12-12T17:47:20Z")
> [@Atomicflea](#): > > And slurs due to your race are different than those based on sexual orientation…how? The slurs in general are similar in a sense, yes, but I’m not asking about slurs regarding religious beliefs, sexual orientation, disabilities, etc… If you want to start a thread on those go ahead, but I’m trying to speak strictly of race. ---
**Author:** ![Isamu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/7c8e57/32.png) [@Isamu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isamu)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-racist-comments-really-offend-you/476900/18 "2008-12-12T17:48:52Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > I find racial slurs very offensive against any group but whites. The only thing lamer than attempted slurs against white people is white people who get offended by them. And “attempted slurs” are different from actual “slurs” because… ? Let me guess. Because a slur is not really a slur when you, the white person, are the target, because you can never actually be slurred because you are so obviously so superior and white. ---
**Author:** ![Asimovian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asimovian/32/172_2.png) [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-racist-comments-really-offend-you/476900/19 "2008-12-12T17:54:01Z")
> [@EpicNonsense](#): > > I’m speaking of RACIAL slurs.. not just any old slur. I may take offense of someone called me a fag, but that is completely off topic here. Why do you consider this to be off-topic? Why is someone calling me a midget without knowing anything about me other than me being short any less wrong than someone calling me a nigger because they see I’m black? And yes, racist comments really do offend me. Even when levied against others. I recently stopped being friends with someone I ride the train with because she off-handedly referred to an old acquaintance of hers as being “the only beaner on campus.” ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-racist-comments-really-offend-you/476900/20 "2008-12-12T18:01:41Z")
> [@EpicNonsense](#): > > Which is good. You shouldn’t. Who are you to decide whether black people “should” or “shouldn’t” use the n-word? That’s rather condescending on your part. Who asked you? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-racist-comments-really-offend-you/476900.md?page=2)