# Jap and other 'racial' slurs **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [August 29, 2002, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jap-and-other-racial-slurs/126191 "2002-08-29T23:07:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![tiny\_ham](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a183cd/32.png) [@tiny\_ham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tiny_ham)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2002, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jap-and-other-racial-slurs/126191/41 "2002-08-30T18:44:36Z")
I think the key is…EvilJap, you’re just a WEE bit too tightly wound for this message board anyway. If you’re going to make THIS FUCKING BIG A DEAL out of the ONE THING the administration asked you to do, I doubt you’re really going to like it here anyway. But…good luck. I’m jarbabyj on all my message boards…until I went to a message board where I couldn’t. And guess what? Somehow… life… went… on… J ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Lao](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2bfe46/32.png) [@Dr.Lao](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Lao)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2002, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jap-and-other-racial-slurs/126191/42 "2002-08-30T19:13:31Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by jarbabyj \* > \*\*But…good luck. I’m jarbabyj on all my message boards…until I went to a message board where I couldn’t. > > And guess what? > > Somehow… > > life… went… on… > J \*\* Made all the more amazing by the fact that the name “ **jarbabyj** ” is about a thousand times cooler than “_Eviljap_.” ---
**Author:** ![Jimbrowski](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9a140/32.png) [@Jimbrowski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jimbrowski)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2002, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jap-and-other-racial-slurs/126191/43 "2002-08-30T19:54:39Z")
“Nigger” Certain people in the U.S. insist on addressing each other as “nigger”, even though they know full well the term is considered racist and offensive by significant portion of the U.S. population. I heard a group of young “niggers” (their moniker, not mine) repeatedly referring to each other as such in the New York City subway this very morning (“Yo nigger!” “I was talkin’ to that nigger and he said…” “Shut up nigger!”). I was offended by the gratuitous use of the word “nigger” this morning, but this group of young gentlemen apparently was not. Certain rap artists also frequently use the word “nigger” in their music. Based on these examples, if **EvilJap** wants to refer to themself with a name that many people find offensive, I say we have clear precedent to let them do so, OR we could mount a campaign attempting to eradicate the common use of patently offensive ethnic slurs. Of course, that might just upset the “niggers”\* or “evil japs” \*. (\* Meaning those humans who voluntarily self-identify as a “nigger” or “evil jap”. Yes, they exist. In fact, one started this thread.) “Nigger” is in common, everyday use by a particular subset of (and by no means all) African Americans. Yes, I find it offensive, but apparently that doesn’t matter, because every time I opine that “nigger” is offensive _even if it comes out of the mouth of an African American_ I myself am labeled a racist for having the audacity to question a particular culture other than my own. **EvilJap** , people are telling you that “Jap” is patently offensive, even though it comes from the mouth of a self-described Japanese person, and “Evil” doesn’t do much to boost your image no matter where you’re from. But, if “EvilJap” wants to identify themself by that name, even though they know full well (by now) that the term is considered offensive by many, then I say let them be. **EvilJap** will reap the consequences of choosing a nickname that many find offensive. But why wasn’t there similar outrage last year when I tried to change my name to **shithead**? Everybody has the right to make as ass of themselves, some just exercise it more than others. (And no, you will not be considered clever or witty if you point out I just exercised mine.) ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2002, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jap-and-other-racial-slurs/126191/44 "2002-08-30T20:09:12Z")
> [@](#): > > But why wasn’t there similar outrage last year when I tried to change my name to \*\*shithead \*\*? We don’t actually know for a _fact_ that **EvilJap** is Japanese. Jokes aside. It is an offensive name. Not horribly offensive. I don’t see an emotional damage lawsuit coming out of this, but it is a little offensive. As it stands alone. If someone registered with the name **BigNigger** , I guarantee there would be a problem no matter how many posts in which he explains he is black, even if he’s a rapper. Who said it up there? Their house, their rules. ---
**Author:** ![mouthbreather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a698b9/32.png) [@mouthbreather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mouthbreather)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2002, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jap-and-other-racial-slurs/126191/45 "2002-08-30T20:18:48Z")
Can I change my name to CrazyAssHonky? ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2002, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jap-and-other-racial-slurs/126191/46 "2002-08-30T20:24:49Z")
Not to mention, doesn’t it kind of look bad for the SDMB? Oh boo fucking hoo-I can’t use a racial slur for my user name! :rolleyes: Please. Read the rules again. “Don’t be a jerk?” Remember that? ---
**Author:** ![Gozu\_Tashoya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7993a0/32.png) [@Gozu\_Tashoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gozu_Tashoya)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2002, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jap-and-other-racial-slurs/126191/47 "2002-08-30T21:11:47Z")
Psst, you wouldn’t be able to use it as a license plate in California either. Moral of the story: People in power are trying to keep the racial slurs down. Chafes, doesn’t it? ---
**Author:** ![badmana](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@badmana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/badmana)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2002, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jap-and-other-racial-slurs/126191/48 "2002-08-30T22:26:24Z")
I find it funny that “jap” and “nip” can cause this much trouble. I bet most japs don’t really care (I know I don’t) in the use of jap or nip. Being PC sucks. I agree with Jack Batty. Their house, their rules. If the rules say no, then don’t. Badmana ---
**Author:** ![minlokwat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minlokwat/32/2844_2.png) [@minlokwat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minlokwat)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2002, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jap-and-other-racial-slurs/126191/49 "2002-08-30T23:59:22Z")
Checking in under the “mildly-offended” category. O.K., **evill…** , you seem to have embraced the “Jap” / “I’m different” label. And… You don’t give a rat’s behind for those who don’t feel the same way about it as you. Therefore, if someone registers with the name **Call Me Chink-Face** and says “Hey!-It-Doesn’t-Bother Me!” mentality- so It Can’t Bother Anyone Else!!! then we’ll assume everything is fine and dandy with you. How 'bout I register with **Evil Slanty-Eyed Bastard** and type all of my “R’s” as “L’s”… you know the old, running gag of “flied lice” and such. Wouldn’t that be a hoot? Shit on those without a sense of humor about these things. You are assuming that all Asian-Americans, such as myself, are o.k. with the usage of “Jap” as some sort of term of endearment. Once again, you missed the boat. Your rebellious acceptance of the word, while seemingly indicating a strong defiance and confident self-esteem, might suggest to others that this is a term that can be applied to not only you, but all of those who look like you - and therefore must feel the same way about it as you. Wrong again. Do you see what I’m getting at? If not, go back and read **Jimbrowski** ’s post and think about this a little more. Something tells me, it still hasn’t sunk in. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2002, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jap-and-other-racial-slurs/126191/50 "2002-08-31T19:22:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by matt\_mcl \* > \*\*Okay, fine. How about **fruitycanuck**? I think that sings. \*\* I like **Lispy McSwish** better. But it’s your call. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![elmwood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmwood/32/3060_2.png) [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2002, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jap-and-other-racial-slurs/126191/51 "2002-08-31T20:17:31Z")
In New York state, “Jap” has a different meaning … Jewish American Princess. Use of the term used to be common, but I seldom hear it now; it’s considered quite offensive. Even if you are a “Japanese Jap” who doesn’t find the term offensive, you could find yourself offending Jewish women. ;j ---
**Author:** ![t-keela](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a3d4f5/32.png) [@t-keela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/t-keela)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2002, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jap-and-other-racial-slurs/126191/52 "2002-09-01T02:25:42Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by t-keela \* > \*\*I’ve got a friend named Richard who only has one leg. > > What do you think his handle is? \*\* _EvilJap can use this name if he can guess it._ 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2002, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jap-and-other-racial-slurs/126191/53 "2002-09-01T02:38:43Z")
**Big Dick the One Legged Mother Fucker**? And can _I_ use it that if I’m right? ---
**Author:** ![t-keela](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a3d4f5/32.png) [@t-keela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/t-keela)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2002, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jap-and-other-racial-slurs/126191/54 "2002-09-01T02:43:44Z")
Not if somebody might take offense! Wrong anyway, damn nice try though…next. ---
**Author:** ![sirjamesp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@sirjamesp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sirjamesp)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2002, 7:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jap-and-other-racial-slurs/126191/55 "2002-09-02T07:26:41Z")
LimpDick? ---
**Author:** ![Mushono](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cdc98d/32.png) [@Mushono](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mushono)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2002, 11:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jap-and-other-racial-slurs/126191/56 "2002-09-02T11:10:02Z")
\*Originally posted by t-keela I’ve got a friend named Richard who only has one leg. What do you think his handle is?\* dick? ---
**Author:** ![t-keela](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a3d4f5/32.png) [@t-keela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/t-keela)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2002, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jap-and-other-racial-slurs/126191/57 "2002-09-03T04:15:52Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by sirjamesp \* > \*\*LimpDick? \*\* We have a winner! and a new name for d’EvilJap. unless we’ve gone and offended somebody else now… 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Badtz\_Maru](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e36b37/32.png) [@Badtz\_Maru](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Badtz_Maru)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2002, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jap-and-other-racial-slurs/126191/58 "2002-09-03T06:32:37Z")
My usage of the word ‘Jap’ has increased tremendously since I downloaded the demo for Battlefield 1942. It’s a lot quicker to type than ‘Japanese’ and a little easier than ‘Axis’. ---
**Author:** ![t-keela](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a3d4f5/32.png) [@t-keela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/t-keela)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2002, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jap-and-other-racial-slurs/126191/59 "2002-09-03T15:09:53Z")
What about “Tex”? "… Mex. ``` ...TexMex?" ``` We use that term here all the time. As for “SuperMex”, I never heard anybody chew out Lee Trevino. I hope my name isn’t causing any stress for some of you. question: Is there a list of members names one can access? ---
**Author:** ![Eviljap](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e47774/32.png) [@Eviljap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eviljap)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2002, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jap-and-other-racial-slurs/126191/60 "2002-09-04T18:23:06Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by t-keela \* > > question: Is there a list of members names one can access? \*\* Nope… seems like the mebers list has been disabled… On the other hand… it is 9/4 and I am still here. Maybe I don’t have to change my name after all. I was starting to like Viciousnip… talking about nip… It is fun to offer your friends Cheese Nip with an empahsis on nip. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jap-and-other-racial-slurs/126191.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jap-and-other-racial-slurs/126191.md?page=4)