# Racial sterotypes in Europe (Re: Sergio Garcia) **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 26, 2013, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-sterotypes-in-europe-re-sergio-garcia/659368 "2013-05-26T02:34:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2013, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-sterotypes-in-europe-re-sergio-garcia/659368/21 "2013-05-28T22:56:03Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > Historically, the ancestors of the Brits and Germans were taken captive in one country and enslaved in another by the ancestors of the Italians. Many who were hit by waterhoses in the South are still alive. Not too many Roman slaves are. ---
**Author:** ![eclectic\_wench](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ac91a4/32.png) [@eclectic\_wench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eclectic_wench)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2013, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-sterotypes-in-europe-re-sergio-garcia/659368/22 "2013-05-28T23:06:32Z")
Contrary to An Gadaí’s experience, I’m Irish and pretty well-travelled and had only the vaguest clue about the black American/fried chicken thing till I read about it here. I agree with him that ‘coloured’ primarily comes across as outdated, though. The fried chicken thing: is there some specific offensive subtext to it, or is it just the fact that it’s a stereotype? Like, does it imply that black people are too poor to afford anything else, or that they can’t cook anything else, or something? ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2013, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-sterotypes-in-europe-re-sergio-garcia/659368/23 "2013-05-28T23:36:38Z")
> [@eclectic\_wench](#): > > Contrary to An Gadaí’s experience, I’m Irish and pretty well-travelled and had only the vaguest clue about the black American/fried chicken thing till I read about it here. I agree with him that ‘coloured’ primarily comes across as outdated, though. > > The fried chicken thing: is there some specific offensive subtext to it, or is it just the fact that it’s a stereotype? Like, does it imply that black people are too poor to afford anything else, or that they can’t cook anything else, or something? Its basically part of the minstral show stereotype of the simple negro shucking and jiving with a big toothy smile eating fried chicken and watermelon. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhWY6yFJsDY](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhWY6yFJsDY) ---
**Author:** ![Ibn\_Warraq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e19b73/32.png) [@Ibn\_Warraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibn_Warraq)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2013, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-sterotypes-in-europe-re-sergio-garcia/659368/24 "2013-05-28T23:42:16Z")
> [@Old\_Red](#): > > My God, I’m glad I stumbled across this post. I’m a **White Englishman** and only last week I was invited out for a meal. What was I fed? **FISH AND CHIPS**. Only now I realise what a filthy **RACIST INSULT** this is to me and my race. **EVERYONE** knows the stereotype connection between White English-persons and **FISH AND CHIPS**. We will take to the streets - _burn baby burn_. Yes, because the treatment of white English-people at the hands of non-white English-people is remotely comparable to the treatment of blacks at the hands of whites. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2013, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-sterotypes-in-europe-re-sergio-garcia/659368/25 "2013-05-29T00:39:03Z")
> [@eclectic\_wench](#): > > The fried chicken thing: is there some specific offensive subtext to it, or is it just the fact that it’s a stereotype? Like, does it imply that black people are too poor to afford anything else, or that they can’t cook anything else, or something? It’s offensive because black Americans have suffered a great deal more from stereotyping than other ethnic minorities. Black people in the South really do consume vast quantities of fried chicken\*, but as **Loach** notes it’s party of a much larger and much more pernicious stereotype. \*not all of them, obviously, but enough to keep entire fast food chains in business. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2013, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-sterotypes-in-europe-re-sergio-garcia/659368/26 "2013-05-29T00:57:07Z")
> [@Old\_Red](#): > > My God, I’m glad I stumbled across this post. I’m a **White Englishman** and only last week I was invited out for a meal. What was I fed? **FISH AND CHIPS**. Only now I realise what a filthy **RACIST INSULT** this is to me and my race. **EVERYONE** knows the stereotype connection between White English-persons and **FISH AND CHIPS**. We will take to the streets - _burn baby burn_. > [@Colophon](#): > > I agree that it does seem a bit of an overreaction. It’s fine to stereotype us Brits as liking fish and chips or curry or warm beer (or all three), or the Germans is munching on sausage, or the Italians eating pasta, but mention fried chicken products and (black) Americans is way out of line? Definite double standards. To help you understand this better, such stereotypes become offensive when they are directed at a discriminated-against or oppressed ethnic group. Imagine instead telling an Irish laborer in England that if he comes to your house you’ll give him a boiled potato and you might get a better handle on this. ---
**Author:** ![PookahMacPhellimey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pookahmacphellimey/32/3175_2.png) [@PookahMacPhellimey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PookahMacPhellimey)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2013, 11:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-sterotypes-in-europe-re-sergio-garcia/659368/27 "2013-05-29T11:22:21Z")
_Di colore_, i.e. coloured is not particularly offensive in Italian. Usually used by people who have very little direct experience of black people and are maybe a bit wary out of genuine ignorance, but it’s not offensive on purpose. ---
**Author:** ![eclectic\_wench](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ac91a4/32.png) [@eclectic\_wench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eclectic_wench)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2013, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-sterotypes-in-europe-re-sergio-garcia/659368/28 "2013-05-29T17:02:25Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > Its basically part of the minstral show stereotype of the simple negro shucking and jiving with a big toothy smile eating fried chicken and watermelon. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhWY6yFJsDY](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhWY6yFJsDY) That makes sense. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Gadai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2013, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-sterotypes-in-europe-re-sergio-garcia/659368/29 "2013-05-29T17:52:03Z")
> [@eclectic\_wench](#): > > Contrary to An Gadaí’s experience, I’m Irish and pretty well-travelled and had only the vaguest clue about the black American/fried chicken thing till I read about it here. I agree with him that ‘coloured’ primarily comes across as outdated, though. It’s not really contrary, I didn’t say everyone knew about it, just that a lot of people do, especially younger people more exposed to American pop culture etc. it’s fairly well known though I wouldn’t guess as to what percentage of people know it. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Panda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ee7513/32.png) [@Darth\_Panda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Panda)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2013, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-sterotypes-in-europe-re-sergio-garcia/659368/30 "2013-05-29T18:15:16Z")
If I had a friend over, I’d have no problem serving them fried chicken, regardless of their ethnicity (I fry a mean chicken). But a black acquaintance coming over for the first time? Probably not. And I sure as hell wouldn’t be telling the media that was my plan. eta: Although I doubt the press would ever be interested in my dinner plans. ---
**Author:** ![Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fiendish_astronaut/32/3295_2.png) [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiendish_Astronaut)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2013, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-sterotypes-in-europe-re-sergio-garcia/659368/31 "2013-05-29T18:40:24Z")
I have to say, having visited Spain numerous times, that the Spanish aren’t exactly the most politically correct of nations. Whilst I know plenty of Spaniards with a proper 21st century view on race, as a collective there are far too many who are very insensitive to race stereotypes and many who are just plain racist. More so, I’d argue, than in North America or north west Europe (although some also have big and more obvious problems). As an example I was in Cadiz during Carnivale. This is a festival in which everyone - and I mean absolutely everyone - dons fancy dress and parties. It’s actually quite brilliant. But there were a few groups people who decided to… dress up as black people! Their dress consisted of blacked-up faces and racial stereotypes galore. Most of them had big pretend spliffs. I was astonished, none of the locals batted an eyelid. Their attitude is just different. I’m never surprised when I hear of a Spanish sportsman being accused of racism. It happens far too often. My Dad lived in Spain for a while and the ex-husband of his second wife forbade his kids from making friends with other black kids. Though let me repeat, this attitude is not the case with all Spaniards so it would be bad of us to stereotype individuals. It’s just that there is a cultural issue there I think and it’s probably the same in many other parts of Europe. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2013, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-sterotypes-in-europe-re-sergio-garcia/659368/32 "2013-05-29T18:42:48Z")
Our attitude to race is different from yours. We simply do not view dressing up in blackface (or whiteface, or a kimono) as racist, any more than we view dressing up in drag as sexist. I know, weird furriners, how dare they have different notions… ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2013, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-sterotypes-in-europe-re-sergio-garcia/659368/33 "2013-05-29T18:46:58Z")
Dressing up in blackface is one thing. Dressing in blackface and walking around with a bucket of chicken is… a little different. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Panda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ee7513/32.png) [@Darth\_Panda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Panda)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2013, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-sterotypes-in-europe-re-sergio-garcia/659368/34 "2013-05-29T18:50:40Z")
> [@Nava](#): > > I know, weird furriners, how dare they have different notions… We’re talking about racism and you’re worried getting new horseshoes? ---
**Author:** ![Kevbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e47774/32.png) [@Kevbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kevbo)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2013, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-sterotypes-in-europe-re-sergio-garcia/659368/35 "2013-05-29T19:08:41Z")
Yes it is racist, but I cut foreigners some slack. I think this is more a case of a foreigner stepping in it than being a racist. **Mr. Dibble** has tried to educate me (and the rest of the Dope) on the finer points of racial nomenclature in South Africa, and all that I have retained is that I would do well to steer well clear of such topics. Garcia and Woods are peers. It is entirely possible for Woods to have encouraged such remarks in private conversations, and Garcia not to realize they were inappropriate in public. Here I am thinking of Andy, the Polish guy I used to work with. He would stay stuff like “I’m just a dumb Polack, but maybe we should do it this way instead…” And then I would end up telling him “Not bad for a Polack!” when it worked out well. If I went only by what Andy taught me, I would not see an issue with telling Polack jokes to business associates, which would be “not cool” at best. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2013, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-sterotypes-in-europe-re-sergio-garcia/659368/36 "2013-05-29T19:34:27Z")
> [@Nava](#): > > Our attitude to race is different from yours. We simply do not view dressing up in blackface (or whiteface, or a kimono) as racist, any more than we view dressing up in drag as sexist. I know, weird furriners, how dare they have different notions… Blackface is a very specific look with a very specific history. Ignorance of that history is not an excuse. And as for Sergio Garcia, he is hardly a country bumpkin who doesn’t know better. He is an international sports figure who spends most of his time traveling around the world and speaking to the press and public. Anyone with a bit of common sense should realize that a racial remark (whether made in jest or meant for good or ill) is stupid in a public setting. You are feuding with a guy and you make a statement which calls attention to his skin color? Dumb. Instead he should have talked about tiger’s wife attacking him with a golf club. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2013, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-sterotypes-in-europe-re-sergio-garcia/659368/37 "2013-05-29T19:55:40Z")
Sergio would have been better off if he had referred to Tiger’s other ethnicity by saying he’d serve _pad thai._ That might actually have been funny. ---
**Author:** ![PookahMacPhellimey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pookahmacphellimey/32/3175_2.png) [@PookahMacPhellimey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PookahMacPhellimey)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2013, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-sterotypes-in-europe-re-sergio-garcia/659368/38 "2013-05-29T21:50:43Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > Blackface is a very specific look with a very specific history. Ignorance of that history is not an excuse. Sure. The rest of the world should all adapt what we do to America’s history. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![thicksantorum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@thicksantorum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thicksantorum)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2013, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-sterotypes-in-europe-re-sergio-garcia/659368/39 "2013-05-30T00:15:18Z")
Of all the black American stereotypes, “fried chicken” is probably the second-least offensive, after “large penises”. Fried chicken is delicious. People of all races love it. Even racists love it. I can’t recall anyone actually using “fried chicken” in a hateful manner. It’s more often used by parodies of racists than by actual racists. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2013, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-sterotypes-in-europe-re-sergio-garcia/659368/40 "2013-05-30T00:31:48Z")
> [@thicksantorum](#): > > Of all the black American stereotypes, “fried chicken” is probably the second-least offensive, after “large penises”. Fried chicken is delicious. People of all races love it. Even racists love it. I can’t recall anyone actually using “fried chicken” in a hateful manner. It’s more often used by parodies of racists than by actual racists. yeah, this. I was listening to a bit by Dave Chappelle on Sirius where he was talking about this whole thing. as in, how did fried chicken become a racial thing when everyone (except vegetarians/vegans) likes fried chicken? I’m about as white as white can be but I’d kill most of you for a meal from Popeye’s, or Church’s, or KFC. But not Chicken Shack. Everything Chicken Shack makes comes out the same color. And that just ain’t right. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-sterotypes-in-europe-re-sergio-garcia/659368.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-sterotypes-in-europe-re-sergio-garcia/659368.md?page=3)