It’s actually quite like other language that has a default and then an adjective-noun combo. The reason there are terms like “lady doctor” (fortunately falling out of favor) is that women were not the default doctor. If you said “doctor” people thought of a man. If you said “lady doctor” they thought of a woman. Lots of "lady… " usage or "woman… " usage. You still see it all the time in sports.
Or in the other direction—“male nurse.” Because if you don’t say “male” people will tend to picture a woman.
And you see in in race, too. The default is usually white.
So, there is “white trash.” Why is it important that the trash is white? What does it do to the sentiment if the trash isn’t identified as white? What is the default image of “trash”? Because “white” is identifying race, the default must not be white but either a different color or no color. And unlike some other nouns, people don’t tend to come in no color at all. Our races are one of our most commented-upon and distinctive features.
So, I think the crux of the matter is that for some of us “white trash” has to be something set apart from “trash” or else why the “white” part?
For others, it seems to be more of a single unit; that “white trash” can’t be split into two separate words because that isn’t what the usage means. Similar to how “homophobia” does not mean an actual phobia. Or we talk about the “hoi polloi” even though that’s saying “the” twice.
I don’t think either side is wrong, but I lean more toward the former camp than the latter.
The roll-eye suggests that some people focus on the face value of a name (or in this case, your other examples), and let it represent the beginning and end of their depth in understanding, instead of attempting to determine any significance or context. The same idea was present in parts of the OP.
If you understand the former, then you should understand the bigger picture and why other pride movements aren’t viewed as offensive. Yes, there is an issue with the way the world is and the way it should be, but even as a rhetorical question, you’re perspective on inequality is represented by why we don’t call others “black neck”? It’s a very selective argument to make the statements you did, which betray any understanding you claim to have.
We could just as well argue the under and over-representation of different races, genders, etc. in this country, across many areas of influence or otherwise, and that would paint a different picture of what equality looks like, in areas of far more importance and substance than who can be called what slur.
I do get the context. White pride traditionally stands for white supremacy and racism. If that was what white pride stands for then I agree it would not be conductive to ending racism to use it.
The thing is, it is racist for me to be pride of white skin, while it is okay for another to feel proud about brown skin.* Any eye raise at all that I would be proud of whiteness shows that we are not totally past inequality on the basis of skin color, if it’s considered acceptable for other races to be so.
I am not suggesting we call each others black neck. I am suggesting we get rid of those terms as acceptable, at least realize the racism within those terms. Even if it is less racist to call someone redneck due to historical contexts, it is still racist insomuch as calling someone a blackneck or brownneck.
Why say this isn’t a worthy topic to focus on, and then focus on it? Your actions betray your statement. In my view, if what I am saying is inequality or racist in any way, and the ideal is equality, then we should probably do something about those terms.
Because pride in being a minority/out of power is an attempt to say “I am a minority but I am strong and worthwhile and admirable. I respect myself and you should respect me, too.”
Pride in being in the majority is what? “I am in power but I respect myself and so should you”?
Imagine this: There is a schoolyard and, weirdly, there are only big kids and little kids. The big kids tend to pick on the little kids.
If all the little kids decided to band together and stand strong and declare they will not be cowed, we’d say, “Wow, these little kids are brave.”
If all the big kids decided to band together and stand strong and declare they will not be cowed, we’d say, “Wow, these big kids are bullies.”
How we perceive a person’s actions and associations is entirely a function of context. The small joining the small is less of an issue than the big joining the big and the powerful joining the powerful.
I’m not sure where any of those slurs are overwhelmingly viewed as acceptable, outside of a casual environment where those using it are comfortable with the usage. The word “nigga” is also acceptable in many social circles and entertainment, but you’re hardly going to find an HR department or school principle who would endorse its usage. Likewise, I have a hard time thinking a school teacher would address their kids as “redneck”, “cracker”, or “white boy”, without either the kid or some adult taking offense.
Previously I stated that words undergo reappropriation, and this may be taking place at some level, gradually removing the offensive impact from some derogatory terms, but that’s a far cry from calling them acceptable.
Because that’s not what I said. I’m saying you have an interesting perception of inequality and how it currently exists, based on the examples you gave in post #66.
Your idea of establishing balance is to focus on a false double standard (outlined above), and why you can’t endorse “White Pride”, without raising flags. I’m reminding you of the sensitivity in this, as well as the inherent redundancy, given the historical majority group and culture in America, and associated privileges.
You’re going to have hard time with your credibility towards minority and other empathetic groups, with that approach.
I’ve almost always heard the term as a self-descriptor, as well as things like “red neck.” I don’t know if I’ve ever heard someone call another person that.
Sometimes, it’s used like the Duck guy did, as a sort of attempt at class solidarity with poors of other races. You know, the whole " We ain’t racists. We just poor white trash workin with the blacks, too" sort of thing.
On the other hand, I have witness “the n word” and other slurs used in a racially hostile way.
That’s just my observation and experience with the term, though I think it has a few different uses.