How do we feel about using the term 'coloured'?

Question

I just read an answer from a "black man" saying that most "blacks" arent black and most arent from africa.
In my opinion when using descriptions as these its not meant to be derogatory. Its just a way to seperate one from another. in a crowd i want to point out a person. i could just as easily say "that person with the blue hat on".
I like the word 'coloured' as this kind of description for darker skinned people. I wonder what a better term for 'white guy' could be? Since, i think this is correct, white is the absence of colour, a 'white person' cant be 'coloured'. I could use the term 'pale' or 'kinda tanned' i guess. But 'whites' usually dont get upset by this kind of generalised description.
Id really like other peoples opinions, please.

Answer 1

Well, I don't like the term "coloured" for people that have dark skin. It's rude and it's wrong. Then what does that make me, clear? Invsible? Why do we have to pay so much attention to people's skin colour? Why can't we see people as people? We all breath, bleed and breed the same ways. I don't see a difference. I just see people.

Answer 2

The terms that are used to refer to races have changed throughout the years. The term colored or coloured came in to use in the 20th century, it was used along with the term ***** (which sounded too much like the derogatory term n i g g e r ) but fell out of fashion in the early 1960 with the rise of the civil rights movement. In the 1970s the popular term was black, and in the 1980s there was a move toward the use of African-American in order to emphasize their ethnic origins rather than their skin color or race. Also the use of the term "of color" was popularized as a more poetic description.

Answer 3

Honey, where will it stop? Not all Blacks are black are you going to say that Maple brown lady with the midnight black man walking down the street towards that Reddish brown skinned guy with the lady that is pasty white? Why not say male of female in the Pink blouse or green shirt? That sounds more colored to me!
I wonder now what color I am in your eyes? I may be whiteish but get a tan tomorrow and be brownish beige...find another way. If I stay in the tropics for a week I may be cool chocolate Black?

Answer 4

Words just sometimes get in the way. The word colored for some black people is offensive because this is a term that originated in this country when race relations were at their worse. For them it is 1 notch above being called a n***er. It is confusing as well. An Italian, who is not white in color is considered a white person. Yet a light skinned black is still called colored. I wish we could all inner breed and just everybody becomes gray.

Answer 5

Actually, white isn't the absence of color. Black is. Look it up for yourself. White contains all the colors.

If someone becomes upset when the term "colored" is directed at them, then I would think they're being a bit "over sensitive", wouldn't you say? After all, how could a simple word be considered offensive, unless of course, it hits a little "too close to home"?

Answer 6

I dont know what race you are but I really dont enjoy when an african american calls themselves black. Well because if you look in the dictionary, black is portrayed as arnasty and ugly and grimmy. I think you shouldnt call us coloured or black. African American is a very good word because you need to break it into two words. African- we people that have a colored skin are from africa. Our desendants are from African. Well, were not America. American- white man has brought us this new world America.

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Answer 7

Don't use the word "colored" when referring to a none-white person. That's a 1960's racist statement (if that's what you're about). If a black guy said he a problem with you calling him black, tell him to get a life. Why can't you say the guy with the blue hat? This is the problem with America - everyone has to be in a category. That's why racism will never die.

Answer 8

Well I'm in to "Black" guys & I prefer the word "Black" than "African-American" (esp if they don't live in Africa), "*****" or any of those other words which I won't type. Oh & I don't like the term "colored" either... lol.


I noticed that a bunch of you noticed the "U". Well I'm Canadian & I spell it w/o a U cuz it just looks dumb. To Q'er, no offense, I just don't think it should be spelled wit a "u" end of story :)

To lovely's response, I'd just like to add that when the word starts wit an N, it had better end wit an "A" & not an "R" !!!! :@

P.S. I'm not Black or White.

Answer 9

the term coloured or colored is not the preferred term to use when describing black folks. it is offensive and will create for a hostile environment if used around African Americans. it is almost second to the word n---er.
and no, most blacks aren't from Africa but we are descendants of Africa.
call it like you see it. if that person is black, then say he/she is black. don't be afraid.
we black folks refer to one another as black so i don't know what that guy was trying to say when he wrote that. however, we all come in different shades of brown.
maybe he has a problem with who he is.

Answer 10

You said, "Its just a way to separate one from another." and I believe that statement is the problem. Why do we have to separate one person from another? The word "colored", fortunately, fell by the wayside along with the "n" word. It was/is a similar derogatory term. I agree that most "Blacks" aren't really black, but "whites" aren't really white either. When it comes right down to it, we are all people of color. Just various shades.