Do blacks get offended when you refer to them as 'colored' people?

Question

The last part of NAACP is 'Colored People' so is this acceptable to refer to blacks as colored people?

Answer 1

It's a double standard...black people can call each other colored, n*****, or any other host of names. If someone who isn't black says it (even in a joking manner) then they pull out the race card on you.

I've never had this happen to me (calling someone by an offensive name) but I've seen it happen plenty of times. I'm generally not a very a very "politically correct" person...black people are black, not African american, white people are white, asian people are asian, handicapped people are handicapped, not disabled. I don't think I'd ever call a black person colored though. Not becuase it's offensive, but because it's easier to say black...fewer syllables. Plus, colored is a very dated term.

Answer 2

I think African-American is wrong because the term dash American is a term for an immigrant just coming into the country, not a second, third, or fourth generation person already here. I am not referred to as Irish-American. But.....I am off subject, I have witnessed my Army buddy get offended when he was called colored by a white girl, so, I guess yes, some do, but then Oprah says people of color, so.........what do we do, I think I should be called clear myself. and i think the reason why people get offended is because the term colored was used during segregation as a polite term, but it was still condescending. I grew up in a town that was 80% Mexican, and of course I was called Wueda, (white girl, but not meant bad) and Cabeza de Huevo (egg head, meant bad) all the damn time, as well as Gringa Salada (salty white girl not good). I may not be spelling this right, but i still know how they sound 20 years later. I laugh at it now, but it really hurt then. I just think we should figure out what everybody is called, black and white sound good.

Answer 3

This is 2006...prior to 1960's it was considered proper to describe today's "BLACK'S" as "Negroes" and "Colored" but you were never proper in describing them as "BLACK'S' or the "N" word, Today's younger generation of Black's as well as some white people go around using the "N" word very casually in ALL conversations. The term "N-----" becomes an alternate word for the person to which they are referring too, such as 'he', 'him', they, those and them. So while some older 'colored folk', and 'Negroes' may still feel improperly addressed when referred to as "Blacks" or the "N" word others find no offense in same. On the streets of most if not all major cities is who, why and how these words are used not the words themselves that matter.

As for the NAACP... at one time they were considering changing their name somehow by removing the 'colored people' from their name. But I think they decided not to because of 'historical' and other consideration it would not help any, I really don't know maybe some other forum member can illuminate us on this.

Answer 4

That depends. African Americans from "The South",don't seem to like the phrase,where African Americans from "The North" don't use it,nor do we here people say it. Nowadays,most Whites from the South still use the phrase. That phrase was often used to describe African Americans during the 1960's because White people felt it was "safer" to use,instead of the "N" word. Because the African American skin color ranges in many hues, I could never understand why we were called "Black"? . Once upon a time,there were no "White" people affliated with the "National Association for the Advancement of Colored People",but because this organization,does not discriminate,it is here for "All" people,so for African Americans to be offended for being called "Colored" depends on the individual. (All African Americans do not think and fell the same!). I would never address a person or yell out something like: "Hey white boy,or hey white girl!". If I have to ask a question,I would simply say: "Excuse me,but "____, (and so on and so forth). It's the positive that keeps us happy,healthy and wise.

To: Stiff grey go: Because you've probably run up on a few negative African Americans in your time,then don't you think It's best not to say anything to them at all? (Ignorance is a bliss!)

Answer 5

My guess is the NAACP was founded when it was still socially acceptable to call African Americans "colored" These days though, that's a big fat NO on calling people "colored"

Answer 6

Yes, it is highly offensive to refer to a "Black" person as "colored." The world we live in today is so screwed up. We don't even know what is considered socially/politically correct. I say if I have a name use it, don't call me Black, White, Purple or Orange, just use my name.

Answer 7

What is the difference between


People of Color as Oprah says all the time

and

Colored people

They are the exact same.
The NAACP is never wrong.

Answer 8

I think that is an old phrase, like out of the 40s or 50s. Probably in an effort to become politically correct.

Answer 9

Generally when a person refers to someone as being "Colored"; I make it a point to ask what color? Are they pink, blue, magenta, or off shade of pea green? Needless to say; people who stonewall do so to insult; but end up looking most asinine without failure.

Answer 10

Yes. From a black friend. The term suggests the time of segregation. IMHO, those words should be struck.
I would also strike down the advertising slogan,
"A mind is a terrible thing to waste" .
My God, what a horrible statement. "A mind is a terrible thing"???
Geeeessssh!

Answer 11

Why would you refer to them as being anything other than people?
Or how about plain old Americans. (for those of us who live in the US)