How do you feel about being called "coloured"?

Question

As a black women in the UK, i find it quite offensive being called "coloured" and despite living in the year 2006, i syill find this old fashioned term used. do you think this is acceptable? i'd like everyone's view please regardless of race

Answer 1

It makes you sound like you have been 'coloured' in with a pencil! My father is black and my mother is white so when I fill in applications I refer to myself as 'Mixed Black Caribbean and White British'. However, this is a bit of a mouthful so I usually just call people like myself 'mixed race'. I don't know what the best terms are, because there will always be someone who doesn't like the description I have given myself. Colour doesn't make a difference to me or any of my friends (or else they wouldn't be my friends), but we can't deny that it is always there. Do you get what I mean? If someone called me coloured or half caste then I would correct them. If they called me something stronger, then I would pity them. More people need to accept people for what they are on the inside.

Answer 2

I am white, we often refer to black people as coloured. I see this a lot less offensive than many other words people use to descripe you.
Sometimes it can be difficult for a white person to know what to say as different black people find different words more offensive than others.

For example, some of you do not like to be called black, sometimes calling you coloured can be offensive as you said other times we may call you african when this may offend if you are not actually from africa.

There is also the N word which I admit as a white person we often use to describe black people usually when black people are not around, we don't generally mean this in an offensive way as ofcourse no black person is there to hear it and is used generally just to describe a black person. There are also plenty of black peope who refer to their friends as this and nothing is thought of it then either.

Answer 3

I don't know for sure - but I think coloured is generally used by older people, as this was the "acceptable" term when they were younger. So, I don't think it's intended to be offensive at all.
I've never heard anyone of my generation say anything other than black - and I certainly never would.
I can see where you're coming from - coloured just doesn't seem right, somehow.

Answer 4

Ive never really thought about, but interesting question.

What would you prefer to be called?

the only acceptable options I can think of is coloured or black. In America, the term african-american is used, but we dont have anythign similar in the uk.

There are a few other words used, but even I find these offensive, im sure you know what they are, so im not going to repeat them.

It will be interesting to see the answers on this question.

xx

Answer 5

I have never called anybody by that name, and I do not intend to. To me 'colour' doesn't matter. Lets face it, we are ALL coloured, just all different colours! The moment I put my foundation on, I am coloured, and are a shade different from before I put my make up on. Although I am white, that's a colour too. My shade of white might be different from the other person next to me. I don't think people should be described in 'colours', thats why we have names and thats how we should be differentiated.

Answer 6

I'm white and I don't mind what I'm called. What is not offencive to some maybe to others so we are left with the fact that people will be offended some of the time. There are many terms for those who are none white (no offence meant) and as time goes on they change because people are offended. When we describe some one who in none white how is it to be done ? If we try not to be sensitive about such things then racism will lessen in my opinion.

Answer 7

I don't take the term 'coloured' as offensive, I agree with you that in these modern times it seems a little antiquated. It's usage is less and less meaningful with the incredible diversity we see in society. I'm positive about the future, I believe in time people will be viewed as people and not defined by their physical characteristics.

Answer 8

I don't see anything wrong in being called coloured because i'm coloured that's the best way to describe me. If i see a white man i'll describe as being white it's no big deal. I think you should be proud of who you are and stop this inferiority complex!

Answer 9

Yes it is acceptible. Same as being called fat (if you are overwieght), Skinny (if your under weight), Lofty (if your tall) Shorty (if your small)...theyre innocent, physical attribute terms.
Coloured, particularly, used by people affraid to say black, with all the "pc" racial equaltiy Bshit around today, puts us all ill at ease to use, easy to use terms, such as simply, black. Funnily enogh, people say chink, instead of yellow!
Were all different, but our difference (and, initially, physically) is what makes us us.
I get called a wigga! I just think baggy jeans, a short set, or a basket vest, is cool. I dont have gold teeth, or a hat, but those who do, why not...Should blacks claim "rights" to hip hop, music and clothes, and "milks" get called wiggas? Its all superficial, and funny really..if we cant laugh, and celebrate our differences, and combine, and even "steal" styles..whats the world coming to!

Answer 10

You'll find it's the older generation who call Black people coloured, don't worry about it.
What I find strange is,I would never call anyone a N igger but you will often hear Black people calling each other N igger in conversation, Strange that?