Is it a sign of disrespect when white guys call black guys..."bro". Im black and i dont know how to take it?

Question

WORK SITUATION, SOCIAL SETTING.

Answer 1

depends on how they say it. do they say it sarcastically? or do they say it in a friendship way?

Answer 2

Interesting Q. I have a black friend whom I've known for over 20 yrs. who calls me brother. Should I be insulted as a white guy? It really depends on how well you know the person. Above mentioned buddy and myself have been through hell and back, have each others backs and yes, consider ourselves brothers. Guess it all depends on perspective and the relationship. Would I call someone I didn't know well bro or brother, whether white, black, asian, or martian? For Gods' sake no.

However, in a work setting? It depends on how proffessional you wish to carry yourself. I wouldn't take it as an insult however.

Keep that idea in mind and don't spend all your time thinking about colours and race. For Gods' sake, I thought most of the modern world had moved beyond this. Aside from the same part of the world, that is always at war, the globe has become a global village. It's time we accept it. The world will be a better place for it in the end.

Workplace sit. however? Depends on how you carry yourself in the workplace or how you wish to be addressed and viewed. I wouldn't, however take it as an insult. Watch the demeanor in which it's said, the tone, the facial expression. That will give you the answer your seeking.

Answer 3

When a white guy calls you a 'bro' he is only calling you something that he would call any other guy. If you read anything into this besides the fact that they are treating you the same as anyone else, then you are making a false assumption. 'Bro' is a sign of respect and nothing else. It's the total opposite of the N-word. You should relax.

Answer 4

I think it would depend on how they said it. In the work place, probably not appropriate. Chances are, however, that they just think they're being cool, or are trying to be cool. I don't even call my friends "bro". I wouldn't be offended. Maybe a little annoyed. They probably really don't know any better. Probably don't have any male friends who are black and therefore don't know how to relate to you. I think you'd know for sure if they were trying to blatantly be disrespectful. Tell them to stop watching so much tv. ;c)

Answer 5

Do they call each other "bro" or just you? Do they speak differently when you're around? Sometimes whites think it's cool to try to speak in what they interpret as the "black vernacular" around black people, and they are either trying to be cool or they think they are being derisive/funny without anyone knowing it. They hear black men and women talking to each other and they like imitate it.

Answer 6

How do YOU feel about being called bro? If it doesn't bother you directly, then let it go. I'm a white girl and I've had black guys refer to me as "cracka girl." Doesn't bother me because yes, I'm white and i'm a girl... If it seriously bothers you, then say something. Most people won't say anything to be purposely disrespectful and if they do, it will bother THEM more if you just let it go. It can be really hard to let things go, but it makes them boil. If I were you, I wouldn't let it bother me.

Answer 7

At least they call you "N......r" (kidding).

You sound intelligent and educated and capable of operating in a color-blind environment where people are teated for what they offer rather than their color, race, sex. Obviously your co-workers cannot and are trying to cover their discomfort with poor humor. I would say when a boss is selected some day of the group, you have a better chance.

Lt it pass and they will get tired of it, else mention it privately and professionally that it bugs you.

Answer 8

Why does everything have to be racial? I really do dislike questions like this simply because if it is okay for one person to say it why can't another? We are all the same color when the lights go out! Just like the all of the other racial words out there. Just let it go! Read God's word....speak his language. The world would be a lot better off....

Answer 9

It seems that the older black generations feel almost anything can be offensive. But today it's different. I have used the term on many of my black friends and they use it back. No harm no foul. If you feel it's directed in a different way then be weiry of THAT person.

Answer 10

Trust your own intuition... I think it probably depends on how it's said. It may be an attempt at camaraderie and friendliness, or it may be veiled disrespect. The tone makes all the difference.

Answer 11

This is not an ethnic terminology. "Bro" simply is short for brother a term of endearment or fondness, It is used in all races. It is NOT an insult. Lighten up.