If someone on answers makes a racist remark, what do you do?

Question

I responded harshly to an answerer who used the term '***'. It makes me angry, not only because it's wrong but also my wife is Japanese and I live in Japan. It could be he didn't think it was offensive, but I still feel it's wrong.

Do you report them, which I didn't do, or just tell them they are insensitive?

Angel Of Death, your advice wasn't worth much. Racism is for sick f****, so I don't think I'm oversensitive. Read the question: My wife and kids' culture is Japanese. I would never use perjorative terms for anyone. It takes more spine to be a decent person that it does to be a bigot.

Generally, the comments have been good. I can do without the offensive ones, but I've come to expect that from some here. The rest of you have some great thoughts, though. I think the question was meant to gather a few answers about how everyone feels about this sort of thing. Anyway, thanks to the more thoughtful answers.

jorluke, I appreciate your response. Seeing as though we seem to have come to near blows over our answers and questions. I personally feel no animosity, because what would be the point? But I guess the fact that I've lived in Japan for 11 years, and have a Japanese wife makes me a little sensitive. I agree theJapanese have to sort out their sordid past and try to make relations better with their neighbours.

I have a feeling you meant no harm by your comment, and while it's a little early, I just might consider your answer worthy of the 10 points!

jorluke, we've traded insults-a-plenty. Yes, I offended you, but I wasn't thrilled by your remarks to my question. Also, for the record, I didn't report you; obviously someone else took offense to your comments. Let's just agree to disagree, shall we? I will also gratify you a civil response, should you post a question I catch.

Answer 1

In WWII we fought the "Japs". In the world we live in today there is no place for this word. Nor; Keik, cracker, honky, ******, ***,
****, ****, Schwartz, frog, hie my, etc. These are all words of hate intended to provoke. They are not necessary and are appreciated by any decent person. I fully agree with you, only I add all of these to your gripe! It must be applied to everyone. Not just one race. All races and religions as well. And bless for bringing this up!

Answer 2

You can ignore them and move on. You can report them for being offensive. But the proper thing to do is realize it probably wasn't intended as a slur. If the person had said "nip" in reference to the Japanese, then yes, it was an intentional slur and racist comment. There are people who don't know any better and think *** is just a short version of Japanese.

Be mindful that some people make mistakes and they don't mean to be offensive. But if you attack them for it, they will have all the more reason to dislike the Japanese or others which were affected. Get the facts before lashing out.

Answer 3

This is what its about. And I, am almost certain that it is my entry here on this question:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ao5jPz.arsI5iryoUE2kDKfsy6IX?qid=20061013015855AAVhBiB
I mean no offense by my answer stated there. And it is not intended to offend anyone. In fact it is relevant that Japan wants to configure thier armed forces for offensive operations. This is the perfect opportunity for them to do so.
The demand is clear and they should do so with my blessing. Will they assist with taking down North Korea? Probably not because perhaps the trajic stalemate shall continue and the suffering is let to go on. I have been deployed in Korea. I know Koreans are (generally speaking...of course) a visciously proud people.
They have 2 holidays celebrating independance from Japan they observe with festivity and zeal to this day.
My notion was simply a muse that perhaps if the Japanese were to offensively configure then it should come at the cost of committing to support the southern peninsula of Korea.
Because maybe some people in this world think reparations are done by sitting around on your *** and talking, but the truth is reparations are repayed in blood, sweat and tears of people that want to honestly make a difference. That said. In South Korea NOW there are and have been for quite a very long time nearly daily ongoing protests about the American presence of force there. My point is. If US forces are somewhat disliked there...what would the outcry be if Japan stepped in to augment or relieve us?
Using 'japs' is consequential to my point. Ive met German soldiers also while on active duty and refered to them as 'krauts' and they smiled and laughed. Nick names stick and even the ugly ones are cute amongst fighting men. This is why I find it incredulous someone would take such offense at 'japs' which is simply an abbreviated version of the full word, there is nothing implied there. Heck, should I take offense when a 'brit' calls me a 'yank'? NO! I rather revel in the nickname. (but then again, we kicked thier ***) so maybe its an issue of burnt pride on the part of Japanese? Overblown sensitivity crying out that they are not land hungry imperialists anymore? Who knows. It hasnt even been 100 years.
Of course we can end racism, and any other kind of ism all that happy stuff. If you dont believe it you are showing it now Mr Tiko.
I posted to question the validity of 'japs' being negative connotation and was suprised to find 3 of 4 responses confirming your claim. So for now on, when uttering 'japanese' I shall waste that .12 seconds or whatever time of my life it takes to utter the full word rather than 'japs'. I shall also take note to fully spell out the word 'Japanese' at every possible convenience when and wherever I find it necessarily applicable.

Answer 4

I respect EVERYONE'S right to free speech, whether I agree with their perspective or not. If someone wants to make any type of remark, whether nice or not, I will accept that answer. I will have a sense of humor because maybe I am missing something. I will be understanding that everyone has a war in their life that they're dealing with, and maybe they are misunderstood. But above all, if I am on here ASKING A QUESTION, then I will accept any and all answers that are given. If you can't accept all answers, then don't ask the questions.

Answer 5

U could report him but unfortunately this is the internet and people can say pretty much what they want. U can even tell them how u feel and usually they don't care. There is alot of racism and ignorace on this Q & A blog but then again its everywhere my friend. Don't let him bother u. I am sure u have a lovely wife and all that counts anyway is ur love for each other. Have a wonderful day :)

Answer 6

i would say let it go , they may have meant it as an abbreviation. we are not always technical here and there is a international audience. if i were to say Nippon, not many would know what that is. well, it depends on the context it is used,. you don't how they said it . i would have to be there.
pick your battle carefully, anime has become japan's great ambassador. there are generations that hold the Japanese in high
regard. japan is where the future is. chopping down a moutian, dumping it in the ocean and making it into an airport, how cool is that. not to mention Honda robots, ramune, pocky, manga, play station, super cool movies that makes Hollywood envious.

Answer 7

If someone was being volgar, I would definitely report them, but everyone has a a**hole and an opinion as they say. I think everyone is entitled to express themselves verbally. It is how you intrepret them that could be the problem. That said, I have no idea what the original conversation was, but I try not to be derogatory, especially in these days and times. And besides, my brother has a Japanese girlfriend and she is the greatest. ; )

Answer 8

first of all you must realize we live in a world with alot of ignorant people who could care less how they make people feel those are the ones i really feel sorry for because they are such a basket case they have no heart and no one will put up with them i seen this saying one time on a church sign which i love to read when i am driving down the road it said " to belittle someone, is to be little yourself " ......get it they are making themselves that much smaller when they degrade someone....i know you get upset we all do when someone that ignorant does that but really he who angers you controls you.......dont give that person the satisfaction of knowing he ticked you off just know you are the better person and what goes around comes around eventually i stongly believe that .......

Answer 9

If someone made a racist remark directed at me. I would just tell them I didn't appreciate it. If it was a general remark not made at anyone specific I would let it go as they are entitled to their opinion. This is supposed to be a free country you know.

Answer 10

People who make those kind of remarks don't have confidence in themselves. The victims of their words shouldn't get worked up over what they said. They aren't "losing any sleep", why should you? They should know how you feel, but don't make it your job to tell them. Tell them they are insensitive. I guess you could report them.