Why are some WHITE PEOPLE offended by the word ''CRACKER''?

Question

Another yahoo user's question about the ''N word'' inspired me to ask this one. Caucasion people shouldnt be offended by being called a ''cracker'' because it is actually referring to your skin color and unless you're insecure about it, and/or HATE actual crackers, you shouldnt be offended. If someone were to call me an ''oreo'' because of my mixed race (black and white) I would not by any means be offended. Im happy with who I am and dont care to get offended by someone making a comparison between me and something that shares the same color(s). Im not judging those of you who are offended by it, or would be (if someone called you a ''cracker'' in a heated argument) but I'm curious as to why.

thanks and have a nice night :)

Oh never knew the history of the term, that explains alot...exactly why I asked this Q.

thanks guys

I didnt know that asking a question had the same meaning as ''glorifying yourself'' I'll take it as a compliment lol thanks :)

almost EVERYBODY has really good answers so Im going to leave this one to the public (or to you guys' if you're like me and vote for your own answers ;) LOL

Answer 1

Honestly I cannot gage how someone reacts to a slur that is meant to demean, but I don't see how whites can feel the same way about the"c" word as the "n" one. Because the word and expression was created by whites (just like the "n" word) to describe poor whites they thought were beneath them financially, in social status, and education. Even if you were one you were still above the highest Black person. So, in that way I don't see how the word has the same effect.

Answer 2

It's rude to call someone a cracker. It's rude, nasty and hateful to call someone a ******. Personally, I think the use of racial epithets is tired and inappropriate regardless of whom says what to whom. I'm mixed, too, but I won't stand for anyone referring to me as an 'oreo' -- no more would I let a man call me a *****. I can't even really say that I'd be offended, but I think we all have so much more going for us that we should no longer have to be identified by race or color or religion. I'm Jewish; does that mean I should shrug off being called a 'kike'? No.

This doesn't make me any less proud; it just means I'm a little more discerning than some about what I allow people to call me. My name will do just fine. Don't know my name? Try: the tall woman, the smart woman or, my favorite, "What is your name?".

Now if a person upsets me I can't say that his background had anything to do with it and can't, therefore, feel justified in calling him outside of his name based on that background. His personal characteristics (flaws, perhaps) give me all the insults I need.

Answer 3

i'm no longer offended. i'm white and that i've got black buddies. Cracker or the N word do no longer hassle me. those words have been used for years. What i'm extra disgusted approximately is how maximum African individuals act. I surely have met many nice and respectful black human beings. however the sagging swearing ones get me. What might MLK ought to assert approximately this??

Answer 4

This is completely idiotic, and why should you care? I hate the term African American as I'm also American Indian and have soem White face it the American Black man has White in his blood line that is recognizable because of slavery.

I don't even care about the N word as some Blacks call each other that which is really ignorant, whether it be ***** or ******; it's still stupid, and ****** means uncoof not really a racial slur as we are in a different period. So someone can be called snow ****** also.

We need to have a fair society folks. No word should be hurtful as they are only words intended to break your spirir. You should show that nothing can break open your spirit exposing a weak inner soul.

Answer 5

I'm 'white' and will reply to your question this way . . . Generally when one person calls someone a 'negative' word to label their ethnic culture generally it is for the purpose to put them down and make the other feel that they are lesser then the person calling the 'name'. So, they are offended for being 'put down', putting their family culture down. But, personally, if I was to hear another call me 'cracker' I just smile and think to myself "Yes, I'm white, that's my 'color' what's their point". They might have said "Hey, you wavy hair person"...no big deal. I'm confident and know another is simply speaking from insecurities. Am I white like a cracker...yes...so what. Is another brown as chocolate...yes...so what. What is to be dealt with is the heart and soul of a person...what difference does a color or size make.

Answer 6

The problem with this word is the same problem that African-Americans (and other black people) have with the N-word, essentially. The word itself isn't so much the problem. It is the divisiveness that these words represent and the emotions behind the speaking of them.

Also, just because cracker has a separate meaning (not racial) in our language, you can make your argument about the word by itself. The N word has no other meaning.

Answer 7

Im a honky proud and true i support my race but not all we do. White black and all the above can we just all get along and share some love... Lol i dont care what you call me hell i get called a midget,dwarf,half pint,Knee high, Ankle biter,Lolly Pop Kid because i'm only three foot four. Your have to make humor in somthings. But i hate when ppl call others the N word because i think more white niggered me than black ppl have

Answer 8

actually the term CRACKER came from the whip cracking slave masters. not from a white snack food.

and even then it is a word used in a derogatory manner. I do not call people of mixed parentage OREO or any other names. i do not call African Americans or Black folks the N-bomb.
and i do not discriminate against any other races.

it angers me when i am held accountable for what my ancestors may or may not have done 200 years ago. or 50 years ago. in all fact i can only be held accountable for my own actions and even then that only goes back 29 years.
so if me shaking a rattle in 1977 somehow contributed to the injustice of the era. i would like to know how.

C*****R
N****R
SP*C
CHI*K

whatever the word. when used in a derogatory manner it is wrong. I respect people enough to not treat them like insects.

did you know that that is the reason for derogatory words. to make someone into a lesser being in the mind ot the racist. because it is easy to treat a bug like crap and crush it when you are done. bugs are easy to kill. derogatory words make people into insects in the mind of the oppressor. because they are too afraid to view them as HUMANS.

Answer 9

I'm white. And I prefer to be called so. Just as 'african-americans' like to be called either that or black, and not Ni**ers, the same should go for us. After all those years of wanting equality, then let's be equal. I hate the word ni**er, and I won't call anyone so. I deserve the same type of respect. Don't call me a cracker.

Answer 10

um unless you know the history term I do not suggest you use terms like that. Regardless if people find it offensive or not it is still a racial slur. And even if the person you call that doesn't find it offensive someone within your voice range may. I don't believe in calling anything besides their given name. That is the reason they got it so they do not have to be identified by a characteristic.