I'm a 20yr old black woman and I have healthy, shoulder length hair.A man complemented me on how pretty my hair was,then proceeded to tell me that it was odd for me to be black and have long silky hair.I explained t him about hair length having nothing to do with ethnic background ,but how well it was cared for.I didn't get angry but I always get insulted when people say things like this.Should I have felt insulted? Was this a rude/racist comment?
2006-12-17 13:26:00 · 19 answers · asked by Direktor 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
No. It was based on ignorance, not prejudice. And it was a kind thing for him to say, even if it was thoughtless and it may have even been hard for him to say it. Just be glad he wasn't a real racist and was instead a misguided person. What you told him was PERFECT and I'm sure he learned alot from that interchange between the two of you.
2006-12-17 13:47:49 · answer #1 · answered by AdamKadmon 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I really think that person was trying too hard to be nice and the right thing was said the wrong way. It is possible that the person had other motives of course, but more than likely his statement although well intended showed a lack of sensitivity and some ignorance as well. As for feeling insulted, only you can answer that one, were you insulted? or do you agree that it was a mistake on his part and should be ignored? Personaly I think it was rude, not racist
2006-12-18 08:49:56 · answer #2 · answered by P.A.M. 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
His question and comment probably weren't meant to be insulting. He was curious and was under a stereotypical presumption that all black woman are the same in every way.
Rude? Yeah, maybe a little. However, rude because of his ignorance of the topic not because he was purposely trying to be offensive.
2006-12-18 02:03:46 · answer #3 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some people have the tact of Jack the Ripper. Having been wound up by people like this myself, I have then listened to them merrily stroke and punch someone else in much the same way.
They are usually nice, but slightly sub-normal dear, and we should feel sorry for them....(this last bit was just an example, by the way.. ;~)
2006-12-18 10:19:29 · answer #4 · answered by dawn 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think he meant to be rude. I think he meant to compliment you and asked a question that maybe he knew little about. If he had wanted to insult you he would have said something quite different. You sound like you're being defensive. It's sorta like being gay on this site...I don't have a problem that a straight persons asks...no matter how stupid it sounds..if I think they really want to know the answer.
2006-12-17 22:25:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
insulted yes
rude yes
racist yes
just because of your color it has nothing to do with your hair but you should admit that it is kinda unusual most black women i know have very short hair mostly its weave so i can see why a male would think that way most men have no clue so i guess its all in how you look at it dont let some stupid got no idea person get to you keep it real
2006-12-17 21:34:02 · answer #6 · answered by wkdwchofwest 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
While it does come across as a rude comment, chances are the guy really didn't know what he was saying and maybe he was just so dazzled by you, he just said the first thing that came out of his mouth! Dont worry about his intentions...
2006-12-17 21:45:40 · answer #7 · answered by Sarah 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
you make the choice whether to be insulted or not...if you have healthy self-esteem it shouldn't come as an insult. he was probably just commenting on how beautiful he thinks your hair is...maybe just trying to make conversation, and naively ignorant. i don't see it as racial comment. i don't have your frame of reference, but there's always an opportunity to educate. don't pass it up by becoming defensive and insulted.
2006-12-17 21:38:59 · answer #8 · answered by pirate00girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you have all the reasons in the world to be insulted. This was a rude/racist comment. When will this racist thing stops?
2006-12-17 21:28:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
His comment wasn't rude or racist, it is to be expected. I like to consider it ignorance, he couldn't help it. It was nice that you attempted to educate him, hopefully he won't do it again (but unlikely). He will probably just make another generalization. Let it go, you did your part.
2006-12-17 21:31:23 · answer #10 · answered by 24K 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋