What does the term "ghetto" mean to you?

Question

Do you use it in it's dictionary context only? Why or why not? Do you use it as an adjective ( to describe a particular thing)? Why? Have you ever been called "ghetto", but felt that that label was misplaced? Do you consider yourself ghetto? Why or why not? Do you think the word "ghetto" carries negative or positive connotations? Why or why not?

Answer 1

The word "ghetto" has several meanings to me. First, it can be a poverty stricken community, where violence is rampant. Two, I feel that "ghetto" is a state of mind. People who feel very low about themselves, have very little respect for themselves or others, often behave in a manner that is termed "ghetto." The term carries very negative connotations in the minds of those who are not "ghetto," because it denotes a loud, uneducated person with little pride in self. But, I have students (of all races) who call themselves "ghetto" with pride. I do not consider myself "ghetto" because I was raised in a home that fostered respect for self and community. I was taught to depend on no one, but, myself, and to strive for what I wanted in life. My father's favorite saying is, "don't sell yourself short."

Answer 2

I am not sure what the official meaning of ghetto is. I use it anyway. Just like alot of other words human beings use. When I picture a "ghetto" i picture a group of people trapped in a housing complex with conditions controlled for no escape. The image I see is a prison with walls not of concrete or steel, but of societal limitations. A person I would call "ghetto" would be a human who acts and speaks as if they are in a prison... ie: a human who believes "this is the best i can do" and does not seek information to change.

Answer 3

Ghetto to me has a negative connotation b/c it means poor to me.
Only in recent years did I hear my kids as teens say that's so ghetto! Again not a particularly good term. Kind of has the same quality as trailer trash.
The label of ghetto is always misplaced when used as any mode of living, working, etc., that results from stereotyping or biased treatment.
Unfortunately labels will alway define things for those that feel they need to elevate themselves by putting others down.
It's a great question, thanks for asking.

Answer 4

Ghetto. I use in places that are dilapidated, rundown. I also use it to mean cheap, just barely getting by ("I'm so ghetto that my lunch came from a vending machine."). I don't really use it to mean "gangsta". If something or someone is gangsta (you know, the stereotypical kind), then I don't really refer to them as ghetto, as some people might.
I think overall the term has negative connotations. I usually don't use it in a very positive way. The term is usually used to describe a depressed area - emotionally, physically, financially.

Answer 5

To me that word 'ghetto", usually is nothing more than the friendliest way possible of calling someone something very negative. While I came from the ghetto I certainly do not consider myself ghetto. And the term is usually directed towards females. It is not frowned upon when used by friends.

Answer 6

Loud
You have a nice car but you live in a dump
Your rims cost more than the car itself
You buy yourself new clothes and shoes before you put food in your stomach and pay bills

I have never been called ghetto or if I was it wasn't said to my face. I sometimes act ghetto when with friends and family.

Answer 7

The word ghetto calls up images of the first ghettos created in Ghetto, Italy where Jews were locked in and were only permitted to leave with permission from a Christian as long as they wore the huge yellow Star of David for identification.
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Answer 8

the ghetto (n.) is the hood
ghetto (adj.) 1. too act in way typically associated with being from the hood.

2. something that is makeshift or of low quality. Typical refers to an object typically found in the hood.
i.e. A coat hanger used as an antenna

Answer 9

"ghetto" is a term that is used to describe black people who are not finically stable. I think it is a word that should be erased out of everyone's vocabulary. It doesn’t do anything but belittle a black person. And the last person who made a comment should be a shame of their self for say that they are "ghetto"! You fall into what society believes that black people are nothing and do not know how to act.

Answer 10

when the Negros were freed they left the northern homes and factories they were slaves in.and joined with southern blacks who moved North after they were freed.I think of ghettos as a northern thing,but there's places in the south were theirs ghettos also I guess.in the south we don't call them ghettos.I am proud of the way black and white southerners get along with each other,generally. but anyway.they wanted a place to live so they congregated into areas of city's,their they still or, they have a bad time of it,murder,rape,robbery, etc.I wish them all the best,the government should try to help them more then they do I believe.If they would just accept the spirit of God into them, it would guide them to much better things and ways of living, but for Gods sake they used to be slaves not but a few generations ago,It will take time to get over that horror.They must be shown how to get out of the ghetto,with programs, of job training, church meetings.youth groups,give the youth something better to do then just hang out on the street.I pray for all poor people, I was poor at one time, and homeless.
Peace