I have noticed that older white women take it as a compliment, and I have always called all older women girls, no matter what color, as an informal way to address women in a friendly manner. Today, however, I was rudely corrected by a black woman, she told me she didn't like that, and that " It had something to do with history, but evidently I was to young to know this." I felt embarrased. Will someone tell me the story that I am "Too young" to know about?
2007-02-26 12:45:06 · 14 answers · asked by just another "girl" 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Years ago, during slavery and after( and maybe currently) in the South, adults and even senior citizens of African descent were often referred to as "girl" or "boy" by white people. This was a way of demeaning them as adults and people deserving of respect. The women you met is probably from the South, and has terrible memories regarding this time. I don't understand why you would ever call any adult, and an elder of yours "girl" anyway. I wasn't raised this way, and address all adults, regardless of race as "Ma'am", and "Sir"
2007-02-26 12:52:52 · answer #1 · answered by C. J. 5 · 5⤊ 2⤋
black people no matter what their age were refered to as boys and girls even by those younger than them. This was a feature of both slavery and segregation. The point was to make them feel inferior and child like. It was a sign of disrespect. If you know anything about the civil rights movement you will recall that during many protest black men walked with signs which read "i am a man" and the struggle was often refered to as a struggle for manhood.
I grew up in the south and saw white children referring to my grandmother as a girl where as I was suppose to call their parents Mr. and Mrs. -- the point was to remind you that you were not considered their equal.
2007-02-26 12:58:38 · answer #2 · answered by slinda 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You flat-out insulted her, because you don't know how black women were treated when they were slaves. Calling her "girl" is like saying you don't have any respect for her. She corrected you and you are complaining that she was rude. Did it ever occur to you that what you said to her was rude in her eyes? What you said demonstrates a lack of respect. Its good that you were embarrassed, because it shows you can be taught the polite way to speak to people in the future.
If you think about it, calling someone "honey" or "girl" or "sweetie" is not very good to use, because it implies that you have some power over them. How about something with equality written all over it? I have used the word "ladies" more often than I can count and everyone listens to me when I say that. Why do they listen? Because "ladies" is a non-confrontational word and by its usage, silently beckons all to be on equal footing. All are assured of respectful and equal treatment.
2007-02-26 13:13:10 · answer #3 · answered by Hoolia 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
sure, i imagine that what you're conserving is genuine. If a white female says that she is a "reliable white female", we evaluate the "white" area to be superfluous. Why does she favor to say "white"? the numerous reason behind it really is because whites are at present interior the majority and each and anytime whites make a particular factor out of their ethnicity it type of feels unnecessary. you do not listen female conserving "i'm a reliable Asian female" because, frequently, in oriental cultures a minimum of, human beings placed truly some emphasis on being well mannered and self-deprecating. it will be conceited in that subculture to make one of those statement.
2016-12-05 00:11:43 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In slave and racist days white people often referred to black females as girl or gal regardless of age. Whoever this woman was apparently is frozen in time and I would not take it all to heart. When i get on in years, I would be thrilled to be called a girl.
Its about letting go of the past and trying not to see racism in everything.
2007-03-01 10:03:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Its not just BLACK WOMEN,obviously YOU HAVE NO RESPECT!!! How can you call your elder, a girl? That's how you talk to your peers, not an ADULT. It's not even a race issue. YOU AS A INDIVIDUAL, DO NOT HAVE ANY RESPECT or ANY MANNERS...
2007-02-26 15:08:10 · answer #6 · answered by JamaicanVixen 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
no older woman likes to be called girl. only the phony models in the commercials
2007-02-26 13:07:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
It's demeaning because they're not girls, they are women. My own mother doesn't like to be referred to as a girl.
2007-02-26 13:25:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't know no older woman who likes to be called girl.
2007-02-26 12:52:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 2⤋
It is RUDE.
Its the same thing as referring to a grown man as "BOY"
2007-02-26 13:27:03 · answer #10 · answered by venom! 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋