Does it offend you when you're referred to as a "White boy?"?

Question

My better friends that are black do not call me or any other white person that. However, I hear it all the time from a lot of blacvk people who don't think it's offensive to say that.

Answer 1

Its no more offensive , one could argue....... than some other Racist terms used to belittle one with a weak mind ....A strong minded person would not let name calling offend him.

Answer 2

In an ideal world, the way that remarks are accepted is dependent on how they are meant. Thus, if a white person refers to a black one using the N-word not because of prejudice in their heart but rather because that's the way they'd always heard it, that there would be tolerance of the person. Since this is the etiquette section, we will talk about both what should happen and what does.

To use an example that hits me closer to home, I was once told by a native Spanish speaker from Central America (actually, he spoke no English at all) that I was "muy agringado" in Spanish - i.e. very gringo-ized. As I am a complete 100% gringo (just look at my avatar :-), I could take that as an insult. However, we were having a very pleasant conversation, and the person obviously meant no ill-will toward me.

On the other hand, if he had snarled something like "pinche gringo" at me, I would have taken it a bit differently. Same word, entirely different meaning.

This is how I try to take what people say about me. Unfortunately, not everybody is tolerant in that area. Some feel that if you use a name that is not among their current set of favorites to be used by people like you, then you are scum and are hurling a vile insult at them. It is terribly unfair, but it happens. You will find both kinds of people out there. I know some Spanish-speaking people who treat and use the terms Hispanic and Latino completely interchangeably; while others would tell you that the former is a terrible insult and the latter the only acceptable term.

So, to answer your question, if I was called "white boy" by friends in a joking fashion, I would not be offended in the least. On the other hand, I would be very reluctant to use similar terms on people different from myself unless I knew them well.

Answer 3

What if you went around calling black guys "black boy"? Anyway it wouldn't offend me because I'm not thin skinned. But if your going to dish anything out you better be able to take it in my opinion. Some folks where I work use the N word ( black and white) and seem to think nothing of it. Personally, I think such talk shows a lack of class. The same with terms like "white boy" unless you are close and it is used in a jestful sort of way. By the way the argument from some blacks that they can use the N word because they are black doesn't cut it with me because if its derogatory then its derogatory no matter who says it.

Answer 4

It pretty much follows that if one racial group thinks it is appropriate to call another group any names at all, then that "insulted" group feels it appropriate to use any slurs they wish in retaliation.

The thing that seems to really irritate those who would like to call Whites names, is that most Whites really don't care. Some are amused at the attempt to bait by a word so simple as "cracker" or "honky"

I've seen on other answers that people don't know what HONKY means or from where it comes. It is a term which referred to the Whites who would cross the railroad tracks and go into the Black area of town (other side of the tracks) to pick up Black prostitutes for sex. They weren't about to belittle themselves by getting out of the car, and didn't want to be recognized by their fellow churchmen who might be watching and doing the same thing nearby, so they HONKED their car horns, and the girls came a-running. I've ALWAYS considered the term Honky more insulting to Blacks and not at all insulting to Whites. Cracker is really a pitiful attempt to degrade and I can't imagine the mentality of anyone thinking that is really insulting. Some groups act like silly bunches of children and the majority tolerates them, so that's how the world works.

Answer 5

It doesn't matter if you like it or not, in general it's still OK to say.

As long as you're using a racial slang term regarding anyone who has light colored skin, it's fine. Anything else and it's automatically a hate crime.

Most white people don't really care. Now if only people of other races could brush off comments so easily...

Answer 6

nope it doesn't bother me at all. I was wondering what cracker was all about too. I've had some of my black friends call me that and personally don't find any offense to it at all.

Answer 7

It offends people because it is a slur using race. If you don't believe me, try the exact opposite of the phrase on your african-american friends, and you will probably offend them.

Answer 8

I would take offense at that because I am a girl.

Answer 9

yes, it is offensive. for one i am a white MAN, also what is the point in having to bring race into a situation other than for intimidation. it is rude, crude, and NOT CLASSY!

Answer 10

It has not untill recently. I will allow someone to call me white boy when I am allowed to call them N*gg*r.

Just to be fair and equal opportunity!