refrained from using the word "black" or "white" when describing someone you know to a person who is of the same race of the person you are desribing? If so,why?
2007-05-25 10:44:17 · 22 answers · asked by Ugogirl 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Great answers so far
2007-05-25 10:59:32 · update #1
not anymore!!I once I called a black person 'coloured' and he gave me a right telling off.He said to me ," am I green, blue, yellow ?? then he said to me," you white people are more coloured than me! when you blush you go red, when you sick you go green,when you cold you go blue"! so I don't have a problem anymore. But I know what you mean.:)
2007-05-25 10:55:24 · answer #1 · answered by SLIMKIND 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I refrained from using the word black in front of a black person b/c I wasn't sure if the politcally correct term now was african american.
I also thought that a latino friend was black when I first met her and she get a little upset with me.
We are all just people no matter what color we are. We have hopes, dreams and yes insecurities.
Great question.
2007-05-25 17:50:48 · answer #2 · answered by Mr. Ed 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I personally have never avoided it, but I know some people, especially other white people i know avoid it. A lot of whites don't hang out with blacks enough to know what is acceptable terms to use and what are not, so they are uncomfortable. I have always hung around black people for most of my life and my wife is black , so i don't have hangups, but generally i think it makes people uncomfortable to describe someone of another race to a person who is the same race.
2007-05-25 17:48:16 · answer #3 · answered by big stan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't. Most of my friends are black. I have white friends as well and I am white. If I describe someone I will mention their race. I think it completely ok. It is part of them. It is in no way bad. Everyone should be proud of who they are and what they are. Many times I don't even think about peoples race and I described them in other ways. Like light or dark, etc... (that can apply to any race). But 9 times out of 10 my friends ask if they are black or white or what if I do not say.
2007-05-25 17:49:59 · answer #4 · answered by atlantaboi3 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Its not a situation I run into very often as very few black people live in my area.
One time though I was in a mall parking lot and my car wouldn't start. So I was standing there with my hood up with a confused look of my face and a black guy came over and asked what the problem was. I told him I didn't know and he offered to take a look. Well long story short he was able to get my car running very quickly. After which he came over and put his hand on my shoulder and said. " You need to learn to take care of your car little honky. " And smiled. We both laughed and I agreed, shook his hand and thanked him. I offered money but he wouldn't take it. I was not offended in the least. In the end I don't think its what you say its the context your saying it in. He used a derogatory term but it was in good fun and I could tell he meant no harm by it. Anyone who would walk up and help me for no reason and ask for nothing in return can call me whatever he wants. I see I have drifted from your question a bit but I typed it so here it is.
2007-05-25 18:45:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I also have no problem with stating a person being black or white. I'm feel very comfortable when talking to someone and I don't feel like I have to walk on egg shells speaking my mind. I am in the presence of many different people of different races and levels and enjoy talking to them all.
2007-05-25 20:24:06 · answer #6 · answered by millineumlaura 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. I think that describing someone by using their skin color is not harmful at all. In my eyes, many people are a little too sensitive on that subject. I see it the same as saying that tall or short person. Or the person with glasses.
2007-05-25 18:00:10 · answer #7 · answered by Peter 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As a black person, I don't have a problem with saying someone is black or white. I think mainly white people will have that problem as they are the ones who might be trying not to sound racist.
2007-05-25 17:52:10 · answer #8 · answered by Afi 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes, i have found myself in that position many a time... What i usually do and what has worked for me is refer to "black" people as "African-American" or if white "Caucassion" (sp) and that usually is the most professional and non-offending way to speak of people...
2007-05-25 17:48:36 · answer #9 · answered by soobielover26 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
To avoid the possibility of the person being offended. Why else?
2007-05-25 17:47:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋