Would it be a racist remark to say that a lot of southern asians, or people that look like people of the indian sub continent, are specialists at curry?
Would it also be considered racist to call an indian looking person "curryface" or "currybreath"?
Thanks
2007-09-28 11:25:00 · 27 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Would it be a racist remark to say that a lot of southern asians, or people that look like people of the indian sub continent, are specialists at curry?
Would it also be considered racist to call an indian looking person "curryface" or "currybreath"?
Thanks
Edit - so you know, this was not coming from me, but instead from a friend who said this to myself. He was insisting it wasn't rude in any way, and I wanted to clear it with him.
2007-09-28 11:47:44 · update #1
Yes, yes, and yes. Rule of thumb; if you're not sure if it's racist, don't say it.
2007-09-28 11:30:10 · answer #1 · answered by michael c 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Jebus people are touchy on this subject. I'd say that "curryface" or "currybreath" are racist terms, however they are also very lame insults so maybe this person that said this to you has some mental difficulties that prevents them from knowing they are being racist. As for being a curry specialist I would say that a person should get someones full ethinic background straight before making presumptions like that, even if they were meant to be complimentary and not just some lame comment. I'm English but I've known lots of people who were born in this country but who's parents weren't and they know nothing about their parents culture. If I went up to them and presumed they were good at something just because of some stereotype I deserve to be punched in the face.
2007-09-28 16:38:14 · answer #2 · answered by scyther_maverick 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Saying that people of a nation or continent are specialists at making curry is no more offensive than saying that the Brits are specialists at cooking roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. Actually though, the later statement could be less truthful, as Asians make wonderful curries and most people I know sadly haven't a clue how to make Yorkshires and buy Aunt Bessie's instead.
However, I agree with Cynthia that to call someone 'curryface' etc would be downright bad mannered, rather than racist. Although interestingly, the French call us 'rosbif' in the same way that we refer to them as 'frogs'.
2007-10-03 04:10:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wonder why your 'friend' said it that way instead of - European people have garlic breath - or are good with cooking food seeped in garlic? What a stupid assumption that it wouldn't be racist to call a person with an Indian complexion 'curryface'. To call a person/race specialist at something could be complimentary or insulting depending on how/why it was said - only a dimwit or maybe a child wouldn't know the difference.
2007-09-28 13:56:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Calling people names like that? Absolutely racist if not just plain derogatory. Assuming that Asians and Indians are curry specialists? That's a fine line. First of all, Indian people will tell you that curry is NOT a staple food like people think. Second, it's not even a general Asian "main" food, so such a comment is ignorant and can be construed by more sensitive people as racist.
2007-09-28 12:57:43 · answer #5 · answered by Sophra 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Of course it is not racist! It happens to be a true statement which is factually correct and statistically accurate. Nor would it be racist to say (for example) most world heavyweight boxing champions are black or that most people who lived in the Third Reich had blue eyes. Stating the truth can never be racist.
2007-10-06 04:41:10 · answer #6 · answered by cimex 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you started with was not, in my own opinion only, racist. To say that people of India and Asia are especially good with curry, but to call anyone curryface/breath, not only is racist, but rude and there is never an excuse for either.
2007-09-28 11:34:08 · answer #7 · answered by Cynthia 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the motivation. The first part I'd say isn't racist, and possibly is a compliment. The second part is just rude and childish. It's only racist if there was hurtful intent, or dislike of the race.
2007-09-29 12:41:59 · answer #8 · answered by Acai 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any word or comment can be used as a racist remark or an insult. It all depends on the phrasing and the content of the message.
Yes it all sounds racist to me.
2007-10-03 08:01:02 · answer #9 · answered by staymay 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not any more so, than saying a lot of southerners like fried chicken - or maybe grits - whatever they are !
And chitlins ? Is that racist too ? Sheesh !
Now let's not get personal - calling a southern looking person a cracker - or trailer trash.
2007-09-28 12:13:41 · answer #10 · answered by S. J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To say that indians are curry specialists is Ok. I'm proud of that! What will the world be without curry?But to call names?
Not acceptable. I would have thrown something at him.
2007-10-05 02:07:31 · answer #11 · answered by scarlett 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋