This is honestly a question I'd like to get opinions on.
I was raised near Chicago and live in black neighborhoods and attended mostly black schools. It never bothered me to be around people of other races because it was a part of life....you know, same people just different color.
I have attended black churches and have many black friends. We are open and honest enough with one another that there are times we discuss our ethnic differences and even joke about it. We aren't afraid to speak about 'white' or 'black' to each other cause that's what we are.
But I have noticed something. There are people who are offended at my speaking about someone as 'black'. Someone, help me understand this.
I mean, I'm white. I don't mind someone calling me 'white' instead of 'European', 'Caucasian', or 'Anglo' or whatever. I'm white. Nothing I can do about it as I don't tan or stay in the sun too long.
I know that black people have not been treated well, and some of that still goes on in certain areas of the US, and that's a bad thing that needs to stop yesterday, and all through the years, they have been called 'names' to single out their ethnicity, some which are not desirable.
In the world of political correctness, it seems that the description changes so it's less offensive.
"Colored" refers to the 60's when they were made to ride on the back of the bus, so we can't use that anymore.
The N word was used in a derrogatory manner and shouldn't be used for anyone of any race. That's just a nasty word to me, but believe it or not, it's acceptable by black folks in certain areas, and they call themselves that. Whatever. I won't go there.
"Afro" or "African-American" is what some use to describe them, but I don't like that and I have heard some black folks offended at that because "African" makes them seem like natives in loincloths or something. And I don't hear whites wanting to be called 'German-American' or 'Russian-American' or any combination of 'white' countries.
"People of Color" is another one I think just reeks of being overly politically correct. It's like I'm trying to hard not to be offensive that I have to make up something that 'sounds really nice and sweet' so they don't think I'm racist or something.
"Black" is what I use because I see it as less offensive without coming across as overly politically correct, however, it's still offensive to some in certain areas. I'm not sure why, but there are people that I can't even talk to about ethnic differences because they think I'm forming stereotypes or something against them. That's just not the case. I feel that we are free to discuss things without fear of prejudice.
Just like there are differences in men and women, there are differences in black and white. I'm not afraid to speak about male issues from my POV, so why do I feel I have to be so careful when speaking about black issues from my POV?
Anyway, I won't be on until later tonight as I have to leave for work, but I'm honestly wanting some input on this subject by other white folks, the hispanics as well as black folks on this forum. I love you all, even if you are purple folks.
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