Inadvertent Discrimination

[Ravin' Raven]

Okay first - any of you who know me or have read the things I post here know that I am very easy going. This struck me more as interesting than "offensive" but I thought I'd see how we all feel about this stuff....

I was working on something last night and the TV was on. Don't know what the show was but the interviewer was talking to Denzel Washington so it was an entertainment news type show. Anyway, part way through she said "he's not the type to Welsh on a bill..." (I guess he picked up the tab at the restaurant where the interview took place...)

Now - my last name is Griffith. Welsh. See the word she used? Saying someone Welshes on a bet (as it is most commonly used) is derived from a nasty belief that the Welsh do not pay their debts. I bet most people who use the term do not realize it is derived from a group of people and is, therefore, vaguely discriminatory (I hesitate to use the term "racist" here). But, let's face it we often hear and, perhaps, use terms that may be a little more negative than we realize - ever say someone "Jewed" you on a price? (Hey YSO chime in here!!!) . And often there is NOTHING BAD meant by it. So, how much weight does intent carry in these situations for you?

For example, would you be offended when my mom refers to someone as "colored" because for her growing up THAT was the nice term - and she can't get it in her head that it's NOT the politically correct term anymore....

Or, for example, I am a Witch. The real thing. And, of course I hear "it's colder than a witch's T*T in a brass bra" or "she's a real witch". Do I take offense? Generally not. That's not someones intent.

Just wanted to get some discussion going.

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

Funny thing... growing up I always used to think the term for not honoring your debts was "welch".

Personally, I prefer the term "Indian Giver".

For example, would you be offended when my mom refers to someone as "colored" because for her growing up THAT was the nice term - and she can't get it in her head that it's NOT the politically correct term anymore....

When I was living in Boston (during the height of the PC era), there was a bit of a brouhaha stirred up at Harvard. In the copy room there would be two recycling bins, one marked "white paper" and one marked "colored paper". Someone crossed out "colored paper" and wrote in "paper of color". The PC brigade got all bent out of shape over being mocked like that.

[Ravin' Raven]

Funny thing... growing up I always used to think the term for not honoring your debts was "welch".

It can be pronounced either way actually but it does come from Welsh...

and having spent time in Boston you probably say Boston Seltics not Keltics.....

[The Wizard]

Or, for example, I am a Witch. The real thing. And, of course I hear "it's colder than a witch's T*T in a brass bra" or "she's a real witch". Do I take offense? Generally not. That's not someones intent.

I always thought that someone using the phrase "she's a real witch" was substituting the 'w' for a 'b', as in "she's a real [female canine]".

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

I always thought that someone using the phrase "she's a real witch" was substituting the 'w' for a 'b', as in "she's a real [female canine]".

Silly bunt.

[Ravin' Raven]

I always thought that someone using the phrase "she's a real witch" was substituting the 'w' for a 'b', as in "she's a real [female canine]".

Umm...not always. Being called a witch used to be a death sentence and they meant Witch. It was the worst thing you could possible say to or about someone (usually a woman) for quite a long part of history. NOW people use it to act like they are just not saying B*&ch.

[Margaret]

Silly bunt.

Have I told you I adore you lately?

[MaidenFaeSnow]

This reminds me of a thread a while back in which using the term 'gipped', 'jipped', 'gypped', was brought up. I felt foolish because I had never put two and two together to realise that it had anything to do with Gypsies and was really derrogatory. So, anytime I had said it - it wasn't meant to hurt anyone, I was truly ignorant to its meaning.

I was also under the impression that the term was 'Welch' and didn't know of its connection to Welsh. It's not one I have used often or even since High School that I can remember. Sometimes I think we take political correctedness a bit too far, however I would suppose to the person or persons feeling offended that would not be the case. Colored paper is just that, colored...it is paper that is colored with dye...period...and has no other meaning. To take it any other way is a problem with the individual choosing to interpret it that way.

I believe society is leaving no room for 'old school' terms anymore. If one is accustomed to using these terms that are no longer PC, they are expected to change, not be accepted for the fact that they grew up 'back when'.

[Ysobelle]

You know, I can forgive someone saying "colored" when they mean African American. It doesn't mean anything negative-- though then again, I'm white, so it's not my call. But when someone says they got "Jewed" out of something, I get pissed. REALLY pissed. People aren't dumb-- using that phrase when you KNOW what it means is just plain offensive and stupid. I once had someone use the phrase "Jewish lightning" to describe burning down a building to collect insurance. I lost my shit completely. Hello! Jew standing RIGHT NEXT TO YOU.

As for "welshing" on something, I think most people just don't know. But that doesn't mean they can't be educated. Most folks with half a brain and a sence of decency are wiling to be educated about something they say that they don't know might be offensive. As long as you're nice about it, and understand that they just didn't know.

[Katie O'Connell]

Umm...not always. Being called a witch used to be a death sentence and they meant Witch. It was the worst thing you could possible say to or about someone (usually a woman) for quite a long part of history. NOW people use it to act like they are just not saying B*&ch.

More often, I hear the word Wench substituted for Bitch.

To which, I often feel obliged to either educate them on the difference, or thank them. Sometimes both.

Yes indeedy--I can be a pedantic bunt sometimes.

Now then... what about 'Get your Irish Up.' or the somewhat popular and somewhat more offensive sounding 'NI**ER Rigged? '