Source
r/explainlikeimfive•
MythOfPrivilege

ELI5:Why is "colored" considered to be a racial slur, while "Person of Color" is an approved description for people of African dissent?

Culture

[removed]

Posted Dec 21, 2017, 4:19 PM UTC

17
drafterman•

It might, just might have to do with things like this.

There is no approval authority. It's all about how the word is used in context and, in context "colored" was used in a discriminatory and derogatory manner.

3
MythOfPrivilegeOP•

There is no approval authority.

Well... using one will lead to a verbal or physical fight and the other one won't, so in that respect there kinda is.

It just strikes me as arbitrary, that the words "person of" can transform something that would get you punched in the face into a term used by academics.

1
MedicalPrize•

Aww the guy who made the following posts (before deleting them all) is so sensitive about racial issues?

Things sure are better ever since all those Africans moved in!", said No Person Ever, in all of recorded history.

Most blacks here in Baltimore are the same way. Wherever they go, they bring the Africa with them.

Well, given how dominant African traits are over European traits, this seems like a senible move if you want to preserve your race in the long term"

Yeah, it's "just a joke" when we comprise 68% of the population, down from 90% a few decades prior. We're set to dip below 50% by 2047. Now ask yourself, do you think it will still be just a joke then? Or will it get steadily worse? As we show greater and greater weakness and vulnerability, as our blood clouds the water, will our attackers suddenly discover tolerance and restraint, or will they become more bold?"

1
[deleted]•

[removed]

1
[deleted]•

[removed]

1
sterlingphoenixMOD•

Your submission has been removed for the following reason(s):

TL;DR: Historical context.

We get similar questions to this very often.

Please refer to our detailed rules.

1
MythOfPrivilegeOP•

We get similar questions to this very often.

I'm sure you do. Best not to dwell on them.

1
MedicalPrize•

Hey you forgot to delete this post

1
sterlingphoenix•

Well, we should always remember that Humans have always found ways to dehumanise other Humans, and that it's a constant struggle we should always be aware of.

That said, if it's already been explained multiple times, it doesn't need to be posted on this sub (;

1