Foo - Is this racism?

Not sure where to post this.

I've lived in an insular community for the past 5 years. Population is like 99.9% white, no blacks at all.
I am 1/2 Mexican but don't know that I "look" ethnic, or act different, or any such thing. I don't know. Maybe I do look Mexican. I don't speak Spanish.

My question. I have a friend/acquaintance here. Lately he seems to be making a lot of comments about me being Mexican. Kind of like in a joking, ambiguous way. Would you say he's being racist? I'm not asking for advice on how to handle situations like this, I'm just asking for opinions if this person is being racist. Many people here are racist and they are not afraid to say it.
He is a pretty decent guy. If he is being racist my opinion is that he has been around it all his life and he just doesn't realize it. Like I said, I'm not asking how to deal with this, I'm just asking for opinons. Thanks.

We are products of our environment and upbringing. Sometimes it is hard to seperate right from wrong if you have never been shown right. You obviously are well aware of this. I guess my feeling is that intention matters. If he is unintentionally being racist, then no, it is not racist.

Share with him your thoughts and feelings. Perhaps he is blind to the fact that what he thinks is just good fun can be very hurtful. I realize that you did not ask for our advice but it is hard to answer this sort of question without giving some.

Best of luck.

Does he treat you differently than other people (other than the occasional "joke")?

I have a good friend that is aboriginal. He calls himself "Indian" which is an offensive label to many. Because he uses it to describe himself, others use it too and he takes no offence. I have never felt comfortable using it so I don't.

To answer your question, I guess I would find it racist while others would not.

We are products of our environment and upbringing. Sometimes it is hard to seperate right from wrong if you have never been shown right. You obviously are well aware of this. I guess my feeling is that intention matters. If he is unintentionally being racist, then no, it is not racist.

Share with him your thoughts and feelings. Perhaps he is blind to the fact that what he thinks is just good fun can be very hurtful. I realize that you did not ask for our advice but it is hard to answer this sort of question without giving some.

Best of luck.

I'd sweater him and hit him repeatedly with a frozen slab of back bacon the next time he does this.

If you already know what you are going to do to handle the situation, what difference does it make whether or not we (who have never met the guy) think it is racism?

there is racism and there is racism. some people kid around with you not realising what they say may offend because that is not their intention and are just playing with you. these i say are non-racists making unwitting insnsitive comments reflecting their upbringing. nothing to be upset about, but if it does bother you, best thing is to tell the person but not in a confrontational way.

then there is the angry hate filled racist or the condescending superior racist or the fearful paranoid racist. well...those you might as well tell them to F themselves.

I'd poncho him and hit him repeatedly with sizzling carnitas the next time he does this.

Fixed

Not sure where to post this.

I've lived in an insular community for the past 5 years. Population is like 99.9% white, no blacks at all.
I am 1/2 Mexican but don't know that I "look" ethnic, or act different, or any such thing. I don't know. Maybe I do look Mexican. I don't speak Spanish.

My question. I have a friend/acquaintance here. Lately he seems to be making a lot of comments about me being Mexican. Kind of like in a joking, ambiguous way. Would you say he's being racist? I'm not asking for advice on how to handle situations like this, I'm just asking for opinions if this person is being racist. Many people here are racist and they are not afraid to say it.
He is a pretty decent guy. If he is being racist my opinion is that he has been around it all his life and he just doesn't realize it. Like I said, I'm not asking how to deal with this, I'm just asking for opinons. Thanks.

If you were experiencing racism you would know it and wouldn't have to ask.

I'd bandelero him and hit him repeatedly with a frozen sack of pinto beans the next time he does this.

fixed again


Before we pass judgement on you hombre,what is your other 1/2 ethnic background so we can work on that other sensitivity issue of yours?:cry:

Being a white guy I'm afraid to say anyhting about any other race in fear of being labeled a racist. It makes it to where you don't understand what your saying is racist or not because it all feels wrong. It's difficult at that point to establish a boundary. You usually end up crossing it. When it happens I play stupid and blame it on my upbringing.

Not sure where to post this.

I've lived in an insular community for the past 5 years. Population is like 99.9% white, no blacks at all.
I am 1/2 Mexican but don't know that I "look" ethnic, or act different, or any such thing. I don't know. Maybe I do look Mexican. I don't speak Spanish.

My question. I have a friend/acquaintance here. Lately he seems to be making a lot of comments about me being Mexican. Kind of like in a joking, ambiguous way. Would you say he's being racist? I'm not asking for advice on how to handle situations like this, I'm just asking for opinions if this person is being racist. Many people here are racist and they are not afraid to say it.
He is a pretty decent guy. If he is being racist my opinion is that he has been around it all his life and he just doesn't realize it. Like I said, I'm not asking how to deal with this, I'm just asking for opinons. Thanks.

My best friend calls me a Slopehead or Buddahead or brave or chief (I am 1/2 Indian 1/2 Japanese)... it's a joke between us and I know his intent... it's only racist if you allow it to bother you. And then again you are being too senitive.

If you are friends why don't you say "why do you ask?" or "What did you mean?" Man up - act like an adult and clarify the intent - don't automatically get your panties in a bunch (can you tell I post in P & R?).

Being a white guy I'm afraid to say anyhting about any other race in fear of being labeled a racist. It makes it to where you don't understand what your saying is racist or not because it all feels wrong. It's difficult at that point to establish a boundary. You usually end up crossing it. When it happens I play stupid and blame it on my upbringing.

Poor white people - I apologize to you on behalf of all other races... this ultra PC stuff is just silly.

Being a white guy I'm afraid to say anyhting about any other race in fear of being labeled a racist. It makes it to where you don't understand what your saying is racist or not because it all feels wrong. It's difficult at that point to establish a boundary. You usually end up crossing it. When it happens I play stupid and blame it on my upbringing.

Say what you mean and let others think what they will.

I'd hog-tie him and hit him repeatedly with a frozen leg quarter the next time he does this.

really fixed it

Hard to say without knowing your friend and exactly what your relationship is.

I do identify with your situation though: I'm half-Irish, half-Mexican. My sister and I call ourselves Leprecanos. Turns out I can pass for lots of different ethnic groups, which was a weird discovery when I was traveling in Central Asia and people were asking me if I was Tajik or Azeri.

When I was a kid I had a hard time feeling comfortable. My Mexican relatives gave me crap for not speaking Spanish. My Irish cousins gave me crap for being so brown. Anyway, as the USA becomes more and more mixed, folks like us are going to be the norm, not the exception. And eventually, it'll stop being an issue.

Some people really don't realize that their comments are racist until it is pointed out to them and then there are folks who are fully aware of what they are saying.

It can be hard to tell the difference sometimes.

I walked into the pub one afternoon and saw my friend Dave and few of the other guys and as per usual said "hey n****r what's up" and they say "hey whitey" and "what's up white boy" ?

The tourists at the bar with the big hats and belt buckles looked at me like I had just signed my death warrant but these guys were my friends, and we were in the Bahamas, and sometimes my friend Dave would call me the N word.

Because we were really good friends.

If you are asking the question, it is a racist remark!

The offense is determined by the intended audience.

Poor communication skills, on both sides....... MHO

[QUOTE=caloso;10485169] I'm half-Irish, half-Mexican. My sister and I call ourselves Leprecanos. QUOTE]

That is hilarious!!!! If we all had a better sense of humor about things, there would be no hate in the world! I have called myself Japanavajo although the is not my tribe (I'm Choctaw).

[QUOTE=caloso;10485169] I'm half-Irish, half-Mexican. My sister and I call ourselves Leprecanos. QUOTE]

That is hilarious!!!! If we all had a better sense of humor about things, there would be no hate in the world! I have called myself Japanavajo although the is not my tribe (I'm Choctaw).

I wish I could claim it. I stole it from Ask A Mexican (http://www.askamexican.net).

[QUOTE=caloso;10485169] I'm half-Irish, half-Mexican. My sister and I call ourselves Leprecanos. QUOTE]

That is hilarious!!!! If we all had a better sense of humor about things, there would be no hate in the world! I have called myself Japanavajo although the is not my tribe (I'm Choctaw).

Choctanese? Japataw?

Hay thanks everyone. There's not a problem here. I can say anything to this person. I could give him crap if I wanted to. I even fed his dog for a week while he was on vacation. We're pretty close actually.
I was just wondering if remarks like this would be considered racist.

Next time he leaves and you feed his dog, feed it nothing but frijoles.

Next time he leaves and you feed his dog, feed it nothing but frijoles.
Yes, do this.

Hard to say without knowing your friend and exactly what your relationship is.

I do identify with your situation though: I'm half-Irish, half-Mexican. My sister and I call ourselves Leprecanos. Turns out I can pass for lots of different ethnic groups, which was a weird discovery when I was traveling in Central Asia and people were asking me if I was Tajik or Azeri.

When I was a kid I had a hard time feeling comfortable. My Mexican relatives gave me crap for not speaking Spanish. My Irish cousins gave me crap for being so brown. Anyway, as the USA becomes more and more mixed, folks like us are going to be the norm, not the exception. And eventually, it'll stop being an issue.

Do the "Wee People" leave you a pot of beans at the end of the rainbow?

[QUOTE=Pamestique;10485639]

Choctanese? Japataw?

The problem with those most people have never heard of Choctaw so if I say that its like "what????" Everyone recognizes Navajo as indian so that makes more sense... but I do like Japataw!

Oh shucks, I am busting up. LEPRECANOS and JAPANAVAJO ...live!
I am sure you are being sensitive about the situation. If you can't take what your pal is saying, break up with him. Heck, I am black and I make fun of my people all of the time. They get on my nerves. I have Mexican friends who joke about their people because they get on their nerves too. We all joke about people because it is what people do. We are not racists. Racism should be the least of ones concerns these days. I am more concerned with how my bills are going to be paid.

If you are asking the question, it is a racist remark!

The offense is determined by the intended audience.

Poor communication skills, on both sides....... MHO

+1

i can say some very insensitive things to my friends regarding their ethnicity, and they to me. i would never suspect them of racism because we all know we are joking. this type of rapport requires time to develop, and you don't start venturing and say them until you are certain beyond a doubt that the other person will think of your remarks as jokes and only jokes. if a stranger were to hear us, however, we'd catch a ton of flak for being racist a-holes.

Why would I feed the dog Fritos?

People are way to PC these days.

[QUOTE=caloso;10485169] I'm half-Irish, half-Mexican. My sister and I call ourselves Leprecanos. QUOTE]

That is hilarious!!!! If we all had a better sense of humor about things, there would be no hate in the world! I have called myself Japanavajo although the is not my tribe (I'm Choctaw).

Choctawanese?

While I do enjoy the mix of nicknames, I'm a touch more sensitive about the racial bit than a lot of folks, and it has to do with what some people call "reverse racism" (silly, cuz it's ALL racism).

I'm half-German, part English/Irish/Cherokee; because so many folks can't see the genetic influences, and even though my skin is darker than anyone else in my family (including my daughter, whose mother is Cherokee/black/Irish), I get 'relegated' to "Oh, you're a white boy." If I act 'ghetto', I get called a "w-i-g-g-e-r", and if I stand up for any belief of mine that ISN'T 'ghetto', I'm a "cracker".

And I hate hearing the N word -- I hate to hear the 'bruthas' use it worse than they hate hearing people like me use it.

BUT... if you REALLY want to set off the race wars... tell black folks that racism against them is no worse than any other!
(Uh, SORRY, but how many black folks are still tied down to RESERVATIONS? The only 'reservation' most know are at the club....)

Yes - does he know you are Mexican? If not, it might be his coy way of asking, I think you are different than me but how?

and LOL to those people criticizing the mis-labeled PC movement...aka treating people with respect. The world would be better off if we didn't feel the need to direct hate-filled terms at people. Blame the victim again. :rolleyes:

I think that the guy is racist. Of course, he would not consider himself racist. Is he testing you to see what you would say? Do you find his jokes irritating? Is he your boss? Are you dating his sister? As a white person when I hear that crap I say something like, hey I am half black. That shuts them up. My wife is african amreican and I have 3 daugthers who could pass for white, they can causes some members of both groups to act foolish.

Many years ago, I ran a local community swimming pool. My asst. manager was a "leprecano" - he had blue eyes and curly blood hair. His mother was mexican. I don't look either indian or asian, I look more mexican than my friend.

This guy came in just to chit chat. We were all standing around talking when the conversation turned political. The man began saying a few choice things about mexcians and then turned on WWII and how the downslide of the USA was caused by the Japanese... I could see that my asst. was getting upset so I said to the guy "hey I don't think we properly met, this here is my assistant, George Hernandez (yes the names were made up for emphasis) and I am Keiko Kawakami..." The man stopped in his tracks, then profusely apologized for his comments. I told him "Always make sure you know your audience". There was no reason or sense to get upset or mad. The lesson was learned.

And DX Man there will always be words that should never be used - for instance the N word. Even amongst friends. Too many hurt and angry feelings are associated with some words even if the intent behind saying it is innocence and well meaning. I always wonder how people let words hurt them. I can see Slag get angry when he hears some words. What's the point of anger? You then give the words too much power over you. If someone says something offensive, just politely tell them "that's not really proper to say around folks" and let it go. Life's too short to be so upset about words.

While I do enjoy the mix of nicknames, I'm a touch more sensitive about the racial bit than a lot of folks, and it has to do with what some people call "reverse racism" (silly, cuz it's ALL racism).

I'm half-German, part English/Irish/Cherokee; because so many folks can't see the genetic influences, and even though my skin is darker than anyone else in my family (including my daughter, whose mother is Cherokee/black/Irish), I get 'relegated' to "Oh, you're a white boy." If I act 'ghetto', I get called a "w-i-g-g-e-r", and if I stand up for any belief of mine that ISN'T 'ghetto', I'm a "cracker".

And I hate hearing the N word -- I hate to hear the 'bruthas' use it worse than they hate hearing people like me use it.

BUT... if you REALLY want to set off the race wars... tell black folks that racism against them is no worse than any other!
(Uh, SORRY, but how many black folks are still tied down to RESERVATIONS? The only 'reservation' most know are at the club....)

I agree. Because I do not conduct myself like the stereotypical project dweller, I have been considered to be like a white person. This is something that I will never understand. The problem with black people and their overt racist name calling in excepted only because many blacks allow it. Years ago it was completely taboo to use the N word but is now used because stupid black guys thought it was cool to rap about it. One guy got away with using it then there were two. Now, everyone is using it. It is very sad. The worst thing is to see black males referring to one another as N---A. I am starting to believe that all black guys in lower income neighborhoods are named N---A. These are the very guys with no skills or ways to conduct themselves properly who hardly ever get ahead yet it is always by fault of someone else.

This same argument can be had with Caucasians. I find them to be just as bad if not worse than the blacks who name call. White folks have created damn nearly every racial slur to all people for many years. If they call out another race, it is bad but to call out their own is acceptable. The term White Trash is highly used amongst whites in the MEDIA. Roseanne Barr used it all of the time on her show and it was okay. Trailer Trash is also commonly used.

Everyone can sit and moan about things others say and consider them to be racist. I think it depends on the context of how it is being used for one to get offended. I have traveled to nearly 60 countries and I can comment and crack jokes about every race I have encountered because they are all different and do things in ways others don't. It doesn't mean that I am a racist, it means that I have been able to see how others do things differently from what I am accustomed to doing. My father told me that I am not allowed to make fun of others if I can't make fun of myself.

I agree. Because I do not conduct myself like the stereotypical project dweller, I have been considered to be like a white person. This is something that I will never understand. The problem with black people and their overt racist name calling in excepted only because many blacks allow it. Years ago it was completely taboo to use the N word but is now used because stupid black guys thought it was cool to rap about it. One guy got away with using it then there were two. Now, everyone is using it. It is very sad. The worst thing is to see black males referring to one another as N---A. I am starting to believe that all black guys in lower income neighborhoods are named N---A. These are the very guys with no skills or ways to conduct themselves properly who hardly ever get ahead yet it is always by fault of someone else.

This same argument can be had with Caucasians. I find them to be just as bad if not worse than the blacks who name call. White folks have created damn nearly every racial slur to all people for many years. If they call out another race, it is bad but to call out their own is acceptable. The term White Trash is highly used amongst whites in the MEDIA. Roseanne Barr used it all of the time on her show and it was okay. Trailer Trash is also commonly used.

Everyone can sit and moan about things others say and consider them to be racist. I think it depends on the context of how it is being used for one to get offended. I have traveled to nearly 60 countries and I can comment and crack jokes about every race I have encountered because they are all different and do things in ways others don't. It doesn't mean that I am a racist, it means that I have been able to see how others do things differently from what I am accustomed to doing. My father told me that I am not allowed to make fun of others if I can't make fun of myself.

Now that, is a racist statement. It is just accepted and you can say it because whites are now afraid to defend themselves for fear of being called a racist. I too have and do travel the world and there isn't a place on this planet or race that is not bigoted against others.

During the Olympics I was in NJ and a black woman there, complained to me that there were not enough blacks in the games. She was complaining to a white Canadian. It actually left me speechless but on thinking it over, it is sad that that victimization default position exists. It is an ingrained thought process. Until it is broken there will be no true equality of race in the US and forced political correctness amongst whites will thrive.

It is not at all a racist statement. It is the truth. In no way did I said it was bad, it is just a fact that cannot be changed. Racism is what you want it to be. I have been called nearly everything in the book only to walk away without a chip on my shoulder. None of it bothers me because I can't take back what has brought people to such a place. I don't care. No one care. Those who care are the ones who need a crutch to get through life and that is too much work.
What you experienced in NJ uncommon amongst many black people. I felt the same as the woman however, my feelings were not so much about blacks but for others in the world. Heck, I was wondering more about the South Americans and Southeast Asians and the 30+ age athletes more than any other groups. Their athlete attendance levels were just as low as the blacks/Africans relatively speaking. You have to realize that in certain communities, people can't see outside of the box and always want to place blame on another holding them back. If it is not so prevalent in Canada, try spending a lifetime in Los Angeles.

Given the OP's situation, I'd say no harm no foul.

That said, I come from a long line of McWalMartians. My people have been persecuted mercilessly. :innocent:

99percent caucasian... That sounds like southern illinois. even though the prisons have brought some diversity here. lol I see alot of chubby chicks with black dudes < maybe that's racist. bleh

My question. I have a friend/acquaintance here. Lately he seems to be making a lot of comments about me being Mexican. Kind of like in a joking, ambiguous way. Would you say he's being racist? I'm not asking for advice on how to handle situations like this, I'm just asking for opinions if this person is being racist. Many people here are racist and they are not afraid to say it.
He is a pretty decent guy. If he is being racist my opinion is that he has been around it all his life and he just doesn't realize it. Like I said, I'm not asking how to deal with this, I'm just asking for opinons. Thanks.

It means he sees you as different from other people he runs into. But if you consider yourself to be 1/2 Mexican, it means you also see yourself as different. He shouldn't be dinged just for making a distinction that you also make.

Most people are overly sensitive towards race. I'm a half breed myself (to the extent that I can accurately be described as being half of one thing and half of the other). I do not think that having people notice your color is any more wrong than being regarded as different because you are tall, short, blonde, bald, etc. Likewise, it is OK to recognize regional/cultural differences. Many of us bust gomer's balls all the time. If I can't take a few jabs too, that would make me a total hypocrite.

Generally speaking, it's not useful to stick labels on people and then use the label as a basis for treatment. Whenever we call someone something (e.g. racist, socialist, fascist, whatever) and then dislike them just because of the label we applied, we're not exactly being fair.

Why would I feed the dog Fritos?

Frijoles are refried beans. I was thinking of revenge. Dad told a story of when he was in the Corp of Cadets at Texas A&M back in the day. An upper classman was really ragging on the freshman and sophmores. He left one weekend and made the mistake of leaving his window open. Somehow a few chickens and a bucket of chicken feed with some laxative in it found it's way through the window.

I was thinking of the mess a dog fed a diet of refried beans could make. Sort of a revenge tactic.

Save the fritos for yourself. Top them with chili and cheese.

Frijoles are refried beans. I was thinking of revenge. Dad told a story of when he was in the Corp of Cadets at Texas A&M back in the day. An upper classman was really ragging on the freshman and sophmores. He left one weekend and made the mistake of leaving his window open. Somehow a few chickens and a bucket of chicken feed with some laxative in it found it's way through the window.

I was thinking of the mess a dog fed a diet of refried beans could make. Sort of a revenge tactic.

Save the fritos for yourself. Top them with chili and cheese.

Duh. I'm enough of a beaner to know the difference.:p

Poor white people - I apologize to you on behalf of all other races... this ultra PC stuff is just silly.


Thank you. Bout time. I apologize for all the oppression. I didn't do it, but still.

Thank you. Bout time. I apologize for all the oppression. I didn't do it, but still.

You have some genetic characteristics similar to people that did, so I'm glad you're willing to own up to your responsibilities. That reminds me, your ancestors may have screwed some of mine. You may absolve yourself of that debt by sending me a set of Zipp 404's.

You have some genetic characteristics similar to people that did, so I'm glad you're willing to own up to your responsibilities. That reminds me, your ancestors may have screwed some of mine. You may absolve yourself of that debt by sending me a set of Zipp 404's.

That's just down right reasonable considering they are laying here in my office not being used. Had you asked for money though I would have gotten irate. I also have some oppressed blood in me. Did any one here oppress the Anglos or the Saxons (Romans, I'm looking at you.)? If so you owe me a Coke. It better not be generic.

i want to make a complaint. Pcad keeps calling me "limey". Is that supposed to be offensive or something?

i want to make a complaint. Pcad keeps calling me "limey". Is that supposed to be offensive or something?

It's recognition of your country's contributions to disease prevention through diet. You have been oppressed too. I'm terrible at history, but I'm pretty certain the Romans and Normans (from present day Italy and France respectively) conquered your country. I believe the Vikings also terrorized your ancestors.

They make decent bike schwag in all these places. You should insist they send you some for free because they owe you.

It's recognition of your country's contributions to disease prevention through diet. You have been oppressed too. I'm terrible at history, but I'm pretty certain the Romans and Normans (from present day Italy and France respectively) conquered your country. I believe the Vikings also terrorized your ancestors.

They make decent bike schwag in all these places. You should insist they send you some for free because they owe you.

I owe the old woman nothing. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOOTKA0aGI0)

It's recognition of your country's contributions to disease prevention through diet. You have been oppressed too. I'm terrible at history, but I'm pretty certain the Romans and Normans (from present day Italy and France respectively) conquered your country. I believe the Vikings also terrorized your ancestors.

They make decent bike schwag in all these places. You should insist they send you some for free because they owe you.

we are all victims. we need a support group to talk it out. tell me about your childhood.