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Things may be different in Australia, but in the UK people have used the word paki to insult and demean Asians (not just people from Pakistan) to the point that it has become synonymous with abuse and prejudice.Quote:
Originally Posted by theugsquirrel
See what BBB says above. I agree with it. 'Paki' is simply not an acceptable word to use any more. 'Brit' is. I don't understand why anybody should have any difficulty with this. It's hardly an unnecessary hardship. If people want to say it, they should expect to be castigated. I would never use the word 'Paki'.Quote:
Originally Posted by theugsquirrel
OK so what if the word "paki" was used in a relaxed, joking-around, way? Would it be OK then, because clearly saying "Brit" in such a way is fine?Quote:
Originally Posted by BeansBeansBeans
These words have become offensive because of the aggression behind them - I agree with you there. I just think its a shame that everyone has to watch their mouths when they are not being aggressive or intending to cause offence.
I agree that using them in an offensive way is appalling - however on these grounds the word "Brit" is equal to "Paki" if used with the same amount of force and offence?
"Chinky" I believe is a perfectly legitimate term for a Chinese Takeaway, NOT to call a Chinese person! :)
Off-topic but you've just reminded me of one of my favourite bits from Alan Partridge.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bezza
Alan Can I say chinky?
Michael Aye, you're aalreet with that, 'cause it's a race of people, but it's also a food.
I love Partridge :p
If it's used in a genuinely satirical way, to make fun at those who consider it acceptable to use the word seriously, then I don't have a problem with it being heard. Otherwise, no.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bezza
I disagree, because 'Brit' is not an offensive word, whereas 'Paki' is. That's just the way it is. There is no equivalence between the two.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bezza
No. The connotations of the word Paki far outstrip those of Brit and years of being used as a derogatory term mean that it is offensive regardless of intent.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bezza
It is weird. People are trying to justify calling Chinese takeouts "Chinky".
A racial slur is a racial slur I thought. Political correctness is ugly, but I think people know when they refer to someone as a Paki or a Chinese food take out as a "Chinkey" know that the ethnic group on the receiving end may not like it.
Mind you, the Chinese dispatcher at my work makes jokes about eating cats all the time.....so having a sense of humour and place helps.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BDunnell
Gawd you two are a bit clueless. That's exactly what he's saying. In Australia if they're playing Pakistan and the English in a 3 way series they're playing the Paki's and the Pom's. It has everything to do with use. Now of course I'm aware of the connotations Paki has here and I certainly wouldn't use it for fear of insulting someone.Quote:
Originally Posted by BeansBeansBeans
Bezza also has a point as well. What's the difference between Brit and Paki? Nothing in essence except for the fact that people say in hushed voices "ooh ye can't say that!" if you were to say Paki. Now I know people have misused the word in the past to offend but it would be nice to see a move further towards sensibility where you can use the word to describe someone one from Pakistan and rob racists of their term. Now I don't think a term like Chinky is really acceptable as it's a mutation of a word but if Bezza and his mates use it to refer to a Chinese restaurant then who's being hurt? I think this sort of mindless political correctness is hurtful and actually distances groups from each other and just doesn't really help as it lends the negative use of Paki or whatever term an inherent coolness.
Perhaps you should ask someone from a racial minority if they'd prefer to return to those pre-PC days of the 60s & 70s when it was considered acceptable for mainstream political parties to use slogans like "If you want a n****r for a neighbour, vote liberal or labour."Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel
Perhaps you should shut up? :dozey: No one ever said nigger was acceptable.Quote:
Originally Posted by BeansBeansBeans