Rep. Eli Crane used the derogatory phrase in describing his proposed amendment to a military bill. Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty asked that his words be stricken from the record.

  • SpaceCowboy@lemmy.ca
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    1 year ago

    In recent times we generally think we should use the nomenclature that an ethnic group chooses for itself.

    Yeah, it’s not a precise thing because an ethnic group isn’t just one person and so there will be disagreement within that group itself.

    “Colored people” was a term applied to an ethnic group by others outside that group and is generally looked up unfavorably. It was commonly used during a time period where there was segregation, and brings up some bad memories.

    “People of color” was a term chosen by that group so should be used.

    It’s a respect thing. Sort of like if I deliberately mispronounced your name just to put you in your place. I may be saying all the syllables, maybe just emphasizing the wrong ones. Everyone understand what I mean, so where’s the problem? The problem is that if I know the proper way to say your name and intentionally don’t to disrespect you, well that’s an asshole move isn’t it?