If I was called a "cracker, I would be highly offended!

[Are_grits_groceries]

I am NOT a Saltine! Have you no shame!

Cracker wouldn't even register as an insult.
Call me a Republican or Teabagger and I will throw down on you.

[WovenGems]

1. Depends

Just what did you do to make me think of you as a cracker? One must earn a label.

[Are_grits_groceries]

4. Nobody earns a pejorative label.

Cracker does not register with me as an insult. I know what can be meant, but that use is not a poblem here.

[Bandit]

17. Cracker is just another way of saying "white guy"

Whether giving a persons color is ever needed or not I don't know. I don't think it is ever necessary to say a black man committed a crime or whether it is just a man committed the crime.. why does the adjective black or white or ??? ever really apply? I doubt many if any people are offended by such a term. I doubt if most Americans are offended by being called Gringo or Yank...

[hrmjustin]

51. I have nebver been called these words and I would be offended if called them.

[Honeycombe8]

71. Is that like saying the N word is another way of saying "black dude"?

No, it's not as offensive as the N word. Nothing is, IMO. But it's meant as a derogatory term, and people should recognize that.

It doesn't mean Gringo or Yank, either. Those are not derogatory terms. Gringo is a Spanish word for foreigner, usu. American. Yank's been around forever and is not derogatory.

"I'm a Yankee Doodle dandy....a Yankee Doodle Do or Die...."

[DeSwiss]

83. A cracker is NOT just another white guy:

Cracker (pejorative)

- Crackers were historically much hated creatures, and as one can see with very good reason. If I were called this, I'd be pissed too.

[Warpy]

104. I was born in central Florida, so I qualify

and the few times I've been called that, I've just laughed it off.

I might have been born there, but my parents left a couple of months later and I've never really lived there.

[SwampG8r]

2. if you dont want folks calling you cracker

stop smearing that peanut butter on yourself!

[snooper2]

3. teabagger

I told you to grow your hair out more

[Cleita]

5. What's weird is the first time I ever heard that word, it was used to describe

the rural local white people of Florida. An employer of mine who had lived in the Keys said that the local rural people were called crackers to distinguish them from the northerners who immigrate to Florida. Then she went on to tell me what really nice people they were. I thought it was a term of endearment until I started hearing it used as an insult.



btw she was white too, but originally from Michigan.

[Are_grits_groceries]

6. It can have a positive meaning.

Some people love the word and use it to describe themselves.

[Nay]

8. As a native Floridian, I agree with this. "Cracker" generally means rural, middle-of-the-state,

white people whose families have lived in the area for several generations. As the daugher of an immigrant and a Yankee, I was not a cracker. Many crackers are fine with the word, whether it's used by themselves or used by others to describe them. It certainly can be used derogatorily, to mean "ignorant," but it doesn't have the same nastiness as "n****r" does. To me, it is more like the word "redneck."

[Ligyron]

118. I agree, it basically means "native"

and was used with pride back when I was a kid.

[REP]

14. Like a word Cajuns use to call themselves

I'll bowdlerize it, because while it is generally considered not offensive, "generally" is not "always": c**nass. Many Cajuns use this word with a highly positive meaning.

[nolabear]

88. LOL! Ain't dat the truth. Like "Yat".

I must admit its scarier but I had to figure out who could call who a Yat (for the uninformed, a slang term for NOLA parishioners who often use the term "Where y'at?" To say hello.)

[Eleanors38]

19. Was born a Cracker in FL, moved to Texas and discovered the expression Cedar Chopper

to denote folks who made a living in, usually, the cedar-choked C. Texas region. Very hard scrabble making a livelihood off cedar! You had to cut the stuff (jeeez), and trim it for fence posts, housing piers (excellent termite resistance), and building material. Approaching Lampassas from the south, one encounters along the highway a cedar chopper with a very well-ordered business centered on cedar (juniper) growth -- there' a lot of it.

[Cleita]

38. My DH and I had to leave Texas because I developed some severe allergies

to the Juniper. It seems it's a common ailment there. I can't imagine making a living from it and breathing in the dust. It must be awful.

[Eleanors38]

50. It can be bad. A month ago half a dozen of us deer hunters

Were cutting down cedar & burning it to keep the property in good ecological shape, a common custom hunters engage in as "redneck tree-huggers." Plenty of scratches and burns, too.

[Myrina]

26. Like Uncle Cracker?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncle_Cracker

[BellaKos]

10. I grew up in Georgia ...

We used to use the word, "cracker," to describe rednecks. And when in Florida, the word was used to describe Southerners who had moved to Florida (which we all know is not the *real* South).
Just this week I learned that the word was orginally used by slaves in the South to describe the man who whipped them since he *cracked* the whip.

[Cleita]

16. That makes more sense, the man who cracked the whip, rather than the

resemblance to saltines.

[Are_grits_groceries]

28. I was being facetious.

I have heard the term cracker as long as I can remember.

[DeSwiss]

84. Bingo

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=3156170

[spin]

41. My son in law is a true Florida Cracker. ...

He was born in Florida. He has herded cattle riding a horse and using a whip. Although this was years ago in his youth, he still is quite skillful with a whip.

Florida cracker

***snip***

In Florida, those who own or work cattle traditionally have been called cowmen. In the late 1800s they were often called cow hunters, a reference to hunting for cattle scattered over the wooded rangelands during roundups. At times the terms cowman and Cracker have been used interchangeably because of similarities in their folk culture. Today the western term "cowboy" is often used for those who work cattle. [1]

The Florida "cowhunter" or "cracker cowboy" of the 19th and early 20th centuries was distinct from the Spanish vaquero and the Western cowboy. Florida cowboys did not use lassos to herd or capture cattle. Their primary tools were cow whips and dogs. Florida cattle and horses were small. The "cracker cow", also known as the "native" or "scrub" cow averaged about 600 pounds (270 kg) and had large horns and large feet.[2]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_cracker

[Cleita]

42. Thanks for the clarification. n/t

[csziggy]

81. Florida crackers were the original cowboys, long before the Western cowboys

Here is a very good article on the Florida cracker history:
http://www.thehistorychannelclub.com/articles/articletype/articleview/articleid/239/florida-crackers-americas-tropical-cowboys.

I learned the history as part of our town and school history. Jacob Summerlin, one of the wealthiest of the Florida crackers donated the land and money to my home town for the school. My class was the last to graduate from Summerlin Institute - the name was changed the next school year to Bartow High School.

[dipsydoodle]

7. Presumably differs usage from the UK

cracker Noun. 1. A thing that is excellent. E.g."That West End show was a cracker." {Informal}
2. An attractive person, particularly a woman. {Informal}

crackers Adj. Crazy.

crackhead Noun. An addict of 'crack' (freebased cocaine).

cracking Adj. Brilliant, wonderful. E.g."They gave a cracking performance last night and got a well deserved 5 minute standing ovation."
Adv. An intensifier such as extremely, outstandingly. E.g."We had a cracking good time last night."

http://www.peevish.co.uk/slang/c.htm

I've certainly never heard a woman here take offense at the compliment of being referred to as a cracker.

[Arugula Latte]

39. There's also the Christmas paper-hat concealing gizmo you Brits are fond of:

[dipsydoodle]

40. Yes

Thats what provides the double meaning to I've just pulled a cracker.

[Arugula Latte]

43. Hmm. No bodily functions, please. You're British.

[Brewinblue]

11. Atlanta's professional baseball team,

before the Braves arrived from Milwaukee, called itself the Crackers.

[FSogol]

15. And the Negro League team was called the Black Crackers from 1919 to 1952.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlanta_Black_Crackers

[joeglow3]

12. It is not the word, but the intent that matters.

As a side note, a college friend went to a high school full of a bunch of racists and one black student (named Phillip). So they would not get in trouble, they substituted the n bomb with the word "phil."

Anyone listening would not bat an eye, as Phil is not a racist word. However, their intent was just the same as someone using the n bomb.

[southernyankeebelle]

13. If someone called me a cracker I probably would say "Is that the best ya got" and walk

away. I love crackers myself and I wouldn't be insulted at all.

[Nye Bevan]

20. That's probably the best response to any insult.

Sticks and stones can break my bones....

[southernyankeebelle]

22. LOL,somehow being called a cracker just makes me laugh. I just don't find that

insulting.

[Eleanors38]

21. My Mom (93) is proud of her heritage as well.

[southernyankeebelle]

23. Wow, 93 yrs old. I wish my mother could have lived that long. Your dang lucky.

Am jealous. I miss my momma and my Nonna.

[Eleanors38]

53. The day will come when I will miss my Mom, too.

Passing with her will be a whole reality and existence of which I only know a small portion.

She grew up in a time of rank racism, and her family was only somewhat "better" than others regarding Jim Crow. I remember as a Kindergartener bringing home that infamously corrupted rhyme about catching "tigers" by the toe, and she gently admonished me not to say those things about colored folks. I stopped. I learned. From a Cracker.

That is the kind of thing that signifies change for the better.

[southernyankeebelle]

54. I remember that rhyme. Kids really didn't pay attention to that saying. I bet many

kids didn't even think about it and how hurtful it was. But there is one thing for sure in my family I wasn't raised to hate people of color. We had neighbors of different nationalities and colors and all were welcomed in our home. We kids played together and even had sleep overs.

[Sheldon Cooper]

24. I've tried to say that in a couple of threads.

Calling me a cracker (or even a honky) would elicit a chuckle from me, nothing more.

[Myrina]

25. If I was shot dead on my way home from a 7-11, I'd be highly offended.

[morningfog]

27. I haven't been following this cracker story, whatever it is.

Does what ever it is involve a killing?

[Myrina]

29. Um, yes.

Pick any thread in GD with "Zimmerman" in the title.

[morningfog]

35. Lol. That explains it. I auto trashed by keyword

Zimmerman.

[GreenStormCloud]

86. Yes. TM, on phone with his friend, referred to Z as a "cracker".

Much is being made of whether that was or was not a racial slur by TM.

[Are_grits_groceries]

30. Huh??? nt

[HockeyMom]

31. I would laugh

as a NYC transplant to Florida. Who YOUSE calling a Cracker? Fughgettaboutit.

[NM_Birder]

32. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

I am much more offended by the outdated wording of this, than I am "cracker".

[Are_grits_groceries]

44. Please explain your post!

[NM_Birder]

46. sure.

I have read thread after thread, about "cracker" and if it's offensive or not. The general explanation I've read is 1, no it's not offensive because white people don't get offended by racial stupidity, 2 yeah it's racist but not enough to be offended, or 3 what does being racist have to do with white people. These are not exact quotes, but general themes I've read in the responses, there are SEVERAL threads about "cracker".

I'm sitting in my office wasting time, a buddy walks by with an equal amount of nothing to do today, and nothing is easier for contractors to do than gossip and babble. Bear I mind I've known these guys for 15+ years, there is very little I can imagine would offend any of us. Jesse (Navajo) thinks cracker is funny, I'm not offended by it because I stopped being offended a long time ago, commercial contracting will do that.

The babbling went from "cracker" back to the trial, racism,... blah blah blah how could he not be guilty of unjustified homicide ? Anyway, I was SHOCKED to find out that Jesse didn't know what NAACP actually stood for, tell you what... I had to goggle it for him because he flat out didn't believe me when I told him.

How could anybody NOT be offended by the term "colored people" in any context ? And exactly how could the NAACP NOT change the name by which they conduct business ? I've known what NAACP stood for my whole life, I've never heard anyone ...ever....question the outdated verbage "National Association for the Advancement of Colored People". Nobody.

it's wrong,.......but if you just say the initials I guess then it's OK ? then I showed him how I had just joined DU, I've made several comments over the past few days regarding the trial and haven't gotten ONE response with any real discussion value because I'm not buying the racist aspect of the case or because I'm new either way. I bet him lunch tomorrow, that if I just mentioned the definition of NAACP, I'd get called out before the day was up.

It's wrong, I think it needs to be changed, and I was SHOCKED to find out someone my age didn't even know what the hell it stood for.

That was it, I won our bet, and just like if I had lost and the tables were turned,......I'm gonna make him PAY ! No fast food easy way out, he's gonna pay for me to get served lunch ! Take care.

[VanillaRhapsody]

57. Does the term "people of color" offend you....because that's pretty inclusive..

[NM_Birder]

58. Yes it does offend me. It offends me a great deal more than "cracker"

my point, and explanation that followed was the shocking LACK of ANYBODY's outrage over the retained name - NAACP.

I may be wrong, I cannot recall anyone, for any reason, ever.... bringing up the fact that an organization specifically intended and directly involved in the pursuit of fairness,.....keeps as it's namesake one of the most "in your face" racist names. Can you ?

Don't know, maybe it's kept as a reminder of what wrong is ?

[NM_Birder]

59. "people of color" and "colored people" are equally offensive

[VanillaRhapsody]

60. So "non-White" is better?

[NM_Birder]

61. I think you are missing my point, take care.

[VanillaRhapsody]

63. No actually I am not...

They are an organization that can police themselves...if they required a name change (along with losing its long term successful history) it certainly wouldn't need your approval. It has a voting body that would make that change...TYVM

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Association_for_the_Advancement_of_Colored_People

[NM_Birder]

65. yeah, I think you are,...

You don't have a problem with "colored people" in the name,... I do. That's all it is.

no thanks necessary, I'm immune to condescending remarks.

[VanillaRhapsody]

66. I think that is for the organization to decide not you...they vote on such things you know....

[NM_Birder]

70. Are you suggesting

that I'm not allowed to have my own opinion, unless authorized by the NAACP ?

[VanillaRhapsody]

72. No...I am saying...don't you think it is up to THEM and not you to determine what is an appropriate

name???? They are many many many.....AND they democratically vote on things as important as what THEY WANT to call themselves. YOU may think it inappropriate...Obviously they disagree with your humble opinion and what they stand for and what they support is HARDLY emblematic of YOUR problem with the name. Don't you think that in light of that they have earned the right to decide what YOU can think of what that term means to THEM?

[NM_Birder]

74. I think,...no I'm absolutley positive

I am allowed to think the term "Colored People" should be changed.

I obviously don't think it's gonna happen, I'm the only one I've ever heard of that finds it insulting. But that doesn't change the fact that I do, you don't, apparently nobody else does......but for the last time, I do, and I'm allowed to have that opinion.

[VanillaRhapsody]

75. you can have an opinion and it could still be wrong...

I don't have to decide if it is or not....if they did...I am sure they would do something about it. I'll leave it up to them....I trust their judgement.

[NM_Birder]

77. sure, it won't be the last time someone has a different opinion

than mine. You and the NAACP can disagree with my opinion, but that doesn't make it wrong. It's my opinion, not a fact, just my opinion,....if it were indeed insulting, somebody - sometime WOULD have done something about it. Nobody has,...ever. But "I", just humble me,.. still think the name blows.

[VanillaRhapsody]

79. and you just having an opinion....doesn't mean that you are...you are not the arbiter of all things

My point has always stood....that is for them to decide for themselves. Therefore they can tell anyone else where to stuff their opinions...

[NM_Birder]

90. That's not exactly what the NAACP has been the standard bearer for,...

"to tell people where to stuff their opinion",.....that's your little pet project. Maybe it's just that you don't understand exactly "what" an opinion is ?

But, in my opinion.....you are indeed capable of understanding the definition of the word ... opinion... but you might want to look it up just in case.....in my opinion. I think it's more likely...in my opinion, that you scan thru responces to threads looking for a target in which to display your self importance and irrelevant "fact flinging" abilities- regardless of what is actually being said. You've gone thru your faux outrage, you've become condescending, it appears now that you are indeed more calm - yet still unable or unwilling to actually comprehend what I've said.

I've been patient with you, because I totally understand that what I originally posted could have easily been misunderstood. That is why I very clearly explained why I said what I said. I then clearly explained why I said what I said to you directly - over, and over, and over, and over again. You don't WANT to understand what I'm saying, because in your opinion...my opinion doesn't make sense. That would have been a reasonable basis for your theatrical performance (although not an excuse for your ignorance of what the NAACP might think of my opinion) - we could have had an actual discussion, however at this point you have proven beyond a shadow of a doubt you are absolutely incapable of supporting your outrage over my opinion, to be honest you are just not interesting enough to debate anything with. It's not the passion to point fingers you lack, what you lack are the skills. Be well.

[VanillaRhapsody]

94. by that analogy....

I could call anything "innappropriate" as you did...that's just nutty.

"you've" been patient with me...hahahahahahahahahahahah!

It was Rush Limbaugh's "opinion" that Sandra Fluke was "promiscuous" ....does that make him correct? Does that make his "opinion" hold water?

and of course you know what they say about opinions right? There are lots of "opinions" around here!

[NM_Birder]

95. I take it back, you're funny again,....nope I was wrong ..... .

See I'm not right EVERY time,.. I thought that there is no way you could possibly pull a larger ball of crap out your butt and present it as a token of your intellectual ability. I was wrong, VanillaRhapsody - waves a Rush Limbaugh opinion around in an attempt to appear credible. You can't possibly top that...can you? Maybe you've got some clever Glenn Beck quotes you have been itching to try ? let me save you the trouble...I don't agree with Glenn Beck either.

Let me put it slow motion for you, you aren't getting it.

#1 My opinion...is that the term "Colored People" is insulting no matter the context, and regardless who doesn't think it's insulting.....I do. No further fishing expeditions necessary on this, just accept it, I think it's offensive, you don't.

#2 Rush Limbaugh calling Sandra Fluke a slut, is ALSO insulting, I find it offensive, I do not agree with it - I do not endorse that opinion... PLUS it has the added bonus of being slanderous and false, ALSO aspects of the opinion you present that I do not agree with. I do not agree with Rush Limbaugh. See what I just did ? I disagreed with someone else's opinion, and I gave the reasons for my disagreement, and I did it without making a fool out of myself with ridiculous examples, also known as carrying on an adult conversation.

It's like I'm having to teach you not only how to comprehend things, but also how to debate. You're exhausting, and not very interesting, you're not even that proficient at picking fights. I feel like I'm debating with an infant.

[VanillaRhapsody]

98. As I stated previously...YOU can have the opinion that the moon is made of green cheese

doesn't make your opinion correct does it?

Words DO have different meanings in different contexts! Or is English a problem? Because in English...words can have multiple meanings. You don't get to decide what they are. Sorry to disappoint your Holier than Thou self. No matter how smart you THINK you are. Your opinion means nothing to anyone else! Let me put it into slow motion for you NO....One....Cares....what....Your....opinion....is...Mmkay?

[NM_Birder]

101. I like South Park, it is funny....... fact or opinion ?....GO

[NM_Birder]

107. The moon is not made of green cheese. You almost had one right.

[VanillaRhapsody]

108. Even if NM_Birder says it is his or her opinion that it is....still doesn't make it so!

[NM_Birder]

111. yes it does.

[VanillaRhapsody]

113. Uh no....only in YOUR mind would it then be green cheese...

but the moon in everyone else's sky is still made of rock!

[NM_Birder]

116. I think you even confused yourself with that one.

[NM_Birder]

109. You would feel pretty stupid

if I said "Yeah English IS a problem for me". It's not, but I'll bet you still feel stupid.
take care, I mean that.

[VanillaRhapsody]

110. No it would just make more sense...

but it wouldn't make me feel stupid...now you on the other hand.

[NM_Birder]

112. I on the other hand make you feel stupid ? I would buy that as truth.

[VanillaRhapsody]

114. Not even a snowballs chance...

[NM_Birder]

117. LOL ....take care man, I think you finally ran out of steam.

[VanillaRhapsody]

119. Never....and definitely not over you!

I am not the one writing long breathless diatribes to justify my erroneous beliefs.

[VanillaRhapsody]

115. you really should be more discerning with who you call stupid...

along with discerning about the value of your own opinions!

[NM_Birder]

120. I value my own opinion above all others,

And my last opinion I will gift you with, is that you should take more care in what you say and how you say it, if you want to be taken seriously.

I'm not teasing you here, take care.....I mean it, I'm leaving for the week-end, take care and have a good holiday.

[NM_Birder]

76. The NAACP says I'm allowed my opinion....and

I don't care how big a voting party is, MY opinion is not for them to rule nor govern.

I'm not even sure WHY my opinion disturbed you like this, but...you could have made a much better point without using the NAACP as a judge's gavel regarding my opinion.

[VanillaRhapsody]

80. Apparently it is you that seems to have a problem with them....not I!

[NM_Birder]

87. You're kidding right ?

I expected the original poster to question WHY I wrote what I did, because it was off topic and understandably a little bit of a questionable comment to the casual observation. Which is why I answered them in a completely open, honest , and forthright manner. I clearly explained what I said, why I said it, AND the context of the conversation in which it came up. They got it the first time, ...you still can't grasp it, and I can't be any more clear for you.

Whatever you're agenda really is, I would suggest you try a little harder next time to pretend and understand what is being said. If you can, I might take what you have to say seriously. If your intention was to "put me in my place", you need practice because you're no good at it.

[VanillaRhapsody]

93. Then why are YOU trying to decide what I was trying to do?

projection much?

[NM_Birder]

96. A ruben is my favorite sandwich. Can you at least understand that ?

[VanillaRhapsody]

97. Am I supposed to care about that opinion too?

[NM_Birder]

100. LOL...

A Ruben is my favorite sandwich, that is a fact not an opinion. It was a trick question.
I don't think you will ever understand what I'm saying, no matter what - a double secret trick. Which is it ? Fact or opinion ?

[VanillaRhapsody]

62. offensive?

On May 19, 2012, the NAACP's board of directors formally endorsed same-sex marriage as a civil right, voting 62-2 for the policy in a Miami, Florida quarterly meeting.[40][41] Benjamin Jealous, the organization's president, said of the decision, "Civil marriage is a civil right and a matter of civil law...The NAACP's support for marriage equality is deeply rooted in the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution and equal protection of all people." Possibly significant in the NAACP's vote was its concern with the HIV/AIDS crisis in the black community; while AIDS support organizations recommend that people live a monogamous lifestyle, the government did not recognize same-sex relationships.[42]
As a result of the endorsement of same-sex marriage, Rev. Keith Ratliff Sr. of Des Moines, Iowa resigned from the NAACP board.[43]

[NM_Birder]

64. ok...like I said, I'm not sure you get my point.

I find the retention of the term "colored people" in the name of the organization currently called the NAACP, to be insulting and offensive.

I have no negative issue with the acts of said organization, but I do find the name to be "out dated" at the very least, .....outright insulting on it's face....to me. I've made no derogatory comments about anything to do with the NAACP's activities, but the name blows, and it blows HARD !

I'm really not sure you read the explanation as to why I brought it up in the first place.

[VanillaRhapsody]

67. YOU think it blows....apparently THEY do not agree with you....or they would change it

capice?

[NM_Birder]

69. LOL........

Yeah, I think having the term "Colored People" in the name - blows.
you don't and neither do they, I get it. But that doesn't change my opinion that it - blows.

capice ? really ? Did you make the little hand gesture too, or just imagine you did ?

[NM_Birder]

68. by the way,..

this kind of proves that the name doesn't hold as much weight as the body behind it.
the name blows.

[NM_Birder]

47. I forgot, Thanks !

[HappyMe]

33. It's so humid here

I could be called a stale cracker.


I'm sorry, I just don't find 'cracker' offensive.

[MineralMan]

34. Well, I would assume that they meant a Triscuit or

a British Water Cracker, at least. I certainly would not take that as an insult, since I consider both to be quite enjoyable. I would take umbrage, though, if they meant a saltine, a cracker I would not deign to consume.

I at being called a "cracker."

[morningfog]

36. I was called a cracker once, years ago.

I was riding my bike, checking out parts of town unknown to me. I ended up coasting down a hill into a public housing development. I was pushing my bike up another hill when a couple of guys standing in a yard yelled to me. "You lost, cracker?" I said, "ha, a little. And out of shape." I kept moving and didn't look back.

[Orrex]

37. An example of my own white privilege:

Years ago I managed a Hardees', and one of the employees was terrible to the point that I had to fire him. He was routinely late for shifts, he took long, unscheduled smoke breaks, he stole food, was generally beligerent to customers and frequently came up short on his register.

When I brought him in the office to let him know that he was fired, he became quite angry:

"You can go fuck yourself, white boy. You like that, white boy?"

I remember it distinctly, and I got the sense that he was trying to bait me into responding with a racist insult, but I didn't.

Regardless, it didn't even occur to me to be insulted by his outburst, because I hadn't been spent a lifetime on the wrong end of racial prejudice and discrimination. I had the privilege of hearing his words as mere words.


It would be a better world IMO if everyone enjoyed that privilege.


Until then, I won't feel bad for any other white boy who gets called "a cracker," either!

[Nevernose]

45. To paraphrase Bill Maher:

If you're offended at being called a cracker, you're probably a racist. If you're not a racist, it's not something that would bother you.

[hrmjustin]

52. If someone called me that name I would be offended.

I have never been called it but I would not like it.

[Eleanors38]

55. Is Bill Maher a Cracker? Why I never. nt

[dawg]

48. People shouldn't call other people "cracker".

It isn't nice.

It certainly doesn't carry the weight of racial epithets used against historically exploited groups, but I don't think we should just give it a pass either.

That being said, it wouldn't really offend me to be called a cracker. But it's kind of white privilege on my part that a racial slur doesn't bother me. So to be fair, I think we should condemn the use of racial slurs against whites just like we would with any other group.

[BainsBane]

56. I'd laugh

There is no comparison between cracker and the N word. The historical legacies are not comparable.

[Orrex]

89. You have no knowledge of history

Crackers were enslaved for centuries to work the cotton fields for our black masters.


Oh wait--I may have that backwards.

[RB TexLa]

73. Then you aren't thinking of it with the tone it would be delivered with.

[Are_grits_groceries]

82. I don't care.

I would laugh at them.
It can be derogatory, but I wouldn't deign to argue over that ignorance. It's a waste of time to try to argue with morans. Laughing at them deflates the message and its meaning.

[Buzz Clik]

78. LOL! I have avoided this thread, assuming it was ridiculous. It wasn't. +1

[Dorian Gray]

85. I have been called a cracker once

and while it actually wasn't a pleasant thing in the context of the insult (Nobody likes to feel ostracized or insulted), I've realized that the instances in which I've felt like "the other" in my life have been few and far between. As a white female, I'm not in a racial minority most places I go. And even while I lived in Hong Kong for years and was in a minority, I was in a respected minority and treated even better than locals were in restaurants and shops. (Which is whack! and another topic all together.)

[HeroInAHalfShell]

91. I would be offended if someone said it to me in a derogatory way...

[1-Old-Man]

92. I've got some young black friends and they use the word now and then

There are a couple of young guys who were my my son's best childhood friends that I am fortunate enough to still keep closely in touch with, we see one another and chat often, and they use the word now and then. They are black men. In their defense I have to say this, every time I've ever heard one of them use the word they were referring to someone who I would have called a "Redneck" or in more extreme cases "White Trash", so I don't see where it was so much a difference in black versus white viewpoint, just a matter of choice of words.

By the way, I've been familiar with the word since I was a child. I believe the origin of the word is a reference to men in the deep south who drove mules with a whip, cracking it over their heads more or less constantly. So a mule-driver was a Cracker and in a sense a slave driver was a Cracker too, but the word is always used to refer to someone on the particularly ignorant and perpetually poor end of the white scale; the slave owner is never called a Cracker.

[kentauros]

99. I'm an organic, unbleached, all-purpose cracker.

[bobclark86]

102. You whitey cracker-ass honkey, you...

Go put some Miracle Whip on your bologna and Wonder Bread and drink a glass of milk while listening to Michael Bolton in your minivan, you whitey cracker-ass honkey!

[libodem]

103. I'm still not insulted

Except I'm a Best Foods person.

[bobclark86]

105. Aha!

That's it, cracker. Time to get you down to the Winn-Dixie for some Bud Light, Kraft Mac and Cheese and boneless, skinless chicken breast, lol!

[libodem]

106. The grey diet

Say, you ARE trying to kill me.