Apology for a term, but see what my 84 year old mom said today about our President

[Omaha Steve]

My mom was taken to emergency by rescue squad last night. She has lived alone since dad died in 94. In the hospital today she used the word colored about one of the rescue personnel. Even though I was raised in a non minority neighborhood, I was not ever taught anything racist. To my mom it is just a word she has never updated from her generations vocabulary.

Later while we talked waiting for a wheelchair to take her down downstairs she said this. "President Obama is doing a great job!". Yes she is a life long Democrat. But she is bombarded with right wing slant in ALL her social groups. We are a very red state after all. Anyway, I was so proud of what she said even while her mind was clouded with pain killers.

She is doing fine at home. She has a lengthy test to take next Monday. I'll be kind of quiet for me for the next week to 10 days because of a heavy personal schedule of assorted things.

OS

[baldguy]

1. My uncle was born in 1926.

He voted for "that nice colored boy" for President, mainly because he thought McCain was too old

[blondeatlast]

23. Several of my racist, yellow dog relatives expressed the sentiment that voting for the "**ig**: was

WAY preferable to voting for the Republican--especially McCain.


And yes, indeed--that is the word THAT word.

[glowing]

2. My grandmother was the same way..

She referrenced "negro" one day, and all 3 granchildren chorused.. grandma, you don't say that anymore... But she wasn't a racist.. just not very partial to the times.. granted we lived in VT and we only started talking about this subject because a black family had moved to the town. the only family for miles around.

[sarge43]

3. For her generation colored was the civil, polite term.

My best wishes that all goes well for her. She sounds like a great person.

[janet118]

34. For instance, the NAACP

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

Negro, Colored, Black, Afro-American, and African American are all terms that at some time or another were considered appropriate and polite usage.

[Captain Hilts]

4. It's actually dated more than racist. Hence why the the NAACP hasn't changed its name.

It sounds like her heart's in the right place!

[Justitia]

5. I'm glad she is okay.

FWIW, I don't think what she said (and in the context of reference, not insult, I presume) was racist - just outdated.

My Grandmother, 84 yrs old, a saint, & an Obama voter, has used phrases that I had to gently correct her on.

I just say "Grandma, that phrase isn't really used anymore and you might offend someone with it - say "xxx" instead."
She's says "Oh my! I had no idea" and doesn't use it again.

Your 84 yr old mom saying "colored" in reference to an EMT helping her, is, - I am SURE - not at all the same as if someone like Pat Buchanan said it! LOL

I hope she has a restful recovery.

[ColbertWatcher]

8. Agreed. Good to hear she's back at home. n/t

[MISSDem]

6. Hey, to me it doesn't really matter. The way that some

people talk is just the way that they learned to talk. I heard from someone who was canvassing in, I think it was Iowa, for Obama and when they knocked on one door a woman answered. When asked who she and her household were voting for she said wait a minute I'll have to ask my husband. (I don't know about you but I know women like this). She yelled to her husband "who are we voting for?" And he yelled back "we're votin' for the n-----".

[Catshrink]

7. "And the colored girls go doo-di-doo-di-doo-di-doo-doo"

I was so surprised this song stuck around. I always fell a little embarrassed to hum along with it but there it is.

[bigmonkey]

46. I remember when that song came out.

I think Mr. Reed was at least partially pointing out that the tendency among rock musicians to use choruses of black women in the 70's had just a little echo of racism in it. The term "colored" was almost completely faded from use when he used it, and I would be very surprised if he was not aware of that. That arch comment he makes in the song by using that term has always been how I've seen "Walk on the Wild Side".

You think that's bad, look up his song "I Wanna Be Black" where he lays similar commentary on in such raw terms that most people can't see that it's a comment on insincere ethnic affinities. Steel yourself first, though.

[Mike 03]

9. Awesome Post, Omaha Steve,

My best to you and your mother.

It is terrible when your mother or father is ailing, but your mother sounds like a very special person, like you.

You take care, Omaha, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[no_hypocrisy]

10. My father's 85 and uses the term. I once countered, "What color was he, Dad?"

Anyways, I hope your mother continues her convalescence and you take care of yourself as well.

[Kahuna]

11. There is nothing wrong with your mother using the term, "colored" to me..

I'm sure others will disagree, but I don't find it disrespectful at all. Afterall, our skins are "colored." I'm lite mocha. :)

[frogcycle]

16. spot on!

"people of color" is ok, but "colored people" is offensive. Like, what's up with that?


Of course, the latter was often used in a condescending way, or bastarized into "the coloreds" or something. But the offense should be to the intent of the speaker, not to the word itself. I admire your openmindedness. Your skin is not only lite mocha - it's not excessively thin! :)

[Kahuna]

17. Thanks you.

:)

[eleny]

12. Bless her dear heart

Seeing what kind of guy you are, Steve, I know that your mom is one of the best. You'll all be in my thoughts.

Hugs,
eleny
:hug:

[kestrel91316]

13. I don't see the need to apologize - "colored" is not an epithet, it's just

an old-fashioned term and one that blacks probably would not choose. It's certainly NOTHING like "n----r".

[eridani]

30. There's just no way that outdated equates to racist n/t

[GoddessOfGuinness]

14. Good for her for being outspoken...

She must be a strong woman. I hope she's well soon. :hug::hug::hug:

[Bigmack]

15. Ms. Bigmack was in a bicycle accident....

.. coma for 9 days... dingier than shit for another week... then slowly back to reality.

Docs would ask her where she was, what year it was, etc. One day they asked her who was president (This was 2002).

She looked baffled for a few seconds, then suddenly lit up and said "Oh, NO, it's that fucking Bush!"

I cried. I knew she was gonna be all right.

[Jane Austin]

21. OMG, that's funny!

Sure glad she's ok now.

[Omaha Steve]

32. WOW

What a way to ind out things will be OK!

[sarge43]

44. .....

:spray::applause::fistbump:

[blaze]

18. Hugs for your mom, Steve

Hope all goes well.

[Fire1]

19. She did a great job rearing a fine Dem and hope she gets well.

[Peace Patriot]

20. I know a lot of people who use the phrase "people of color." It is not derogatory.

In fact, it is a positive political statement. Also, I've never heard "colored person" used in a mean or derogatory way, and I've lived a long while. It was common in the '50s and '60s and simply meant...people of color. I still use "black" if I need to describe someone on the basis of "color," cuz that was the cool word in the '60s ("black power" and all). I find "African-American" to be a mouthful. "Black" is easier. But I have to say "colored" is more accurate. There are many shades of "black" thru shades of brown to almost pink/white.

We do have quite an obsession with identifying people by skin color, though. It's why we're having this conversation. It is a touchy subject because of slavery and racial segregation and bigotry. Horrors beyond belief have been inflicted because of skin color. I'm also glad we're talking about it more--ever since Obama broke the ice with his speech on race. Sharp differences in skin color certainly can't--and don't--go unnoticed in any society. They are eye-catching. They are easy identifiers. There is really no way to be "color blind" if you are a human being and you have eyes. And in a society with the sins that our society has committed against "colored people," to become "color blind" is too easy--way too easy. I know "justice is blind" and all that, but if you make yourself "color blind" then you don't SEE the injustice, for instance, of the high rate of imprisonment, and high rate of death sentences, for poor black people. To remedy it, you have to first SEE it.

(You see how I just used "black"? That's the Sixties Me. Can't use "colored," though, cuz that would really date me. That was my mother's word for black people. She meant it kindly, but it is so old-fashioned. I was just a baby at that time--really.) (Shall we talk about age-ism?)

Cheers to Omaha Steve and his Mom! She raised a great man!

:grouphug:

[leftyclimber]

22. IIRC the idea behind "people of color" is that the "people" part is most important, not the color.

Steve, your mom is of a certain generation, and she is using the language she learned to be appropriate as a product of that generation. It sounds awkward to us because we were taught otherwise.

She's obviously a good lady and a great mom. After all, she had a pretty good hand in "making" you!

All the best to her.

[Kahuna]

28. You got it. My color is beige. My mother's is onion skin. My father was

paper-bag tan. Some of my siblings are penny brown. Some of my siblings are also beige. We're certainly "colored." One thing we are not is "black." Though as a race, I prefer to be called "black" because, we're not from Africa even though we have African roots. But we also have european and indigenous roots. I did like the term of the 60s, "afro-American." But for me, "colored" is just as appropriate because we certainly come in all hues. When I hear it, all I think of is an old-fashioned term. But it doesn't offend me.

[sarge43]

36. Knew this guy in the service who, to use President Obama's term,

was a true mutt. European, African American, Native American, Asian, his ancestry was United Nations. When he was asked what his race was, he'd answer, "plaid".

[Kahuna]

38. "Plaid." That's a good one. My mother's onion skin completion would

fit THAT description. Especially when you combine her freckles. :rofl:

[sarge43]

43. I love that charming scene from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

Azeem: Salaam, little one.

English child: Did God paint you?

Azeem: Did God paint me? (laughs) For certain.

Child: Why?

Azeem: Because Allah loves wondrous varieties.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

51. Don't forget Heinz 57!!!

Used for mutts of all kinds.

[Ilsa]

24. I'm with my 82yo dad who was born in East Texas.

He slips up occasionally and uses that term, but not maliciously. When his mind is clear, he uses appropriate terms. He also has been pleased with our new President.

I hope your mom feels better soon. Take care of yourself, too.

[emilyg]

25. Best wishes for your Mom.

[MadMaddie]

26. Your mom sounds like a great lady!

Give her a hug she raised a good son!

:grouphug:

[FarLeftRage]

27. My Step Brother-in-law calls him a "half and half"

He's a ex-repuKKKe, bigotted east European immigrant who sadly doesn't know any better.

Best wishes and a speedy recovery for your mom!

[cherish44]

39. Was talking to this old guy (he's probably 90) who still uses "mulatto"

Not a racist way, that's just the term of his day...

[rosesaylavee]

29. I hope she will continue on the mend...

What a sweetie.

[Triana]

31. Blessings on ya Omaha Steve. I hope your Mom's OK

and the tests go well. Take care of yourself!

[Liberal In Texas]

33. Glad your mom is better. My 83 yr old mom is also in Omaha.

(She won't leave that house!) She's come a long way but I still have to once in awhile say that that person didn't do that because they're black, mom.

She's mostly voted repub all her life, but voted for Obama in the last election.

[LostinVA]

35. Colored was once THE term of respect for African American folks

I've noticed many people over 80 say that. So, I think a gentle correction and reproof is in order if she isn't a racist lady, along with some generational understanding.

[cherish44]

37. I think the term "colored" became unsavory because of its use in the segregated South

"White" and "Colored" were how things were marked.

[Xithras]

47. Yes, that's exactly it.

Colored was never intended to be a racist or derogatory term, but because it was used to on signs like "Colored Water Fountains" or "No Colored's Allowed", it's use brings back images of the Jim Crow South in some people. In most of America, the word "colored" was a respectful term.

Geneally speaking, it's impolite to use words that make people feel uncomfortable if you don't have to. Using the word "colored" isn't racist, but it's considered impolite simply because it's use causes discomfort among some African Americans who remember days when they weren't so free.

[graywarrior]

40. My brother is a black joke teller, a tough ass biker and uses terms that make me flinch

He bragged about McCain all during the elections. I talked with him about a month after the elections and voting came into the conversation. I was shocked when he told me he voted for Obama. I asked him what changed his mind....he said "What, you think I'm stupid? Obama is the best man for the job."

You just can't tell about people. They are used to talking one way, but they really feel another way. My respect for my brother is through the roof now...tho I can't tell him that....I'd never hear the end of it.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

41. Reason

Has power to break into places you couldn't dream.

Mind you, that doesn't mean your brother isn't a racist anymore. He may still think black people are in average dumber, or that it's Obama's "white half" that does the good things, or whatever.

[graywarrior]

42. He's a dichotomy of himself

A biker who writes love songs then plays his guitar and sings at a coffee house. Oh, he'll continue to tell black jokes, but I guarantee somewhere inside, he's writing a song about how he really feels and it's probably mushy.

[RubyDuby in GA]

45. I hesitated to mention this very thing after the election, but my grandmother is the same way

I always fill out my grandmother's absentee ballots. She will be 90 in one month.
Last November, I got her ballot out and asked her who she wanted to vote for. She's been known to use the N-word and I have always cringed when she did. I guess she's mellowing because when I asked her who she wanted to vote for, she said mark be down for the colored guy. Now, you might think it is wrong, but she didn't mean it in a bad way. She then told me he's the smartest thing she's seen in years and she said we need someone just like him to fix everything "those asshole Republicans" broke.

I talk to her every day and she often tells me that she's extremely pleased with our new president. She cried on inauguration day because she was so happy and she didn't think she'd live long enough to see a black man become president.

[ellacott]

48. Glad your Mom is doing fine

I hope she continues to get better.

There's nothing at all wrong with what she said. I wouldn't even bother to correct her. I am African-American and some of my elderly relatives still use that word.

[Odin2005]

49. My 85yo grandma, who voted for Obama and likes him, still uses "negro".

She's also a life-long Dem. Oh, and she thinks Malia and Sasha are adorable!

[byrok]

50. When I was about 7 or 8

I used the n word. My mom slapped me so hard up side the head that I fell to the floor. Then she snatch me up, dragged me to the mirror, and demanded me to answer what the hell was so special about me.

Love my Momma. Miss her a lot. She taught me well.