Is this racist?

[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Brandon wrote: [/QUOTENAME]I dunno. The boobies thing is definately not racist. I suppose only you can tell whether or not you're racist. I tend to fall on the side that nothing is above mockery, even the all-mighty race-line.
And yes, there are double-standards when dealing with race; Just watch some black comedian's sets or listen to rap.[/QUOTE]

I'm so paranoid about sounding the slightest bit racist. I can't stand it when little kids pull their eyes back and say, "Look! I'm Chinese!" When I say that Asians have really pretty hair, I think I'm being racist.

I think the Buddha thing was racist...

I don't know- I'm just really sensitive to racism (not just towards me). I went through this phase of being obsessed with learning about the Holocaust, and it really made me think. Also, this at the end of this past school year, we read Night in my Lit. class. When we first started, my teacher was saying how there is no way we can comprehend 6,000,000 or visualize it. However, to help us think somewhat of what 6,000,000 was, she said that imagine that what happened on September 11 happened every single day from the day we started first grade till now (seventh grade). That wouldn't even equal 6,000,000. PLUS, there's the other 6,000,000 NON Jews that were killed. It's such a massive amount, and it really horrifies me that people can be like that. And I think it's such bullshit(I'm going on a rampage now) when people say that the Holocaust didn't happen. Then, there's also the 12 million that Stalin killed and there's the Armenian Holocaust (which is often not talked about). I don't even like it when people say, "I haaaaate him," or something like that. Cause "hate" is such an overused word. I think it can only describe the feelings of these evil people who felt that they hated someone so much, they had to kill them.
Okay, I think I'm done ranting and raving. Lalalalalalalalalala.

To be honest... and I know a lot of people are not going to agree with me *but*, yes, I think that was a racist comment. You may not be a "racist" per se, and you may not beat up people because of their skin colour or cultural background, but that comment is racist.

People have been mentioning how being called a "Brit" would cause no offence as it is short form for British etc, so "paki" shouldn't either. But, there is a BIG difference between being called a "brit" and a "paki". Paki connotes negative stereotypes, and people most often use that term to put down a whole race of people. Indians, Sri Lankans, Bangladeshis and Pakistanis (etc) are often called that... and more often than not, it is in a negative manner.

Speaking as a person of colour, more importantly someone who has been called "paki" for most of her life (although i was born and raised in canada, i am of indian heritage), I still can't understand why people would feel the need to use that term anymore anyway. I cringe when I hear the word Nigger or Chink... because I know how it feels to be called those things in an agressive manner. I'm sorry... but being called "Brit" or even going as far as calling someone "Limey" or "honky" doesn't have the same history.

And... as for the rap comments or the comedian comments. It goes both ways. While blacks can get away with rapping or telling jokes about whites with relative freedom... there are some things that whites can do and not be looked at twice. For example, has anyone seen the cover of Morrissey's new album? He's holding a machine gun.... just imagine if a black person released an album with the same image, the up-roar it would cause. It's the stereotypes that are attached.

And finally... i wonder what Freddie Mercury would have thought if you called him a "paki" (as many did when he came to england from India), or using that term in his company. Its comments like that that make minorities feel like they dont belong, and they end up trying to "fit in" to belong... as freddie did (thus, never mentioning his indian background).

'And finally... i wonder what Freddie Mercury would have thought if you called him a "paki" (as many did when he came to england from India), or using that term in his company. Its comments like that that make minorities feel like they dont belong, and they end up trying to "fit in" to belong... as freddie did (thus, never mentioning his indian background).'

Hogwash!!!

I'm just hoping that Sir Archie's got his tounge firmly in Flashman's cheek.

I'm just wishing Ian R could spell tongue.

Another example of Queenzone numptiness.

why is that "hogwash"?

'why is that "hogwash"?'

Where's the evidence that he was called a paki on arrival in England?

I did read something about it a couple of times. I haven't been able to find the exact article, but here is one that relates: http://www.exclaim.ca/index.asp?layid=22&csid1=183

I know in the "untold story", his sister talks about how freddie would deny his indian roots to "fit in" with the others. when people asked him if he was indian he denied it so that he could fit in, calling himself "persian" (which wasn't a lie per se, but it wasn't the truth --- parsis/persians have lived in india over 1000 years --- their history is persian, however, they are indian by nature and culture, as was he and his family).

Sorry old bean I'm not denying Freddie tried to hide his roots but I'm sure Freddie's sister doesn't mention anything about being called a Paki.

As for your link I'm sure Cliff Richard was called a Paki, I think those people were being kind compared to what most would call him (especially after his singing in the rain at Wimbledon the other year - Ed).

Besides people emigrating to another country should fit in with the majority!

That article linked claims Harry Webb (Cliff Richard) had Indian parents. Yet his bio says his parents were British expatriates Rodger and Dorothy Webb, who'm returned to England in 1948. According to the same info he was teased for having a "supposed" Indian appearance. (he was more tanned). But how does this all make him Indian? Or is it a big lie...

And yes, as pointed I'm sure he's been called far worse things than that for his wonderful singing :-P

I refuse to get drawn into an argument about Cliff Pilchard, but seeing as I'm here - you all stink.

There, I've said it.

Cliff richard was born in India... if that helps this discussion.

(a)I *never* said that in the "untold story" his sister said that he was called a paki... I said that she talked about him denying his roots.

(b)I said that I couldn't find the *exact* article, but I found a relating one. It was more of a reference of celebs who are of Indian origin (Cliff being an Anglo-Indian) being called "Paki".

Look, the point I'm trying to make is that Paki is an offensive term. Use it as you would like... but Paki is offensive. That’s all.

As a side point... Cliff was Anglo-Indian (where his parents were Brits living in India), and Freddie was a parsi-indian (meaning... his ancestors came from Persia thousands of years ago, settled in India... however, making him essentially Indian... his parents and grandparents... etc... were all born & raised in Indian and spoke the Indian languages etc.).

Lastly.... "minorities" may be the "majority" in England as a collective, but if you divide people by their origins, they aren't the "majority". I don't know why British people like to lump all the "minorities" together and make them one huge group. In that case... every country on this earth would be considered being "minority" heavy. EVERY country on this earth has seen immigration over the centuries. EVERY country has had "foreigners" come onto their lands and change the landscape. EVERY COUNTRY.

'I said that I couldn't find the *exact* article, but I found a relating one.'

Well isn't that convenient, you should get a job as a Labour MP.

I have nothing against immigration as long as they play by our rules. Unfortunately some of them don't and that's where the problem lies.