[Vivienne]

Isnt calling people coloured racist in itself?

I don't think so. I see it as being "polite".

[catherine]

I don't actually think she was being racist though, she sang a line from a song infront of Charley and the asian girl whilst sitting outside having a fag and a laugh and then it was blown all out of context and she looked like she was a racist bitch.

I think the N word should be banned completely for anybody to use, they say they are trying to turn it into a positive word but how is it a positive word when only a certain type of people can use it?

[DevilsDuck]

But thats refering to black people as if their different because their not white

Were all coloured

Im white(or pink)

Black people are Black

[Vivienne]

OK, DD: don't try and twist my words. I'm not that kind of person. But OK, we are all coloured, yes: I'm red at the moment (too much work, too little time).

[Vivienne]

+ DD is starting to get on my nerves.

[Yudster]

Isnt calling people coloured racist in itself?

I don't think so. I see it as being "polite".

It's difficult though - I have black friends who deeply dislike being called "coloured", as far as they are concerned their skin colour is "black". But i know other black people feel exactly the opposite.

Sometimes it's possible to cause offence whatever you do.

[Vivienne]

Yeah, that's thing about our PC-obsessed Society. No wonder Moyles was saying this this morning too.

[MK Chris]

It's a difficult argument, but I don't see the problem with calling someone coloured, black, white or whatever, as long as it's not done in a context that discriminates against a person or group of people. If, for example, you're trying to describe someone, 'black', 'coloured', etc, is fine in my opinion because it is a part of that person, after all. If you try and say they do something because of the colour of their skin, that is a totally different ball game.

I also don't believe the 'n' word should be used by anyone; its connotations are far too negative.

[pjordan2000]

I agree Toph, the n word shouldn't be used by anyone. That's why i think Charley should have been removed from the house too.

[Vivienne]

The 'n' word is a dreadful word. Conjures up images of very dark days.

I think DD was being difficult on purpose there.

[DevilsDuck]

I wasnt trying to twist your words I was just making the point that calling people coloured can be just as offensive as the N word to some people

and im sorry if im getting on your nerves!

[Vivienne]

OK... it's all cool... viv simmers back down.

[Yudster]

......I was just making the point that calling people coloured can be just as offensive as the N word to some people

See, I know what you were saying, but I genuinely think that's wrong. I don't think anyone uses the term "coloured" as an insult, like I said, it's a description. Some people may prefer an alternative description, but I don't think you can say that's a good reason to be offended.

[DevilsDuck]

I dont think Viv was being offensive on purpose, and im not trying to twist anything

I just think that calling black people "coloured" is like pointing out that they are not the "right" colour

I guess i will just have to refer to white people as "dis-coloured" now

[Vivienne]

I wasn't meaning to be offensive AT ALL. It's really that simple. **viv gets gun and shoots herself in actual head**.

What is the "right colour"? Someone could equally say I'm not the right colour. And is it offensive to ask what origin someone comes from on "equal opportunities forms"... The forms you send with job applications?

[MK Chris]

Personally I think that when selecting job applicants, all information that isn't relevant to determining who is right for the job should be removed by the personnel department before it gets forwarded to the person examining the applicants.. that includes name, age, contact details, sex and race.

[Vivienne]

I've never liked having to complete the "monitoring"-type forms. I believe the info. is normally removed though, Topher, before going to an interview panel.

[TIAL]

Coloured can be seen as a bit wrong because the phrase implys that the person is a different colour from the 'norm' - which, of course isn't true.

[Yudster]

I dont think Viv was being offensive on purpose........

I don't think she was being offensive at all.

[Vivienne]

Thanx. The voice of reason has spoken.

[DevilsDuck]

Coloured can be seen as a bit wrong because the phrase implys that the person is a different colour from the 'norm' - which, of course isn't true.

exactly

[Vivienne]

bong bong bong *If it's this much of a bloody problem, can someone please just edit the first page. * bong bong bong

[DevilsDuck]

I dont think Viv was being offensive on purpose........

I don't think she was being offensive at all.

not on purpose, but i still think that calling someone coloured is implying they are different.

My opinion and im entitled to it

[Vivienne]

Yeah, you've stated it about 100 times now.

[Yudster]

If someone is white, and someone else is black, they ARE different. They have different coloured skin, ergo, they are different. In the same way that I have blue eyes and Mr Yudster has brown eyes, and a million other things which make us all different. No implication is necessary, it's a fact.

Why are you assuming that being different is a bad thing? It's not a bad thing or a good thing - it just IS.