FFFC- I can't keep up with PC terminology

StrawberryAlarmClock

I feel like a dolt asking this, but could someone fill me in once and for all (until the preferred terms change): Black, Person of Color or African American? Disabled, Handicapped or Differently Abled? Gay or Homosexual? Mentally Challenged or Mentally Impaired? (Retarded used to be legit but I think 5th graders the world over sent that term into the annals along with "colored" which my grandfather still says! ::shudder::) Are there "correct" terms for these or is it regional/ personal preference? Please don't flame me for not knowing how NOT to offend others. :-P

pleasebeonsale

I think no one wants to answer because they don't want to get flamed for using the wrong terminology. It's a harsh world out there!

SassyPanties

LOL I thought you meant like "personal computer" terminology and I was all ready to jump in a help.

<--nerd

StrawberryAlarmClock

Sassy_Panties:

LOL I thought you meant like "personal computer" terminology and I was all ready to jump in a help.

<--nerd

Mama Sas, you can help me with that any day!

StrawberryAlarmClock

pleasebeonsale:

I think no one wants to answer because they don't want to get flamed for using the wrong terminology. It's a harsh world out there!

I think you're right. The shame of it is, I'd rather get flamed than not know. I'd prefer someone on here say: "You idiot, "black" is highly offensive!" than use the term IRL and hurt someone. KWIM? I had always used African-American until I dated a Trinidadian in college (just recalling his accent gets me all flibbertygibbit! LOL) and he detested being called African American- because he wasn't African...or American! A friend used the term "gay" at a bar and the man to whom he was speaking said, snarkily, "I'm gay for the moment but soon I'm going to be pissed. However I'll always be homosexual. THANKS" yeesh. I think about

Hot Sauce on a Stick

Sassy_Panties:

LOL I thought you meant like "personal computer" terminology and I was all ready to jump in a help.

<--nerd

Me, too 

SAC, I've got no idea. I just try my hardest not to offend people. I'm 99% sure that "Black" is the PC term as of right now for the exact reason you mentioned: many Blacks are not African nor American. Other than that, I have no clue.

pleasebeonsale

StrawberryAlarmClock:

pleasebeonsale:

I think no one wants to answer because they don't want to get flamed for using the wrong terminology. It's a harsh world out there!

I think you're right. The shame of it is, I'd rather get flamed than not know. I'd prefer someone on here say: "You idiot, "black" is highly offensive!" than use the term IRL and hurt someone. KWIM? I had always used African-American until I dated a Trinidadian in college (just recalling his accent gets me all flibbertygibbit! LOL) and he detested being called African American- because he wasn't African...or American! A friend used the term "gay" at a bar and the man to whom he was speaking said, snarkily, "I'm gay for the moment but soon I'm going to be pissed. However I'll always be homosexual. THANKS" yeesh. I think about <5% of the time people are truly trying to be rude. The rest of the time, we're just confused by everything we hear and read. It won't be a truly tolerant society until we can all tlk openly about things and assume the best before the worst. "Seek first to understand" and all that. /soapbox

Well, and that's the problem of it, it really seems to be a personal preference thing. I have gay friends that call themselves... gay. I think that whether or not individuals find certain terms (with some glaring, rude exceptions) offensive is mostly based on their personal experience and whether or not they feel like someone is being respectful to them or stereotyping them. 

I really am not sure what all the pc terms are currently though. 

nattyncbride

I think your ex would be called Trinidadian, and people from Haiti would be called Haitian.  I agree, they are not African Americans.  But for those who are decedent from the slaves that were forced over, I would call them African Americans.  I say 'mentally handicapped' or 'physically handicapped', and I also say 'homosexual'.  If someone corrects me, I apologize and use what they are comfortable with, I admit to not being up on everything all the time, too. 

I am just glad people take the time to care.  I was afraid your FFFC was about how you don't want to deal with saying the "right" thing b/c it's "too hard".  As someone who can appreciate not being called a racial slur b/c of this "PC movement", I am happy to learn and adapt as the times change! 

I too am happy for someone to correct me on my choices above!

lindsleek

I work with the 'disabled' population and I refer to them as 'disabled' or if I am referring to their specific issue we say 'special needs'. I have always been one to stick my foot in my mouth no matter what I say... so I have learned the hard way how much people get offended. But I have also learned that people (whether they are of another culture, sexuality, etc.) are very forgiving if they know your intentions were not meant out of malice.

My grandparents are from the south and they still refer to blacks as negros. I'm always give the big eye roll... But seriously, they are 80+ years old and they aren't changing their ways now. But then again, they don't leave the house much, so I guess it's okay! They are in their own little world.

FWIW: My best guy friend is gay and he doesn't care how you refer to him as long as you don't use the 'fa - g' word or refer to something as gay, like saying "that's so gay". He jacks people up for that.

nattyncbride

lindsleek:

I work with the 'disabled' population and I refer to them as 'disabled' or if I am referring to their specific issue we say 'special needs'.

Good to know!!

megperk72

My husband is black/African American and either of these is acceptable. Black is a word that can be used as a description. (The black man in the red shirt...would be an accurate and acceptable description.) Although, he says technically, he is not black, he is brown! And I am not white, I'm pink! Anywho, I know that black is not an offensive term to most...but as with anything, it's all in 'how' it is said and used...the intent behind the words.