If you still say Mulatto

barefoot barista

Please stop. It is offensive. Mulatto is to Biracial as Negro is to Black. If you are in to Analogies, hopefully this explains it a bit better. That is my PSA for today.

MommaA117

is it crazy that I've never heard that term?

akayf

Yikes.....did someone on the bump use that term?   The only time I've ever heard that term used is in books(both in classics that were written when it wasn't offensive and smutty historial romantic fiction)

MommaA117

wanted to add that I did see it used today but I think she may not know that it was offensive. I guess you are just posting this whole new thread in case she didn't see vigurl's reply?

barefoot barista

MommaA, it is an outdated term, so no it isn't that crazy. Folks may still use it, but it is generally regarded as derogatory because it is so outdated. Like quadroon. It would be similar to calling a child with Down Syndrome "mongoloid".

barefoot barista

I saw it recently on my mommies board as well. When I told her it was offensive, she said words like that onlyjave a negative connotation if you mean for them to. My mother and grandmother are biracial. It hits home.

MommaA117

I see. Yeah I just want back and saw the thread. She may not have seen the replys.

MommaA117

If I were told a term was offensive I wouldn't continue to use it. I take it back. She must know since you already said something.

ajc0121

What was the original thread?

 

chocoholicchick

I hate how much ignorance still exists in this world.  Where is this thread?  I am already seeing red and I don't even know where the word was used. 

barefoot barista

No, someone else said it on my mommies board. People may not know it is offensive. Apparently not, as I've seen it twice. I had to correct my MIL to tell her not to refer to children with DS as mongoloids. She is older, sheltered and truly didn't know. I hated to correct her but I didn't want her to say it in public and get an earful or cussed out.

MommaA117

oh okay. Yeah, then I'm sure she just had no idea. I'm sure she does now though. I swear that I'm not a hermit but I haven't heard either of those terms..

casirdms

I have never heard anyone use that word either.

Sorry someone was being offensive :- 

magnoliablossom00

Not that I use that word, but I guess I am one of the few who didn't know that is offensive. I have a biracial friend who has used it multiple times in reference to herself, so I am used to hearing it and not thinking it was a big deal.

I honestly stay away from all terms like that because I never know what is acceptable and what is not. It seems like language in America changes quickly, and it's best to avoid things that you're unsure of.

As for the mongoloid issue, that is insane! I cannot believe someone would actually think that is ok!

barefoot barista

Honestly, my feelings aren't hurt. I have seen how some words can be used as insults or hurtful, when they are really outdated. I teach SPED and am black, so I've heard a ton of them. I remember when I was in 5th grade and I used the term Oriental-I hurt a girl's feelings and I really liked the girl! I was only 9, now I know why the term was wrong, and I haven't said it since.

chocoholicchick

Now that you do know it is offensive, I hope you spread the word around to others who still use the term.

Barista, I HATE the word Oriental too.  I still hear it so much here and it really grates my nerves.  I am not a rug, I am a person, TYVM. 

 

magnoliablossom00

chocoholicchick:

Now that you do know it is offensive, I hope you spread the word around to others who still use the term.

Barista, I HATE the word Oriental too.  I still hear it so much here and it really grates my nerves.  I am not a rug, I am a person, TYVM. 

 

See! I guess I truly must live under a rock because I would have never thought the word "oriental" would be offensive! I thought the word oriental meant "someone from the Orient", referring to the area of Asia in general. I would've assumed that would have been no different than saying someone was European, North American, Pacific Islander... etc. Good thing I keep my mouth shut!

magnoliablossom00

crysawhit:

The PM I received from a bumpie really wasn't necessary. I'm sorry that I offended some people, but as I stated, I wasn't aware it was considered offensive. I am in no way racist and if you feel the need to report me then so be it.  

Not cool. She already said she didn't mean any harm. It's not like crysawhit is a stranger and came posting on here to cause drama. We all know who she is and she already admitted that she wasn't trying to be rude. 

LaceFace14

I dont think I've ever used this term but I do remember being told when I was younger that this is what half black and half white people are called. I've not heard it since but I had no idea it was offensive. Sure glad I didn't put my foot in my mouth with this one ever. I would have felt terrible! 

Birdies08

Mulatto makes me think of those cookies- Milano, that's the real name. I like the terms multi-racial or multi-ethnic in reference to someone's cultural background.

Oriental just makes me think of Said and orientalism.

Thanks for the reminder. Sorry someone was offensive on here. I know my mom will say mulatto still sometimes; next time it comes up, I'll have to remind her that terms have changed. She doesn't mean offense. I'm sure she, like others here, just doesn't realize it can be a hurtful word. 

just kita

LaceFace14:

I dont think I've ever used this term but I do remember being told when I was younger that this is what half black and half white people are called. I've not heard it since but I had no idea it was offensive. Sure glad I didn't put my foot in my mouth with this one ever. I would have felt terrible! 

I can't recall ever hearing the word used in conversation, but I do remember being taught the same meaning when I was a kid. I had no idea it was offensive. Good to know. 

vigurl

crysawhit:

The PM I received from a bumpie really wasn't necessary. I'm sorry that I offended some people, but as I stated, I wasn't aware it was considered offensive. I am in no way racist and if you feel the need to report me then so be it.  

I have no idea what the PM said but at least they took their issue to you privately.  I was going to sleep on this and send you a nice PM of my own.  I chalk up your use of the the word to ignorance and as such you need to be told that use of that word is appalling.   Having a biracial family member does not excuse or permit you to use the term.  Your apology followed by your defensive statements shows me that you are only sorry someone got pissed off at you enough to report you and PM you.

 I am going to step off my soap box now but I am truly sadden that today in America 40+ people viewed your post with the word and said absolutely nothing.  I truly am disappointed.  I'm done with this now.

hepcats

Wow. Hot topic eh? Call me ignorant then as well. I had no idea that was considered a negative word. I've had many a biracial friend refer to themselves that way, and not in the convivial way that another fairly charged racial slur is used amongst each other, so I figured it was an okay word. I didn't see whatever thread this came up in but if I had thought that a word I had used was okay, and some people got upset at me for it, I imagine I might be a little defensive too, while at the same time apologizing.

I am truly sorry, vigurl & barefoot, that some of us aren't as knowledgeable about how horrible that word can be. Please know that there are tons of us that are well meaning that had no idea about it, and maybe give crysawhit a little benefit of the doubt about it. We can't know if it hasn't touched us in a negative way okay?

hepcats

ajc0121:

What was the original thread?

 

It was on linea negra.

SarahP15

hepcats:

Wow. Hot topic eh? Call me ignorant then as well. I had no idea that was considered a negative word. I've had many a biracial friend refer to themselves that way, and not in the convivial way that another fairly charged racial slur is used amongst each other, so I figured it was an okay word. I didn't see whatever thread this came up in but if I had thought that a word I had used was okay, and some people got upset at me for it, I imagine I might be a little defensive too, while at the same time apologizing.

I am truly sorry, vigurl & barefoot, that some of us aren't as knowledgeable about how horrible that word can be. Please know that there are tons of us that are well meaning that had no idea about it, and maybe give crysawhit a little benefit of the doubt about it. We can't know if it hasn't touched us in a negative way okay?

All of this.  Without someone saying something, we would otherwise still be ignorant about the use of the word. 

soontobe05

hepcats:

Wow. Hot topic eh? Call me ignorant then as well. I had no idea that was considered a negative word. I've had many a biracial friend refer to themselves that way, and not in the convivial way that another fairly charged racial slur is used amongst each other, so I figured it was an okay word. I didn't see whatever thread this came up in but if I had thought that a word I had used was okay, and some people got upset at me for it, I imagine I might be a little defensive too, while at the same time apologizing.

I am truly sorry, vigurl & barefoot, that some of us aren't as knowledgeable about how horrible that word can be. Please know that there are tons of us that are well meaning that had no idea about it, and maybe give crysawhit a little benefit of the doubt about it. We can't know if it hasn't touched us in a negative way okay?

All of this. I too had no idea it was not appropriate. I have heard many people use it including my ex who was black in reference to what kind of baby we would make together. I never would have thought anything was wrong of it because of this. It was stated that there was shock because so many people viewed the post and didn't call attention to it, but I think from what I'm reading on this thread that is probably because a lot of us did not know it was wrong. I apologize if it did offend anyone, but I think we should all just take it as a learning lesson and move on.  

Tellyb0228

My husband and my nephews refer to themselves as mulatto. I'm not saying this is a justified reason for people to continue to use the word but I think people may not understand that it can be offensive to others because it is used by other biracial people to describe themselves.

I think it's a little unfair to say the only reason she is sorry is because someone called her out on it. It was an ill chosen word and you expressed your feelings about it. Leave it at that. 

hepcats

Now, now, let's calm down a bit ladies lol. I think obviously barefoot and vigurl have had some pretty negative experiences with this term. I don't blame them for being upset at what they thought should be an obvious racial slur to everyone else. Let's just say that we didn't know the term was offensive and it won't be used again. I'm actually thankful to find out here that it IS an offensive term, rather than IRL. I need to not get my a$$ kicked for using a term I thought to be harmless.

sunset+skies

hepcats:

Now, now, let's calm down a bit ladies lol. I think obviously barefoot and vigurl have had some pretty negative experiences with this term. I don't blame them for being upset at what they thought should be an obvious racial slur to everyone else. Let's just say that we didn't know the term was offensive and it won't be used again. I'm actually thankful to find out here that it IS an offensive term, rather than IRL. I need to not get my a$$ kicked for using a term I thought to be harmless.

I completely agree - no one meant any harm, and now it's time to e-hug and make up. 

I'm also glad I found out here - I'm in the same boat. I have biracial friends, and kids with biracial babies who definitely still use that term casually.

MrsPBNJ0220

I kept my mouth shut through the whole situation but that was short lived, lol. So, Wow I hate to think if something from my past or a bad situation causes me to judge someone so quickly. I must have been under a rock as well because I have heard this term used so much. I think it makes it very difficult to know what is and is not appropriate when people who are using it and you believe if they are referring to themselves it is okay. My personal opinion is if it is socially acceptable within your own inner circle that is all that really matters, because if you say something inappropriate to them they will tell you and a lot nicer than a lot of people on here. I will stick to getting educated from my IRL friends, thank you very much! ;-)

casirdms

vigurl:

 I am going to step off my soap box now but I am truly sadden that today in America 40+ people viewed your post with the word and said absolutely nothing.  I truly am disappointed.  I'm done with this now.

I think that there are quite a few of us that had never even heard of that word at all, much less knew that it was offensive. When I read it the first time I had to google to even know what it meant and just read the first sentence of wikipedia where it explains one white parent and one black parent. Now that I go back to the wikipedia article at the bottom under contemporary era it says that it may be considered offensive in the US now.

As others have said, I am glad this got brought into light  for sheltered people like myself and we know that it is offensive. I also feel bad for crysawhit though because I don't think she meant it in that way.

barefoot barista

FWIW, I didn't send the PM. Some black folk call each other Negro in jest and amongst themselves, but that doesn't mean it's ok for others to do it. It is one of those thongs where a group can use the word because they own it. Mulatto isn't anywhere near as bad as the N word,some black folk may call each other N words, but nobody else is allowed to.

Sunidaze

Just because I feel the need to jump on the bandwagon and give my two cents.

I have heard the term 'mulatto'.  However, I thought it was a retired term and from what I can recall, I have mostly seen it in literature.  I had no clue it was offense (and guess what, I'm the mother of a biracial child) just thought it was retired.  It sounds like one or two or more seriously got their panties twisted, in a bunch, whatever and took it out on someone.  Perhaps you'd like to take aim at my grandmother next.  She still uses the term 'colored'.  Yes, I'm being serious.  Yes I am married to a black man.  My grandmother will be 80 next week and there is no changing her ways (trust me, we've tried on many things).  She means absolutely no harm (loves my husband) but there is just no setting her straight.  (The good thing is, DH and I pretty much do our own thing and don't gather with our families too frequently and never all together (since my family can't even get along with each other)).

J9melissa

hepcats:

I am truly sorry, vigurl & barefoot, that some of us aren't as knowledgeable about how horrible that word can be. Please know that there are tons of us that are well meaning that had no idea about it, and maybe give crysawhit a little benefit of the doubt about it. We can't know if it hasn't touched us in a negative way okay?

Exactly this. I looked at the post, but I had never heard the word before.

Before getting mad at the board for not saying something, vigurl, give some of us the benefit of the doubt. How are we supposed to say something when we've never heard the word before?

JayElleJayCee

Wow... I can't believe this was such an issue. I saw the post and thought (wow, I forgot that was the term I learned in school for a half black, half white child). Oh I'm sorry... was saying black or white offensive too?? I think the attacks on her were very rude and uncalled for. She obviously didn't say it with ill intent. I also think it was very lame to make another thread and pretend the term wasn't used here.

vigurl

J9melissa:

hepcats:

I am truly sorry, vigurl & barefoot, that some of us aren't as knowledgeable about how horrible that word can be. Please know that there are tons of us that are well meaning that had no idea about it, and maybe give crysawhit a little benefit of the doubt about it. We can't know if it hasn't touched us in a negative way okay?

Exactly this. I looked at the post, but I had never heard the word before.

Before getting mad at the board for not saying something, vigurl, give some of us the benefit of the doubt. How are we supposed to say something when we've never heard the word before?

You know what I take that back b/c it does seem like so many on here have never even heard the word. To me that is wondeful it means that it and its connotations are moving from mainstream thinking.  So I appologize for that!

J9melissa

vigurl:

J9melissa:

hepcats:

I am truly sorry, vigurl & barefoot, that some of us aren't as knowledgeable about how horrible that word can be. Please know that there are tons of us that are well meaning that had no idea about it, and maybe give crysawhit a little benefit of the doubt about it. We can't know if it hasn't touched us in a negative way okay?

Exactly this. I looked at the post, but I had never heard the word before.

Before getting mad at the board for not saying something, vigurl, give some of us the benefit of the doubt. How are we supposed to say something when we've never heard the word before?

You know what I take that back b/c it does seem like so many on here have never even heard the word. To me that is wondeful it means that it and its connotations are moving from mainstream thinking.  So I appologize for that!

vigurl

BrandySun:

Just because I feel the need to jump on the bandwagon and give my two cents.

I have heard the term 'mulatto'.  However, I thought it was a retired term and from what I can recall, I have mostly seen it in literature.  I had no clue it was offense (and guess what, I'm the mother of a biracial child) just thought it was retired.  It sounds like one or two or more seriously got their panties twisted, in a bunch, whatever and took it out on someone.  Perhaps you'd like to take aim at my grandmother next.  She still uses the term 'colored'.  Yes, I'm being serious.  Yes I am married to a black man.  My grandmother will be 80 next week and there is no changing her ways (trust me, we've tried on many things).  She means absolutely no harm (loves my husband) but there is just no setting her straight.  (The good thing is, DH and I pretty much do our own thing and don't gather with our families too frequently and never all together (since my family can't even get along with each other)).

Actually I would. Age does not excuse her.  I have had older people (old enough to be my grandmother) use out dated terms to refer to other races.  I have quickly corrected them, educated them why the term should not be used and instructed them it should not be used in my presence.  Being old is not an excuse.

JayElleJayCee

vigurl:

J9melissa:

hepcats:

I am truly sorry, vigurl & barefoot, that some of us aren't as knowledgeable about how horrible that word can be. Please know that there are tons of us that are well meaning that had no idea about it, and maybe give crysawhit a little benefit of the doubt about it. We can't know if it hasn't touched us in a negative way okay?

Exactly this. I looked at the post, but I had never heard the word before.

Before getting mad at the board for not saying something, vigurl, give some of us the benefit of the doubt. How are we supposed to say something when we've never heard the word before?

You know what I take that back b/c it does seem like so many on here have never even heard the word. To me that is wondeful it means that it and its connotations are moving from mainstream thinking.  So I appologize for that!

barefoot barista

Yes, I'm glad that many people hadn't heard it. Of course black and white aren't offensive, they are current and recognized terms. You don't see mulatto and Negro anymore because they aren't current. I maintain that it is an issue, it is easy to dismiss it if it doesn't affect you. My mom would be pissed if someone called her that, and my inlays would be offended if someone called a member of their family a m a"Coolie". West Indian reference for Vigurl!

klang621

so I have a very good friend that is Bi racial, and I asked her if that word is offensive and she said NO WAY!  I guess it all depends on where you grow up.

If someone were to call me a Mick I would not be offended at all, unless you know it was meant to be an insult.  

There are a lot of different people in this world and I'm sorry, but I can't keep up with all of this PC stuff...I honestly think its getting out of control.  Flame away at this comment, but that's how I feel.  People are getting too sensitive, and need to understand when someone is saying something to be insulting and when someone is saying something to describe someone...