Asking the Question, Why Certain Language is Offensive

The 21st March 2023 marked the International Day of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination; a day that encouraged me to reflect on what I've learned growing up as a minority ethnic person in the UK.

Predominantly, I reflected on the abundance of language directed towards me as a child (and to be honest, even now as an adult), with people constantly trying to categorise me and my mixed heritage as something or other. Something that stuck out to me was the confusion over what you can and can't say, or more importantly, the reasons why certain words or phrases are problematic. Even for me growing up, I knew a lot of this language was wrong, because I was told it was wrong, but I never understood why.

So, I thought I'd share some of my experiences and give some guidance on why certain language is offensive, alongside offering some alternatives. This will not only educate us, but enable us to educate our peers, colleagues and children for a more inclusive society.

The origins of the N-Word

First, I guess we should start with arguably the worst word in the English language. The N-Word. Yes, a word we all know not to use, we're told it's racist – but do you really understand why?

With origins in the Latin word for 'black', the term holds roots in slavery when Black people were stripped of their identity. It reinforces notions that Black people aren't really human, and strengthens stereotypes that they are lazy, ugly and worthless. To this day, it remains a principal term of white racism (regardless of who uses it) towards Black people.

So why do some Black people use the N-Word?

I appreciate that this can be confusing. This word has been reclaimed by some Black people and is often found in Black writing, comedy and music as expressions of endearment and community; to some, it is also a remembrance of strength. It's important to note, however, that Black people's re-coining of the term in modern day does not lessen its hurt when used towards us, and no, there is no such thing as getting a 'pass' for having Black friends.

So, as I'm sure you have already established, unless you are Black, just don't use it. 

'Half-caste'

I've been labelled in various ways, yet one that stings over others is 'half-caste'. With 'caste' originally meaning 'pure', the essence of calling someone 'half-caste' is to say they are half-pure. Historically, this term refers to purity as whiteness, and any other ethnicity that has been 'added' is tainting. It ties back to a time when interracial couples were shunned by society, with mixed-race children being the unfortunate result of this union.

In the late 1990s, I know my own parents faced abuse for simply holding hands down the street, and the use of the term 'half-caste' just reinforces this notion that they shouldn't be allowed to be together.

For me, I would stick to the term, 'mixed-race', with the acknowledgement that this can come in many different combinations and variations. If in doubt however, the best thing to do is just ask.

It's time to ditch the acronyms…

'BAME'

The acronym, 'BAME' has recently been removed from official government and educational use, so it is important to understand why this has been put into effect. Standing for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, BAME ignores the fundamental differences between racial groups by classifying us all as 'non-white'. It ignores certain effects of racism, for example the fact that Black people, as opposed to all minority groups, are disproportionately affected by police brutality and mass incarceration (brought to light by the recent Black Lives Matter movement). It also excludes 'other white' minority racial groups such as Gypsy, Roma and Traveller who may also face inequality. In my opinion, BAME attempts to minimise centuries of history and culture into an acronym, which simply cannot be done.

'Coloured people' or 'POC'

The same points as above also go for the phrase 'coloured people', an outdated term to refer to people who aren't white and ties back to the Jim Crow segregation laws that existed in Southern USA until the 1960s. Grouping minority ethnic groups together refuses to acknowledge the diversity of people outside of being white and implies that there is a normal way to be.

This links to the phrase 'People of Colour' (POC), a term more prevalent in the US than the UK. Although not an inherently offensive term, it can be divisive due to its similarity to 'coloured people'. I spoke to some of my Black colleagues in the Hays Black Network about their opinion on this, and found it aligned with mine: no, we do not find it offensive, however we'd prefer just to be called Black. Note however, this will not apply to everyone and is simply down to preference, so if you are in doubt, again just ask.

Just ask if you're unsure

So now we've understood why, I think it's imperative to reiterate that individuals will always have their personal preferences when describing themselves and how they wish to be described: as a rule of thumb, I would steer clear of the above phrases and remember it is ok to politely ask questions when you are unsure.

For me, I am not coloured, half-caste or BAME, but proudly a mixed-race Black woman.

I hope this blog has helped answer some of those questions that you may not even realise you had and has given you greater understanding into how to be a better ally to our community.

If you want to research more about certain terms, then I have attached some helpful links below.

But that's it from me… till next time.

Links:

N-word: The troubled history of the racial slur - BBC News

John Lewis Partnership - It's Not OK - Subtitled - YouTube

Terminology+and+Inclusive+Language.pdf (squarespace.com)

Why We Can't Say Coloured, And Other Questions About Race... Answered - Rife Magazine