In 2026, Is It Still Acceptable To Use the Term "Colored" When Describing Human Beings?

[Lanolin]

Is it like..the Good Samaritan story where the Jews didn't help even one of their own who was in dire straits, and they would shun the Samaritans because they worshipped in a different way...? IDK I don't live there.

I think people sort of have these stereotypes of how all other races apart from their own are good. And then make cruel jokes about others belittling or dismissing them simply because they don't understand cultural differences.

Black Friday isn't even a thing, (for Blacks) people of any race just want a bargain! I mean bruh.

Chinese new year is a funny one since others celebrate it too (now people are calling it 'Lunar New Year') but its actually an official national holiday in China.

 

[Lanolin]

I'm sure there will be wide and varied answers to this.

I personally think that in many parts of the USA, racism is just as alive and well as it always was -- but it's expanded to include discrimination against ALL races -- INCLUDING white people.

It has become very fashionable in some circles to bash white people, and that needs to stop, too.

Again, this is just my own observation, and I'm sure others will be very different -- just like the answers to this thread (and again, I thank the mods for allowing this thread to be posted.)

While I do think younger generations are more open-minded, with the older generations especially, I think many feel the same, but don't voice their opinions as much, because it's become less socially accepted.

One of the most... interesting situations... is when someone says, "I'm not racist. I have black (or any other race different than themselves) friends."

But what happens when their (white) daughter comes home wanting to marry a black man?

In a lot of families, that's going to be the start of a nuclear apocalypse.

Guess who's coming to dinner?

That is so old mixed raced couples are reality now and mixed children have a tough time sometimes for people who question their very existence. Miscegenation used to be a thing in the US that was outlawed. I think thats where it comes from, and there's a lot of resentment still there of how people treat each other, and all the little microaggressions people have to put up with.

 

[Lanolin]

I think it's better that its out in the open and being called out, rather than, people ignoring it.

(well for me anyway) . Also.. you just learn that sometimes, life just isn't fair.

Humour can be a defense mechanism. I'd just read a book called 'How to American' by Jimmy O Yang which is quite funny immigrant story and how he learned American English from watching Black TV and talked like a gangster without even knowing that wasn't how a lot of Americans speak. And then trying to hide the fact that he's chinese, and then having Chinese friends but not wanting to be completely like them either. It's a balancing act.

However there are def jokes that only a child of Asian immigrant parents would get.

 

[Lanolin]

Fresh off the Boat was a funny if somewhat sanitized/white washed tv sitcom of Eddie Huangs life.

I always remember the Taiwanese mum (played by Constance Wu) trying to convince her 3 sons that Santa Claus was female and Chinese. lol

 

[cinder]

I've seen Jesus Christ Superstar but there are much better Jesus based films and dramas out there.

As for Judas, I really like the way the chosen has handled the character so far and I think they're probably pretty close to the truth between the lines. And that truth would be that Judas was in it primarily for his own benefit. So when Jesus is the next big thing and the celebrity du jour, Judas is happy to be riding his coattails to fame and fortune. But when it becomes clear that Jesus is deviating from Judas' plan, Judas is going to try to force Jesus' hand by betraying him to arrest by the priests. Then Jesus is going to have to move in power and declare himself publically to be messiah. And when God's plan was death and resurrection instead, Judas was devastated and probably knew he had lost all social position as well. Can't go back to the disciples, there's no more Jesus to follow, the priests don't care and if he's letting Jesus die maybe God doesn't either. So what option is left for Judas? Go home and hope you can fade into obscurity though eventually news will most likely get out that you were the one who betrayed Jesus and the shame of that will be immense, or finish yourself now so you don't have to live through all the scorn and shame that's coming.

 

[Lanolin]

Evan: Wait. If this Santa's Mitch, then who's that Santa? What's going on? Jessica: You know what, Evan? It's time you know the truth. Louis: Jessica... Jessica: He's figured it out, Louis. We have no choice but to come clean. Evan, we've been lying to you. This Santa is Mitch. And look. This Santa is Marvin. Both of these Santas are fake because the real Santa... is Chinese. Evan: What? Louis: What? Evan: Santa's Chinese? Jessica: Yes! Why do you think all the toys he delivers say "Made in China"? Right, Louis? Louis: Uh, right. Right. How about how Santa wears a red suit? Nothing more Chinese than the color red. Evan: I've never seen a Chinese Santa. Jessica: Oh, oh, of course you haven't. Real Santa doesn't have time to be standing around ringing the bell on every street corner. Evan: Then why all the white Santas? Louis: Uh, well, remember when I first opened Cattleman's and hired Mitch to be the white face of the restaurant? Chinese Santa's doing the same thing. Jessica: Ah, all these white Santas and just Chinese Santa's Mitches. Evan: Oh. Mitch: Never knew this.​

 

[Lanolin]

I've seen Jesus Christ Superstar but there are much better Jesus based films and dramas out there.

As for Judas, I really like the way the chosen has handled the character so far and I think they're probably pretty close to the truth between the lines. And that truth would be that Judas was in it primarily for his own benefit. So when Jesus is the next big thing and the celebrity du jour, Judas is happy to be riding his coattails to fame and fortune. But when it becomes clear that Jesus is deviating from Judas' plan, Judas is going to try to force Jesus' hand by betraying him to arrest by the priests. Then Jesus is going to have to move in power and declare himself publically to be messiah. And when God's plan was death and resurrection instead, Judas was devastated and probably knew he had lost all social position as well. Can't go back to the disciples, there's no more Jesus to follow, the priests don't care and if he's letting Jesus die maybe God doesn't either. So what option is left for Judas? Go home and hope you can fade into obscurity though eventually news will most likely get out that you were the one who betrayed Jesus and the shame of that will be immense, or finish yourself now so you don't have to live through all the scorn and shame that's coming.

That's pretty much the plot of Jesus Christ Superstar. (except with killer songs and rock music)

I've only seen a little bit of Chosen. People rave about it though.

 

[lucyames31]

Lol!

Guilty as charged.


One of the things I love about Cinder is that she's so dang smart, I really have to WORK to keep up with her. Sometimes I feel too dumb to be able to talk to her. I always call her and Lynx my walking Concordances. My brain remembers key words but not references, so I'll text them asking, "Hey guys, I'm looking for the Bible passage that says..." and give a keyword.

It's not a matter of whether they know the passages, but who gets back to me first. They also include all kinds of helpful references and culture information to help me understand the passages better. And they don't yell at me if I see something differently or need more clarification.

Speaking of diversity...

One of my favorite things to ask Cinder about is her experiences in world missions.

She was telling me about a culture in which betrayal is seen as a GOOD quality -- so one of the challenges for the mission team was convincing the locals that in the story of Judas betraying Jesus, Judas is actually the BAD guy -- because the natives saw JUDAS as the hero or the story!!

Can you imagine?!!

One of the best things about Cinder is that she keeps me grounded.

Her experiences remind me of just how easy I have it as a Christian in the USA -- and that I always need to APK Hijau keep working at being more grateful (not to mention, useful.)

One of the best things about Cinder is that she keeps me grounded?

 

[seoulsearch]

One of the best things about Cinder is that she keeps me grounded?

She most certainly does.

I also run a lot of my thread ideas past Cinder, Lynx, and Rod before posting them.

They always have helpful feedback on how to better word things or maybe present a topic in a clearer way.

They also tell me when to reign it in and when I've gone too far.

But admittedly, sometimes they give me really good advice, but yet I go and do my own thing.

Some of the biggest lessons I've learned is when my friends have to tell me, I told you so, but I'm still your friend anyway.

Welcome to CC!

 

[Jesusgirl777]

LOL!!

I feel a need to apologize for the elephant question, on behalf of all of us living in the USA!!! I am sorry!!

I had a college friend who was adopted from India, and people were asking her all kinds of ridiculous questions ("Why don't you have a dot on your forehead?!") all the time.


I know my own background has made me very sensitive to what I see happening to others due to being different.

You are absolutely right though in that there are other things to worry about.

I guess all we can do is try to show consideration to others...

And pray that we can hold it together if they won't do the same.

Aww. No apology required

Your posts reflect such kindness and sensitivity. I greatly appreciate that.

Yes, a dot on the forehead is a Hindu thing.

While racism is a reality, I also think lack of willingness to assimilate as a legal migrant or being disrespectful of other cultures as visitors are also a reality. Some migrants carry their country with them and feel they are entitled to live like they lived in their own country. They are not grateful for the opportunity to live a better life.

Not all Hindus, but radical Hindus in my country only want Hindus in India. No churches, no synagogues, no mosques, but the same category of people would want to build a Hindu temple in a foreign country. Then there are people who are not radicals but lack civic sense. They expect you to take off your shoes when you enter a temple because that is what is supposed to be done. However, they don't care about behaving properly and respecting other cultures, which is also what is supposed to be done. They play loud, Indian music and dance in a public place because THEY want to have a great time on a vacation. Some people may end up being racist because of what they experienced with other nationalities. I don't support anyone being racists no matter what the reason is, but just sharing what I think could be some of the reasons.

Not in the U S., but I did experience racism at a jewelery store in Switzerland. I asked the lady a question and the way she replied was very rude. I know she did that because of my skin color, and she wasn't a white person. I did get upset and I told her I asked her a question because I didn't know. Thank God for His grace. I wanted to leave but decided to stay despite her attitude. Wasn't going to let her ruin my plans. Maybe she felt bad about her behaviour because she came back to show me something.

I agree with you. We need to pray that we can hold it together while some may not. Also, it doesn't mean that we can't speak up, but I definitely need God's help to stay silent when dealing with people who don't want to understand and have no control over their emotions. You know the kind of people who abuse, throw tantrums like a 2 year old.

 

[Levib]

I’ve heard people whine about it in recent years even though the NAACP hasn’t stopped using it.

 

[SoulFaith]

I think this is also very cultural. In Finland, we don't really use the word "colored" in the way it is discussed here. We would more often refer to someone's nationality or simply say Black, Latino, etc., depending on the situation.
There are also words in Finnish that are clearly considered racist and offensive. One particular word for Black people is so strongly associated with racism that, in my eyes, someone deliberately using it to describe another person is being racist. I know that may sound very black and white, but that is how I see it.

I am actually not someone who gets angry easily. But racism is one of the few things that can really push my buttons. If someone starts talking negatively or disrespectfully about a person because of their skin colour or where they come from, I can become quite passionate about it. I have a very strong feeling that every human being has exactly the same value, regardless of skin colour.
I also don't particularly like jokes that put people down. And yes, I know this sounds a little contradictory because I actually have quite a dark sense of humour myself. I can laugh at some pretty dark things, but for me there is a difference between dark humour and humiliating someone because of who they are.

I remember one situation at work quite clearly. I am a supervisor and I overheard some people discussing why we had to prepare different food for a particular person according to their wishes. They were questioning why this person couldn't just eat what everyone else ate and some very offensive and racist words were used, including the N-word.
That was probably the one time at work when I really lost my patience. I went into the kitchen and told them, in a rather firm voice, exactly what I thought about that kind of talk. The room went completely silent.

I have also travelled in Africa and something I noticed there was that white people sometimes received preferential treatment. They could be allowed to go ahead of others in queues at doctors' offices, government offices and similar places. I remember questioning that too. If I had a number and someone else had been waiting before me, I waited my turn. I didn't want to go ahead of someone else simply because I was white or because I might be treated differently.

For me, this isn't really about being politically correct. It is about how we see other human beings. As a Christian, I believe every person is made in the image of God and that makes it very difficult for me to accept treating someone as less valuable because of their skin colour or background.
So I think context, relationship and intention all matter. But I also think there is a point where we should simply ask ourselves: Would I want someone to speak about me or my family this way? That question usually tells me everything I need to know.

 

[Lanolin]

Sometimes, it may be that white people have the advantage simply because they are mostly richer (they can afford private healthcare? Or to pay someone to jump the queue)

I think the 'Black Friday shopping' was a snobby low blow really because, ok we all like to have. a bargain when shopping, but to say only coloured people shop on that day is just not true.

Here, (NZ) it seems like white people can resent those who have the reverse privelege i.e poor people getting benefits or targeted health care because of low incomes or hereditary health issues.
They can't be solved with pots of money, but if you have money thats an advantage, or for the most part, white people have the lions share of the worlds wealth. Poor white people, though are a reality as well, they may not have money or connections, but they aren't automatically racially profiled like the rest of humanity seems to be.

We can all take jokes but if they're just mean or putting people down, or 'in their place' I just think they are uneccessary slurs on people who don't ask to be made the butt of jokes at their expense.

 

[GaryA]

At this point in time, I have not read the whole thread...

With regard to the modern term "Black Friday" (after Thanksgiving) - IIRC, the word 'Black' in this term refers to the economic "status" of being 'in the black' (as opposed to being 'in the red') - which is what this day is really all about for 'commerce' wherever it may occur.

It has nothing to do with 'colored people'.

 

[Lanolin]

At this point in time, I have not read the whole thread...

With regard to the modern term "Black Friday" (after Thanksgiving) - IIRC, the word 'Black' in this term refers to the economic "status" of being 'in the black' (as opposed to being 'in the red') - which is what this day is really all about for 'commerce' wherever it may occur.

It has nothing to do with 'colored people'.

Thats what I said.

Maybe they already know this and want to make fun of 'colored people' anyway. Which includes everyone, as everyone is coloured. If you don't have any colour, you are dead.