As a funny aside, this weekend one person gently asked in a round about way "what my heritage was". My reply, "Scandinavian and German". Their reply, "Hmmmm. Nothing else? Really?" It made me laugh and hey, at least they were polite.
Monday, February 23, 2009
PC or not?
Three times now I have had people tell me that Emmett has "chinky" eyes! Yes...they all said "chinky". Seriously now, who says things like that. I am not in the least bit offended or shocked that they think his eyes are slanted but because they each used a term I have always believed to be a slur. I am wondering if I am mistaken about this though because one of the people that made the comment was actually an Asian girl in her early 20's. Even if it isn't a slur, I honestly can't imagine myself ever using the word. But just for the sake of argument, does anybody know the answer?
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11 comments:
Yeah...not a term you'd have used at MY dinner table!
They really said that? Can't say I have ever looked at your kids or you and thought of anything Asian themed. Nate gets asked often if he is from another country. I guess people think he talks with a funny accent. Speaking of talking, it was fun to hear your voice in that cute Emmett clip. It has been a long time!
Ummmmm... yeah. Not appropriate under most circumstances.
The last part is my fav...."really nothing else" hahaha
Im pretty sure the phrase "chinky" is a slur. Thats like saying "man your kids are all cracker". yeah...No!
Carly,
I am guessing that they say that because his eyes (like all of ours) go very squinty when we smile. That's all I can come up with.
Ok never heard the term before all I know is all your kids are so dang cute! Love ya!
What? Give me a break! Old term, very racial.
Actually I'm thinkin that perhaps "chinky" is the new term for "fabulous", because your kids have fabulous eyes! Yes, I'm sure that's it!
Um, definitely NOT pc. Who says that?? Must be a hold off from the south or something...? I wouldn't even know what to say in response other than, "SERIOUSLY?" And Emmett is absolutely adorable by the way. And I love his name.
I've never heard that term. Maybe it's because I grew up in CA, not the south. Maybe they meant it as if it were preceded by the words "cute little." Either way, probably not an appropriate comment! He's so cute!
Well, having been called a chink when I was growing up, I would have to say that I find it offensive. But if what M is saying is true, sign me up!
Hi Carolyn, just catching up on your blog... I think I'm old enough to say that that slur is really racial and wouldn't be appropriate ever. I'm wondering how old the person was that said it.... has it become trendy to say things like that? Heaven forbid.
I also am asked (every time we have moved) what my heritage is -- at church, by new friends, by the greek man buying wine and baguettes in the grocery line... My reply is simply, "German, Dutch, Irish, Swedish and probably some French." People don't believe me, although they never say it. I can read it in their faces and body language. I've been asked if I'm Japanese, Spanish, Mexican and Indian. None of the above! Must be my Irish olive complexion (southern Ireland, Isle of Man to be exact.)
I find it interesting that a petite blond with blue eyes was asked if she was of asian descent....common sense?
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