Reply #45: it is the context in which they appear that make them offensive. [View All]

[rebel with a cause]

If you are like me and tend to have the linguistic skills of bush, then when I state someone is articulate, it is a compliment no matter who they are. But if I don't give that compliment to anyone other than someone with skin darker than myself, then I am saying that it is surprising that this person can speak in an intelligent manner. The "articulate" word is also used toward Latinos and other ethnic groups that speak English well.

It goes with all the other words as well, it is the context in which they appear and your use of them. If you say a Latino is "hard working" because you have the concept of them on the whole as being lazy, then you are prejudice and should be called on it. If you are an employer who states that your employee is a hard worker in a recommendation, then you are not.

I have hopped around with my foot in my mouth for most of my life, but the people that know me, know that when I make a mistake it is because I "just don't know any better". Just a little clue of when you (a white person) are being insulted. There are other clue words out there, but as whites we don't have to worry about them because only those like us have the power to practice true racism.