[Coach]

Stemming from on of the FOI threads I had some thoughts on the subject:

I definitely understand the history and context in which being referred to as black can be hurtful. My question is; is it not ok to refer to someone as black with just a description? IE: there is only one African person in my office, if someone came to me and asked who she was, the simplest way for me to point them in the right direction would be "she's the black woman on the floor above". Is that viewed as racist by black people? I could use African in this context but only because I know that she is actually from Africa. Would it not be considered racist to call black people African if they are not from Africa, since it's just an assumption based on their skin? I've heard of some people taking offense to being referred to as African American/Canadian because they just want to be considered Canadian/American.

IE I'm a white person born in the US with Canadian citizenship. If someone wanted to physically describe me saying that I'm American, Canadian, or even Irish doesn't really help someone point me out (maybe Irish, but even then with such a heterogenous world now its not really safe to assume anyone is from anywhere). I find a lot of times it is people who are not of the "targetted" race that find these things offensive, but over sensitive white people worried that they are being racist. I view racism more as an internal feeling either for the person making a comment or being commented too.

It's also pretty well considered that white people can't be discriminated against. Words like cracker, white-boy and something like the movie White Chicks generally get thrown around without much incident, is that not racist as well. Obviously I understand that historically, it is white people that have brought prejudices upon other people. But I feel like it has gotten to the point where that historical context is used to excuse racism against white people today, while we as white people try to tip-toe around everyone else trying not to hurt peoples feelings. Not that I take offense to any of it, but I just find it interesting.

Just curious as to peoples thoughts.