"Accidental" racism?
By Amber
@AmbiePam (85465)
United States
January 19, 2018 11:30pm CST
I watched a "flip" show the other day, and it's not one of those with sophisticated buyers and sellers, but of the more country variety. In one episode a (white) woman used a phrase I had never heard. I didn't know what it meant, and I didn't think another thing about it. I actually misunderstood her comment because it made so little sense to me. Then, as I later got online, I saw a mini uproar in Twitter. A small group of people were very upset at her use of the phrase. I had to do a lot of searching to even figure out what she said. Once I did, my heart sank. It IS offensive. I'm trying to think of how to describe it, but basically it's insinuating a certain race of people are cheap or they love money. Never in my life would it occur to me to say that. This lady probably heard it a lot growing up. She is a kind, gentle lady who even has grandkids of color (but the statement was NOT a black/white comment). She later apologized once it was pointed out to her it was offensive.
She might be removed from the show. I would hate to see her defined by that comment, but heaven help us, how did she not know it wasn't okay to say?! I just have to shake my head. When I have heard someone say something offensive, they usually know it's offensive. I'm blessed to rarely have been confronted with that kind of behavior. I'm also kind of surprised the editors of the show didn't catch that comment to edit it out.
Although she got backlash from some viewers, there were also several people of the race she insulted who said they forgave her and hoped she worked to erase that phrase from her vocabulary.
Do you think she should be removed from the show? What do you do other than apologize? Have you ever overheard something offensive to someone that you had no idea was racist because you didn't even know what it meant?
18 people like this
17 responses
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
21 Jan 18
I think it was an honest mistake and that is a common phrase that many people use and I will admit to having used it myself in the past and I am not racist. I think too many things are called racism, this may have been insensitive but an apology should be enough. Her intention was not to demean anyone.
3 people like this
@AmbiePam (85465)
• United States
21 Jan 18
@BelleStarr Wow. I was thinking of a mylotter here who is from Connecticut, but I would never ask her because she is of that ethnicity.
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
21 Jan 18
@AmbiePam It is certainly common in Connecticut.
2 people like this
@just4him (306080)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
21 Jan 18
I was accused of being racist several years ago over something I said, that had no idea was a racist comment. I could only apologize and tell the offended person I didn't know it was a racist comment. I've never used it since and I've been vindicated.
3 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
29 Jan 18
Maybe she grows up hearing that always from any of her parents and didn't have time as she matures to really research about its meaning. Well, maybe she deserves a second chance. The moment she commits the same mistake then she can be removed from the show.
That's only my opinion. . . .
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85465)
• United States
29 Jan 18
I imagine she did hear it growing up, most definitely. But the lady is at least sixty. She's had time to "get it". I do hope she is given another chance, like you said. I don't think we can throw people away for a moment of ignorance they genuinely regret. I think she is sorry for getting in trouble, but she is also genuinely sorry she hurt people. I would want another chance so I hope she gets one too.
@Letranknight2015 (51511)
• Philippines
25 Jan 18
Well, she can read the script but of course how could she know. Unfortunately, I couldn't really respond much unless I watch the episode.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85465)
• United States
25 Jan 18
@Letranknight2015 You didn't sound racist to me.
1 person likes this
@Letranknight2015 (51511)
• Philippines
25 Jan 18
@AmbiePam okay now I almost got accused of being racist so I ended up changing my comment.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85465)
• United States
21 Jan 18
I had never heard it, and I thought the majority of people wouldn't have either, but I have been wrong. I'm pretty sure she is going to be removed from the show, and they have also pulled the reruns of every episode. A couple of years ago, when I wasn't watching it yet they pulled a guy from the show when he was arrested for hitting his wife. I think she'll be given the same treatment.
I just can't wrap my head around someone not knowing it was racist. I have tried to think how I would react if someone said something racist to my niece, who is black. I think I would have to control my rage.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246720)
• United States
22 Jan 18
@AmbiePam The show is not tolerating any poor behaviors it seems. No more three strikes, you're out. I think the entire world better wake up.
If anyone ever said anything about your niece, I wouldn't think twice about controlling my rage. How dare they!!!!
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (169930)
• United States
20 Jan 18
Now you have me really curious what the phrase was. I assume it was pre taped someone should have caught it before it went to air.
1 person likes this
@jstory07 (134433)
• Roseburg, Oregon
24 Jan 18
I was raised around all races and never realized their was a different until my Dad retired from the ARMY. Everyone was treated the same around me.
I ignore bad comments that are said to others just because of the color of their skin. That is wrong we are all the same inside and should be treated the same.
1 person likes this
@PatZAnthony (14752)
• Charlotte, North Carolina
25 Jan 18
People sometimes say things out of ignorance. However when they really mean to be cruel it gets to be rather obvious.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
21 Jan 18
I think I can guess from what you said which group it might be about.
I guess a lot of things are considered offensive now. One that bums me out is stuff like "no can do". (A phrase I loved to use by the way) - but it is offensive because it could be seen as poking fun of people who can't speak English well. I never thought of it that way when I used it.
Depends on what exactly she said. I think she deserves a second chance. I know I have accidentally been rude before and happily people have been gracious enough to forgive me and move on. As long as the woman had no ill will...
1 person likes this
@Daelii (5619)
• United States
23 Jan 18
I think some things people purposely look for reasons to be offended, Like the case of hobby lobby selling cotton decorations.
other times accidents happen. now if said on purpose to harm? fire them.
misunderstanding? then no, let it be a learning lesson for them and others
1 person likes this
@Daelii (5619)
• United States
23 Jan 18
@AmbiePam yeah, I know. I do get tired of current people wanting financial compensation if they think their ancestors were slaves. Does this mean I can too? My Irish ancestors were slaves in america!
Its absurd. learn from the past to not repeat it. do better and be better!
1 person likes this
@MsBooklover (3974)
• United States
20 Jan 18
I did not see the show...so I am not sure. I am not used to people making racist remarks and not knowing what they are saying.
1 person likes this
