is the word 'cracker' racist?

[Fugue]

True story-- I have a slang dictionary printed in the 60's that details the origins, meaning and use of slang words from the 1800's on up, and apparently cracker (or cracka) is derogatory black useage for a leftist white person, whereas honky refers to a white rightwinger.

I think the distinction (and thus the terms' rich tradition/heritage) has been blurred these days by careless misuse. Perhaps proud grammarians should fight to take it back

cracker - someone who cracks the whip
aka slave master

 

[Devout Pessimist]

It depends on the intention.

Also, its interesting to point out that the word Slavery comes from the word Slav or Slavic who were a group of white people enslaved by the Romans.

 

[Reyesnuthugr]

cracker - someone who cracks the whip
aka slave master

That would make sense, seeing as slavemasters were democrats (and so leftist) but then where's "honky" come from?

 

[Falsedawn]

what is one that does?

In this country, not many. A couple of the well known asian ones are pretty up there.

I would say Redskin, but i'm still not quite sure if the etymology of that one actually tends itself to racism or if it's just misplaced hate. Judgment still to be had on that on pending further study.

You gotta remember man, America REALLY hated black people.

 

[jlazer]

cracker - someone who cracks the whip
aka slave master

That's a myth

 

[Sedita**]

The only reason the 'N' Word is so offensive is the history of oppression it is tied to. Words change meaning over time and it's now used mostly to describe lazy or ignorant people, regardless of race it seems.

Man, i don't even have an opinion

 

[Fugue]

That would make sense, seeing as slavemasters were democrats (and so leftist) but then where's honky come from?

theories

1.
old - 1875
from word honky-tonk
saloons - disreputable establishments
not racist, but rather disparaging

2.
newer -1900s
from word BoHunk
Hungarian/Polish derivative
immigrants and boat workers
"all white people look the same"

3.
most recent - 1920s
caucasian males honking car horn looking for negro prostitutes

 

[TankAbbott4Eva]

cracker - someone who cracks the whip
aka slave master

Lol I never knew that, I thought it was cracker as in cracker biscuit, which are usually white. That's actually more derogatory to blacks than whites.

 

[Fugue]

That's a myth

slavery in America did happen

 

[Torami]

slavery in America did happen

Never go full retard.

 

[Falsedawn]

That would make sense, seeing as slavemasters were democrats (and so leftist) but then where's "honky" come from?

You do know that in the time of the Civil War the political parties were on the opposite sides of the political spectrum right?

That is to say the Republicans were left and the Democrats were right.

 

[Rhood]

Why would black ever be considered racist???

The term African American should be considered racist. Black Americans are Americans that just happen to be black.

So should the term native American. It presumes that other Americans aren't true Americans or native to this land

There needs to be a common legal description for blacks.
If Caucasian = white
Then black = ????

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2013/07/07/sunday-review/has-caucasian-lost-its-meaning.html

 

[CombatCyborg]

Depends on the context, just like any word. If it's used in a derogatory manner to shame someone for having white skin, yeah, it'ss racist, you don't even need to ask.

 

[Torami]

There needs to be a common legal description for blacks.
If Caucasian = white
Then black = ????

Not White

 

[J Mill]

Dark

 

[CombatCyborg]

I'm consistently amazed how bad some of you are at English.

One meaning of cracker is whip cracker, but when you call someone cracker, you're not literally calling them a slave master. You're telling them that they're bad people for being white.

Saying otherwise is exactly the same thing as arguing, ****** isn't hurtful because it means negro, you're just describing the person as dark. Please improve your English comprehension.

 

[Deep Triangle]

I eat crackers for breakfast.

 

[Zoti]

so...
if something is racist but not offensive
what makes it racist?
isn't offense the point?

can something offensive about race not be racist?

When used, the intention is racist. But it is not offensive to probably most white people.

 

[Fugue]

When used, the intention is racist. But it is not offensive to probably most white people.

is a racist intention an offensive intention?
you have me confused...
if i said cracker i wouldn't be trying to offend

if i was i'd be slightly more creative than that
why would offend a white person to be called a slave master?
it would be more offensive to play on denial of past racial abuse
no one even knows what cracker means

 

[Zoti]

is a racist intention an offensive intention?
you have me confused...
if i said cracker i wouldn't be trying to offend

if i was i'd be slightly more creative than that
why would offend a white person to be called a slave master?
it would be more offensive to play on denial of past racial abuse
no one even knows what cracker means

Your intention would be to offend. However, I would not be offended.

Get it now?