Last night there was some pretty intense discussion over using adjectives to describe people. The topic was whether someone is a rampaging, black super hero or a rampaging super hero. Several of us objected to the use of the word black as a designator. We don’t describe them as white super heroes – in Hollywood it is a given that heroes are white. We don’t say white super models, but we say black super models.
The discussion was focused on the racist aspect that some of us felt was in the phrase. But for me, and perhaps others, using any designator continues with stereotypes and oppression.
Let me tell a brief story about a child that changed my way of thinking. Some 32 years ago on a camping trip I met a child, a 2nd or 3rd cousin, that provoked an entirely new way of thinking for me. I was 18 and the child was about 9. When I asked the child who he was his answer “I’m the stupid child”. Needless to say I was stunned. I then asked why he called himself that…his answer “because I’m stupid and I’m a child”.
What the hell happened to the parents or family or friends that could create this attitude in a small child?
Maybe I’m more sensitive to designations since I live in the San Francisco area. My co-workers during the past 25 years are all colors and nationalities and religions and sexual persuasions. It was appalling to watch the racism that surfaced after 9/11 against my Muslim friends…by their alleged friends. I watched my dear friend, who happens to be Pakistani and Muslim, in tears when accosted on the streets because of her appearance. Working with politicians here we don’t say “gay city council member” or “black congressman” or “black mayor” or “woman district attorney”. They just are.
Part of my comments last night pointed out that designation indicates uniqueness. When someone is called funny or short or tall it is a means of singling them out. I have sense of humor, but people don’t call me a `funny accountant’. Sounds strange doesn’t it.
This is meant to be an open discussion of what words mean and why it matters when we use designators.
What other things do we hear and not say anything about?