Democratic Primaries
In reply to the discussion: The term "boy" when referring to a black man is considered a racial epithet [View all]Triloon
(506 posts)was not referencing black people. He was talking about the southern authoritarians abusive term that is directed at any male of any race in order to demean them and keep them 'in their place'. Joe's remarks will be confusing as long as you think white men don't get called Boy in a derogatory sense. But they always have.
If 'boy' can be used to replace the N word in any case, and it can, then its use carries the same toxic disrespect when used against a white male. In other words - If you think a black man has a different internal experience than I do when someone in authority tries to get his attention by shouting "Boy!" then you're making a hell of a big assumption.
"Son" is kinder and gentler, but it means the same thing. The southern senator called Joe Son instead of Boy not because Joe is white, but because he was also a senator, which was Joes whole point.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided