NationStates Jolt Archive

I don't get why people consider saying Jap is a racial slur. It is a common abbreviation for something from Japan. For example

"That Jap game rules!" or "I love Jap Anime"

Who considers it a racial slur? Sure during WWII it might have been considered racial then but it wasn't even that bad.

Eh, it has some negative connotations. It's nowhere near as bad as the others, but it's not meant to be complimentary by any stretch especially if you know the WWII context of it.

it certainly used to be a racial slur. mabye enough time has passed since ww2 that it no longer counts. i guess id ask a japanese american's experience and opinion.

Well, I'm not of Japanese origin myself.
But I'm pretty sure that a lot of Japanese in North America,
especially the much older generations have issues with it.

Its a racially charged word stemming from WW2,
which at the time had a strong anti-Japanese sentiment in N.A.
In British Columbia, Japanese people, even those born and raised in Canada,
were put into internment camps simply because of their skin.
At the time, to Western eyes, they were just a bunch of "japs."

So yes, this word carries a lot of racist baggage with it.
But its only racist depending on the context it is used in.

I don't get why people consider saying Jap is a racial slur. It is a common abbreviation for something from Japan. For example

"That Jap game rules!" or "I love Jap Anime"

Who considers it a racial slur? Sure during WWII it might have been considered racial then but it wasn't even that bad.

Can somebody add a poll?

Racial slur? Maybe not.

Derogatory? Probably.

Frenchie, Paddy/Mick, Charlie etc etc etc are more derogatory comments rather than racial slurs per se.

Yes.

depends how its meant but at any stretch its certainly isn't the smartest thing you can say

Using it as an abrreviation on the internet is fine, but saying Japanese while speaking is already easy. If you do not mean it as a slur it is fine, but there is really no reason to say it when saying Japanese is to easy.

It is impolite, perhaps to be used among friends and not in public.

It doesnt have a very negative connotation.

I would say it is an order of magnitude less negative and offensive than "******" or "spic" or "kike."

I don't get why people consider saying Jap is a racial slur. It is a common abbreviation for something from Japan. For example

"That Jap game rules!" or "I love Jap Anime"

Who considers it a racial slur? Sure during WWII it might have been considered racial then but it wasn't even that bad.

Can somebody add a poll?

What counts as a slur is a fairly subjective thing.

When the word Kike came into existence it was what Jews called each other because it's Yiddish for "circle." The symbol with which illiterate European Jews signed documents because they considered "X" to be an unlucky sign. Now it's the worst thing you can call a Jew because it was used at a time when Jews were treated very badly here.

In France "Jew" became a racial slur because of the Nazi movement that spread out from Germany, and polite Frenchmen used the word "Isrealite."

Baisicly it's a racial slur because the word was used by people who hated them. It's like taking a big shit on the dinner table. You didn't get any shit on any of the plates, but no one feels like sharing that meal anymore.

I don't get why people consider saying Jap is a racial slur. It is a common abbreviation for something from Japan. For example

"That Jap game rules!" or "I love Jap Anime"

Who considers it a racial slur? Sure during WWII it might have been considered racial then but it wasn't even that bad.

Can somebody add a poll?I agree with previous posters that it is worse when said out loud. Also, it is never okay when refering to a person, and when typed, it should have a period at the end, like any other respectable abbreviation.
ie: "Kawaii? Isn't that a Jap. word that is kina like when girls squeal when they think something is cute?", or "Dude, there is no way cartoons in the US can touch Jap. ones!"

"That dirty Jap" Racist
"I have Jap mates" Statement
"But I love Jap's" Complimentary
"Jap" Depends entirely on the tone.


I don't feel the term Jap is racist, or even derogatory. I consider it like "******". It can be respectful or hateful. for someone who like Japanese, Jap is a word, for someone who hates the Japanese, it can be an insult.

I don't feel the term Jap is racist, or even derogatory. I consider it like "******". It can be respectful or hateful. for someone who like Japanese, Jap is a word, for someone who hates the Japanese, it can be an insult.Are you saying that somone who likes black people can call them niggers?

um... no.

As a Japanese-American, I am greatly offended!!

Almost. Not quite. At all.

If I spent all my time being offended by everything that minor, I would be a pretty unhappy person. On the other hand, if you said "Jap" in front of an elderly Japanese-American person who might have bad memories of it, I might lose a lot of respect for you as a person.

Are you saying that somone who likes black people can call them niggers?

Originally it was an acceptable term. Euphenism(sp?) treadmill.

Of course now, you get stabbed for it (Unless you're a wigger, in which casse it's ok, so kind of yes, that statement would be correct)

Of course now, you get stabbed for it (Unless you're a wigger, in which casse it's ok, so kind of yes, that statement would be correct)I would like to point out that wiggers cannot get away with calling someone 'nigga,' much less '******'. I have, in fact, slapped a couple of wiggers in my time for making that mistake.

As a Japanese-American, I am greatly offended!!

Almost. Not quite. At all.

If I spent all my time being offended by everything that minor, I would be a pretty unhappy person. On the other hand, if you said "Jap" in front of an elderly Japanese-American person who might have bad memories of it, I might lose a lot of respect for you as a person.

Which is why I said "yes." What is and isn't a racial slur is ill defined. Treat potentially offensive words as such, whether they are or not, and the world is a nicer place.

I suppose it depends on the person saying it. If its someone who means it like saying Brit, its ok, if uts more like someone saying Paki, its not. I personally love the Japs but I say it all the time. Saying Jappy chappies is probably wrong though.

I would like to point out that wiggers cannot get away with calling someone 'nigga,' much less '******'. I have, in fact, slapped a couple of wiggers in my time for making that mistake.

Different countries, different reactions.

Also, when I say wigger, I dont mean the wannabes, but rather the guys who are white, and actually in gangs like the darksiders. (Although to be fair, NZ doens't really have any (God, whats the allowable term for it now) people with high amount of melanin in their skin)

Not in my country, which was formerly occupied by the Japanese during WWII. It's used in all social circles without any murmurs from third parties. As for shortening an already easy to say term, Singaporeans shorten English all the time, to the point of bastardizing the language.

I would argue that if you want a proper racial slur for the Japanese that would bring frowns to faces, even over here, it would be the term "nip".

It is just an abbreviation. Isn't it the same thing as calling a British person a Brit? Just a way to save time, you know that people can't waste precious seconds saying "Japanese" when they can say "Jap".

I am of Japanese decent and in my family's opinion it is. Sure WWII happened a while ago but the memories of hate and violence against my family and our community are still very alive. The problems is that people are ignorant and don't know that that word causes much pain for many even today. Maybe for people of Japanese decent whose families never experienced WWII in America might not have a problem but for those of us who did do.

[snip]darksidersThe FBI vampire movie:confused:

The FBI vampire movie:confused:

New Zealand gang, mostly teenagers, all they do is sell drugs and beat people up. Not like the good NZ gangs (First NZ Pilates studio was set up and run by a gang)

New Zealand gang, mostly teenagers, all they do is sell drugs and beat people up. Not like the good NZ gangs (First NZ Pilates studio was set up and run by a gang)

They do drugs, beat people up, and can take 3 inches off your waste line?

New Zealand gang, mostly teenagers, all they do is sell drugs and beat people up. Not like the good NZ gangs (First NZ Pilates studio was set up and run by a gang)

Isn't doing Pilates kind of like getting beat up?

Uhh, the point I was trying to make was that early gangs in NZ were more like vigilante groups, and very community minded. Then it turned to shit, and the new gangs are people trying to look cool.


I forgot, what was the topic in the OP?

Ofcourse all depends on how it's being used. I'm sure some say jap without any malice intended. Not sure about how the chinese or any of the other asian people use it. IMO if used in a negative way it would be just that .. derogatory. Not racist.

It is just an abbreviation. Isn't it the same thing as calling a British person a Brit? Just a way to save time, you know that people can't waste precious seconds saying "Japanese" when they can say "Jap".

The Japanese, along with other minorities in the US at the time, were highly discriminated against, even before the war. Legislation prevented them from becoming citizens, and, like the Chinese, Italians and Irish, were seen as job-stealers who corrupted Anglo-Saxon culture.

The British on the other hand, were not discriminated against, since so many in the US identified themselves (perhaps incorrectly), as Anglo-Saxon Protestants. Thus, "Brit" is indeed more like an abriviation than an insult.

"Jap", "Wop", "Kike" etc. etc. However, are all derisive, and were meant as such due to their marginalized and discriminated status.

In my opinion, calling a Japanse person a "Jap", and calling it a simple "abriviation", is like saying "******" is just easier to say than "Black" or "African".

The Japanese, along with other minorities in the US at the time, were highly discriminated against, even before the war. Legislation prevented them from becoming citizens, and, like the Chinese, Italians and Irish, were seen as job-stealers who corrupted Anglo-Saxon culture.

The British on the other hand, were not discriminated against, since so many in the US identified themselves (perhaps incorrectly), as Anglo-Saxon Protestants. Thus, "Brit" is indeed more like an abriviation than an insult.

"Jap", "Wop", "Kike" etc. etc. However, are all derisive, and were meant as such due to their marginalized and discriminated status.

In my opinion, calling a Japanse person a "Jap", and calling it a simple "abriviation", is like saying "******" is just easier to say than "Black" or "African".

Saying Jap and saying ****** are completely different things. :rolleyes:

Uhh, the point I was trying to make was that early gangs in NZ were more like vigilante groups, and very community minded. Then it turned to shit, and the new gangs are people trying to look cool.


I forgot, what was the topic in the OP?

Black Power and the Mongreal Mob? They were, but now they're turning to shit and most of the stuff the did was for the Murrays (can't be considered a racist term for Maori can it?) so yeash.

In my opinion, calling a Japanse person a "Jap", and calling it a simple "abriviation", is like saying "******" is just easier to say than "Black" or "African".

I don't see Jap and "******" being the same thing at all. The latter is a clearly discriminatory word against a race of people but the former simply doesn't have the same effect as I see it. It simply doesn't have the same effect as a word like "gook" does.

I know that a lot of people consider it be a racial remark or of a deragotory sense. I personally don't understand why it is, to me it's more of an abbreviation or part of short hand which is definately of the Modern Times. This isn't saying much since I'm not Japanese and it doesn't affect me so just thought I'd toss my 2 cents out there.

I don't see Jap and "******" being the same thing at all. The latter is a clearly discriminatory word against a race of people but the former simply doesn't have the same effect as I see it. It simply doesn't have the same effect as a word like "gook" does.

right.. I forgot about gook. that's the racial word.. not jap, nowadays anyway.

I don't see Jap and "******" being the same thing at all. The latter is a clearly discriminatory word against a race of people but the former simply doesn't have the same effect as I see it. It simply doesn't have the same effect as a word like "gook" does.

I cannot speak for those who are Japanese since I am not, but I find "Jap" to be a clearly derogatory word towards a group of people who, at the time, were discriminated against in the US even before WWII.

This is simply my opinion.

America, Oh America, we thought you were the land of the Free.
America, Oh America, In Reality you're the land of the Freely Offended :rolleyes:

I personally am getting tired of these race cards being played or people being offended by a stupid word.

Hell, I've been called a Honky, White Trash, Trailer Trash, Cracker, Redneck, the list goes on an on. I've been called a ****** too.

Let's get over it people, geez... :rolleyes:

I personally am getting tired of these race cards being played or people being offended by a stupid word.

Hell, I've been called a Honky, White Trash, Trailer Trash, Cracker, Redneck, the list goes on an on.

Let's get over it people, geez... :rolleyes:

I say right now that I agree with you, insofar that race and political correctness are overplayed.

However, I can do nothing but condemn the use of words. Am I going to start another war over it? No. I would if people were acting upon their racism. Beyond that? Sticks and stones. If someone out there is narrowminded enough to call you by a slur, they're not worth your time.

But then again...If I had a child who went into school one day, and had other students call her using an ethnic slur...I might have to go Juggernaut on the school.

And as for being called "Honkey"...you have my sympathies...I think...

I say right now that I agree with you, insofar that race and political correctness are overplayed.

However, I can do nothing but condemn the use of words. Am I going to start another war over it? No. I would if people were acting upon their racism. Beyond that? Sticks and stones. If someone out there is narrowminded enough to call you by a slur, they're not worth your time.

But then again...If I had a child who went into school one day, and had other students call her using an ethnic slur...I might have to go Juggernaut on the school.

And as for being called "Honkey"...you have my sympathies...I think...

Still as you can see from my examples. I have never seen anybody use Jap as a racist or derogatory term. That is just the common abbreviation.

Still as you can see from my examples. I have never seen anybody use Jap as a racist or derogatory term. That is just the common abbreviation.

Could you direct me to examples?

-snip-

But then again...If I had a child who went into school one day, and had other students call her using an ethnic slur...I might have to go Juggernaut on the school.

And as for being called "Honkey"...you have my sympathies...I think...


I'd agree that if I had a child I would most likely go on their defence as an overprotective parent.

I need nor want any sympathies. You can call me what ever racial slur in the world, what ever makes you happy. It doesn't bother me none and I definately won't lose any sleep over it. :)

I need nor want any sympathies. You can call me what ever racial slur in the world, what ever makes you happy. It doesn't bother me none and I definately won't lose any sleep over it. :)

Well good. Show's you have some security as an individual.

Could you direct me to examples?

http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial_s&hl=en&q=jap+game&btnG=Google+Search

http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial_s&hl=en&q=jap+game&btnG=Google+Search

*Puts on reading glasses*

Hmmmhmmhmhmmmhmmmhhmm...okay. Point noted.

I'm not sure about "Jap", my Japanese friend uses that word quite often. But "nip" is a very distasteful word.

I love pie.

I'd agree that if I had a child I would most likely go on their defence as an overprotective parent.

I need nor want any sympathies. You can call me what ever racial slur in the world, what ever makes you happy. It doesn't bother me none and I definately won't lose any sleep over it. :)

I'd go and show the kids at school pictures of Jews in concentration camps to show them what racism does.

*shrug*

I hear "JAP" refering to Jewish American Princesses much more often than a Japanese person.

Egh. It's like calling the French "Frogs". I doubt a shortening of the name is really that offensive.

It all depends on who you are, where you are, what you mean, who you're saying it to, and what they think you mean. One example might be 'paki'. A highly offensive term in the UK, but I hear it's less common and less offensive in the US.

That being said I'd probably rate 'jap' alongside 'chink'.

I would like to point out that wiggers cannot get away with calling someone 'nigga,' much less '******'. I have, in fact, slapped a couple of wiggers in my time for making that mistake.


Shit so black people can call each other nigga as a term of enderment, but white people cannot? Now that is blatantly racist.

Different countries, different reactions.

Also, when I say wigger, I dont mean the wannabes, but rather the guys who are white, and actually in gangs like the darksiders. (Although to be fair, NZ doens't really have any (God, whats the allowable term for it now) people with high amount of melanin in their skin)


The word you are looking for is black.

Heh and in the Punjabi language Jap means repeat.

It is a slippery slope using terms like jap, so probably something to nip in the bud.

It's somewhat derogatory, but not as bad as "nip".

Shit so black people can call each other nigga as a term of enderment, but white people cannot? Now that is blatantly racist.

What do you mean that white people can't say ******? Are they incapable of forming the word? I'm pretty sure that's not right.

What you probably meant to say is that white people can't say ****** without causing offence, which isn't strictly true either. It is only typically offensive if you don't know the person - many black people are comfortable with their friends, regardless of race, using the term ******.

However, the idea that you seem to have where any black person can call any other black person ****** and not cause offence is quite frankly stupid. It depends far more on who the person is than what colour their skin is.

Before too long, looking at someone will be a racial slur. :confused:

i'd say it is more of a diminuitive, in the same way that USian, Paki and Brit are. they are simply annoying rather than insulting because they carry no level of respect. the trouble with these is that if they are used in a derogatory sense once, and this is picked up on, the word then becomes associated with that usage forever more and is then insulting.

What do you mean that white people can't say ******? Are they incapable of forming the word? I'm pretty sure that's not right.

What you probably meant to say is that white people can't say ****** without causing offence, which isn't strictly true either. It is only typically offensive if you don't know the person - many black people are comfortable with their friends, regardless of race, using the term ******.

However, the idea that you seem to have where any black person can call any other black person ****** and not cause offence is quite frankly stupid. It depends far more on who the person is than what colour their skin is.

Man read the post of the person that I quoted, that will indicate what I am replying to.

He said that he has slapped white people, for calling black people nigga. No that's not quite right, he said that he has slapped whit people who are frineds with black people for calling them nigga, even though black people can use this term as as a term of enderment towards each other. A white man who mixes freely with black people gets a slap for using the term in the same way.

I said this is racist, and I was right it is, and it is because the white man gets treated differantly because of the colour of his skin, or gets discriminated against in what he can say or not because of the colour of his skin. This is racisim, plain and simple, discrimination baesed on the colour of the skin.

Man read the post of the person that I quoted, that will indicate what I am replying to.

He said that he has slapped white people, for calling black people nigga. No that's not quite right, he said that he has slapped whit people who are frineds with black people for calling them nigga, even though black people can use this term as as a term of enderment towards each other. A white man who mixes freely with black people gets a slap for using the term in the same way.

I said this is racist, and I was right it is, and it is because the white man gets treated differantly because of the colour of his skin, or gets discriminated against in what he can say or not because of the colour of his skin. This is racisim, plain and simple, discrimination baesed on the colour of the skin.

I don't know the specific circumstances on which he has reacted the way he did to Whites or Blacks using that term, but on many occasions Whites and Blacks use the word "nigga"/"******" for very different reasons. This was highlighted more recently with Michael Richards going off the handle. When whites use the word "nigga"/"******" it often is not being used as a term of endearment. It is being used for the sole purpose of causing offense.
So What you may say. There is no law prohibiting them from using it for this purpose. So they can say it all they want.... but other people will react.

Back to the original topic, yes I do find it offensive to use the word "Jap". The only people I know who use it are Chinese - for obvious reasons.

Man read the post of the person that I quoted, that will indicate what I am replying to.

He said that he has slapped white people, for calling black people nigga. No that's not quite right, he said that he has slapped whit people who are frineds with black people for calling them nigga, even though black people can use this term as as a term of enderment towards each other. A white man who mixes freely with black people gets a slap for using the term in the same way.

I don't recall him saying anything about slapping white people who were friends of black people - all he said was that they were wiggers. I'm pretty sure he'd have the same reaction if some Carlton Banks type used it in the same manner.

I said this is racist, and I was right it is, and it is because the white man gets treated differantly because of the colour of his skin, or gets discriminated against in what he can say or not because of the colour of his skin. This is racisim, plain and simple, discrimination baesed on the colour of the skin.

Discrimination implies that one group is favoured over another group. How are black people favoured over white people when it comes to ethnic slurs? Generally, black people are offended by white people calling them ******, if they are uncomfortable with the usage of the term. Generally, white people are offended by the black people calling them honkey or cracker if they are uncomfortable with the usage of the term. That's not racism, that's a balance. If a white person called me honkey, or cracker, chances are I wouldn't be offended because I think they are trying to be racist, but I might be offended depending on the manner or tone that they use. Similarly, a black person being called ****** by another black person may not be offended at the racist connotation of the word, but they could still find it offensive because of the tone or manner in which it is used.

For some bizarre reason you seem to think that certain words should always have the same implication regardless of who uses it or what manner they use it in.

I would like to point out that wiggers cannot get away with calling someone 'nigga,' much less '******'. I have, in fact, slapped a couple of wiggers in my time for making that mistake.

I'd like to point out, slapping some people for their choice of words is a good way to get yourself shived. ;)

I don't get why people consider saying Jap is a racial slur. It is a common abbreviation for something from Japan. For example

"That Jap game rules!" or "I love Jap Anime"

Who considers it a racial slur? Sure during WWII it might have been considered racial then but it wasn't even that bad.

Like most such things, I feel it realy depends on the context. For example:

I love Japanmime = appropriate, though slightly derogatory

I hate those miserable Japs = entirely unappropriate, always

~ Romandeos.

I don't recall him saying anything about slapping white people who were friends of black people - all he said was that they were wiggers. I'm pretty sure he'd have the same reaction if some Carlton Banks type used it in the same manner.

Annnnd a Wigga is....?



Discrimination implies that one group is favoured over another group. How are black people favoured over white people when it comes to ethnic slurs? Generally, black people are offended by white people calling them ******, if they are uncomfortable with the usage of the term. Generally, white people are offended by the black people calling them honkey or cracker if they are uncomfortable with the usage of the term. That's not racism, that's a balance. If a white person called me honkey, or cracker, chances are I wouldn't be offended because I think they are trying to be racist, but I might be offended depending on the manner or tone that they use. Similarly, a black person being called ****** by another black person may not be offended at the racist connotation of the word, but they could still find it offensive because of the tone or manner in which it is used.

No discrimination means to treat differantly based up on perceved differances. Sexual discrimination, age, race whatever. In this case what the man said, was he has phyiscaly attacked white people who are on friendly terms with black people for using a term that they use themselves, and meant in the same way. He attacked these people becuase they where not black. I.E. He discriminated against them based on the colour of their skin, this is racial discrimination, or racism.


For some bizarre reason you seem to think that certain words should always have the same implication regardless of who uses it or what manner they use it in.

No not at all. Again what is meant by the word wigger? What are the conertations of the word, what did the poster mean when he said it. I have plenty of freinds from all over the place, i have young black male friends who have no problems with me a white man saying yo whats up nigga, and they have no problems because they know me, and they know that when I say it, I mean it in exaclty the same way as they would use it.

On another note, insult is never given, a person can only take insult, can only choose to be insulted. If I insult somebody, it is their choice to be insulted, or not. even if I mean to be insulting, if the stronger man just shrugs his shoulders, and fogets about it then my insult is only empty words.

Annnnd a Wigga is....?

A young white suburban male who acts like he's a young black guy from an inner city area. I don't know where you get the idea that being a wigger means they are friends with the people they wish to emulate. I sincerely doubt most of them have even had a conversation with a kid from the ghetto, never mind be on level anyone would describe as a friend. Now what I assume you were refering to as wiggers are white inner city kids who live in black neighbourhoods and unsurprisingly are part of the same culture that exists within black neighbourhoods. Wigger is the incorrect term for such people as it implies that while they see themselves as part of the culture they are simply acting, and their true lifestyle is far different from the urban lifestyle they seek to emulate. That is not the case for most white kids living in the poorest neighbourhoods, and if the black kids accept them as one of their own, they will most likely not take offense at the use of the word '******'.

No discrimination means to treat differantly based up on perceved differances. Sexual discrimination, age, race whatever. In this case what the man said, was he has phyiscaly attacked white people who are on friendly terms with black people for using a term that they use themselves, and meant in the same way. He attacked these people becuase they where not black. I.E. He discriminated against them based on the colour of their skin, this is racial discrimination, or racism.

Again as I just pointed out wigger does not in any way imply that they are actually a part of the culture that they emulate, so you are wrong in insisting that they must have been friends with the black people they were calling ******. He did not hit them based on the colour of their skin, but based on the fact that they were calling someone a word which outside the correct social group is perceived as offensive. Just as friends frequently use names for each other which to an outsider might appear derogatory, within a social circle - which can be very large - it is an acceptable term. If a friend made an off the cuff insult towards me I wouldn't take offense, as we do it all the time. If a stranger did the same thing I would be offended. And that's what all this comes down to - not the colour of your skin, but how well people know you.

No not at all. Again what is meant by the word wigger? What are the conertations of the word, what did the poster mean when he said it. I have plenty of freinds from all over the place, i have young black male friends who have no problems with me a white man saying yo whats up nigga, and they have no problems because they know me, and they know that when I say it, I mean it in exaclty the same way as they would use it.

That's exactly the point I've been trying to make all along. ****** is a word that will cause generally cause offense when used by a stranger, but among friends it might not be a problem, unless your frinds really don't want to be called that.

I love JAP jokes...

...where JAP is an acronym for Jewish-American Princess.

For example:

What's a JAP's favorite wine? "I wanna go to Miaaami!"

What's the difference between a JAP and Jell-O? Jell-O moves when you eat it.

And so on.

I love JAP jokes...

...where JAP is an acronym for Jewish-American Princess.

For example:

What's a JAP's favorite wine? "I wanna go to Miaaami!"

What's the difference between a JAP and Jell-O? Jell-O moves when you eat it.

And so on.

...I think I shall now be sick.

In any case, I thnk words and titles which are slurs in some situations are not in others, as I showed in my previous post.

~ Romandeos.

I don't get why people consider saying Jap is a racial slur. It is a common abbreviation for something from Japan. For example

"That Jap game rules!" or "I love Jap Anime"

Who considers it a racial slur? Sure during WWII it might have been considered racial then but it wasn't even that bad.

is it so hard to say Japanese and be safe?

I'd say it crosses the line. Given the degree to which Japanese people were dehumanized by the US in particular during WWII, the use of "Jap" could far too easily conjure up visions of soldiers sending home trophy skulls and innocent civilians being shoved in camps, which is hardly something to ignore or condone. It's not as if it takes a great deal of effort to say "Japanese" instead.

I have a very close friend who refers to herself as a "Jap girl" so I've never thought of it as offensive. As far as I was aware it was just an abbreviation and while impolite, not particularly offensive.

The "slur" I had heard of was "Nip". My grandmother (who was quite a "character") always called them "Nips" usually preceded by a colourful adjective. In fact the only time I saw her spit was when talking about them.

Personally I stick to the word "Japanese" I hate to offend anyone :).

Well?

I asked to co-workers. One is from Japan and the other was born here.

Both said it's derogatory.

Not enough time has passed as people still have grandparents etc who were in the camps.

Tagent: George Takei was in a camp...

Even in the examples given; people automatically think Japan when you mention Anime. Well those that know what it is.

I have never heard anybody say "That *insert country* game rules!"

If you want to label people, ask them what they prefer to be referenced. For example, tribe versus native American versus Indian. :p

I have a Japanese friend, I call him a Jap.

He calls me a Chinaman.

They're both meant to be derogatory, but nobody cares anymore.

I have a Japanese friend, I call him a Jap.

He calls me a Chinaman.

They're both meant to be derogatory, but nobody cares anymore.

Do you mean you two don't care?

Do you mean you two don't care?

Exactly *claps hands*

is it so hard to say Japanese and be safe?

People say Japanese usually. Jap is mostly an abbreviation on the internet.

Heck, I'm not Japanese, or Asian at all, but when I hear it, it offends me. It just sounds ignorant if you can't just say Japanese.

I think it's on par with the old slang for Germans - Jerries - Micks and Macks, Yids, and others. It's definitely an ethnic *term,* but it's not inherently negative. I think it depends on HOW it's said.

People say Japanese usually. Jap is mostly an abbreviation on the internet.

Well of course.

Your identity is not known and you don't have to worry about a fist!

Heck, I'm not Japanese, or Asian at all, but when I hear it, it offends me. It just sounds ignorant if you can't just say Japanese.

Why would you get offended if you are not Japanese?



Well of course.

Your identity is not known and you don't have to worry about a fist!


Only an idiot would punch somebody for saying Jap. :rolleyes:

I definitely agree with the thought pattern that it fully depends on how well the people who are speaking to each other know each other. My youngest brother has a mexican american friend, and they are constantly (in private) calling each other things like 'honkey' 'wet-back' 'white bread' 'greasehead' and then busting up laughing cause it's so amazingly offensive it's rediculous when between good friends. When they're out in public they don't do this, however, because those within hearing distance get massively offended and gasp and stare and scold.

That's one thing I've learned in life... gotta be careful what you say in public, cause anybody can hear you, and if there's even the slightest chance that someone could get offended you could have a confrontation or lose your job (if you say something at work that causes your clients to complain and your company loses money than you're sacked). Or worse, you could see the pain you accidentily caused in someone and have to live with that guilt if you never got the chance to apologize.

Fuck no it ain't racist. It's a god damn shortened version Japeneses or Japan Bitches!

Well, if you are writing it, and want to shorten it, then I dont think it is offensive(though you could put a period on the end of it, but if you say it, that would be, at least to a Japanese person. It is classified as a racial slur, but I guess it is how you use it. If you arent meaning to be racist when you write it, then it aint racist.

Yes, it most certainly is racist.

The term 'Jap' is a racist term. That phrase has been used since it's conception as a derrogatory way to refer to the Japanese people (and yes - if you say something in a derrogatory manner directed at another ethnic group, it IS racist, no matter how you look at it). In World War II the term was used to commonly refer to the Japanese out of hatred and anger at our forces being attacked, not as a 'diminuative' or anything else of the sort. Saying the word 'Japanese' isn't that hard, only two more syllables, and you don't potentially anger anyone that way.

Only an idiot would punch somebody for saying Jap. :rolleyes:

Only an idiot would punch somebody for saying ******. :rolleyes:

Of course, that doesn't apply in ... you know, reality, where the rest of us live, where racial slurs are considered a sign of incompetence.

Yes, it most certainly is racist.

The term 'Jap' is a racist term. That phrase has been used since it's conception as a derrogatory way to refer to the Japanese people (and yes - if you say something in a derrogatory manner directed at another ethnic group, it IS racist, no matter how you look at it). In World War II the term was used to commonly refer to the Japanese out of hatred and anger at our forces being attacked, not as a 'diminuative' or anything else of the sort. Saying the word 'Japanese' isn't that hard, only two more syllables, and you don't potentially anger anyone that way.

Like I said its now mostly used as an abbreviation. Very few people use it in a racist way now.



Only an idiot would punch somebody for saying ******. :rolleyes:

Of course, that doesn't apply in ... you know, reality, where the rest of us live, where racial slurs are considered a sign of incompetence.

You can't compare the two words. Its idiotic since saying Jap is not as bad as saying ******. :rolleyes:

You can't compare the two words. Its idiotic since saying Jap is not as bad as saying ******. :rolleyes:

It is in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; also, in quite a few other cities in British Columbia and across Canada, and most likely along the western coast as well.

Speak only from what you know.

Not as bad? Any racial slur is bad regardless of which it is. There is no such thing as one being worse to say than the other. That's preposterous.

Just because people ignorantly use it as an abbreviation for Japanese today doesn't make it right. That's like someone saying ****** referring to a black guy because they're too lazy and/or ignorant to say African American or just simply black.

Jap has been a racial slur since it's been used, and it hasn't changed. Jap is still a racial slur no matter what way it is said or what context it is used in.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jap

I personally don't see anything wrong with it, but it depends a lot on the context - some people find it pretty offensive even today. As late as 2004 Jap Road in Texas had to be changed.

Then again, I'm not Japanese.

In most English-speaking countries, it is accepted that it is a derogatory racial slur similar to the term ****** when referring to dark skinned people.

Wow, wikipedia's right on something not relating to math or science! And it's backing me up! ... shocker.

Meh, not all that long ago, "paki" and "chink" were acceptable, just shortened versions of "pakistani" and "chinese".

So no, i wouldnt consider it a racial slur but i dont doubt some people would take it as one

Meh, not all that long ago, "paki" and "chink" were acceptable, just shortened versions of "pakistani" and "chinese".

So no, i wouldnt consider it a racial slur but i dont doubt some people would take it as one

Forgive my Canadian ignorance, but how does 'Chinese' shorten to 'chink'? I must be failing to see where 'ese' sounds like 'k'. Racial slur. Simple as that.

Wow, wikipedia's right on something not relating to math or science! And it's backing me up! ... shocker.

Did you really expect me not to read that article? :rolleyes: Nice try at being a bullshitter though. No where in the article does it say:


"In most English-speaking countries, it is accepted that it is a derogatory racial slur similar to the term ****** when referring to dark skinned people."

Did you really expect me not to read that article? :rolleyes: Nice try at being a bullshitter though. No where in the article does it say:


"In most English-speaking countries, it is accepted that it is a derogatory racial slur similar to the term ****** when referring to dark skinned people."

Yes, it did (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jap&oldid=94173732). Funnily enough, that line was removed shortly before you made your post, by an anonymous contributor.

Yes, it did (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jap&oldid=94173732). Funnily enough, that line was removed shortly before you made your post, by an anonymous contributor.

Eh, I reverted the vandalism. All better now.

Eh, I reverted the vandalism. All better now.

Its not vandalism when its complete bullshit.

Its not vandalism when its complete bullshit.

So you admit to vandalising wikipedia? Damn, that is pathetic.

So you admit to vandalising wikipedia? Damn, that is pathetic.

:rolleyes: How is that admitting to vandalizing a page?

UNLEASH THE CTHULHU!


la! la! cthulu fhtagn!

It's pretty damn obvious that you changed it in a feeble attempt to make yourself look right.

Fuck this. There's no use in debating you, if you'd stoop to that level.

It's pretty damn obvious that you changed it in a feeble attempt to make yourself look right.

Fuck this. There's no use in debating you, if you'd stoop to that level.

I don't edit pages on Wikipedia. There is no point. Also if you look at the contributions of that IP address you will notice that they have contributed to the Jap article many times before that.

I haven't seen that article before. Also if you think it was me and I had contributed all those times before then I would obviously have changed it a long time ago.

EDIT: You also have to realize that ANYBODY can edit a page. There were absolutely no sources saying that "In most English-speaking countries, it is accepted that it is a derogatory racial slur similar to the term ****** when referring to dark skinned people. It's shortened version of the word "Japan."

It was just some random idiot putting his/her own personal opinion in there.

I've yet to hear Jap used in a derogatory manner in my lifetime, so it dosn't bother me if someone uses it. Although, again, I would try to encourage people to refrain from using it around people who were directly discriminated against. Since my father's family was still in Japan during world war two, the world holds very little negative meaning for him as well.