In terms of racially discriminatory expressions, why is it that the expression "wasp" or "white ango-saxon protestant" isn't considered discriminatory like other racially-aimed ones?\nI'm a "white" of anglo-saxon descent and I don't recognize the episcopacy of the Catholic church (i.e. Protestant), therefore I guess I meet the definition of a "wasp", and I don't think this is a fair label, expecially since the context in which this label is used is generally negative and derrogatory.  \nI was reading yesterday in, of all places, a "Captain America" comic book graphic novel, and there's the expression "wasp" used in an ugly, negative context, and it struck me as odd not only that this would appear in a comic book, but that this expression is perfectly fine to use, whereas other racially-derrogatory words would be taboo, non-\nPC and forbidden.  Why is there this inconsistency?
133566
Aahhh...a question with substance!!   WASP SHOULD be considered discriminatory!! Any time we use a generality to describe a set group of people, we are in effect, being discriminatory whether it was intended or not, as it was not in the case of WASP. It was supposed to be a GOOD thing, a shortened abbreviation for a class that was (is) considered a cut above the rest of us plebians. But the tables turn, and your experience with the word and it's context was ugly, especially if your circumstances find you in a position to be hurt by the connotation! My husband is black, my youngest daughter is bi-racial and we are associated with Jehovah's Witnesses... you cannot imagine the tough hide I had to grow.  Bigotry and discrimination in all their forms, be they subtle or outright, are hateful.  Thanks for the mind sweep this morning..touche!!
362783
Profanity origniated out of religious obserance of words that were either considered blasphemy or abusive to either God or his followers. Most words are considered profane because of their abusive, or offensive nature.  Talking about hell, or damnation was considered abusive because it brought to light unplesant aspects of the afterlife.   This also applies to blasphemy or taking the Lord's name in vain, it is considered offensive by religous followers because it is a direct insulting use of their creator's name. Also sexual terms and phrases are often considered vular or taken out of context to produce an offense. Ah, who cares...here goes...I'll try to be polite...\nIt is usually their connotation that makes them profane:  \n"Taking a sh*t" is considered a vular expression because of it's content.  \n"Fu*k you" is also considered vulgar because the word "F*ck" implies sex because of it's origins and it's a no no to talk about sex in our Puritian society...Let alone use sex as an offensive remark.\nA$$hole is considered a rude word because, honestly who wants to be associated with being an anus?\nC*nt is a very taboo word because of it's vulgar reference to female genitalia, and feminist movement sees vulgar references as a means to demean and demoralize. Which is probably a very accurate ideal.\nD*ckhead also is a demeaning word.\nWell okay that's all I can think of..well actually I can think of a lot more, but I'll probably already be reported for this anyways...\nHave A Nice Day...
53676
What an obtuse question!\n\nSimply because that word was used by certain people precisely <as> a term of offense to describe 'some other people'.\n\nYour question would have much more validity if it were "why did white people decide to use that word as a term of offense in the first place?"\n\nYes we know that black people use the word within their own community, just as gay people use the word 'queer'. But that doesn't change the fact that the word was first given currency as a deliberate insult.
428025
As all others have said, I believe it's the connotation when referring to the person.  "Jew" in and of itself is not a derogatory term, but the term has been used in a hateful manner.  Those who persecute the Jewish never say, "you're Jewish!"  They say, "You dirty Jew!" (or something akin).  "Jewish" has never been used in a derogatory fashion, as has "Jew".
55228
Good question, I noticed you said "some" white folks, thanks for specifing that. Not all us white people are a$$holes. I am sorry one of my "white" counterparts has done this to you or someone you know. It may stem from the INDIVIDUALS insecureness. However, I have been outcasted because I am white, and I haven't done anything wrong to anyone. Hell, I am married to someone of a different race, so why do black,brown,yellow,orange,red,green and or purple people instantley label all white people as racist slave owning hillbilly trailer trash? Same reason whites do it to other races, all races are racist, try this out, live in a homogenious (one race) country like I do, and then you will know what true racism is.
435127
I would be offended.I admit I find it funny,and sometimes I cringe.We shouldn't support it.If it was my race I would feel like everyone was laughing at me.It would feel the same as being bullied.
234608
White:  I'm not offended when I see it any more than I would be offended by someone wearing a T-Shirt that said "I'm dumber than a box of rocks"\n\nTo have it flying above state capitals and such is a public display of stupidity on behalf of the leaders of that state.\n\nRemember:  It is the symbol of a defeated movement (quasi "nation") born of bigotry and inhuman treatment of equals for personal gain.  The ideology was wrong, as was the cause and why they ultimately lost.
325583
Well, I'm white.  My husband is from El Salvador.  And to be honest, we are ignorant.  Before I met my husband, I thought all hispanics were Mexican.  We (meaning I) don't really pay attention to the different countries in Central America...to us it's all the same.  When I met my husband, he made sure that I didn't call him 'Mexican' - and he educated me on that topic.  \nBut, we don't mean any offense by it, we just are not educated about it.  The word Mexican to us means hispanic.\nBy the way, we are not WASPS - at least us white people don't mean any offense when we say what we say, but just because most of us are ignorant doesn't make us stupid...or WASPS.  Maybe if you had a better attitude to us you would get more positive reinforcement with us.
79217
This is one of the great flaws in labeling people, especially using politically correct terms.\n\nLogically, if someone with Irish ancestors is an "Irish-American", and someone with Italian ancestors is "Italian-American", then someone with white ancestors from South Africa is "African-American".\n\nMy friend Janus is very dark skinned, but was born in England to family from the carribean. Nothing sets her off like calling her an African-American. She'll tell you quite properly that she's English!!\n\nI have no idea what to call my friend who was born in India, raised in Tanzania, Toronto and New Jersey, and now lives in San Francisco. Perhaps "Well travelled" is the best description!
250058
That is what it implies to me.\nI never refer to people by their complexion unless I'm at a loss, and then I use light complected, medium complected or dark complected. Never colored or black or even African American. They are American. I am American. I am not pale or Irish/German American and would hate to be categorized like that. I feel using the word "complected" refers solely to the fact that people have different skin tones, rather than being an ethnic or racial term.
471750
It is correct to say, though maybe not so appropriate.  So many people believe that it is borderline being mean to say that they believe in a fictional character.  Only through education and logical reasoning can we erradicate religion.
284253
well it is bad and derogatory. i think if u replace the w with an "N" u will figure out what it means for a white person.
566994
The "nazi salute" was used long before Hitler was ever born, and is still used to this day in Austria.  When asked why they salute their flag with an upraised arm, they tend to reply "Why would we change a long-standing tradition?  Just because some two-bit painter's son made it unpopular in Germany?"  Outside the Germanic world it is always associated with Nazism.  Within the Germanic world I have a feeling it is much more complex.\n\nA similar thing happens with the white robes and pointy hoods.  While here in the US that will always be associated with the KKK, in Spain it has been the traditional garb of the brotherhoods of the various local churches.  When taking their holy statues and virgins on parade through the streets during holy week (Semana Santa), the men dress up in this garb as they have since medieval times.  I'm not sure, but I think the KKK actually borrowed that symbol from Catholic popular ceremony (ironically).\n\nThe point is, symbols have a much more complex and varied meaning once they are borrowed or lifted by social groups for specific social or political reasons.
57148
I am white and I would never use that word. Among our friends, I can't think of anyone who uses that word so please do not classify all whites in the same category, okay? Oh to answer your question. NO, it is not OKAY!
595422
I agree.  I don't like to use the term because I believe that it is incorrect.  It is also promoting segregation and misunderstanding.  When people choose to separate themselves by racial titles they are saying that they are unwilling to be a part of this culture.  This breeds contempt amongst other groups who feel that they are being pushed aside or belittled because they don't have a special title for themselves too.  \n\nI find it amusing that some black people are offended for being called black but then the next words out of their mouths are about white people.  If I'm white you're black.  I really don't see what's wrong with that.\n\nAlso, almost no one in this country is all of any ethnicity.  I don't want to be called French-Canadian-Belgian-Spanish-Lebanese American.  What a freakin' mouthful!  Blacks are no different.  If you go back into your geneaology you will find many different groups represented in there.  Why would you choose to leave those out?  They are as much a part of you as any other group.
673486
i don't think it should be called a Irish, Italian, german club, it needs to be considered a caucasion club because not all white people are italia, irish, english and so on, there are so many of us that you need the clubs name to be caucasion club, since when did the word caucasion offend anybody? people should be proud of what they are and people need to respect that,  and the girl on here who says shes italian and doesn't consider herself white? then what the hell are you? all of my italian aunts, uncles, and cousins consider themselves white, and if you told them that they weren't you'd probably get hurt,
313410
Hmmmm.  Jim Darwin disappears and Normal Guy shows up making constant references to Jim Darwin.  Coincidence?  You decide.\n\nIn answer to your question, I don't see any religious meaning.  It seems to be a reference back to Nazism.