9 Phrases That People Commonly Use, But Don’t Know They Are Racist
Some of the terms are insulting regardless of their origin, but some may come as a surprise to many.
Racism is pervasive, and unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to diminish over time. It is a real shame when people without a racist bone in their body use expressions and phrases that actually have roots in the slavery period and are used to mock African Americans and Native Americans.
Fortunately, people are discussing this online and sharing posts that raise awareness. We have identified 9 of these phrases. Some are obviously insulting, even if you don’t know their origin, while others may be surprising.
So scroll down and read them; you may find that you have been using some of them.
1. "Thug" Phrase
A thug is a vicious criminal, so calling protesters that is entirely wrong and insulting.
2. "Grandfather Clause" Phrase
Encyclopedia Britannica states: “The grandfather clause is a statutory or constitutional device enacted by seven Southern states between 1895 and 1910 to deny suffrage to African Americans. It provided that those who had enjoyed the right to vote prior to 1866 or 1867, or their lineal descendants, would be exempt from educational, property, or tax requirements for voting. Because former slaves had not been granted the franchise until the adoption of the Fifteenth Amendment in 1870, these clauses effectively excluded black people from voting while assuring the franchise to many impoverished and illiterate whites.”
3. "Gypsy" or "Gyp" Phrase
Wikimedia Commons“Gypsy” is an insult referring to the Roma people, who have historically been outsiders and refugees. The term “Gypsy” and the word “gyp” or “to get gypped” imply being tricked or cheated, as Roma people are stereotyped as thieves.
4. "Uppity" Phrase
This phrase has negative connotations and is often used to demean individuals who assert themselves.
5. "Sold Down the River" Phrase
This is a direct reference to slaves being sold down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.
6. "Welfare Queen" Phrase
First used during Ronald Reagan’s 1976 presidential campaign, this phrase was employed to describe individuals on welfare or those taking advantage of the system.
7. "Shuck and Jive" Phrase
This phrase dates back to the period of slavery, and Dr. Michele Gelfand, a cultural psychologist, explains that it “reflects a historical context where black individuals were often dehumanized and their cultural expressions misinterpreted.” She emphasizes that using such phrases perpetuates harmful stereotypes and can be deeply offensive. Describing President Obama with this phrase is problematic on multiple levels, as it undermines the dignity and complexity of his identity.
8. "Long Time No See" Phrase
This phrase was invented and used to mock Native Americans, as it ridicules their traditional greeting.
9. "The Peanut Gallery" Phrase
We bet you will think twice before using any of these phrases. Think twice and refrain from using them.
If you know of other racist phrases that we commonly use today, please share them in the comments section.
