waltappel 1 #26 September 21, 2006 QuoteWalt, Unless you personally know the co-worker, you can't say that. Based on the way he posed the question, I made the assumption that the co-worker in question was NOT a humorless self-appointed member of the PC police. I agree. That's why I qualified it by saying: Quote The reality is that from this standpoint we can't really tell, but I'd have to say odds are that she *is* a humorless uptight bitch who has appointed herself among the enforcers of political correctness, i.e., the "PC Police". We just made different assumptions. Quote You never know WHAT might offend someone or why. I say things without thinking all the time. I'm pretty sure I'm NOT a racist or a mean person but that doesn't mean I've never offended anyone unintentionally or otherwise. If a friend or co-worker let me know that they were offened by something I said, I'd probably feel bad about it and try to see it from his or her point of view. I'd also appreciate him or her taking the time to approach me and talk to me about it instead of calling me a bitch or racist behind my back. Easy for you to say, but the problem with that is that you are "protected" by virtue of your gender. Mike is not. Anytime a woman or a minority person tells a white collar, white male they are offended, there is an implied threat in which the white male is presumed guilty. No, that's not written down anywhere, but it's pretty clear that's the way it is in many workplaces. Don't believe me? Try talking to an HR person who has tried to get rid of a bad employee who happens to be in one of the "protected" groups. Few professional white males would tell you they think you are a whiney little PC cop even if they genuinely believe it because with a few choice words from you, they could be out the door. Quote Plus, for the record, I never said Buckwheat (or "Otay" OR Mike) was "racist". I simply said you can't say the BuckWheat character isn't "racial" because it clearly is. I used to say "Otay, Buckwheat" pretty often and I never once thought of it as racist or offensive, and I still don't. BUT, this thread made me think about it and try to see it from someone else's point of view. Anyone who is truly offended by the Buckwheat character is whiner. If that's the worst thing they encounter during a day, they should count their blessings instead of whining. I feel no need to humor them, but if you do then go for it. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #27 September 21, 2006 Well, the bottom line for me personally is that with regards to the people I like, care about and/or respect, I'm going to try and see their side to things and I'm going to TRY not to offend them. As a white female, I really don't consider myself to be in a "protected class" at all. I also don't work in a male dominated industry, and maybe that makes a difference. From personal experience, I know all about problem employees, potential lawsuits, protected groups and spineless management- when it was going on with me, I didn't feel very "protected" at all. And its not that I don't get your point about extreme political correctness, because I do. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Airman1270 0 #28 September 21, 2006 How much more ridiculous will this get before people start refusing to tap dance on eggshells? During my most recent radio job my station manager got mad at me because, while writing a news story, I used the phrase "black people" to describe black people. He wanted me to say "African Americans." I said this was stupid, that they were not African, and that political correctness itself is far more offensive than anything I'd ever said on the air. He accepted a compromise in which I was allowed to say "black Americans." If I imitate a white guy, it's satire. If I imitate a black guy, it's racism. Right? We are constantly bombarded with racial commentary. We can't even fill out a federal form without having to provide such information. Yet, if a white guy even acknowledges such differences, he is immediately presumed to harbor unkind attitudes and is under pressure to prove this isn't the case. (Often, the only acceptable "proof" is profession of liberal politics and voting for Democrats.) Me 'n' my homies refuse to accept such diss'n crap in our 'hood. Cheers, Jon S. Celebrating straight white pride since 1958. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aprilcat 0 #29 September 21, 2006 QuoteI was having a friendly conversation with a coworker of mine the other day and I happened to say "otay" at one point. Apparently she thought that was inappropriate and got a bit upset. Thankfully we're pretty friendly and she's not going to make a complaint about it or anything (which is good, because she works in HR). The thing is, I never even thought of it that way, it was just something to say. Looking back I guess I can see how it's related to Buckwheat, but I'm still not sure I see how it's a racial slur, and it certainly wasn't intended as such. Did she SAY she thought it was racial or just could it have been inappropriate because she DOES work for HR and sees more grievances from you and just thought this was a childish response that could be taken so far as to have her called an 'uptight bitch'. Not by you...but... And to Walt. Would you be so heated if it were a white MALE HR employee that told him that this is considered inappropriate banter at work? Maybe they are just all 'uptight' at that job. She could indeed did him a favor by not making a big deal of it but just telling him its 'inappropriate'. When you read her policy and procedures and walk a day in her pumps, then you'll know who's 'protected' and whos not. I wouldn't have blinked an eye if it were said to me because I get the reference. But I'm not at work. Work is work and playtime is outside of work.~~April Camelot II, the Electric Boogaloo! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryoder 1,590 #30 September 21, 2006 Quote We are constantly bombarded with racial commentary. We can't even fill out a federal form without having to provide such information. Yet, if a white guy even acknowledges such differences, he is immediately presumed to harbor unkind attitudes and is under pressure to prove this isn't the case. Good point. When I was in college, there was a "Black Engineers" organization on campus. One day it occurred to me; What if someone opted to start a "White Engineers" organization? Everyone one would immediately consider it to be a racist organization, including myself. So why was it acceptable to have a black organization, but not a white organization???"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 16 #31 September 21, 2006 You become an expert at finding what you are always looking for. If you are always looking for racial slurs, you will find them all over the place, where others will see nothing. The remark might have been slightly offensive, but I do not think it is a big racial slur. I am, however, very white. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #32 September 21, 2006 QuoteGood point. When I was in college, there was a "Black Engineers" organization on campus. One day it occurred to me; What if someone opted to start a "White Engineers" organization? Everyone one would immediately consider it to be a racist organization, including myself. So why was it acceptable to have a black organization, but not a white organization??? You didn't get the memo? All whites are presumed racist until proven otherwise. When I worked for Enron, there was actually a website on their intranet for a "Black Enron Employees" organization. Crazy. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lindercles 0 #33 September 21, 2006 Ok, I've been avoiding replying to this thread because, well, it's just so entertaining. But to answer your question, she did actually say that it's considered a racial slur, in as many words. And for clarification, I don't actually have any reason to talk to her on any given day, but I usually stop by her office to chat because we're friends (edit: friends may be a strong word. "friendly coworkers" is more appropriate). And this situation has not changed that, we're still friends. She approached it in a way that gave me the impression that she felt it was an inappropriate slur, but that she was kindly informing me of that fact for my own edification. And then it was over and we moved on. All I really wanted to know when I started this thread was whether or not anyone else thought it was offensive, but it's gotten much more entertaining than I expected. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #34 September 21, 2006 QuoteAnd to Walt. Would you be so heated if it were a white MALE HR employee that told him that this is considered inappropriate banter at work? Admittedly, I am not Walt. but in my job the difference is if it was a white male I could tell him to relax because he's reaching for PC-edness. Then if there was a compliant it would be on equal footing. Who really would complian that I made you think of buckwheat. I would like to think that even the HR office would tell us both to stand in the corner until we could stop acting like 8 year olds. In which case I would be free to go.My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aprilcat 0 #35 September 21, 2006 Otay...you didn't say she considered it racial as opposed to just 'inappropriate'. I don't see it that way, but I don't work there and I don't know what goes on in that HR department but my guess what right, that she was just informing you as a favor to a friend. Had you said that to someone else you could be dragged in by your ear or something. I play it safe. No accents, calling people 'Habib' or yelling 'Yah-vol' when the boss tells me to do something. I just mess with all the clocks.~~April Camelot II, the Electric Boogaloo! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Royd 0 #36 September 21, 2006 Eddie Murphy made it hilarious back in the 7o's on SNL. Buckwheat tay otay. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #37 September 21, 2006 Quote>Most people associate "Otay" with Buckwheat . . . And to think I associate it with a drop zone. Bingo.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Keith 0 #38 September 21, 2006 Some people just need to find something to bitch about. No it's not a racial slur. An HR person should know better. She sounds like a perpetual victim.Keith Don't Fuck with me Keith - J. Mandeville Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #39 September 21, 2006 QuoteSome people just need to find something to bitch about. No it's not a racial slur. An HR person should know better. She sounds like a perpetual rectum. FIXED IT Rectum? I damn near killed him.My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Keith 0 #40 September 21, 2006 QuoteRectum? I damn near killed him. I used that as a come-back the other day - then couldn't remember where it came from Keith Don't Fuck with me Keith - J. Mandeville Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #41 September 21, 2006 I have no idea. It's a line in some movie that never had a setup.My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpeedRacer 1 #42 September 21, 2006 I heard that the actor who used to play Buckwheat later re-discovered his Black Muslim roots during the '60s & changed his name to reflect that. He changed his name to Kareem a Wheat. Speed Racer -------------------------------------------------- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Keith 0 #43 September 21, 2006 It's the punch line of a joke . . .Keith Don't Fuck with me Keith - J. Mandeville Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #44 September 21, 2006 Well, I knew that. I just never heard the whole joke. It was in a movie where they just tell you the punch line and everyone laughs. I don't remember what movie, though.My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
heidihagen 0 #45 September 21, 2006 QuoteQuoteI thought Buckwheat was the black little rascal? Wasn't it Spanky, a white kid who said it TO Buckwheat? hahaha i thought this was from tommy boy for a sec. "maybe he's a yankee!"i didn't lose my mind, i sold it on ebay. .:need a container to fit 5'4", 110 lb. cypres ready & able to fit a 170 main (or slightly smaller):.[/ce Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites quade 4 #46 September 21, 2006 QuoteWell, I knew that. I just never heard the whole joke. It was in a movie where they just tell you the punch line and everyone laughs. I don't remember what movie, though. The "basic" joke involves a little bratty kid telling a story to his (class, mother, priest) of a cat (or any victim really, lawyer, whatever) and a firecracker being "shoved up his ass." Third party prude type (teacher, mother, priest) attempting to correct the language says, "You mean rectum." "Wrecked him?!? Damn near killed him!" Now that you know the basics of how the joke works, you can really fill in the the set up anyway you like. Joke can be told in about three lines or go on for quite awhile, similar to "The Aristocrats".quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jtval 0 #47 September 21, 2006 LOL. Thanks!My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Richards 0 #48 September 21, 2006 So...because one black person (buckwheat) said it it is attributable to all blacks and therefore derogatory?? Richards My biggest handicap is that sometimes the hole in the front of my head operates a tad bit faster than the grey matter contained within. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Lindsey 0 #49 September 21, 2006 QuoteSo...because one black person (buckwheat) said it it is attributable to all blacks and therefore derogatory?? Richards If "otay" was used in the show to exaggerate a *black* dialect in order to indicate that black people were unintelligent or unsophisticated, then I at least understand the complaint. I still think it's silly, though, and a person who gets upset about "otay" probably has a huge chip on her shoulder and is best ignored, imho. linz-- A conservative is just a liberal who's been mugged. A liberal is just a conservative who's been to jail Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 2 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
quade 4 #46 September 21, 2006 QuoteWell, I knew that. I just never heard the whole joke. It was in a movie where they just tell you the punch line and everyone laughs. I don't remember what movie, though. The "basic" joke involves a little bratty kid telling a story to his (class, mother, priest) of a cat (or any victim really, lawyer, whatever) and a firecracker being "shoved up his ass." Third party prude type (teacher, mother, priest) attempting to correct the language says, "You mean rectum." "Wrecked him?!? Damn near killed him!" Now that you know the basics of how the joke works, you can really fill in the the set up anyway you like. Joke can be told in about three lines or go on for quite awhile, similar to "The Aristocrats".quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #47 September 21, 2006 LOL. Thanks!My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Richards 0 #48 September 21, 2006 So...because one black person (buckwheat) said it it is attributable to all blacks and therefore derogatory?? Richards My biggest handicap is that sometimes the hole in the front of my head operates a tad bit faster than the grey matter contained within. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lindsey 0 #49 September 21, 2006 QuoteSo...because one black person (buckwheat) said it it is attributable to all blacks and therefore derogatory?? Richards If "otay" was used in the show to exaggerate a *black* dialect in order to indicate that black people were unintelligent or unsophisticated, then I at least understand the complaint. I still think it's silly, though, and a person who gets upset about "otay" probably has a huge chip on her shoulder and is best ignored, imho. linz-- A conservative is just a liberal who's been mugged. A liberal is just a conservative who's been to jail Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
