babci
20 May 2010
Life / Is the word "Polack"rascist? [185]
It does seem that the intent, or the way the word is said determines whether the word is offensive. My grandparents were all born in Poland, the rest of us in the US. We have always considered Pollack to be offensive, unless used affectionately among friend; the same way that African Americans call each other ******, but God forbid it you should call one of them that. On the other hand, about 15 years ago my daughter wrote a school report about her Polish heritage. He teacher took points off because she used the word Poles, says that that was derogatory. In my opinion that is derogatory only if you dislike Poles.
It does seem that the intent, or the way the word is said determines whether the word is offensive. My grandparents were all born in Poland, the rest of us in the US. We have always considered Pollack to be offensive, unless used affectionately among friend; the same way that African Americans call each other ******, but God forbid it you should call one of them that. On the other hand, about 15 years ago my daughter wrote a school report about her Polish heritage. He teacher took points off because she used the word Poles, says that that was derogatory. In my opinion that is derogatory only if you dislike Poles.