Is this racist and what to do?

[fedup33]

I was in a group today and at coffee time, somebody mentioned 3 or 4 times that the term " black coffee" is unacceptable. Apparently on arrival in the US a relative had told them this, virtually as soon as they landed.

This sounds like the sort of guff surrounding " Ba ba black sheep". Its nonsense and it's racist. Sneeky racist bit still racist.

No, it's whiteboards instead ....

Or it could just mean people sitting in the seats at the back of the theatre?

Just saw a reel today where someone was implying the N in Nutella is racist as it's printed in black on the label.

It's trivialising racism and gaslighting people who call it out by putting it on the same level as "we can't even say black coffee now teeheehee." It's pathetic and yes it's racist.

People aren't getting what you're saying but I agree with you.

It is absolutely not racist. I would purposely say black or white coffee around people who made a point of declaring it to be racism

Well absolutely. There’s a huge difference is those two examples and one certainly is unacceptable.

I got the impression though that this person was just referring to asking for a black coffee, which gives the impression that the word black is unpalatable in all contexts.

That's it.

That’s exactly what it does mean.
The knots some people tie themselves into to make words mean what they want them to mean.
Pathetic.

I know. Why would it be the back of the bus anyway? Who’s addressing a bus load of people enough that it would be turned into a phrase? Theatre is obviously a more realistic place where someone would say can you hear me at the back.

Just off to Costa to ask for a Caucasian coffee 😅

That sounds like the sort of shite "AI" would come up with after consuming enough electricity to power Rutland for a year.

That has a distinct whiff of America - which has a completely different history of racial interactions than Britain. Best avoided as it really can make things worse. As the detested phrase "person of color" has shown.

As a person of colour, I can confirm "Black Coffee" is NOT racist, and a black person would NEVER say it is. This is a right wing trope designed to sow division. Likewise, Muslim people have never been offended by Peppa Pig. If it sounds ridiculous it usually is. Even woke people have to drink black coffee, drive black cars and eat black pudding.

So what about Irish coffee?

I was in America last year. DH has his coffee black. And we drink lots of the stuff. No-one raised eyebrows or eye rolled when we asked for black coffee. Maybe a (very) small group of people who’ve decided it’s racist in their group, but can’t see it catching on tbh….

They use whiteboards now. How racist 😡

When passing through the Black Country.

No black coffee is not racist

That's ridiculous, black coffee.

I have a black dog, is that racist?

Well, there was Guy Gibson ....

Maybe orange would be considered an Anti Donald slur? 😁😂

That's not racist

Maybe there's the kernel of a new Channel 5 gameshow there ?

"Is it racist ?"

You could have clever picture clues as to words or phrases and the contestants have to see of they can get the same answer the audience give.

Where's my BAFTA ?

I was told that I was wrong to ask for black coffee in a cafe - this was about 25 years ago at the National Theatre cafe. I was really embarrassed at having made some heinous mistake and asked what I should say (Coffee without milk).

I've never had anyone taken offence before or since at me asking for coffees (or teas) of any colour so I conclude it is faux outrage.

Lucky you. You were probably too old to still be pre school nursery rhyme age & not old enough to have a preschooler.

there were a few things like this, that turned into a massive deal, confusing everyone.

mostly white people being offended on behalf of black people who were bemused by it all.

it feels like a lifetime ago.