To think that 'black man's time' is a derogatory term?

[ptangyangkipperbang]

I was listening to the radio yesterday and someone from JLS was being interviewed. There was a comment about him being late for something and the DJ said, "what are you on - black man's time?"
I was really shocked (as was teenage DS) and I emailed the programme controller.
I've received a reply saying he agrees if I'd tuned in half way through the programme I might have taken it out of context but "In no way was the term derogatory and the interview was very cheerful, positive and upbeat".

Am I guilty of being too PC?

[InNeedOfBrandy]

Let me give you an example fellatio My friend says I'm trying to be at yours for half 6 but I'm on black people time today, so I know she's going to be late by a hour.

[BadgersBottom]

In my friend's case it was he knew he had to be somewhere and meet someone at, say, 10am but 10am could also mean 11am or sometime inbetween the two! It's not a matter of rudeness - he explained that in his culture a given time is really nothing more than a guideline and is never expected to be rigidly adhered to!

[ptangyangkipperbang]

InneedofBrandy - what do you mean people like me? I am asking if it was a racist term and have already said I don't mind being corrected but I don't need you implying I'm some Mary Whitehouse figure. I asked both the radio station and Mums Netters if I was wrong in thinking it sounded racist.

[InNeedOfBrandy]

Yes it's not over a hour really, a guide is a good way to put it.

[InNeedOfBrandy]

People that like being offended and complaining about it

[gloomywinters2]

it,s a common joke with black people there never on time always running late like a hour or too late so if you expect to say i,m coming at 2.0clock no that there coming at 3.oclock or later.

[sue52]

I've only heard it used once, by a Nigerian Friend, to explain his fellow countrymen's rather flexible attitude towards any social engagements. I would never use the term but I wouldn't think it un PC if it were used by someone to explain a cultural difference.

[BoneyBackJefferson]

black man's time
Cornish time
Italian time
Greek time they all mean the same thing.

[ethelb]

I have heard black people refer to BMT (black man's time).

I've hear of similar expressions from Turkish and Indian people in the UK.

I think its an in joke.

[LadyBeagle]

I've never heard it before but I get the impression it means manana.
It's a bit like here up in the NW Highlands, where there's no rush, it'll be done, relax.
Sadly changing as with so many incomers who have been used to charging around expecting everything to be done NOW, a lot of that laid back attitude is dying away.

[spotsdots]

I know "African time" or "Indian time" is an "in joke" among Africans and Indians. Meaning I might be slightly late.

If the DJ and JLS member are both black and it was a station for predominantly black listeners, then its not a big deal, if this wasn't the case then you were right to complain.

[CindySherman]

My black friends use this term a lot between themselves. I never really understood it really

[lovelyladuree]

Only black people can joke with other black people, or hadn't you heard?

[NoraGainesborough]

If the DJ and JLS member are both black and it was a station for predominantly black listeners, then its not a big deal, if this wasn't the case then you were right to complain.

So some things are ok for black people to say and hear but not white people?

I have never got that.

I have heard it. It has nothing to do with implying laziness. Its about being laid back. My inlaws are often on 'greek time' because they are always late. not because they are lazy but because they are more relaxed in general and don't get the 'you must be here at x time on the dot' when it comes to socializing.

[Lifeasafish]

I'm more likely to hear BPT (black people's time) and in my circles it is not an aim! More of a 'lets meet 3pm - not BPT'. African- Americans tend to use cpt and it is a kinda derogatory term in the sense that its usually used as something to avoid or a criticism.

So, 'where's Karen? Is she on BPT again?'

Would I class it as racist? Probably not. If I was at the receiving end I'd be a bit pissed in the same way as a man telling me I'm suffering pmt rather than a women telling me that iykwim. But wouldn't necessarily think much of it. But then I'm rarely late for anything!

P.s I'm black - if that wasn't obvious.

[DixieD]

I used to live in the Caribbean and we called it 'Caribbean time'. It's means the laid back attitude to things. 'Soon come mon, soon come'. Ah I miss it there.

[Lifeasafish]

OP - I don't think it should have been used on air. It's a bit sloppy really. As with my analogy re pmt it just wouldn't seem appropriate to me to be broadcast.

I do not think it is worthy of complaint, but I'd see it in the same way as hearing 'snappy today? A bit premenstrual? on the radio, regardless of man/woman, 2 women. Just a bit

[ClippedPhoenix]

PC crap Stop being offended when no offence was meant.

[Lifeasafish]

For clarification - I wouldn't be offended .

It can raise some funny convos mentally debates whether I should go here in case I offend anyone
E.g

Friend 1: shall we meet about 2ish?
Me: what sort of 2ish?
Friend: med time? Not BPT please
Me: nah - I've things to do - say Western European time?
Friend: coolio.

[InNeedOfBrandy]

I would like to say, WPT aka white peoples time means on time

[TinyDancingHoofer]

Not offensive where i come from. Not hugely used but acceptable when it is.

[mrskeithrichards]

I've never heard this saying and I doesn't sit easy with me but no the same token I've used Greek time a lot!

[Misssss]

Black person here. BMT is a common phrase. Nothing racist about it. OP you are being tooPC and rather silly. I can't believe you emailed the station about it, I bet the producer and controller had a right laugh.

[BadgersBottom]

Thanks be for the sensible post Misssss!