you don't say "there's too many Indians around here..." to someone that just employed two on her team

[twoopsie]

OK I think I may have overreacted, but in my early morning meeting my manger started saying "there are too many Indians around here.."

I've recently employed two for my team, so I butted in with a long rant including the British empire, the equality act and so on while raising my voice.

He actually was saying "there are too many Indians and not enough chiefs" as a general statement for our department.

Was IBU to but in? I think I've made a tit of myself

I used to love Sooty and Sweep but Soo was a PITA.

If i was "allowed" to say about all the programmes I enjoyed when growing up I'd be lynched on here Ho. It doesn't make me a "racist" at all. My point is people in glass houses shouldnt throw stones. If people want to shout about old sayings then make sure you dont have a username or cat that depicts this.

Perhaps this should show it's best not to interrupt and allow someone to finish speaking before you do?

How did your manager react to it?

He apologised profusely and thanked me for pointing out that his phrase was potentially racialy offensive. I've actually now landed some new work on inclusion and diversity as he said I had a really passion for equality.

I'm still glad I picked him up on it, but I could have don't it better, like most things in life. I think many older people are unaware how outdated and potentially offensive some things they say are. Yesterday a national survey found that 1/3 of people in the UK still use chinky and paki.

Tinks... Sooty and Sweep, Sooty was yellow!

I would assume ILSs cat is/was as likely to be yellow as black and that the origin was the kids programme and thus referring to an old job, not a race.

That is what I meant earlier about perception.... age differences will abound and all The Young Turks will make the changes, but all of us Old Dudes will probably retain a fair few for a fair lot longer than you might be comfortable with!

Twas ever thus!

twoopsie, do you have a link to the survey?

The last one I read - Show Racism the Red Card - was on young people and made the point that hip hop and rappers are making many words more usable, especially nigger!

i100.independent.co.uk/article/presenting-the-most-depressing-chart-you-will-see-today--eJmpV9x2tl

Yougov

Nigger has been reclaimed anyway, I regularly see white teenagers using it to each other.

Sorry but you are woefully mistaken if you think that the N-word has been reclaimed and especially if you think that it is acceptable for white people to use it.

I think many older people are unaware how outdated and potentially offensive some things they say are.

Based on some of the comments on this thread, I doubt that this lack of awareness is limited to older people.

I didn't say it was acceptable at all ffs! I just said white people used it to each other.

Nigger has been in music for well over a decade, probably why people use it.

Did he agree it was potentially racist to American Indians though, or agree with your point that it was potentially racist to people from India?

We didn't dwell on the words, but he realised its an outdated saying that doesn't really have a place.

LiberalPedant sadly, the Red Card Wales found differently, when talking to teens etc - and suggests music has had an impact on this.

Oops :)

It was a mistake, but not one that will be held against you. I wouldn't worry about it. Just make a mental note next time to start with "do you mean..?" and get them to spell it out.

Btw I saw the thread title and thought of the saying. I guess it's an age thing.

As for pay peanuts and you get monkeys that is only offensive to people who think black people are monkeys.