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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Another - huh is this racist???

142 replies

Evelight · 13/04/2017 13:30

Said by 60 yr old white male school staff to 14 yr old white upper mc boy:

"Take your hoodie down, it's against the dress code - you'll grow up to become a rapper".

???!!!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
TheCutOfYourJib · 13/04/2017 13:40

I don't think you quite understand what racism is!

Original poster
Evelight · 13/04/2017 13:44

"Don't you have to mention the race of a person to discuss racism of their comments?"

Apparently not! I recall hearing that some words in particular contexts eg an "an ethnic neighbourhood", "urban music" (re the controversy around Beyonce vs. Adele) etc read as racist/ dismissive towards people of colour. Basically because people can't be "openly" racist
anymore, they find ways of "coding" racism... Dunno if I agree or not- but the point is it is not necessary to say something explicitly about skin colour to be racist- you can substitute words which are associated with particular skin colours (in this- rap= black)

OP posts:
kathkim · 13/04/2017 13:45

Sometimes stereotyping gets confused with racism.

Vango · 13/04/2017 13:45

Here's a well known rapper in a hoodie. I don't think I'd be too disappointed if my 15 year old DS wanted to be him 😁.

Another - huh is this racist???
Mummyoflittledragon · 13/04/2017 13:52

No it isn't imo. I thought it was a throw away comment and a joke.

Floggingmolly · 13/04/2017 13:54

Why is the middle class part relevant?

Floggingmolly · 13/04/2017 13:56

Oh fuck, hold on - upper middle class?? What sort of twat styles themselves upper middle class?

August1984 · 13/04/2017 13:58

He said "you'll grow up to be a" pretty sure you can't grow up to be black so not sure he was "coding" some racism. Obviously doesn't agree with rap as a career option but hey-ho...

pinkie1982 · 13/04/2017 13:58

Someone wrote M&M - was that a joke too??

Pro Green - that is a dishy pic!

MovingtoParadise · 13/04/2017 13:58

Not at all racist.

And quite a funny/sarcastic comment - kudos to the teach.

jamie2 · 13/04/2017 14:07

is urban really code for black?😮

Pentapus · 13/04/2017 14:07

I was told the exchange out of context, as in "can you believe what this guy at school said??"

Sounds like a gossip making something out of nothing.

MrsSeverusSnape · 13/04/2017 14:10

Oh I do love a bit of Pro Green, he seems like a lovely chap!

Fl0ellafunbags · 13/04/2017 14:12

So if I say I live in an urban area because it's in the city centre am I being racist?

MiddleClassProblem · 13/04/2017 14:13

We must write to the Grammys to tell them of their racist award

SoupDragon · 13/04/2017 14:14

And you're being more racist by thinking that I thought it was racist!!

But your thread title and your posts imply that you do think it's racist so this comment is nonsensical.

HoneyDragon · 13/04/2017 14:14

Do we think this going to be one of those brilliant threads where posters put lots of effort into deliberately misunderstanding each other? Because I really need something entertaining as justification to avoid cleaning the house. Blush

Foldedtshirt · 13/04/2017 14:15

White MC woman here. I was surprised when there was 'is this racist?' debate over Cameron's hug a hoodie moves. Black kids felt targeted but my mental picture of a hoodie wearer is Eminem. I guess it's a check your privilege situation.
It was crass in the least.

Littlecaf · 13/04/2017 14:16

Guns don't kill people, rappers do.

Littlecaf · 13/04/2017 14:20

Kurt Cobin also wore hoodies.

I do too. My favourite is one which has my alma matter name on it & colours. I like putting the hood up because it keeps me warm.

HoneyDragon · 13/04/2017 14:22

Don't Toddlers make up the largest proportion of hoodie wearers.

Although they are actually antisocial, dangerous vandals, so not really beneficial to the pro hoodie cause.

HoneyDragon · 13/04/2017 14:22

I'm wearing a hoodie right now. It's orange.

WorraLiberty · 13/04/2017 14:24
Grin
Another - huh is this racist???
HoneyDragon · 13/04/2017 14:24

There's no hope for me Sad

Another - huh is this racist???
Scabetty · 13/04/2017 14:24

Asked 14 yo ds who said neither an insult or racist. Being a rapper is a respected career path in his opinion. It was a teacher's attempt at humour Smile.