"Chinamen": Offensive or not?

[bulldog]

While I love bashing the Chinese gov't while using mildly racist phrases like "the Chinamen" as much as the next guy, it should be pointed out that players have been doing this for a helluva long time; for example, Stevie Franchise forcing his way out of Vancouver. Or hell, even supposed franchise players like Paul Pierce threatening to demand trades when they can't even get their team to the playoffs. And don't think KG doesn't have marketing people whispering in his ear about getting out of Minnesota. It has everything to do with NBA culture and marketing and not as much to do with Yi specifically as you'd think.

[indygeezer]

Re: Did you see Stern's face

While I love bashing the Chinese gov't while using mildly racist phrases like "the Chinamen" as much as the next guy, it should be pointed out that players have been doing this for a helluva long time; for example, Stevie Franchise forcing his way out of Vancouver. Or hell, even supposed franchise players like Paul Pierce threatening to demand trades when they can't even get their team to the playoffs. And don't think KG doesn't have marketing people whispering in his ear about getting out of Minnesota. It has everything to do with NBA culture and marketing and not as much to do with Yi specifically as you'd think.

I know that it is about marketing. I thought that had been made blatantly obvious in all the talk leading up to the draft.

As for my "mildly racist" comment.....Ni hua shou Zhonguahua, bu hua shou??? Ye, Wo hua shou Zhonguahua, bushir hen hao. Wo hen benjile.

[owl]

Re: Did you see Stern's face

Yeah, what he said.....maybe. :-)

[indygeezer]

Re: Did you see Stern's face

Yeah, what he said.....maybe. :-)

Loosely translated I said........

Do you speak Chinese, because I do. Although I don't speak very well because I'm too stupid.

[Anthem]

Re: Did you see Stern's face

Loosely translated I said........

Do you speak Chinese, because I do. Although I don't speak very well because I'm too stupid.

Tonal languages are a pain.

I tried to learn Bahma, and messed everything up. Instead of calling myself "First Son" (which is the standard way they do names in Myanmar), I referred to myself as "the pumpkin" for a whole week.

[indygeezer]

Re: Did you see Stern's face

Just as much as you calling me an American.


We are called Meiguoren in Chinese.......that means "Americaman" or American. They refer to themselves a Zhongguoren or Chinaman (ren being the word for man). Sorry if that is offensive to you. I'll tell 3 billion Chinese to stop calling themselves that.


BTW.....Meiguo (America.....means Beautiful country) and Zhongua means middle country (based upon the idea that China is the center of the universe).

[Hicks]

Re: Did you see Stern's face

I guess I don't see how Chinaman is racist but Englishman is not.

[indygeezer]

Re: Did you see Stern's face

Tonal languages are a pain.

I tried to learn Bahma, and messed everything up. Instead of calling myself "First Son" (which is the standard way they do names in Myanmar), I referred to myself as "the pumpkin" for a whole week.

and I went around for a month calling my 1st wifes mother a horse.

[bulldog]

Re: Did you see Stern's face

I guess I don't see how Chinaman is racist but Englishman is not.

Historical context. Just like the difference between the n-word and cracker. But whatever, I'm droppin it, I wasn't trying to start anything, I don't really care that much.

Although I find the "I speak the language, so i can insult them" argument funny. Ya damn Yankees.

[indygeezer]

Re: Did you see Stern's face

I guess I don't see how Chinaman is racist but Englishman is not.

Thank you for understanding what I was trying to say. Sorry if I was being wordy doing it guys. Perhaps my wording was digging me in deeper.


BTW......Gamble and I have a BEAUTIFUL new Chinese niece. I cannot wait for her to get here so I can see her. We just got her picture today.

[indygeezer]

Re: Did you see Stern's face

Historical context. Just like the difference between the n-word and cracker. But whatever, I'm droppin it, I wasn't trying to start anything, I don't really care that much.

Although I find the "I speak the language, so i can insult them" argument funny. Ya damn Yankees.

That's just my point...it isn't an insult. Now chink....chinee....or xiaoren (littlechild) is.

[Anthem]

Re: Did you see Stern's face

and I went around for a month calling my 1st wifes mother a horse.

Intentionally or unintentionally?

It's funny either way.

[Kegboy]

Re: Did you see Stern's face

Well, I find Geezer comparing Stern to Hitler offensive. We all know he's Napoleon.



Now excuse me while I come up with many ways to exploit Anthem = pumpkin.

[Tom White]

Re: Did you see Stern's face

Well, I find Geezer comparing Stern to Hitler offensive. We all know he's Napoleon.



Now excuse me while I come up with many ways to exploit Anthem = pumpkin.

I thought that was Fratello.

[SoupIsGood]

Re: Did you see Stern's face

That's just my point...it isn't an insult. Now chink....chinee....or xiaoren (littlechild) is.

No, it's definitely an insult. It's not AS offensive as those others, but it's at least mildly offensive.

No way in heck would I ever call someone a Chinaman to his face. It'd just be disrespectful.

(I almost inserted the "Unless we were close buddies..." thing, but I thought about it and realized I don't do that. I guess if I think about it, being close friends shouldn't permit the use of playful racial slurs.)