Argentine Directness

[sergio]

The insulting terms Argentines use with each other may seem quaint to white foreigners from first world countries but not necessarily to those of Asian or African origin who live in or visit Argentina. An Asian-American friend here has told me how painful it is to be addressed as "Chino" (ironically he is not even of Chinese ancestry), something that does not happen in the US and that he would not tolerate there. Why should it be permissible in Argentina? At best it's a sign of provincialism; at worst racism. It amazes me that expats who deplore such conduct in their own countries will justify it in Argentina. An article in yesterday's (November 27) BA Herald addresses this issue. See "Discrimination: a Cracked Mirror". This is a review of a new Argentine film showing at Complejo Tita Merello (Suipacha 442). See www.nos-otros.com.ar The website name is the name of the film. Insulting terms based on a person's color, race, sexual identity, weight etc. are offensive whether uttered in Buenos Aires, New York or London. There is nothing endearing about this sort of language and Argentines need to learn that they can't get away with it in the US, Europe and some other parts of the world. They shouldn't be able to get away with it here.

 

[tangobob]

It is only my personal view, but name calling ceases to give any pain when it becomes the norm.
For instance: British is shortened to Brit, the term has never bothered me, and why should it. Yet on this site someone was offended by the term Argie, and do not dare to call someone from Pakistan a Paki.
Ok I do understand that the Paki who runs the corner shop is actually Indian and he may be offended, but more often than not the terms which people find offensive are often nothing more that an easy way of refering to people.
In Britain it is almost imposible to open your mouth without offending someone (I know I have left myself wide open here), let us hope it never gets that way in Argentina.

 

[sergio]

Brit is a term that is generally well accepted by Britons. Paki is an insulting term, often used for any South Asian. If Pakistanis find it insulting, they should not have to suffer its use. Racism lurks behind the term Paki. In Argentina ignorance and some racism lie behind the term "Hindu" to refer to any South Asian, no matter that he / she may be a Muslim or a Christian!

 

[soulskier]

I prefer the nicknames like Che, Flaco, Maestro, Cabo, etc when addressing people in these parts.

 

[tangobob]

Brit is a term that is generally well accepted by Britons. Paki is an insulting term, often used for any South Asian. If Pakistanis find it insulting, they should not have to suffer its use. Racism lurks behind the term Paki. In Argentina ignorance and some racism lie behind the term "Hindu" to refer to any South Asian, no matter that he / she may be a Muslim or a Christian!

Sort of my point if maybe made badly. Any description if used accurately and absit invidia should be acceptable. I agree the term Paki is used insultingly for any south asian, but for someone from Pakistan I find it hard to see how it can be an insult.
I live in Wales and often get the "insult" "Chester C***" maybe that does not sound so insulting to some, the last part certainly is, but wear it as a badge of pride for a while and belive me the insulters soon get tired, and look for someone else to bait.
This is getting away from the point though, I still want to "blacklist" some one or "sing from the same hymn sheet" or even support "mental discs", all terms the PC brigate would outlaw.

 

[ricardo9000]

El Guachon is the master of diplomacy, go & ask him.

 

[ricardo9000]

El Guachon, for all those 'politically correct' individuals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMTwx40MYBc

 

[sergio]

Bottom line: If a particular ethnic, racial, national etc. group consider a name insulting their feelings should be respected. If Pakistanis find "Paki" offensive it should not be used anymore than "Hindu" should be used by Argentines. I agree that some pc language is ridiculous but not when it comes to names for groups.