I've always found ethnic slurs to be an interesting glimpse into the past, when ethnic groups from disparate places and cultures were thrown together and forced to adapt to each other, as in New York City in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Wikipedia has some interesting anecdotes. For example, "wop" (an Italian person) is derived from "guappo," which is Italian for "dude." "Spic" refers to an Hispanic person. "Wetback" refers to an illegal immigrant who has swum across the Rio Grande from Mexico. I've studied the World Wars extensively, when terms like "kraut," "Jerry," "Hun" and "Limey" were commonly used.
I recently spent a bit of time with a person of Polish descent. I was appalled at his behavior, specifically at his ignorance about things I thought were common knowledge (like "only floss the teeth you wish to keep"), and his outrageously sexist and racist opinions. According to him, the Polish people have achieved all things of importance. Other races and cultures, particularly the Hispanic people, are to be despised. Listening to him was like listening to Ensign Chekov in the original "Star Trek" series, when someone would mention that something was created or invented long ago, and Chekov would pipe up and say something like, "of course, a Russian did it first."
It occurred to me, as I listened to this person, that the phrase "dumb Polack" was not simply made up. I'm sure the phrase's creators were personally acquainted with him.
I just feel badly for the rest of the Polish people, who don't deserve to be tainted by this particular person's behavior.
2 comments:
Marvin lol you know I met Polish people like that, I think some majority are like that, but you are right there are many tainted by this particular behavior. Thanks for sharing, Anna :)
Polish people amuse me; They look so goofy oftentimes.
Oh my.
That in itself was a bit racist, was it not?
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