There has always been a controversy surrounding movements like feminism, body image, racism and now cultural appropriation. The reason for this is because of the crude attitude presented and offensive comments made in relation to topics like these. That is what jumpstarts the want and need for a change. Maybe people don’t realize what they are saying or doing can come off as offensive because even I catch myself saying some mean or stupid things every now and then. These are all examples of things I have witnessed or been told about that I think can be considered offensive and inconsiderate. You might just not put the thought into thinking how someone might react to something you say and that’s normal. But pay attention to what other people tell you.
“I wish I was black”
Sorry, what? You’re white. I think this is just an all around weird thing to say, this person wasn’t downright talking smack about a race but it just makes me uncomfortable. I mean P.O.C. are rad but why are you stating that you wish you were part of that race? White people are rad, everyone is rad. This comment was made after watching a bunch of videos of the nae nae. So are you trying to associate P.O.C. to the nae nae? This, while not being downright and completely racist, someone could take it to that level and could be offended by a comment like this. Putting it in my perspective if someone said “I wish I was latina” I would think, why? You’re taking certain characteristics and abilities and attributing them to a specific race. While not being completely offended I’m uncomfortable and don’t want to talk to you anymore.
“You need to be skinner to wear that”
Don’t tell me I can’t wear something and then imply that I’m not the ideal body type. There are different body types so tell me “I think something like this would fit you better” or “That dress style doesn’t suit you” The dress doesn’t suit me. It’s not me that needs to change. Don’t tell people they need to be something else because they are great just as they are.
“Why do you wear so much makeup?”
Because I know I look good. I’m wearing the makeup I always wear because I’m super hot not because I’m insecure and I want you to tell me I’m beautiful without makeup. I know I look great without makeup too. There is a trend that boys think they need to constantly tell girls they are pretty or beautiful because girls are insecure. Newsflash, we aren’t. So stop trying to make us like you by telling us all this stuff we already know and assuming we don’t love ourselves, I love myself so much.
“I want to get a bindi”
Literally stop. What? Do you even know what that represents? Because I didn’t until I googled it after you said this. Another question of cultural appropriation defined as; the use of an element from one culture by someone who is not a member of it. You’re white and as I learned, a bindi is a spiritual symbol that represents the symbolic significance that is integrated into Indian mythology. (I am not part of this culture; this is what my research told me) The point is, there is a fine line with cultural appropriation. Yes everyone is allowed to like things and I try to be chill about this stuff but I think that when it crosses into anything religious or that has a deeper meaning then you should really know what it is all about. I’m not about to start wearing a Hijab because I think it’s trendy, no. That’s offensive. I am not part of that culture and I’m not aware of all its traditions whether they are religious or not. Henna is becoming very popular which is also a part of this culture; I’m still not sure if this is okay. That’s just me, henna though has apparently been used always for aesthetic purposes or sometimes medicine so because there aren’t any religious implications does that mean it’s okay? I don’t know. Yes, you are allowed to like things everyone is and I don’t care what you do just as long as you know what you’re doing and why. Don’t offend anyone.
“Why don’t you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?”
I’m sure everyone gets this question when their relatives visit and you all think it is super annoying. So I’m single, so what? Is it because I’m confident in who I am and like to be independent until I find someone who I genuinely like and want to be with or are you implying that there is something wrong with me? There isn’t anything wrong with me but thanks for making me think no one wants to date me. Being single is great because it’s a great time that you spend getting to know yourself and what you want, don’t feel pressured to get into a relationship.
“It’s not rape it’s surprise sex”
I’m going to vomit. I saw this as a facebook status a couple of years ago and people laughed they thought it was funny. It is not funny. 1 out of 6 women has been a victim of an attempted or completed rape. Think about it, you know more than 6 women. That means whoever you say this to or any rape joke to could have been raped or known someone who has been raped and you just made them have to think about that horrifying event. That the effect of being raped makes them 4 times more likely to commit suicide or 26 times more likely to abuse drugs and you just recalled that memory for them. Do not make jokes like this because it is disgusting and offensive.
These are all American statistics
“That’s so gay”
What’s so gay? I don’t get it what makes this homosexual? Does that mean this sheet of paper is heterosexual? You’re talking about some stupid event that just happened that isn’t at all associated with sexual orientation. I don’t take this personally but I just don’t get it and I think there are some people out there that could be offended by this. Find another word to describe what just happened because gay is not an adjective unless you’re talking about that adorable couple holding hands over there.
“That’s so retarded”
Same concept as the last one, what makes this mentally disabled? Nothing. Stop; you using that word makes me uncomfortable. This is an offensive word already because it is slang that is used as an insult. Just don’t use this word for anything find a word that’s actually an adjective that fits the situation, expand your vocabulary.
All the opinions expressed are my own.