Actual phrase?

Exit

In today's Herald, I was reading Ian O'Doherty's piece on Johhny Rotten appearing in that celebrity jungle program. He was saying how Rotten has sold himself out. And he said this -

"He has proved beyond doubt that he is now the world of entertainment's house n*gger, the man who pretends to be dangerous but in reality cosies up to the powers that be and rolls over to let them tickle his belly"

Is that an actual phrase, or is he being racist, or is somebody at the Herald office playing tricks? I would've assumed he meant 'house dog'?

angelofdeath

i seriously doubt he meant to say house n*gger, unless he has a deathwish or is trying to get fired or something

HostMan

Originally posted by Exit
In today's Herald, I was reading Ian O'Doherty's piece on Johhny Rotten appearing in that celebrity jungle program. He was saying how Rotten has sold himself out. And he said this -

"He has proved beyond doubt that he is now the world of entertainment's house n*gger, the man who pretends to be dangerous but in reality cosies up to the powers that be and rolls over to let them tickle his belly"

Is that an actual phrase, or is he being racist, or is somebody at the Herald office playing tricks? I would've assumed he meant 'house dog'?

Well he obviously meant to say it. But from reading his previous writings I don't think he is racist...

It's just bad taste really...

simu

He's probably trying to be cool and failing miserably... always fun when journos do that.:rolleyes:

Walter Ego

Originally posted by angelofdeath
i seriously doubt he meant to say house n*gger, unless he has a deathwish or is trying to get fired or something

I find that phrase very disturbing. I don't want any of those folk anywhere near my house thank you very much. :rolleyes:

healyron

*Schoolmaster mode*

The term "house Ni**er" was an insult aimed at those in slavery-ridden southern states of the USA who managed toi wheedle their way into working in the 'big house' instead of out in the cotton fields. There is also the term "toy Ni**er" (if I recall correctly) given to slaves who were for "show" purposes (usually a stoney-broke wannabe 'massa' would get one to show he could afford one, same as the rich folk.

House Ni**er is an insult, and worse still, is an insult from the lowest echelon of society to one of their 'own' who has deserted their 'proper position', or who has made thei life easier by sucking up and becoming invaluable to their 'massa' (owner) so they get cushy treatment. House Ni**ers and coloured farmhands (or overseers) often thoguht (and acted) superior to their position so the term "uppity house Ni**er" was reserved for those who thought they weer above their station in life

If anyone is interested (yawn!) the book "Roots" by Alex Hailey, although very long, is a brilliant, and true (to the most part) recollection of one family's life thru slave times.

*Schoolmaster mode over*

Kold

/me turfs ball of paper at healyron

tba

/me points at kold

Capt'n Midnight

Originally posted by healyron
If anyone is interested (yawn!) the book "Roots" by Alex Hailey, although very long, is a brilliant, and true (to the most part) recollection of one family's life thru slave times.

Wasn't a lot of that book plagrism ..

Uncle Tom's cabin - accept no substitutes

Robbo

It's most unlike the Evening Herald to be offensive...

Exit

Well, I didn't realise it actually meant something. But still, I'm sure he could've come up with a better euphemism than that one.

ColinM

Does it offend you, Exit? If so, can you explain how or why it offends you? Are you black?

I'm guessing you are not black, and I'm genuinely curious to find out the reasons why someone who is not black would be offended by the word or phrase.

Exit

It didn't offend me when I first read it. I was just really curious as to whether it was an actual phrase (I'd never heard of it) or whether somebody had put it there as some kind of joke. It just seemed really weird to me.

Now that I've found out it's actual meaning, it still doesn't offend me, but I think a better alternative could have been found.

The word itself '******' (boards censors it) doesn't offend me in general. It's just a word. However, if it's used in a hateful or racist manner, then yes it offends me. I don't see why you have to be black to be offended by racism.

LegacyUser

Originally posted by Exit
I don't see why you have to be black to be offended by racism.

I'm offended by this racist comment that only whites are racist