You didn't offend me, but I'm not gonna be able to get through so I'm gonna leave this one alone. I don't know what your cultural background is but IMO every black person who knows their history should be offended by this. Things like this just make us as a people regress instead of progress...

I think that the word "ghetto" has been repeatedly used out of context. Personally, I feel that the word is sometimes thrown around frivolously. It's time we expanded our vocabulary.

TonyB, I couldn't have said it better myself:

The understanding of our cultural difference plays a significant role in our difference of opinions. Needless to say, I am offended by this, because when referring to a "ghetto" lifestyle, "ghetto" people, "ghetto" (you fill in the blank), you are not reinventing a new definition of the word. Ghetto refers to poverty and it is a negative connotation.

Maybe this definition from Oxford Dictionary will help:

ghetto
/getto/

• noun (pl. ghettos or ghettoes) 1 a part of a city, especially a slum area, occupied by a minority group. 2 historical the Jewish quarter in a city.

Little_One, I agree with you wholeheartedly, and this is why I am offended. Changing the name doesn't change the fact that it is still wrong.

I'm just sharing my perception of this misconception. I hear "ghetto" thrown around on a regular basis. When using the word, it always referred to something unusual in a negative context. I have been blessed to have friends of many ethnicities, asian, hispanics, caucasians, egyptians, etc. and we always share and educate each other about the impact stereotypes have on our cultures. But just as I don't expect them to speak on behalf or their entire ethnicity, I do not speak on behalf of all black women. However, in my opinion when referring to the usage of the word "ghetto", I personally feel that:

-It should not be a part of the title of a talent show.
-It's not a word to grab out the air when you don't know another word to use.
-It's not a word to use to entertain company when when you may have one black friend present.
-As a matter a fact, it's almost equivalent to the word "nigger", and using it frivolously is a big no-no.;)

My prof says "You can't put sugar on chit and call it ice cream."

TonyB, you took the thoughts right out of my head.

ETA: Little_One: your first explanation was on clearly on-point.

/hijack

I wanna be in the front row to watch you work that one into an opening statement. :)

...see, Perry Mason, Matlock, ain' none of them got nuthin' on atty SKEE :cool:

/end hijack

:D LOL! You are so silly.