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:
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Originally posted by TonyB06
Maybe the difference of opinion stems from the fact that those whose cultural history has been offended and made fun of by such "depictions" in the past, aren't parsing this event as finely as you may be, or as some of the organizers may now be doing after drawing some criticism for it. To many people it's still just an offensive event. It really may be no more complex than that.
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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.
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Originally posted by Little_0ne
You had me until the end of your quote... Blacks in minstrel shows were constantly portrayed as big lipped, big nosed, non educated, black, chicken smackin, WATERMELON eatin, porch monkeys. Hmmmm now ask yourself.... why would a black person NOT be offended by a WATERMELON EATING CONTEST IN A GHETTO TALENT SHOW??
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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.
LOL! You are so silly.
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