August 22, 200917 yr I was on a plane today and I heard more than one person heading toward the back of the plane say "back of the bus." Many of us have said it . I have. What are we really saying when we say this? What's the joke?
August 22, 200917 yr It isn't really a joke. Well, it isn't a very nice joke. It's alluding to the policy in the old South of making African-Americans sit in the furthest back seats of the bus, so that whites could sit closer to the front door.
August 22, 200917 yr Author It isn't really a joke. Well, it isn't a very nice joke. It's alluding to the policy in the old South of making African-Americans sit in the furthest back seats of the bus, so that whites could sit closer to the front door. Correct. So why do many of us, including me, still say it sometimes?
August 22, 200917 yr Correct. So why do many of us, including me, still say it sometimes?I thought you didn't know what it meant.
August 22, 200917 yr Are you talking about saying it in general, or specifically when on an airplane?
August 22, 200917 yr Author Are you talking about saying it in general, or specifically when on an airplane? Why distinguish?
August 22, 200917 yr Why distinguish? Seriously? You've never heard a plane referred to as a sky bus? Honestly, I'm not sure I get the big deal. If I'm sitting on a bus and I'm in the back, what else am I supposed to refer to it as?
August 22, 200917 yr Author Seriously? You've never heard a plane referred to as a sky bus? Honestly, I'm not sure I get the big deal. If I'm sitting on a bus and I'm in the back, what else am I supposed to refer to it as? How old are you? I'll guess 20s. Say "back of the bus" to any black person over 40 and see what their reaction is. Then add laughter behind it and see if they join in. It seems innocuous to many but I guarantee you its not to the ones who lived the actual "back of the bus " life.
August 23, 200917 yr Correct. So why do many of us, including me, still say it sometimes? Cause we are all racists???:idunno:
August 23, 200917 yr Author Cause we are all racists???:idunno: I don't believe that for a second. I admitted previously that I've said it without fully thinking of how it might be interpreted by the black guy sitting next to me yesterday. Ignorant? Maybe. Racist? No.
August 23, 200917 yr What are we really saying when we say this? What's the joke? So, if we are not all racists, what is your underlying point to this whole subject. Are you trying to gauge who uses it in a racist way and who is oblivious to the meaning or what?:confused:
August 23, 200917 yr Just thought I'd give this thread a little flare... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mf39A6DVNgI
August 23, 200917 yr How old are you? I'll guess 20s. Say "back of the bus" to any black person over 40 and see what their reaction is. Then add laughter behind it and see if they join in. It seems innocuous to many but I guarantee you its not to the ones who lived the actual "back of the bus " life. So what am I supposed to call the area I am sitting in on the bus when it happens to be the back row? I've also never heard anyone say it as joke either....
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