I've flown a good bit and never heard anybody say it.

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.

Couldn't have said it any better. The thoughts that flashed through my mind when I saw the title of this thread.

I grew up with the saying, pot calling the kettle black.

 

I used it in class once and a student that has an African-American father, got upset as he thought it was some racist comment.

 

I had always thought it was used as something meaning an obvious thing.

 

He took it to mean that the pot was putting the kettle down by calling it black.:idunno:

 

I refrain from using it now.

I grew up with the saying, pot calling the kettle black.

 

I used it in class once and a student that has an African-American father, got upset as he thought it was some racist comment.

 

I had always thought it was used as something meaning an obvious thing.

 

He took it to mean that the pot was putting the kettle down by calling it black.:idunno:

 

I refrain from using it now.

 

I'm not aware of any history of "pot calling the kettle black" having a racial background. "Back of the bus" would be completely different IMO.

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....

 

You've never heard it? Maybe your generation isn't aware of it or doesn't even think to use it. I'll take that as a positive.

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:

 

My point is that sometimes we say things without realizing the implications or the history and, therefore, its impact on some even if we had zero intent of using it in an offensive way.

My point is that sometimes we say things without realizing the implications or the history and, therefore, its impact on some even if we had zero intent of using it in an offensive way.

That's why I believe that words that are harmless to some are harmful to others.

How about the term, Paddy wagon?

To echo what UKMustang is saying...I've never heard it either. I am aware of its meaning, but I don't think I've ever heard someone say it as a side comment or joke.

I get your point, Clyde. As a 35 year old who does know history, I didn't link the connection and understand why that it could be viewed by some as an unpleasant reminder of the past...until just now. There's my lesson in how to treat people better today.

 

As a side note from a teacher, there's no place that the students want to sit more, than at the "back of the bus" so for them, it's a good thing. :thumb:

Edited August 23, 200917 yr by True blue (and gold)

To echo what UKMustang is saying...I've never heard it either. I am aware of its meaning, but I don't think I've ever heard someone say it as a side comment or joke.

I think it's a generational thing. It's not something you're going to hear people say very often these days.

How about the term, Paddy wagon?

Well all Irish are trouble makers , aren't they ?

Well all Irish are trouble makers , aren't they ?

:lol:

I'm not aware of any history of "pot calling the kettle black" having a racial background. "Back of the bus" would be completely different IMO.

 

I'm not sure of the origin of "the pot calling the kettle black," but it appears in Don Quixote, written in the 1600's.

I'm not sure of the origin of "the pot calling the kettle black," but it appears in Don Quixote, written in the 1600's.

 

Cervantes must have been a racist.