Does offensive language get lost in translation?
Negro, ven aca!
That phrase is completely acceptable here in Caracas. But, can you imagine someone in the US saying, “Negro, come here!”
Since early on in my travels abroad, I understood that the word “negro” had very different connotations depending on the country. Each country has its own history and for the most part, the use of it still very common. While I was studying abroad in France, a friend of mine who is African-American was called “negresse” by a driver urging her to get out of his way. She was very upset after the incident and while I somehow felt that it wasn’t the same as if that same person would’ve said it English, I understood her distress. Since I started learning about black history every February in elementary school, I understood the use of the “N” word in the context of slavery and oppression.
Almost every day when I’m out, I’ll hear men call me morena or negrita mostly in the form of cat calls. The other day while my husband and I were playing a game of one-on-one basketball, one of the kids watching would call out “Eso, la negra!” whenever I scored. None of this really bothers me – until I started thinking about people saying it to my kids. I’m old enough to know the differences in using this word. I think I could even tell if someone were using it offensively in Spanish. Luckily, I have yet to feel any sort of racism here in Caracas, but what worries me is that their international upbringing won’t teach them the appropriate and inappropriate use of the word.
Since my kids are not in an American school, they’re not learning the same black history that I did. So most likely, hearing the word will never make them cringe as it does me. Regardless of culture/language though, I think it’s safe to say that black people have had a rough go of it throughout history. Therefore, I either have to drill into them the negative connotation the word possesses in English, or let them grow up feeling that it’s acceptable to use anytime. Both options are not that appealing to me, but I’m inclined to go with the first.
What do you think?
Tags: African Americans, Americans abroad, Cultural Assimilation, Cultural Dilemmas, Cultural Norms in Venezuela, Expat Families, Haitian-American in Venezuela, Immigrant Families, Immigrants
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Hmmmm…
Just my opinion here, but if they now live in Caracas, wouldn’t it be better for you go to go option 2? After all, that is the culture that they live in. Plus, if you went for option 1, the subconscious message being transmitted to them is that being called ‘negrita’ or ‘moreno’ is something to feel ashamed of.
Of course, they should know never to refer to each other using the N word too. I think duality is possible.
Black Backpacker´s last [type] ..A rude awakening- and a day trip to Petropolis
Good point – it's finding the right balance with the duality that can be tricky. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I think in America we may be offended because of our racial past. But we have to remember other countries don’t share our past nor our racial views. My husband, who is Swiss, has no clue about Afr Amer history. Being black in Switzerland, like other European countries (not all), means people of a darker shade. Not necessarily of African descent. So people from Sri Lanka, some Asian countries, etc. may be called black. Just b/c they have a brown or dark skin tone. In US, we consider those of African descent to be black. I remember when I was younger and very dark skinned Cuban got offended when someone called him black. I was young and confused and didn’t understand b/c he was darker than me…I’m black.
I think you have an advantage of being black in S. Amer of Haitian heritage and of American upbringing. U have a lot to teach your little ones.
Kiki´s last [type] ..Playing It Cool
Oh boy, I do. That's what makes this topic so difficult. I don't want them to start having bad feelings about being called black when it's really not necessary. I do want them to know their history (as manu cultures as possibe), because I think that's the way to bring a greater understanding of the world.
I think Kiki is right. We have to remember that everyone doesn’t share the same racial past as the US and that’s probably a good thing. The first time someone called me negrona in Brasil, I was a little taken aback, but it wasn’t meant offensively. I think it’s all in the context. If it’s not meant in an offensive way, then I’m not going to be offended by it. I can imagine that it is tricky when dealing with children though.
At the end of the day, I’m black. If that’s what someone wants to call me, cool.
Shannon´s last [type] ..10 Things All Single People Must Do
"At the end of the day, I'm black. If that's what someone wants to call me, cool. " Well said!
Option three sounds perfect. Now the hard part is creating the "age appropriate" explanation. I was caught off guard the other day and had to explain the Holocaust to my daughter. She is still asking random questions so I know the whole concept bothers her. I find it difficult to sugar coat people being mistreated because of their ethnicity – it is what it is. I'm open to suggestions, though
How about option THREE? Explain to your kids about contexts in the same way that you’ve explained in this blog post? As they get older, you can tailor the message to their age level. Plus, there are a wealth of age-appropriate books out there that introduce kids to these topics. Three is like a combination of options 1 and 2. At the end of the day, they will have to decide for themselves anyway which/what is acceptable.
As an example, growing up in Jamaica there are certain words that we use, even to refer to ourselves personally, that I was shocked to find out are regarded to be offensive by other people in the Caribbean. Based on what they told me, I really had to make up my mind. When I’m around Jamaicans, we use the words, but when I’m in mixed company, I don’t use them. I.e., because I come from a different culture, I personally don’t think the words are offensive, but I respect the fact that they are not kosher for some other people.