I don’t see the association as particularly unnatural: black = dark = scary because we cannot see, and white = light = not scary because we can see. The use of the term ‘black’ as a negative modifier predates its use as a descriptor for race.
This is the problem. People will choose to ignore context and other grammatical history because of their own personal incorrect views.
It's not like the word "black" is just used with blacklist. We also use it in other places like black market, black hat, and black site. None of these are related to black people, but instead all relate to a shady dark/scary side of things like you mentioned.
When someone pictures a black market they are not thinking something that looks bright and colourful, they are thinking something that is dark and maybe grungy/sketchy looking.
The word policing is something I am really getting sick of.
> None of these are related to black people, but instead all relate to a shady dark/scary side of things like you mentioned.
Isn't it the other way around though? Black people skin is not of color black as in actual black. And white people skin is certainly not white.
It's the naming of skin tone that is sloppy and figurative. While the association of white with light/visibility and black with darkness/unknown is natural.
Yes, a lot of people would identify as a "black" person, but their skin colour would probably more accurately be called "brown". Personally I think the more correct term is African-American, but people choose to be offended by "black" when used in words even though it relates more to the colour than a skin colour like you said.
Overall I think the logic of opposing words like "blacklist" just falls apart logically in multiple areas and I think your explanation is a good example of why.
The oreo itself may not be racist, but it most definitely is associated with racism because of its colors. So I would caution you in using it as an analogy; it may be why your post was flagged.
What? I have never in my life heard of a damn cookie being called racist. That is insane. I am not going to be caution in the least with using that anaology. I am using a cookie to talk about how ridiculous things are and you're telling me a cookie is offensive. That is insane.
Please do not misconstrue what I have said. The term "oreo" has a long history of being used as a racist epithet. There is nothing wrong with using it as an analogy, but in a discussion on racism, it might be better to pick a cookie with a similar color scheme that does not already have racist connotations, such as a Moon Pie. You are, of course, free to use whatever analogy you feel best expresses your point.
Interesting, I will continue to use it as I think it still demonstrates the point. I have never in my life heard of a cookie being used in a racist way. I've heard crackers being used in racist ways though.
