I am offended when I hear the word ‘Paki’. Should I always be offended ?
It is a matter of opinion and experience. If you hear the word regularly within your social circles and are repeatedly told that it is simply short for Pakistani just as ‘Brit’ is short for British I dare say your opinion of the word would be rather different from someone who has been chased down the street by youths shouting the word ‘Paki’ and brandishing knives. (An all too common occurrence in 60’s, 70’s Britain)
If you have often heard people of pakistani origin use the word to describe themselves then it is understandable that you could find yourself using the word more freely and perhaps innocently – but very few people who use the word in Britain aren’t genuinely aware of it’s history and connotation.
I say that because too many times when I have stopped a friend or acquaintance mid-conversation for using the word they have launched into a justification “My Pakistani friends use it all the time”.
They have thought this through and are well aware that IF they use the word they HAVE to be prepared to justify it. They cannot – essentially they know it’s offensive. Their Pakistani friends whilst using the word will also have related their experiences of beatings, verbal abuse on the street and discrimination. The word ‘Paki’ cannot be disconnected from these hateful events.
“Well, I don’t get all offended when someone calls me a Brit” a common retort amongst Brits. I say “Have you been openly threatened because you are British, have you been verbally abused with the word ‘Brit’, have you been beaten whilst having the word ‘Brit’ screamed at you?” I suggest not. Therefore the words ‘Paki’ and ‘Brit’ cannot be compared to each other within this arena.
The simple truth is (and it is simple) if your fellow human is offended by this word then why would you choose to continue using it ?
The answer – You continue to use it because you are prejudiced and you don’t care about offending people.
It is not about political correctness this is about respect for fellow humans – you live amongst them why would you wish to create or perpetuate hate.
And if you still can’t grasp this one – Imagine being on the receiving end.