Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz. referred to Black people as "colored people" Thursday in floor debate over his proposed amendment to an annual defense policy bill, prompting a stern rebuke from the former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Lawmakers were debating a series of GOP-backed amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act, which the House aims to pass by the end of the week.
    • BURN@lemmy.world
      102·
      1 year ago

      This wasn’t bungling it.

      There’s a clear connotation in the US between the phrase “Colored People” and Jim Crowe laws. It’s not a phrase you use by accident or by messing up the correct term. This was a conscious decision to use racist language, and if it wasn’t conscious it’s because he refers to PoC that way or worse in private, which is the definition of racism.

        • BURN@lemmy.world
          2·
          1 year ago

          If you can’t tell the difference you’re being willfully ignorant. “Colored” is the problem in the phrase, as it has historically only been used in racist ways.

          Anyone, especially anyone in government should at least be aware of the historic context of “Colored People” as a phrase and know better.

          He 100% used it intentionally. The Republican Party has a history of racist language when referring to People of Color, including members of their own party. “He’s one of the good ones” is a standout moment from the house speaker elections.

          It’s not wrong to want our government officials to not use racist language when describing their constituents.