Could one of you please explain to me

[TioDiego]

why the term "wetback" is considered racist?

[markbark]

1. Perhaps

because of the intimation that all Mexicans are in the US illegally?


--MAB

[CWebster]

2. Don't you think it is?

It is a slur like nigger, kike, wop - all intended to de-humanize and delivered with cruelty and hate.

[TioDiego]

4. Let me clarify

Why is the term "wetback" when describing Mexicans who are in the country illegally, considered to be racist?

[CWebster]

7. got it

there is 2 ways to read that, you know. ;-)

[TioDiego]

13. I am trying to decide.

[slackmaster]

3. Origin of the term

It was coined in Texas, where the US/Mexico border is defined by the Rio Grande river. A man with brown skin and a literally wet back (from just swimming or fording the river) could be assumed to have entered the country illegally.

In most common usage it refers ONLY to illegal aliens from Mexico or Central America, not to all Latinos. There are plenty of other slurs for the whole group.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

5. "Uncle Diego"...

doesn't understand why "wetback" is considered an insult to the Mexican community? Ummm hmmm.....

[sangh0]

6. Curious, ain't it?

.

[TioDiego]

10. Why do you think that it is?

[Cocoa]

8. how do you feel about the word?

do you think that people should be able to use the word without being accused of being racist?

[TioDiego]

12. I know people who use it all the time that are anything but racist.

[salin]

14. in what context do they use the term?

I have never heard it used in any way that was not derogatory towards those being described.

[DrWeird]

15. yeeees, Tio.

And I'm sure you have many mexican friends.

[donco6]

9. Somehow, I think if you have to ask . . .

. . . you wouldn't understand the answer.

[TioDiego]

11. I don't think you know!

[Ripley]

16. Are you the Jesus guy I heard about?

I wonder if you try to start honest debates about controversial issues or if you are just here to start flame wars.

I believe a few people have answered the question above. Obviously it is meant as a negative term for Mexicans or Mexican-Americans by implying they are NOT here legally. A name like this used for all people of Mexican heritage is considered racist because it is a stereotype. While sometimes the stereotype may actually be true for some in the group being targeted, it is insulting to claim all fall into the category.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

17. It's even insulting to those...

who DO fall into the "steroetypical" category.

That group has a proper name: illegal immigrants.

Period.

[tlcandie]

18. Honestly, why is this even a question?

Why would anyone...who has a brain...want to refer to a person in a 'SLANG' term rather than who they are...Mexicans.

Now, that isn't hard is it? Americans, Mexicans, etc. Having grown up in Texas, I can see it now....

Some old cowboy rustler standing around a campfire spits then starts talking about them there ignorant wetbacks...

Some old rustler standing around a campfire in Africa spits then starts talking about them there uncivilised niggers...

Some old cowboy rustler standing around a campfire spits then starts talking about them there uncivilised savages...

You know all too well how it goes. Funny you should ask...

>Makes for the campfire......<

[TioDiego]

19. So, all cowboys are naturally rustlers?

[radwriter0555]

22. Oddly, the original cowboys were mexicans, who were here LONG before

most of the europeans got here.

The vaquerros taught the white dudes how to use their horses as tools on the open range.

They're still doing it to this day in fact. The Los Angeles County Animal Control ARF, (Animal Rescue Field unit)uses the same roping techniques to round up and catch stray dogs that roam(ed) in herds in many neighborhoods. Thanks to these cools dudes, catching wild dogs is FAR easier. The trucks drive around with their ropes on their side mirrors... They rope em right from the window. They're now traveling to other Cities around the country to teach these same techniques...

I love Mexicans and the Mexican culture. Silly stupid, useless, racists piece of paper or not, they're just as American as I am. I firmly believe they should be given the complete freedom to cross the border and work here without impediment.

Shoot, the native american indians can freely cross the canadian border; it's illegal to stop them in fact. The wallace act or something like that. I don't know why our Mexican friends can't enjoy the same rights. Well I DO know. They have TANS. We know how that works.

[TioDiego]

20. Well, judging by the responses, I will never use it again.

Where I live, "Mojado" is just considered playfull language, and is not meant to be demeaning at all. But, considering what I have heard here, none of you will believe that, and I will not use it anymore. Thanks for all of your responses. Sorry for any panty-wadding that may have occurred.

[Redbear]

21. "Wetback "doesn't have to be racist, but

It has been used so often as a racist term that in general conversation thats the way it will be interpreted.

Same thing with referring to a young black man as "boy."

[donco6]

23. You are dishonest in your post.

There's no reason to post this type of message, seeking to incite people. If you had a reason for asking, you should have included it in your original post.

Grow up.

[TioDiego]

25. Donco

If I incited you, I apologize. It was a legitimate question. I meant no harm. I am grown up.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

24. I find it curious someone with a latin screen name would even need to ask

[TioDiego]

26. Screen Name?

You mean like Ricky Ricardo? LOL!