Is Arab a racist slur?

Question

Is Arabs considered a racist slur? There was a arguement at work today, two ladies were having a private conversation and another lady heard them say the word Arab, and got so offended and started yelling. They apologized somewhat cause they didn’t man no harm by it, but the lady still was heated. So they all got to yelling. She said it was a racial slur, the proper way was Arabic. I dont quite see the difference, but what do you think?

Ms. Mara Collier · Accepted Answer

Well it does sound the same and its hard to distinct Arabics from Persians so I guess you have to ask what they are before you label them. Or just ask whats the difference so that you know

Ms. Mara Collier · Answer

Arab (a person of arabic descent.) Same thing. Now towel head, camel jockey, etc… those are racial slurs, just like infidel is to a muslim. By the way, a muslim believes that all unbelievers are infidels and should die. If arab was a slur, I think Saudi Arabia might change their name.

Ms. Mara Collier · Answer

It probably depends who says it and where you are in the world. The word “Arab State” doesn’t carry any issues, but who says it and who hears it does. The Japanese don’t like “Jap” The comment below about Persians not liking Arab doesn’t make sense….They call themselves Persians out of convenience and possibly cowardliness to avoid American persecution for being Iranian…especially after the hostage crisis during the Carter administration. Unfortunately when a word becomes commonplace for something sensitive, it eventually becomes politically incorrect to use….Handicap is a perfect example.

Ms. Mara Collier · Answer

That other lady sounds like a nutjob! “Arab” is a noun (as in, “George Noory is an Arab”), whereas “Arabic” is an adjective (as in, “A friend of mine studied Arabic literature”). That lady either is an Arab who’s oversensitive about being an Arab and playing the Race Card, or she’s having an exaggerated PMS episode – or both.

Ms. Mara Collier · Answer

i don’t see it as a racial slur, but some people(like this lady) take it offensive. i see arabic as a language, and arab as the race. my guy is arab, and i don’t know how he’d take it, if someone were to call him an arab up front. your question is a good one though.

Ms. Mara Collier · Answer

People learn to play the “race” card early in our country, don’t they? They probably heard the word as a sneer (or wanted to). Someone IS an Arab, but they can BE Arabic. Don’t call a Persian an Arab. They WILL get upset.And I am White, Anglo-Saxon, Irish-Germanic Protestant. Get it right, please.

Ms. Mara Collier · Answer

arab is the person and arabic is the language. I don’t think it’s a slur.

Ms. Mara Collier · Answer

I think it depens on how you say it. Your inflection.If its said with an incriminating tone then yes it would be a slur.

Ms. Mara Collier · Answer

Is Arab A Racial Slur

Ms. Mara Collier · Answer

No its just like white or black right?

Kale Eichmann

Is Arab a racist slur?

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