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By *ssex_tom OP Man
over a year ago
Chelmsford |
Apparently Eamon called Megan Markle uppity after the Wimbledon thing. Somebody complained. Apparently this word had racist connotations from the 1700s in America so the broadcaster has told it's staff not to use the word. I wonder if he had called Harry uppity then that would of been ok? |
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"Apparently Eamon called Megan Markle uppity after the Wimbledon thing. Somebody complained. Apparently this word had racist connotations from the 1700s in America so the broadcaster has told it's staff not to use the word. I wonder if he had called Harry uppity then that would of been ok?"
I'm not so sure that's true. I thought it was more yo do with social class. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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The phrase "uppity n***er" gets used a lot in Roots and The Color Purple, so perhaps it's best consigned to the bin. Whether Holmes used it deliberately or not, I don't know. He doesn't seem particularly bright, so probably not. |
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"The phrase "uppity n***er" gets used a lot in Roots and The Color Purple, so perhaps it's best consigned to the bin. Whether Holmes used it deliberately or not, I don't know. He doesn't seem particularly bright, so probably not."
The more you know |
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"The phrase "uppity n***er" gets used a lot in Roots and The Color Purple, so perhaps it's best consigned to the bin. Whether Holmes used it deliberately or not, I don't know. He doesn't seem particularly bright, so probably not."
Everyday's a school day!
Its a phrase my Nana used alot (she definitely wasn't racist) I picked it up from her, still use it myself (I'm also definitely not racist) |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"All I can say is I’m usually up to date on all equal oops stuff due to my job. However I have never heard of ‘uppity’ being considered racist!"
On its own it's certainly not, but the phrase was quite prevalent in the US in the 70's after the Roots mini-series aired. I don't think it ever came to the UK which is why I don't think EH used it deliberately. I'm not in favour of banning words - too much like book burning for my liking, but the phrase seems to be "out there" now. Sadly, bigots will always try to find ways to normalise racism or hide it in speech. |
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"The phrase "uppity n***er" gets used a lot in Roots and The Color Purple, so perhaps it's best consigned to the bin. Whether Holmes used it deliberately or not, I don't know. He doesn't seem particularly bright, so probably not."
This is what I always think of when I see/hear the word. Prior to the Eamon Holmes incident, there have been a number of previous controversies where both Barack and Michelle Obama were also described as 'uppity'. The implication is clear - that they don't know their 'place'.
Now quite possibly there's less awareness of the connotations in the UK.... maybe if you're unaware of the historical and derogatory US usage (particularly in southern states) where it's often followed by the N word. I guess we'll never know if Holmes intended to suggest Meghan was simply being grandiose (by refusing to cooperate with photographers) or whether he meant to imply that *because* of her ethnicity she should be more forthcoming, as in, she should consider herself lucky to be where she is due to the colour of her skin!!!  However, to me, it's the second meaning that immediately came to mind and yes, that'd be racist.
He gives me the creeps anyway. Ironically, I've read over the years that he's a bit of a 'don't you know who I am' type (obviously I have no first hand proof of that) and if true, I guess then that it's 'okay' for him to act in an affected superior manner but when a woman of colour behaves in a similar way the 'uppity' description with its negative history was all he could think of  Really that's more than a bit poor, he's getting paid enough to comment upon news stories without using questionable terms even if he felt criticism was warranted. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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It's a bit silly really, we have the word in English, as well as the Americans having it in American, they are similar languages but not the same.
Going out to smoke a fag is a moderately harmless phrase in Pennsylvania just outside Bath, but a Capitol offence in Pennsylvania USA!
Having said that I dont much care for Television presenters, so if you wish it to be declared treason and have him shot, that's OK. |
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By *aitonelMan
over a year ago
Liverpool |
Considering the dictionary definition of the word is "self important" and "arrogant" there is nothing wrong with the word at all. It has been dragged down due to some connections it has had in the past when used with actual racial slurs.
This one gets an eye roll from |
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"It's a bit silly really, we have the word in English, as well as the Americans having it in American, they are similar languages but not the same.
Going out to smoke a fag is a moderately harmless phrase in Pennsylvania just outside Bath, but a Capitol offence in Pennsylvania USA!
Having said that I dont much care for Television presenters, so if you wish it to be declared treason and have him shot, that's OK."
The English language originated in England and is spoken by all English speaking people world wide. There isn't a language called "American", it's English but they put different interpretations on some words eg we say lift and they say elevator. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Considering the dictionary definition of the word is "self important" and "arrogant" there is nothing wrong with the word at all. It has been dragged down due to some connections it has had in the past when used with actual racial slurs.
This one gets an eye roll from "
 
I really think they're dredging for offence. |
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