Richards revisted: can we all get along?

[KFC911]

Originally posted by Tim Hancock
30 years ago, my grandfather used the "n" word exclusively when talking about a black man. He didn't seem to use it as derogatory label, it is just what he called them. I can remember as the years passed, my grandmother would start correcting him by saying "negro" or colored's. Last time I heard him, he used the word "blacks". Is "afro-american" now the only PC correct way to refer to someone who is black? Are the words: negro, black or colored acceptable anymore in many parts of the country or is afro american the only correct way nowadays?

My grandpa grew up in the midwest and I respect him more than anyone else I know when it comes to morality, so please don't make any assumptions that he was a hood wearing KKK member. He doesn't have a mean bone in his body. .....

Tim, what you describe is typical of many folks that I've known (including many of my elderly relatives) growing up in the south. These same 'well meaning', GOOD people (and I seriously mean that) also didn't see anything wrong with segregation, etc. They weren't/aren't 'racists' per se (as is depicted by the Hollywood stereotype), but were just brought up in a time and place where "that's just the way it was...". Times change... I don't necessarily believe in being PC (for most things), but I simply do not use the word any more. There are still plenty of racists around, and I wouldn't want to be mistaken for one...I can live with being PC on this one .