We have a habit of shortening words or phrases. Some parts of the Country even have their own meaning for the same word!! Unfortunately, the beauty of the English language falls apart when a certain combination of words are put together, that also have a potentially racist inclination!
Like, in a brief conversation I had with someone recently... I asked what he was upto this weekend..
Now, bare in mind, this chap is a; White, British male, slightly bald, & enjoys riding powerfull - loud motorbikes, you can understand why; despite him not being in any way racist, his reply couldsound a little suspicious:
"Oh, Paking with a bunch of Brownies"....
Now, for those of you who are not at all outdoorsy: 'Paking' is short for 'Back-Packing'.... And for anyone who really needs to know: 'Brownies' are not a bunch of Indian or other Dark skinned race..
In fact, they are the lesser skilled version of Girl Guides...
Although, I'm sure nowadays, with all the P.C awareness & overblown worrying, the term: 'Brownies' has been abandoned...
I can't for the life if me think why??
Strangely, the boys version if these outdoor persuit groups are called:
Beavers (for the youngsters) & Scouts (for the older,.more experienced)...
Personally, why we opted to call the young boys group, Beavers rather than the girls.. because... well.... do I really need to spell it out?!!
Saying that, I don't think calling the young boys, Brownies would assist in their upbringing.. As... Well... Wouldn't you as an outsider, have teased them on being a bunch of Bum-bandits?!
Come on: Brownies...?!
Stealing eachothers fudge!
No comments:
Post a Comment