Offensive term to be replaced as first step towards more changes in unprecedented reform of nomenclature rules

Archived version: https://archive.ph/ppR98

  • tyler@programming.dev
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    4 months ago

    Why is caffra insulting? I’ve never even heard the word before except in plant names.

    • lengau@midwest.social
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      4 months ago

      In South Africa, we’re vaguely aware of the n-word and its meaning in American culture, but the k-word (after which this plant was named) is highly offensive.

      • SPRUNT@lemmy.world
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        4 months ago

        Is the k-word (or close variant) integrated into the cultural language there in the same way the n-word is here?

        • lengau@midwest.social
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          4 months ago

          I really don’t know how to answer this question. It has a major history of dehumanising people and is closely linked to apartheid. Black South Africans haven’t reclaimed the word like black Americans have - they’d mostly rather just see its use disappear altogether.