Talk:Jap

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Contents 1 unequivocally derogatory? 2 Parallel Slurs? 3 Use of Jap by British teachers 4 Additional subject 5 Jap in Japan 6 Jap in Australia

[edit] unequivocally derogatory?

I take issue with this term being reported exclusively as a derogatory slur.

In Australia, the term Jap has of course a strong history of usage as a derogatory term. In light of this socio-political context as a slur - and I suggest this without being trite or disingenuous - there is evidence in (Australian) society that "jap" is also used as a simple contraction, one that in my humble opinion (having lived in Australia and Japan), has gained acceptance in recent years, now that closer relations between Japan and Australia are moving on from the context of WW2. A simple case in point: In Australia, the Japanese Pumpkin variety is popularly referred to as "Jap Pumpkin" No, not by redneck racist farm labourers, but by everyone familiar with the vegetable. ..Even radical left wing student organic co-operatives use the term!

It would be ridiculous to try and assert that the Japanese themselves use this contraction. although, as you can see at the following link, the Japanese are aware of the western contraction for their beloved pumpkin: http://fruitbat.at.webry.info/200608/article_11.html

The term is [also in Australia] often used in reference to Japanese made cars and equipment, often without rascist connotation, but with reverence for their excellent engineering and reliability, without any racist undertones. The manner of it's use more often like a term of endearment than a sneering or patronising slur. The culture of political sensitivity/correctness (whichever you prefer) has kept the contraction from reentering mainstream use. Yes, All of this is incredibly hard to establish in an cyclopaedic format, but for any one researching this term, and reading this discussion, I hope it provides a different perspective... mangonorth

[edit] Parallel Slurs?

To equate the term "Jap" with "nigger" is off the mark, they are not on the same level at all - african americans do refer to themselves as "niggers" both ironically and explicitly. A far better example (and fitting) is to draw a parallel with the term "gaijin", which has a similar derogatory history, and confused acceptance at present. If anyone cany refute this change, lets talk! mangonorth

[edit] Use of Jap by British teachers

Removed the part about use of Jap in english classrooms. I live in England and it's a definate taboo. It's on par with saying something like "paki" - --Wavetwista 22:42, 9 October 2006 (UTC)

Quit arguing in the damn page. There is no citations or proof of Japanese people calling each other "Jap" in Japan. - GZAdmin

This site is full of racial discrimination against us Japanese. Delete it as soon as possible!

[edit] Additional subject

Thanks Tokek! Good extra link that is informative. JungleCat 13:14, 30 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Jap in Japan

Out of interest, is "Jap" considered a racial slur in Japan? Thanks. PizzaMargherita 05:57, 25 August 2006 (UTC)

From the article: "In Japanese dictionaries, the term "Jap" is only defined as a disparaging term used against the Japanese people, like it is the case in many English language dictionaries." The answer would be yes (it's mainly considered as an English word).—Tokek 17:11, 25 August 2006 (UTC)

Ah, sorry, I stopped at the introduction. I have promoted that sentence to the intro and done some cleanup, I hope it's ok. A link to another Japanese online dictionary for "Jap" would be nice. Thanks! PizzaMargherita 17:24, 25 August 2006 (UTC)

I have added a link to an online dictionary provided by Yahoo! Japan, which is definitely a more recognisable brand in the English speaking part of the world than Goo. If you have specific ideas about finding more sources yourself, I might be able to assist you, however right now I don't see the need for too many references because dictionary definitions tend to be easily verifiable and available. —Tokek 05:19, 27 August 2006 (UTC)

No, I think two is adequate, thanks very much! PizzaMargherita 08:15, 27 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Jap in Australia

I know for a fact that jap is used totally without any discriminatory meaning in Australia, it's even used by High School teachers to refer to the language and the people. No connotations implied. Not sure how to source this though. Any ideas? +Hexagon1 ^(t) 08:27, 16 February 2007 (UTC)

Generally, Australia is more "accustomed" to racial slurs. For example, "Nigger" is used as a friendly greeting, especially among friends. This would be completely unacceptable elsewhere. Yongke 04:38, 13 March 2007 (UTC)

I wouldn't say "nigger" is a friendly greeting, not by a long shot, it's regarded as offensive and if a teacher tried to refer to an African language as a "nigger tongue" they would be fired and possibly prosecuted almost instantly. This is not the case with jap, the first time I heard overseas it's a racial slur I was very surprised. +Hexagon1 ^(t) 00:58, 3 April 2007 (UTC)