[Oliver_W]

Originally Posted by Quantum Boy

This is a slightly tough one because the context of why the term is considered a slur rather than just offensively outdated is mostly specific to the US and South Africa, where it HAS historically been used in a negative way. My impression is that in the UK itself (whilst it's still outdated) it wasn't really historically used offensively (for the mostpart), more just synonymously with modern terms.

Sounds like he hasn't been booted though - he's decided to leave because of the accusation and the implications of it (on him personally and professionally), which is fair and understandable all round.

I would say though... people going on television really need to be especially careful with their words, and often are... not. Like if in any doubt just don't.

It might just be old people "back in my day"-ing, but I've heard that black was once considered a slur, and coloured was a preferred term? Whereas now using black is morally neutral, and coloured is the (um) "off-colour" terminology.

As you say he should have erred on the side of caution. But it's not always that easy - I once used the word "chav" (in a non-derogatory way) around some of my more right-on friends, and they all clutched their pearls and fell onto the fainting couch Sometimes you just don't know, and it's not something that would even cross your mind that you might be using a problematic word.



(I've not seen the latest episode, so can't speak on context)