[Wildcat!]

I read through this thread, so I dont need to explain why its offensive anymore, as setanta, sashown, Ange7 and Digitalsid, have explained it perfectly well. If you want know, the answer to the OPs question, refer to their posts.
Now, for the life of me, I cant understand why some of you folks, insist on using terms that others find offensive, just because you dont want to be restricted in what you can, or cannot say. Ever! Surely, its not difficult to just say mixed race, or whatever other term, thats not known to offend?
But, it is a free country, its not illegal to say, so if you insist, use away. Thats fine, if you want to be considered either racist, or ignorant, because you will. I, and most people that I know, find it offensive, period! But again, like I said, its not illegal, so I cant punch you for saying it, I will only be glad to know what type of person you are. Of course there are exceptions when someone just doesnt know it does offend, as I am sure its the case for some people in this thread. BUt Id like to think that when they realize it offends certain people, they will stop using it. If not, carry on. There are people that carry on Using words like the N word for Black people, or the P word, for some asians. Its your right of freedom of expression. NO one can stop you from doing it.
I also have no problem with someone calling themselves half cast, if they so choose, there is nothing wrong with that, Just like if a black person refers to themselves as a ******. Got no problems with that. But If I was of mixed heritage, someone who calls me half cast wouldnt be a person I would have respect for, or even acknowledge. I tend to just ignore such people.

SO there you have it, you know what it means, you know why its offensive, its your choice weather you want to carry on using or not!

PS: for the person who says its not used in a deragatory way in the US, well Ive got new for you: Its not used, ever! Ive never heard it used there, never read about it, if you asked 90% of them, they woudlnt even know what you are reffering to. I think its mainly because people over there dont really refer to them as mixed, most of the time, even if they are. So that term, dont know about the past, but nowadays, it has completely vanished. JUst to tell you, its not difficult never to use it.