Do you think the word 'Jap' is a racial slur? This word was used fairly often in '1941'.
In my opinion, I think it is just a abbreviation for 'Japanese'.
*off-topic*
FYI, I've seen a cut scene in which an american spits at the Japanese flag on a submarine.
Nicely put, gmartin -- there's no denying that until 25 or 30 years ago, Nip and Jap still popped up ocassionally in "innocent" contexts. But to do so today would clearly constitute a racial slur. As for the Brit and Yank analogy, think of it this way: Just this week, I saw a tourism ad in the New Yorker in which "Brit" appeared in the headline, and the most successful baseball franchise in history is fondly referred to as the "Yanks." On the other hand, when was the last time you read or heard the word "Jap" in a non-perjorative context?
And to avoid any misunderstanding, I should repeat my earlier opinion that I have no problem with "Jap" being used in its historical context, such as in a period movie like "1941."
Jap Pumpkins!
LOL im only playing around.
I do some what agree with you, i mean i dont use the word jap either, but i was merely stating that its all in the context of the words use, you used a good example saying you saw the word Brit in a tourism ad. I also agree about the word being used in its Historical Context, I mean the word probably should not be used in this day and age but depending on the context makes it a racial slur or not :)
A lot of people consider it a slur. I don't believe it should be one, as it is, simply a shortening of the word "Japanese." I mean, by that logic, calling someone from Britain a "Brit" is a slur. It's complete idiocy.
sharePlease...we are just a bit too PC these days...dont ya think? Don't you dare call me an American...Im not from South America or Latin America. I'm from North America, but not from Canada or Mexico. You better call me a European North American from The United States and dont you dare shorten it otherwise you're a racist. Please....Help. Oh yeah I forgot only white people can ever be called racists.
shareJap, I'm taking it back.
shareHmmm...most often its the kettle calling the pot black.
For example; African Americans have no problem calling Anglos "whitey" or "cracker" but god forbid Anglos use the "N-word".
Its totally whinning about things that are a waste of time.
A rhyme my father taught me when I was young...
Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.
Catch a Jap by his toe.
If he hollers make him say;
"I surrender U.S.A.!"
Apparently it was a quite popular saying during WW2.
It was so commonly used in the 60's and 70's in the USA that it is really hard to say. If it was an epithet, then it was the only one my parents allowed me to use when I was growing up during that period.
shareThere's a difference between a derogatory term and a racial slur. The term "Jap" was definitely used derogatorily. After all, the Japanese were our enemy during World War II. But it wasn't really a slur toward that race. There were plenty of other terms used that WERE racial slurs.
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It is a British assumption that everyone else in the world likes us so most slang terms for Britons are not assumed to be derogatory.
In the case of 'Jap' though, it is safe to assume that at the time the phrase became ubiquitous as short hand for Japanese, it wasn't in the context of "Oh. The japs make wonderful stereos, dont they." More like. "How are we gonna pay those japs back for attacking us and plunging us into war?"
So, in summary: Whether or not "Jap" is an offensive term today, the decision to use it throughout "1941" was entirely appropriate.
shareIt was a racial slur, but became more prevalent after Pearl Harbor.
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JK2:
Does JK2 stand for or represent Jerks off too (two) much? You are just retarded. Probably stays at home all day long with his little fun toy.
BAKA YARO! To your brain look it up =========it is a sneaky jap slur.
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