Iggy Pop and the (Slurry) shop.

[InsaneApache]

Now I like Iggy. I've been a fan of his since the early 70s because of this, I shall give him the benefit of the doubt about his outburst. He probably didn't know that what he said could be construed as racist. The thing is, is it?

The BBC has apologised after rock star Iggy Pop used a racist term during the coverage of the Glastonbury Festival.

During a studio interview after his performance, the veteran musician made the remark while talking about visiting shops in north London.

In the interview, the singer launched into a long anecdote about going to Camden, and visiting "Paki shops".

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6238680.stm

I can remember a few years ago, whilst having a conversation with 'Mom' about the USA and I said the word 'spic' which I just thought was an abbreviation of hispanic. I was quickly disabused of that notion.

So, is Iggy a racist or just as ignorant as the rest of us?

[KukriKhan]

I can remember a few years ago, whilst having a conversation with 'Mom' about the USA and I said the word 'spic' which I just thought was an abbreviation of hispanic. I was quickly disabused of that notion.

I had the same experience using the p-word among some Brits, who likewise quickly disabused me of that notion. I too thought it was a harmless abbreviation. I don't use it anymore after that education.

I don't know if Iggy's a racist - but you'd think he'd be aware of his environment, and people's sensitivities. O'course he's built a career on outrage and rudeness, right?

BTW, I'll welcome any UK advice on whether we should amend the thread title.

[Pannonian]

I had the same experience using the p-word among some Brits, who likewise quickly disabused me of that notion. I too thought it was a harmless abbreviation. I don't use it anymore after that education.

I don't know if Iggy's a racist - but you'd think he'd be aware of his environment, and people's sensitivities. O'course he's built a career on outrage and rudeness, right?

BTW, I'll welcome any UK advice on whether we should amend the thread title.

"No cute fluffy kittens in this thread - move on".

BTW, does anyone remember that performance he did on The Word, wearing nothing but clear plastic? The slight of that old wrinkly, virtually naked, gave me nightmares.

[Strike For The South]

EDIT: In response to your question, yes, both are offensive terms. BG

Oh sorry

[Banquo's Ghost]

Discussion of potentially offensive remarks and words is always a challenge, so I would urge great care in responses.

The word in question has been left in IA's post because it is pertinent to the discussion, but that does not give carte blanche to then throw out other terms asking: "Is this offensive?"

Please note that like the n-word in the USA, the term being discussed is highly offensive to many when used by someone outside the group referred to, but often accepted by the community using it about themselves. Let's not repeat it unnecessarily.

Thank you kindly.

[Louis VI the Fat]

Oi, I never realised that this four letter abbreviation was an offensive term. Is 'Pakistani' offensive too? What is the common / proper word?

Edit: Is Desi used in English too?

[InsaneApache]

Oi, I never realised that this four letter abbreviation was an offensive term. Is 'Pakistani' offensive too? What is the common / proper word?

Edit: Is Desi used in English too?

Generally the terms Asian or south Asian are used by the media here, when discussing folks from the Indian sub continent.

The only Desi I know of was married to Lucille Ball.

[R'as al Ghul]

I think he just didn't know that the abbreviation is an affront in the UK. (and probably elsewhere, too) That's sad but I don't think that the problem is so well known in the States. The Article says that he has visited the shops so he doesn't seem to loathe the shopkeepers. Punks aren't generally known to be racists and I don't think Iggy is one.