Date: Wed, 29 Oct 1997 10:37:27 -0600

From: "Emerson, Jessie J" jjemerso[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]INGR.COM

Subject: Re: PC Dictionaries?



From Donald M. Lance:



Does anyone still use n-words to refer to the dark-skinned people from

southern India? I doubt it. The original Sambo was South Indian, I

understand, reflecting British racial feelings, but would anyone

nowadays

use this term for anyone except people with some sub-Saharan African

heritage. I think the references to "dark skin" are skirting the

issue of

actual usage. Both of my WV friend's terms could be applied (by him,

BUT

NOT ME!!!, of course) to individuals with rather light skin.



I've heard of desert dwellers in North Africa and the middle east with

darker skin referred to by racists as "sand niggers." Maybe the racist

usage is generally for people with sub-Saharan African heritage, but

with modifiers can apply to other areas. I've never heard the term

above used in any way except as a racist epithet. (Note: I've taught

English as a Second Language for a number of years.)



Jessie Emerson