An Asperger's person walks into a bar ...

Post Reply New Topic

That's because to be called "colored" in the old days in the US meant that you were "black," basically. It was used as an insult, as well as a "descriptor."

It was almost the same as being called the "N"-word at times. At other times, it was the same as being called a "negro."

"Person of color" has quite a different connotation. It has never been an insult---only a descriptor.

"Saloons" in 19th century urban America tended to be seen as being "disreputable" places.

In the Old West, drinking establishments were known as "saloons," too.

"Colored" was the word used on the water fountains for black people back when black people weren't allowed to drink out of the same fountain as white people. Likely why the word has come to be considered offensive.

That's probably one of the reasons...you're right.

It was a weird sort of "polite" way of saying one is "black," or the "N"-word.

People who called black people "colored" instead of "black" or worse thought they were the most enlightened people in the world. I used to know people like that growing up.