the only way i can find the word gaijin offensive is if a stranger just calls for you by saying ”おい, 外人！(hey, Gaijin!)" but that would be kinda rude or more strange. even if you replace the slang with the official word "gaikokujin" or even in english... "Hey Foreigner!" it's just wierd. Is that what's going on when I hear about people getting offended when they are CALLED A GAIJIN? cuz then I can understand that it may be offensive.
It annoys me when I am called gaijin by Japanese (Jap?) abroad. It is even in an English text book for JHS (the kid goes abroad and sees so many "gaijins").
Younger Japanese are taught that its politically incorrect... I think we need to distinguish between a "slur" vs. "non PC" (insensitive language). Older Japanese I've interviewed said they don't associate it as having a negative context. The younger & more educated you get, the less likely they're to view it positively. In general, in formal/business relations its generally agreed upon as NG.. Informal is where the debate arises.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this subject Matt . This is something I'm glad to put more time to thinking about also. My Japanese friends also rarely use this word and my foreign friends - not so much either, it's patchy. I usually have a sense of the negative connotations when I use it or hear it used - however for me at least it is still several notches below the N word.
I also agree with you that the general consensus about it's use is solidifying in the "not a good word" camp.
Thinking about this some more....You can't really compare it with the N-word. It just doesn't have the history. Yes, it is slang but there are tons of slang words that you can't really say in speeches. You wouldn't say "dude" in a speech either. BTW could you PM me links to anything backing up your statement that it is historically an insult to foreigners? As far as I know it's just a shortening of the formal 外国人。
I agree that gaijin does not carry the same weight as the N-word and other Japanese words. I didn't mean to give that impression. However, and also in answer to your second point, it is still regarded as a taboo word (wouldn't you agree?). 'Dude', a neutral word, will be found in speeches (inc political ones) if only for a joke. On the other hand, all racially taboo words (eg J*p, n*g-n*g) are excluded from the public realm.
@Gimmeaflakeman 2 My historical point is maybe a bit weak. I have built up my picture of the word and its context from reading a variety books so I can’t direct you to specific websites. I will look though. Many historians have referred to Japanese self-perception as historically being inherently superior and exclusive (e.g. E.O Reishauer, The Japanese Today). So maybe we should avoid exclusory words capable of pejorative use such as 'gaijin'?
@Gimmeaflakeman Best approach is to survey Japanese people... What I'm finding out is that its definitely NG in formal Japanese. After that, the meaning varies according to age and educational level if you ask the person, "Do you associate the word as good, negative or neutral?" My personal opinion: Native speakers should determine the meaning of the words in their own language, not be told how to speak it -- *that's* IMHO is racist.
Some friends of me actually got insulted with the "G"-word in Japan. My friend accidentaly stood on the food of a Japanese girl on a concert and she apologized and that Japanese girl thought she couldn't understand her and used the "G" word as an insult. When my friend turned around and said "...I can understand you, you know?" she was shocked, bowed down and apologized for being rude. You see, Japanese people can be kinda insincere.
interesting..... I hadnt really thought about it that much... When you made comparisons to other terms for other races it kind of made me think about it differently, because I would never say those things in my country.... Although I would never be offended by this directly unless it was in a delibirately offensive context, but I definately believe its inappropriate for someones boss or a politician to use this word.... Interesting points
@Gimmeaflakeman Ta very much! A compliment from you on this topic is very much appreciated. Bonus points as well for being the first person to ever make a comment on one of my vids too!
the only way i can find the word gaijin offensive is if a stranger just calls for you by saying ”おい, 外人！(hey, Gaijin!)" but that would be kinda rude or more strange. even if you replace the slang with the official word "gaikokujin" or even in english... "Hey Foreigner!" it's just wierd. Is that what's going on when I hear about people getting offended when they are CALLED A GAIJIN? cuz then I can understand that it may be offensive.
MrJJ1018 1 month ago
It annoys me when I am called gaijin by Japanese (Jap?) abroad. It is even in an English text book for JHS (the kid goes abroad and sees so many "gaijins").
mrbeanbag 1 month ago
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I really enjoyed you video, it was really well said, and straight to the point!!
KenshinNihon 4 months ago
Comment removed
KenshinNihon 4 months ago
Younger Japanese are taught that its politically incorrect... I think we need to distinguish between a "slur" vs. "non PC" (insensitive language). Older Japanese I've interviewed said they don't associate it as having a negative context. The younger & more educated you get, the less likely they're to view it positively. In general, in formal/business relations its generally agreed upon as NG.. Informal is where the debate arises.
EddieLandsberg 5 months ago
it depends how you say it. i can only speak for myself, but the affectionate use of "gaijin" never offended me.
hatsudai69 5 months ago
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this subject Matt . This is something I'm glad to put more time to thinking about also. My Japanese friends also rarely use this word and my foreign friends - not so much either, it's patchy. I usually have a sense of the negative connotations when I use it or hear it used - however for me at least it is still several notches below the N word.
I also agree with you that the general consensus about it's use is solidifying in the "not a good word" camp.
joatiurf 5 months ago
Thinking about this some more....You can't really compare it with the N-word. It just doesn't have the history. Yes, it is slang but there are tons of slang words that you can't really say in speeches. You wouldn't say "dude" in a speech either. BTW could you PM me links to anything backing up your statement that it is historically an insult to foreigners? As far as I know it's just a shortening of the formal 外国人。
And it is not near the level of 野蛮人 or 三国人.
Must explore more. Thanks again.
Gimmeaflakeman 5 months ago
@Gimmeaflakeman 1 'Must explore more.' I agree. Damn.
I agree that gaijin does not carry the same weight as the N-word and other Japanese words. I didn't mean to give that impression. However, and also in answer to your second point, it is still regarded as a taboo word (wouldn't you agree?). 'Dude', a neutral word, will be found in speeches (inc political ones) if only for a joke. On the other hand, all racially taboo words (eg J*p, n*g-n*g) are excluded from the public realm.
Sarusource 5 months ago
@Gimmeaflakeman 2 My historical point is maybe a bit weak. I have built up my picture of the word and its context from reading a variety books so I can’t direct you to specific websites. I will look though. Many historians have referred to Japanese self-perception as historically being inherently superior and exclusive (e.g. E.O Reishauer, The Japanese Today). So maybe we should avoid exclusory words capable of pejorative use such as 'gaijin'?
Sarusource 5 months ago
@Gimmeaflakeman Best approach is to survey Japanese people... What I'm finding out is that its definitely NG in formal Japanese. After that, the meaning varies according to age and educational level if you ask the person, "Do you associate the word as good, negative or neutral?" My personal opinion: Native speakers should determine the meaning of the words in their own language, not be told how to speak it -- *that's* IMHO is racist.
EddieLandsberg 5 months ago
Good points. I like your video. Keep it coming!
CubeCubesen 5 months ago
I agree with all your points. Really well put.
ig249 5 months ago
外車
snugasabuginarug 5 months ago
Some friends of me actually got insulted with the "G"-word in Japan. My friend accidentaly stood on the food of a Japanese girl on a concert and she apologized and that Japanese girl thought she couldn't understand her and used the "G" word as an insult. When my friend turned around and said "...I can understand you, you know?" she was shocked, bowed down and apologized for being rude. You see, Japanese people can be kinda insincere.
iiCHiiMAN 5 months ago
@iiCHiiMAN *foot, not food! Sorry haha
iiCHiiMAN 5 months ago
Great first video sir!!
steveomcbigarms 5 months ago
I certainly learnt something! Esp me being non Japanese so I cant drop the G bomb when I see fit. Thank you
Seanuk 5 months ago
interesting..... I hadnt really thought about it that much... When you made comparisons to other terms for other races it kind of made me think about it differently, because I would never say those things in my country.... Although I would never be offended by this directly unless it was in a delibirately offensive context, but I definately believe its inappropriate for someones boss or a politician to use this word.... Interesting points
daniichann88 5 months ago
Gonna feature this on my channel for a few days, I think it's a solid video, hope you get some views from it :)
TokyoZeplin 5 months ago
Nice video man. I like the viewpoints expressed but I can't help smiling when you say Gai-cocku-jin ;D
OtakuViking 5 months ago
Solid video man.
TokyoZeplin 5 months ago
Good points. Damn. Thanks for the video response.
Gimmeaflakeman 5 months ago
@Gimmeaflakeman Ta very much! A compliment from you on this topic is very much appreciated. Bonus points as well for being the first person to ever make a comment on one of my vids too!
Sarusource 5 months ago