Doesn't NAACP stand for the National Association of Colored People? I know the organization was founded at a time when that was the term to use, but I've always

r'jae price is that you?

Thank you for taking the time to address my question, R'jae. Much appreciated.

Thank you R'jae. Well said.

I can answer the questions surrounding the issue regarding which is more politically correct- people of color or colored people. As a person of color, I find the term person of color preferable and not offensive because it is a term that my group coined to describe ourselves. The term colored people has a negative connotation to it, particularly from a historic standpoint.

Remember fountains were labeled for "coloreds or colored people only" to separate who could drink from where. Entrances to public places and public seating areas were labeled "for coloreds or coloreds only." In conversation during that separate but equal period of time, white people would use the term coloreds and not in a tasteful way. Though the use was not as offensive as the "n" word it still has a certain sting to it because it is associated with the separate but certainly not equal social practices of the early parts of the 20th century.

Just as in the 60's the black power movement coined the term Black and then in the late 80's Jesse Jackson coined the term African American as a more positive label, the term people of color also was coined as a positive reference to non-whites - by non-whites. People of color became more of an embracing term to all races who do not consider themselves white or Caucasian, but who also did not identify with being called African American.

Because the term was coined by a non-white group and not as a means to be offensive it is considered more acceptable to use.

Thus I call myself a person of color but I would not call myself a colored person and would feel a sting if someone addressed me as such.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored people is the name of the NAACP and the name is embedded in its history and legacy. It shouldn't be changed.

I commend everyone for the back and forth on this issue. I don't think this is a matter of being politically correct. I think this a matter of being politically and socially sensitive.

Whatever race or ethnicity we are, we all have distinct histories and legacies. It's just smart for us to cultivate an understanding of who we are. And certainly names and labels tie into that identity.

I like to travel and I certainly would not go into another country and use a term for one group that is considered offensive. I would do the research to understand the culture and differences and learn what is acceptable and what is not. The people I visit would certainly appreciate me for that.

T.J., you seem passionate about this; can you answer my question? Why is the term "colored" so offensive, when "people of color" is not? I am not trying to be smart. I honestly don't get it.

Anonymous,

Here is a very "chill" response that is very candid, honest and accurate:

Clearly you never watched MSNBC. If you did you'd easily see its partisanship. If you can't admit that, I know where you stand, and you are certainly not being honest. I will be totally honest with you. I know if a Fox Anchor had made this gaffe, the NAACP and this board would be exploding with outrage. MSNBC gets a pass here on this site and from the NAACP because all share a larger political agenda that a "gaffe" like this won't be permitted to interfere with. This is not to take away from how I feel personally on the matter. It is one thing to deal with blatant and abhorrent low-end racism, but quite another to deal with the odd mix of hypocrisy that drives certain “progressives” to find ways AFTER the incident to minimize or justify use of the term “colored” in 2009. I am convinced this can only happen if they truly know what they are doing, and that to me is without question an ugly mutation of racism, more suited to elitists. Defend the use of the term “colored” all you will. You only prove my point. Based on this, which really shocked me, I think MSNBC would get a pass if they flew the Dixie Flag on the top of the building. My apologies to you if I am not “chill” enough on this issue but both the offense and the related hypocrisy are glaring.

TJ, don't you feel silly? Do you know for a fact that the anchor is a Democrat? Do you know for a fact that he's bigoted, or did he just make a foolish mistake? Or are you letting your own biases shine through?

Yeah, Alexander goofed. It happens on the air, and I've seen much worse than this. I'm sure the NAACP has, too, because if this were of any consequence, you can be damned sure they'd have raised the issue. The fact that they didn't speaks for itself.

Chill.

Oh, FWIW, real bigots don't apologize for their remarks.

John,

I'm not after politically sensitive here. I'm after what's right. The use of the term "colored" is wrong and went out with the era of segragation and lynchings. As for the idiot at MSNBC, I stand by the term. It's more tasteful than what I really think of him. His party registration is Democrat. He workds FOR MSNBC! They don't hire anything else. If you are so politically sensitive, why don't you state your case for "colored" in front of a room full of African Americans. Be aware though, they might get politically incorrect and insensitive with you, and I'd be right with them.

Doesn't the name say "Colored People"? Isn't that in the name of the organization? Why is his remark different from juxtaposing any other words in a lengthy title? The organization has kept that phrase in its name through civil rights, political correctness and into the 21st century.

Oh, Sorry, TJ, your attempt at insight shows just how politicially insensitive some people can be. Deciding from two words that an anchor is an Democrat and then resorting to calling him an idiot. Isn't THAT politically incorrect!

What the heck is the difference? "Colored people" is right there in the title. What am I not getting here? People of color= colored people. Am I crazy?

Why don't we all just give this idiot a pass. I'm sure he didn't mean it. Hey, it's in the name of the NAACP. Hey, what's wrong with "colored?" At least he nailed it the second time. C'mon!

Just because he's on MSNBC and a registered Democrat doesn't make this guy above proper scrutiny. He demonstrated true ignorance and condescension here. That kind of slip can't happen if the speaker's head is on straight. His apology didn't nail it because he never explained his mistake and he juxtaposed some words "people of color" to make it appear that's what he meant to say in hind sight. He's an idiot and based on this very possibly a bigot in private.

Maybe if Alexander wasn't so busy trying to jump through grammatically convoluted PC phraseology and simply said "black Americans" he wouldn't have to go on a grovel tour.

I know I'm going to sound naive here, or may just stupid to some people, but why is "colored people" offensive? My intention is not to be snide or sarcastic at all, I'm trying just asking the question. Thanks.

Doesn't NAACP stand for the National Association of Colored People? I know the organization was founded at a time when that was the term to use, but I've always wondered why they haven't changed the name. I don't think Peter Alexander meant to cause any pain, but he may have been thinking of the name of the organization when he used the phrase "colored people."