Power Pros Forum

Something I see quite a bit of in discussion forums is the use of the term "Jap" as an abbreviation for "Japanese." I figure the younger guys simply aren't aware of this (as opposed to just not caring if they are offending anyone), but "Jap" is a racial slur that really should be avoided. The term gained popularity during WWII as a very derogatory term for Japanese people, very much along the lines of how "nigger" was/is used to refer black people - never in a good way. Even if you don't intend it in a negative way, you should understand that "jap" is a loaded word like other racial slurs, and you're likely to offend someone if you use it. It's better to just go ahead and type out Japanese even though it takes longer.

Yeah I knew that but, I didn't think it mattered anymore. Besides no one here is Japanese so who cares.

I agree, it offensive.

Yeah your right. (Sorry Japanese people of the world)

it is offensive, so we'll all stop using it. thanks for pointing this out before somebody really got offended.

I've never used it, but I didn't know it was bad. Thanks for telling me.

It does matter, it was definetly one of the more atrocious things we've done in our history and to someone who was japanese, it is very racist. While there is no question in my mind that none of you used it with any pre-concieved notions of its racism, you shouldn't use it anymore now that you understand. And there is a high possibility that someone on this site, a single user of 1137, is Japanese.

I said I was sorry.

2%* of the earth is japanese, so there are probably quite a few people.

*estimated

It didn't see like much of one mate, I thought it was sarcastic, sorry I misunderstood. The way you said it sounded more like a joke to me. Where did you hear that apple, I highly doubt it.
Plus, there would be at least twice that here because it is based off a japanese game. Finally, if it were only 2%, that would be 24/26 users, which is more then enough not to use it. None is enough for me.

I dont know i mean i have been on many many forums in my life and there is always one point where a topic like this comes up for this word. I normally dont use it but it depends on the forum most of them are allright with it because they understand that 1. Nobody is trying to be racist 2. Nobody is using it in a derogatory method and 3. That the people on the forum are mature and dont care.

If this forum wont allow it then i guess I just wont use it not that i would have any reason to use it

Nah, I didn't post this thread in order to make any "rules" about what you can and can't say, ultimately that's DS' call anyway as far as establishing policy goes. As I said, I've seen it quite a bit on various discussions forums as well (including here), and my impression is that in the vast majority of cases the person using the term "jap" is doing so just out of laziness or ignorance, and not with any malicious intent. Because of that I thought a "Free For All" thread on the subject was appropriate. Ignorance can be forgiven, but once you know something is wrong then there is no excuse for continuing to do it. If you didn't know previously that "jap" is a racial slur, you do now.

I'm not Japanese nor do I have any Japanese family members, so the use of the term doesn't affect/apply to me personally. Whether or not I am offended personally though is irrelevant, what is relevant is that there may be community members, lurkers, or even people that turn up threads in Google searches that would rightfully be offended. There's just no reason to do that. We're an international community here, as many public discussion forums are. And obviously the Japanese background to this series of games means we're more likely to have Japanese people visit. Again, I'm not directing this at anyone in particular or trying to make any rules. So no worries, just some free education and/or a reminder

I agree completely....
(I knew what is was....)

White people would be offended if you referred to them as

Caucs. (caucasian)

Too funny!!!!!!!!

For those that really like to abbreviate, use JPN/jpn instead.



Can you please elaborate on this comment? I am not arguing this point, but just want some clarity to go with your opinion.