The word "Jap"

[kipani_mariko]

This has been weighing on my mind for a while, and I've been trying to formulate a post in my mind to discuss the weight of the word "Jap" but I kept putting it off. I feel that I must write about it now before I hesitate yet again

Comments

[kism8t]

A friend told me about it, so I never use that term. ;D

[kipani_mariko]

Thanks :3 I know most people say it innocently with no intention to harm anyone, but seeing the word used here and there makes me cringe a little so I decided maybe I should post about it XD I did see it used in a derogatory way recently on Youtube recently which was quite disturbing 0_o

[pixisity]

This is something that's really bugged me for a while. I know a few ppl who use it in their fics and posts and to me it's offensive. I have friends whose parents were interned (yes, Canada did it too) and it had a profound effect on them and their lives. It's always made me feel uncomfortable, even before I realised there were these sorts of negative connotations to it; it just seemed really disrespectful.

I'll shut up now but thanks for posting about this. It's something I've been thinking about for a long time but didn't say anything about. :(

[kipani_mariko]

Yeah I see it in posts and I try to talk to people individually about it but I figure a post to everyone would be more effective. I don't get too offended since I know most people just have no clue, but it gets difficult to see the word pop up here and there.

My family was lucky to escape the internment camps (since they lived in Japan at the time), but I grew up learning of the legacy of Japanese-Americans, and as you have mentioned, Japanese Canadians as well.

No problem--I figured I'd better post about it before I lose the nerve to again XD

[kipani_mariko]

You're welcome :)

Yeah for a while I was uncomfortable whenever I heard or saw it, and my mother mentioned it to me briefly, so when I learned more about World War II and stuff was when things started to fit together.

Thanks! Yeah I just put that up, and I disappeared for a bit over the holidays too XD

Yes I most definitely am. I hope you are too~ <3

[ixarese]

I know some Japanese take offense about that word, so I don't use it. (:♥

[kipani_mariko]

Thank you very much for that *hugs*

[shounenarisu]

I was aware of the negative past of the term and have never used it, and I feel uncomfortable when I come across it. As you said, most people aren't using it with the intent of speaking derogatorily of Japanese/Japan -- but the negative connotations and history remain, whether people are aware or not. So I think it's great you wrote this post, it lays everything out very clearly.

[kipani_mariko]

I definitely become uncomfortable as well. And you're right--regardless of intent, people should be aware and respectful of those who find offense with the term. I remember a while ago I wanted to go to a ton of forums based on Japanese-related things and tell them all about it XD