Caucasoid, *******, mongoloid: Offensive?

Question

Since many diseases are linked to the same genes
that determine skin color, skin color is medically
relevant. Therefore, medical types use terms like
"caucasoid" (white), "*******" (black), etc.

They are accurate, do not imply nationality or
origin.

But are they offensive?

Do you find them offensive, and if so why?

From time to time in normal (non medical)
conversation, it is useful to describe a person's
skin color - would these terms be offensive
to you? If so, why?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

It is a clinical term. I am not offended.

Offense is taken when an attempt is made to offend me. clinical terms are not meant to cause offense.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

When I ask for a survey of opions, I am
loath to select one over others, but this
most closely agrees with me...

I'll admit, however, that I'd rather be
accurate and risk offending people then
be inaccurate and perpetuate problems
in communication.

Pedantry lives on...

Answer 2

I think they would be less offensive than many of the other skin-color related names out there but I might be offended. I guess it depends on the tone & context of the usage.

Answer 3

The words themselves shouldn't be offensive to anyone, it would be how they are used that might be objectionalbe. That's my opinion and I'm stickin' to it. ;o)

Answer 4

hmmm..."oid"-anything is kinda not cool.

and just say "caucasoid" slowly...sounds poop-y.

"*******"...nope, it sounds like a groin injury...

and don't get me started on "mongoloid"...yikes!

Answer 5

they are pointless and inaccurate which is why they are outdated and currently invalid in anthropology. end of story.

oh and btw....those werent specifically black and white..they used "*******" to describe southern/southwestern asians and aboriginals as well....the whole system is ******. which is why it doesnt work.

Answer 6

They just seem to be so old and obsolete. Just because they are still used in the medical field doesn't make them anymore palatbale in general conversation. Otherwise the terms have not real value anymore except in the hands of racists.

I know I'd feel funny using them. I hate calling my self caucasian and almost always use white when I have to qualify my race/skin color.


At least that's my 2 cents!

Dan

Answer 7

I've never heard these used as medical terms. I work in the medical record dept. of my hospital and never have I seen this in a chart nor did I ever see it while I was in college. So yes, I would be offended because it sounds derogatory. Medical types may use this during casual conversation but they better not put it on paper. :)

EDIT: I'm referring to the "oid"part! I do see "caucasian" used. Rarely "*****" though. I prefer to be called "black"

Source(s):

My incredible mind.