There's a lot of historical and cultural baggage with that term in the US. Specifically concerning its use in reference to house slaves and then freed slaves during and after our reconstruction.
I'm from the US and I've never heard of it being super problematic, though I'd consider it a bit dehumanizing to refer to anyone by their job rather than by their name.
I was referred to as 'the help' once. It was said seriously and the person who said it did not see issue with it.
I thought this was an acceptable term?? TIL
There's a lot of historical and cultural baggage with that term in the US. Specifically concerning its use in reference to house slaves and then freed slaves during and after our reconstruction.
Oh. Not from the US, didn't know it was that serious. Sorry
Oh no worries! I just assume that everyone else isn't from the US on Lemmy so I try to contextualize where I can.
I'm from the US and I've never heard of it being super problematic, though I'd consider it a bit dehumanizing to refer to anyone by their job rather than by their name.