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LAS14

(15,477 posts) Wed Apr 20, 2022, 03:35 PM Apr 2022

What is the rationale for capitalizing Black but not white? [View all]

I'm not arguing that there is no rationale. I just want to know what it is.

EDIT: I've seen this usage frequently. Most recently in a novel by eminent author Elizabeth George. Her voice, not a character's.
tia
las

41 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

What is the rationale for capitalizing Black but not white? [View all] LAS14 Apr 2022 OP

I don't capitalize either word. Elessar Zappa Apr 2022 #1

I always capitalize colors if they are used to refer to race Miguelito Loveless Apr 2022 #2

Me too nt XanaDUer2 Apr 2022 #40

this should be fun SoonerPride Apr 2022 #3

Scootch over AZSkiffyGeek Apr 2022 #4

I'll bring drinks. 11 Bravo Apr 2022 #9

Heh. yardwork Apr 2022 #11

Why? CrackityJones75 Apr 2022 #14

Happy to tell you my thinking on this. yardwork Apr 2022 #23

Well I absolutely do not agree with anything that you've posted. CrackityJones75 Apr 2022 #27

Do you disagree that Black people have been oppressed for hundreds of years? yardwork Apr 2022 #30

This message was self-deleted by its author CrackityJones75 Apr 2022 #35

Ridiculous question. CrackityJones75 Apr 2022 #36

You wrote that you disagreed with everything I said. yardwork Apr 2022 #39

Ok you are right CrackityJones75 Apr 2022 #41

Not touching this one with a barge pole. smirkymonkey Apr 2022 #28

yup obamanut2012 Apr 2022 #29

Or how about Mars but not earth? (n/t) PJMcK Apr 2022 #5

When To Capitalize "Earth" Edim Apr 2022 #10

Thanks! PJMcK Apr 2022 #15

I thought it was proper form to capitalize both. TheBlackAdder Apr 2022 #6

You might want to read this article from The Dallas Morning News: TexasTowelie Apr 2022 #7

Thanks for the link. Very helpful. Although... LAS14 Apr 2022 #19

I capitalize Black because where I grew up the racist/rube white folks treated them like crud Hoyt Apr 2022 #8

Your answer is more succinct than mine. yardwork Apr 2022 #24

As an editor, I usually try to capitalize both Metaphorical Apr 2022 #12

I think an argument can be made for race descriptors as being a proper noun. Gore1FL Apr 2022 #13

I don't use the shift key. Then I started using iPhone and it randomly capitalizes lowercase words unblock Apr 2022 #16

This message was self-deleted by its author old as dirt Apr 2022 #17

I Capitalize Both Black and White When Using Them to Refer to Race n/t Indykatie Apr 2022 #18

Me too...n/t bluecollar2 Apr 2022 #33

I don't capitalize either one. Dial H For Hero Apr 2022 #20

That is a fairly recent change in journalistic styles. MineralMan Apr 2022 #21

Rationale per the AP Style Guide TheProle Apr 2022 #32

I just read it as the latest shift in group self-identification. Dr. ML King called himself a Negro. Hekate Apr 2022 #22

As a gay person I deplore the tendency to clobber well-meaning allies. yardwork Apr 2022 #25

Thank you. Cuppa coffee later? Hekate Apr 2022 #26

Absolutely! yardwork Apr 2022 #31

"Black" is an identity, white is not, except among racists. Mosby Apr 2022 #34

Whatever someone wants to be called, that's what I'm gonna call them. Mister Ed Apr 2022 #37

This idea that capitalizing Black but not white CrackityJones75 Apr 2022 #38