Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
Editorials & Other Articles
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: what's the difference between "you've got balls" and "that's mighty white of you?" [View all]StarryNight
(71 posts)14. yes, it's a figure of speech, but then so is "mighty white of you."
the problem is the origin of both expressions, which is rooted in the belief that one is better than the other; i.e., having balls is better than not having balls, and having white skin is better than the alternative. i certainly disagree with both and i cringe whenever i hear the "balls" reference, especially when it comes from women. way i see it; they're laughing at you, not with you.
Edit history
Please sign in to view edit histories.
Recommendations
0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):
74 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
RecommendedHighlight replies with 5 or more recommendations
what's the difference between "you've got balls" and "that's mighty white of you?" [View all]
StarryNight
Jul 2012
OP
and i suppose all those other folks ought to get past the insults against them
StarryNight
Jul 2012
#30
wow. just wow. and who says that somebody might not genuinely, but ignorantly,
StarryNight
Jul 2012
#17
which is why I like "that takes the balls of a brass monkey." It's got balls and monkey in the same
CTyankee
Jul 2012
#69
so it's a "compliment" to say that a woman is like a man? ok. nuff said. nt
StarryNight
Jul 2012
#20
is aggression, violence, and impulsive behavior really a good thing? maybe in some
StarryNight
Jul 2012
#26
oh, i've been here since the very beginning, but i have this way of getting banned...
StarryNight
Jul 2012
#18
Societal context is what matters. "you've got balls" is never implied to be derogatory of women.
phleshdef
Jul 2012
#32
It's NOT an insult because it's normally spoken by a white person to a white person.
cherokeeprogressive
Jul 2012
#57
It's a distinction without a difference. NO white person says to a black person...
cherokeeprogressive
Jul 2012
#60
Yup, everytime I've heard "that's mighty white of you" it's intended as an insult
Raine
Jul 2012
#62
"You've got balls" is more often used not as a trope, but "that's mighty..." is often used
trackfan
Jul 2012
#58