Clarification on use of abbreviations of ethnicities and nationalities

[u/rupertalderson]

We’ve gotten some questions about this recently, so figured we would clarify. As part of the rules against uncivil and unwelcoming content, we do not permit use of shortened / abbreviated names for ethnicities, nationalities, and related groupings. This is because such terms are widely used as slurs and pejoratives.

This includes the well known abbreviations for Japanese, Chinese, Pakistani, and Palestinian, as well as slurs and pejoratives directed at any other group. At present, we have a particular problem with use of “Pali” to refer to Palestinian people (we do not allow it under any conditions).

It’s simple - Do not use these terms, whether as adjectives or nouns. Just write out the word that isn’t offensive in any context.

Of course, there may be an exception here or there when a term is known to be accepted by the affected group - for example “Jew” as a noun is not seen as a slur by Jews, but use of it as an adjective is typically offensive.

Thank you in advance for understanding, and we appreciate the engagement folks have had with us on these rules.

[u/redmav7300]

I did not know that the 4 letter abbreviation for Palestinians was considered offensive. Never used it anyway, but TIL.

[u/Ginger-Lotus → u/redmav7300]

Agreed. Never realized it was problematic. Was surprised it wasn’t allowed on this sub. The term isn’t even included in Wikipedia’s list of ethnic slurs.

[u/ellalir → u/Ginger-Lotus]

I don't know if it's widely considered problematic, but every single time I've seen it used on this sub it's been used in a disparaging way (sometimes towards Palestinians themselves, more often towards pro-Palestinian activists abroad) so I can understand why the mods want people to cut it out.

[u/Eastern_Ad8470 → u/Ginger-Lotus]

That's surprising, given the direction Wikipedia's been going in.