Although currently used as a racial slur, it was originally a shortened form of "Barracoon," a word first used in the 1800's mostly in the Louisiana Territory and French colonial Africa for a place where slaves, indentured servants, and convicts were kept, usually for temporary purposes such as while being transported. It comes from the Spanish word barracón, (or barracara, the word for hut in Catalan). People took off the "barra" and the "coon" slur was born.
The word barracoon may have been first used formally in a legal case by John Quincy Adams in the case before the Supreme Court known as "The United States vs The Amistad" (like in the movie), which was argued in February and March of 1841.
Although currently used as a racial slur, it was originally a shortened form of "Barracoon," a word first used in the 1800's mostly in the Louisiana Territory and French colonial Africa for a place where slaves, indentured servants, and convicts were kept, usually for temporary purposes such as while being transported. It comes from the Spanish word barracón, (or barracara, the word for hut in Catalan). People took off the "barra" and the "coon" slur was born.
Throughout history, the people in the majority have often tried to demonize and stereotype minorities, whether religious minorities (such as Jews) or racial minorities (such as black people). When white people said that black people were "ignorant" or "stupid" or "inferior," this labeling gave those in power a good excuse to enact laws that discriminated against those who were lower in status-- after all, if a group is not very smart, then it's okay to control them, allegedly for their own good. Of course, this is nonsense-- there is no credible evidence that black people as a race are inherently ignorant. But it was necessary for those in power to believe and promote this notion, because it kept racial minorities "in their place": poor education and poor opportunities contributed to a self-fulfilling prophecy, where most people who succeeded were white, and black people (who were denied equal opportunities to advance), were unable to achieve.
Because they are ignorant still?
At best, you call them "prejudiced". At worst, you call them "racist". Period.
I don't call them any one thing. If I see a man, I call him a man, If I see a woman, I call her a woman. What is the point in calling them any certain label? Black people want to be called by their name like any other person of another race.
people in france never had seen that hat before.
I think it's because being African American is a minority compared to being white. [[edit]] It's because white people have been the dominant race in the past and subjected other races to bad treatment so I believe if we say something to them it is seen as reminiscant of that. However, calling someone black isn't offensive because it's just a fact (although some ignorant people may incorrectly class it as racism). Unless you say it in an offensive way that implies they are below you. [[edit]]
White people are not cooler than black people or anyone else & black people are not cooler than whites or anyone else. Everyone is the same; no better, no worse.
Coon is slang for "raccoon", or a derogatory term used for black people.
Dont ask stupid questions!!! If your referring to African-Americans as coons then your iqnorant and if you mean raccoons then your just dumb. But it dont help things when black people call white people crackers either! We are all people and we all deserve enough respect not to be called names that society deems racist! If your racist grow and get a life and then you wont have time to worry about others skin color!!!
They called us coons to be mean, look in the mirror you don't look like a coon do you, I sure the hell don't.
coons
N.A.A.C.P.
Hannibal Coons's birth name is Stanley J. Coons.
Because of the black coons.
3 coons and bigfoot.
Dana Coons was born in 1978.
Coons House was created in 1850.
Caitlin Coons is 5' 10".
Gary Coons was born in 1951.