Quick question on rascism

[hammerman]

Can anyone tell me if the term "pikey" is classed as rascist.

Thanks.

[andy-hughes]

Could be - it's a term used to describe 'turnpike' people - travellers in other words - so it may come within the confines, but i have no legal knowledge to back up this opinion.

[bondgirl007]

id say no use the word all u want

[snags]

http://news.bbc.co.uk.../magazine/7446274.stm

[DrFilth]

people have been arrested for shouting it

http://www.kentonline...ed_in_chant_case.aspx

[vallaw]

I think it's regarded as offensive.

[jackthehat]

As there is no single ethnic or racial group making up the disparate Travellers' groups, I don't think that the word has racist overtones.

Whether it is Offensive, however, is a different matter.

[hammerman]

Thanks guys. Working for Brighton city council, we have to be very careful about using such words...infact we were sent on a course and was told that the term is now illegal under the race relations act (is that right ?). However, the Millwall case in the link above obviously suggests otherwise.

[rowanwitch]

I suppose its a bit unkind to use an insulting term for any group maybe the answer is always If I belonged to thiis group would I want people shouting it at my mum or my children if it feels wrong it probably is

[Barquentine]

Does anyone know where I can find that quiz where you can discover if you are a 'pikey'? It's a few years back now.

[Graham-W]

Do you mean this one, Barquentine?
http://www.theginge.com/pikeytest.html

[IggyB]

Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers are recognised as specific racial groups and I think the term pikey would be seen by most as an insult based on background or group so yes it probably could be seen as racist.

[flip_flop]

Anybody who considers the term pikey to be racist, doesn't properly understand what racism is.

[exdc]

Would you explain please

[flip_flop]

Simple really - the Irish aren't a separate race.

[ummmm]

Not all travellers/gypsies are Irish....

[flip_flop]

Granted, but incorrect allegations of racism tend to relate to the Irish.

[exdc]

Hi flip-flop

This is from the CPS site:

The legislation provides definitions of racial groups and religious groups in the following terms:

A racial group means a group of persons defined by reference to race, colour, nationality (including citizenship) or ethnic or national origins. The definition is wide and victims may come within the definition under more than one of the references. Gypsies and some travellers, refugees or asylum seekers or others from less visible minorities would be included within this definition.