[Blammo23086]

An African-American co-worker called me ‘boss’ today. I know I make less than he does. It made me feel like calling him ‘underling’ next time I see him. It should be noted that I’m a touchy guy and that the sarcastic greeting ‘chief,’ which is mainly used among whites, also sets my teeth on edge. Nonetheless, I’m not incorrect that ‘boss’ has a racial tone to it, am I?

User Detail :  

Name : Blammo23086, Gender : M, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Atheist, Age : 28, City : Chicago, State : IL, Country : United States, Education level : 2 Years of College, Social class : Lower middle class, 

[Kimberly]

Maybe it wasn’t race-related? My hubby says ‘Buddy’ and ‘Guy’ alot. Maybe it’s in the same sense? I can’t imagine someone using the term ‘boss’ in a race-related manner. That would be rude. Have you asked him what he meant? I think I would do that.

User Detail :  

Name : Kimberly, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Christian, Age : 31, City : Kalispell, State : MT, Country : United States, Occupation : emergency, Social class : Middle class, 

[dimmel]

My response would be to, lighten up!!! I think that a lot of the problems we have relating to each other, these days, is that our awareness of differences have become so hightened, that it’s made us more ‘sensitive’ than we need to be. I use the term ‘Boss’ on occasion to my boss and I have absolutely no, racial connotation associated with it’s use. So, relax.

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Name : dimmel, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Religion : Catholic, City : Denver, State : CO, Country : United States, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[ACC25115]

I’ve mostly heard ‘boss’ or ‘boss man’ or even ‘big boss man’ used as slang for a prison guard or county jailer. It sounds to me like he could be implying you have that attitude toward him, as someone who thinks he needs to be kept in line. Of course, there are racial overtones to that, as most guards are white and most men in prisons are not.

User Detail :  

Name : ACC25115, Gender : M, Race : Mexican and American Indian, City : Phoenix, State : AZ, Country : United States, 

[Jon27117]

What if you’re right and boss is commonly used by African Americans to assert moral and social superiority over whites who more often than not ignorantly take it as a compliment? Do you think as a White person you have the right to come on here and expect your outrage to be taken seriously?

User Detail :  

Name : Jon27117, Gender : M, Race : Black/African American, Religion : Catholic, City : Kansas City, State : MO, Country : United States, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Marron-Bella22141]

I don’t think that that fellow meant to it as a racist term. I am black and I hear a lot of black men say that. They even call each other ‘boss’. It’s just a cultural thing.

User Detail :  

Name : Marron-Bella22141, Gender : F, Race : Black/African American, Age : 24, City : Anniston, State : AL, Country : United States, Occupation : Customer Service, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Lower class, 

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