Is calling someone “white trash” racist, classist, or both?

[Anonymous]

My neighbors are loud, dirty and obnoxious. They got 4 or 5 unruly kids and 4 dogs that's always barking. They're unemployed and the wife mother owns the rowhome they're in so they're likely living there for free or very low rent. During an argument I called them white trash and in return they called me the N word. I didn't call them that to be racist I just think they're low lives. I feel like what I said is more of a classist statement.

[lightbulb27]

It might be factual. It is offensive to be called that. But such things are all relative to perception.

It is racist, classist. Also, you don't know the reality of that persons plight. They could be much better, and higher functioning, if they had the support.. usually.

So be nice, say something positive and uplifting and see them in their better state, if you are emotionally able to.

[Asker]

I understand what you're saying but these people are just plain lazy and entitled. They're also very nasty people on top of this. We must be real with ourselves about our failures and not blame others for the lives we chose.

[lightbulb27]

which ones are lazy and entitled? the ones calling names generally are. Most people can't see themselves clearly, if they are calling names, they have their own deeper issues.

[msc545]

The term "white trash" is traditionally used to describe people who are white racists. When it's used in that manner I think it is neither racist nor classist itself. Is just a description of certain people's attitudes toward other people.

[Cmurra]

Using a term like that relies heavily on class-based stereotypes, but because it explicitly targets race as well, it often gets categorized as carrying both racial and classist undertones. Situations like that escalate quickly when tempers flare.

[LazerBean]

It's neither. It's not saying that white people are trash, nor is it saying that poor people are trash. It is just specifying that the trash in question is white.

[exitseven]

well, since black people cannot be white trash, it means it is racist.

[Siajanua2027]

Trash is trash, regardless of their skin color

[Chas456]

Except one of those types of trash would be a hate crime, and the other would be accepted.

[FrodoSkywalker007]

Only if referring to saints like @msc545

[Staximus]

Trash is trash, no matter what color

[Staximus]

They are white and trash, it’s simply stating the facts

[Abbycado]

Both.

[BlackFalcon03]

It is.

[Anonymous]

Both.