The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #122763   Message #2695437
Posted By: Midchuck
07-Aug-09 - 09:58 AM
Thread Name: Anti-Semitism : A Mon Like Thee
Subject: RE: Anti-Semitism : A Mon Like Thee
Ching-chong Chinaman, he's got a curlicue,
And he'll get my job some day,
'Cause he works like the devil owned his soul
And settles for half the pay.


Utah Phillips. I don't think many people would accuse Utah of having been racist. On the other hand, his character, the 1860s Irish immigrant railroad worker who's singing the song, certainly was - like many groups who are victims of discrimination, seeking someone else to discriminate against in his turn.

So how do you make that point without using what appears to be racist language?

Peter.