This Watch: Blingtastic or Ghetto?

[Liane]

Looks like I overstepped a line. Consider me chastised.

 

[monarch64]

Date: 1/11/2010 4:26:35 PM
Author: Sizzle

Date: 1/11/2010 4:12:39 PM
Author: monarch64

Date: 1/11/2010 3:48:54 PM
Author: Sizzle

Date: 1/11/2010 3:39:33 PM
Author: Kaleigh
I don''t love the word Ghetto either.

WOW, I''m not sure why so many people are offended by the term ''ghetto'' iit is a term of endearment for over the top, and is common slang in my group.. most of whom originated from the ghetto. Sorry, I''m not likely to stop using the term anytime soon, I''m just surprised its offensive. I guess if I had originated from the upperclass community and used the term some might find it offensive, but since that''s not the case, and people who know me would NEVER be offended, Im just going to assume that''s a personal problem

Hmm. Look up the origins of the word ''ghetto'' and maybe you will see why people might be offended. It''s not that they are personally offended by YOU, or think that you were trying to be offensive, it is just a word that many people are not super tolerant of, and not necessarily for only the reasons you might think.

Well I stand by my use of the word and I''m not going to go on some research project because a few people were offended. I''d have to do that every time I spoke and that''s just not going to happen. I''m over this discussion and will focus on discussing the watch. If you CHOOSE to be offended, that''s on you.

From Wiki:

[edit] History
The term came into widespread use in Ghettos in occupied Europe 1939-1944 where the Jews were required to live prior to their transportation to concentration and death camps.

The definition of "ghetto" still has a similar meaning, but referring to broader range of social situations, such as any poverty-stricken urban area.

A ghetto is formed in three ways:[4]

As ports of illegal entry for racial minorities, and immigrant racial minorities.
When the majority uses compulsion (typically violence, hostility, or legal barriers) to force minorities into particular areas.
When economic conditions make it difficult for minority members to live in non-minority areas.


Well, hey, Sizzle, go ahead and stand by your use of the term. Doesn''t bother me. Heaven forbid one deigns to research something that''s been brought to their attention.

 

[risingsun]

In response to the use of ghetto defenders: I am not easily offended. I said that in my first post. I did not mention religion because that is not permitted on PS. I understand both uses of the word ghetto. I did not attack Sizzle. I presented her with another point of view. As an adult woman, she should be able to accept that not everyone will agree with her. She is fine with her use of the word. I am not. Let's not turn this into a political argument. Sizzle and I have both made our points.

 

[Maisie]

There are lots of people who post on pricescope. Its a huge community. We are from different walks of life and have different viewpoints and values. We try to be careful about how we post here because it is easy to offend someone. What may be acceptable language for one person can be hurtful or offensive to another. By following the forum policies we can be sure to continue the community spirit that pricescope is loved for.

 

[Shoopy]

Date: 1/11/2010 4:30:05 PM
Author: Maisie
There are lots of people who post on pricescope. Its a huge community. We are from different walks of life and have different viewpoints and values. We try to be careful about how we post here because it is easy to offend someone. What may be acceptable language for one person can be hurtful or offensive to another. By following the forum policies we can be sure to continue the community spirit that pricescope is loved for.

What policies did she violate by using the word ghetto? I''m honestly curious.

 

[purrfectpear]

Please pass the Grey Poupon

 

[Maisie]

Date: 1/11/2010 4:33:50 PM
Author: fiery

Date: 1/11/2010 4:30:05 PM
Author: Maisie
There are lots of people who post on pricescope. Its a huge community. We are from different walks of life and have different viewpoints and values. We try to be careful about how we post here because it is easy to offend someone. What may be acceptable language for one person can be hurtful or offensive to another. By following the forum policies we can be sure to continue the community spirit that pricescope is loved for.

What policies did she violate by using the word ghetto? I''m honestly curious.

I didn''t say that she violated the forum policy. However, I do agree very much with this part of the policy agreement:

Everyone who participates in this forum is "in it together", Treat others the way you wish to be treated.

Someone said they were tired of ''treading on eggshells'', By being respectful towards other members you can avoid hurt feelings. Its not a case of having to tread on eggshells at all. Some posters can be to the point (and many are) without upsetting people.

 

[Maisie]

Date: 1/11/2010 4:36:06 PM
Author: purrfectpear
Please pass the Grey Poupon

What is a grey poupon?

 

[Sizzle]

Date: 1/11/2010 4:29:44 PM
Author: monarch64

Date: 1/11/2010 4:26:35 PM
Author: Sizzle

Date: 1/11/2010 4:12:39 PM
Author: monarch64

Date: 1/11/2010 3:48:54 PM
Author: Sizzle

Date: 1/11/2010 3:39:33 PM
Author: Kaleigh
I don''t love the word Ghetto either.

WOW, I''m not sure why so many people are offended by the term ''ghetto'' iit is a term of endearment for over the top, and is common slang in my group.. most of whom originated from the ghetto. Sorry, I''m not likely to stop using the term anytime soon, I''m just surprised its offensive. I guess if I had originated from the upperclass community and used the term some might find it offensive, but since that''s not the case, and people who know me would NEVER be offended, Im just going to assume that''s a personal problem

Hmm. Look up the origins of the word ''ghetto'' and maybe you will see why people might be offended. It''s not that they are personally offended by YOU, or think that you were trying to be offensive, it is just a word that many people are not super tolerant of, and not necessarily for only the reasons you might think.

Well I stand by my use of the word and I''m not going to go on some research project because a few people were offended. I''d have to do that every time I spoke and that''s just not going to happen. I''m over this discussion and will focus on discussing the watch. If you CHOOSE to be offended, that''s on you.

From Wiki:

[edit] History
The term came into widespread use in Ghettos in occupied Europe 1939-1944 where the Jews were required to live prior to their transportation to concentration and death camps.

The definition of ''ghetto'' still has a similar meaning, but referring to broader range of social situations, such as any poverty-stricken urban area.

A ghetto is formed in three ways:[4]

As ports of illegal entry for racial minorities, and immigrant racial minorities.
When the majority uses compulsion (typically violence, hostility, or legal barriers) to force minorities into particular areas.
When economic conditions make it difficult for minority members to live in non-minority areas.


Well, hey, Sizzle, go ahead and stand by your use of the term. Doesn''t bother me. Heaven forbid one deigns to research something that''s been brought to their attention.

Let me just state for the record, as a BLACK woman who did not grow up weatlhy, I am WELL AWARE of what the ghetto is. This whole "educating" thing is old. Lets move on.

 

[gardengloves]

Sizzle,

Try it on, and just make sure you can read the time in all lighting conditions, that backdrop of diamonds on the face may get in the way of reading the hands.

Even with my Happy Sport, those little diamonds dancing around can obscure the actual time.

Watches are ultimately about telling us what time it is, and although I love diamonds, having them on the face can make it hard to read the time. I like them better surrounding the face.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

No offense, but just because you're black and not from a well off family doesn't mean you get to use a term that's offensive to others, regardless of the context. That's like saying a Jewish person can make inappropriate jokes about the Holocaust because they're Jewish.

FWIW while the watch is blingy and not my style, I think it could be nice if worn with the right outfit in the right setting. If anything it reminds me of something one of the Real Housewives of OC would wear.

 

[wyndham]

Sizzle, I think this watch is awesome! Just some food for thought: as an objective observer, I wouldn't be able to tell whether it was 'real' or not -- might have to do with the lack of numbers and/or other design(s) or logos? If it were my decision, I would get it if it were a fun novelty piece, but I wouldn't break the bank on it (don't know what the pricing is like) because it seems like more of a 'special occasion' type piece that would be hard to use as an everday, functional piece (no numbers).

Good luck deciding -- it's such a fun piece!!

 

[swimmer]

Date: 1/11/2010 4:21:34 PM
Author: So Excited

Date: 1/11/2010 3:48:54 PM

Author: Sizzle

Date: 1/11/2010 3:39:33 PM

Author: Kaleigh

I don''t love the word Ghetto either.

WOW, I''m not sure why so many people are offended by the term ''ghetto'' iit is a term of endearment for over the top, and is common slang in my group.. most of whom originated from the ghetto. Sorry, I''m not likely to stop using the term anytime soon, I''m just surprised its offensive. I guess if I had originated from the upperclass community and used the term some might find it offensive, but since that''s not the case, and people who know me would NEVER be offended, Im just going to assume that''s a personal problem

Okay, Hate to go all Dictionary.com on everyone who was offended by the term ''Ghetto'', but I think that ALL have the ''actual definition'' and the ''slang'' wrong (unless you are Jewish and are truely offended becuase your ancestors experienced prejudice) Please be a little less ''critical'' on the ''acceptable terms'' able to be ''politically correct'' in the threads on this forum as Sizzle was not meaning to be offensive (Which WE ALL know!) She was asking for advice, not to be attacked for the way she asked the poll..



Slang Dictionary

ghetto

1.mod.

super; cool. (Streets.) : He called the iced out pimp 100 percent ghetto.



Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears.Fourth Edition.

Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.

Cite This Source

Word Origin & History

ghetto

1611, from It. ghetto ''part of a city to which Jews are restricted,'' various theories of its origin include: Yiddish get ''deed of separation;'' special use of Venetian getto ''foundry'' (there was one near the site of that city''s ghetto in 1516); Egitto ''Egypt,'' from L. Aegyptus (presumably in memory of the exile); or It. borghetto ''small section of a town'' (dim. of borgo, of Gmc. origin, see borough). Extended 1892 to crowded urban quarters of other minority groups. Ghetto-blaster ''large portable stereo'' is from 1982.




Sorry for the rant, but SOOOO many people are offended SO EASILY on this forum and it is like we have to walk on eggshells sometimes to make sure our questions are ''Politically Correct'' in order to get any opinion or answers to questions...


As for the watch... I think it is a little ghetto (''over the top'' to clarify my meaning of the slang term) for everyday wear, but not to blingy to be an acceptable piece to wear out on the town.


Good Luck with your decision Sizzle

I personally need numbers or something that distinguishes at least 12,3,6,&9 so that I can just glance down and not study my watch intently. But if you can see well enough to do it, more power to you.

My grandparents weren''t "prejudiced against." They were tortured, watched their parents and children killed before their eyes, their community burned, and only one of the four escaped alive. Yes, vernacular changes, but there are certainly ways for clever people to express themselves without stepping into sensitive territory. No, not every term is laced with underlying meaning; it really can be done by people who care about others'' feelings.

 

[vespergirl]

Date: 1/11/2010 3:38:15 PM
Author: BeachRunner

Date: 1/11/2010 3:22:03 PM
Author: radiantquest
I don''t think it is ghetto. Do you know the measurements of the face? 2cts is a lot especially if it is pave. The face of it might be ginormous. At any rate, if you like it, rock it.

For me personally I would not like it because there are no little identifiers of the numbers. I had a watch like that once and I got confused a bit. Could be just me, but I need at least a little line showing where the number would be. I made mistakes thinking it was 7 when it was really 8 and things like that.

This was my first reaction as well. Other than that, I like it!

I''m glad that I''m not the only person who has a problem with watch faces with no numbers on them. For our first wedding anniversary, my DH got me a beautiful "dressy" ESQ watch, but he saw my face fall when I took a good look at it. He said, "what''s the matter?" So I told him, "I have trouble telling time on the watches with no numbers on the face. Is it 4 or 5?" He cracked up, and told me that I could exchange it. But, when I went to the jewelry shop, it was still my favorite watch there, so I kept it, but I only wear it for evening/special occasions. The next year for my birthday he got me a Bulova Chronograph, with more numbers on it than I know what to do with

That said, I think that the watch is very pretty, but I do see it as more of a dressy or evening watch - I probably wouldn''t wear it for every day, but save it for special occassions.

And regarding the other side topic of this thread, I wasn''t offended by the word "ghetto" - I think it''s such a common part of American slang lexicon that I didn''t view it as being offensive, but then again, I''m generally not that concerned about being PC.

 

[vespergirl]

Date: 1/11/2010 4:43:37 PM
Author: Maisie

Date: 1/11/2010 4:36:06 PM
Author: purrfectpear
Please pass the Grey Poupon

What is a grey poupon?

This is the funniest thing I''ve read all day

Maisie, Grey Poupon is a mustard that they market in America as being all French & upper class. I don''t think they''ve run those commercials since the 80s, but your response was classic - you cracked me up!

 

[zoebartlett]

I think the watch is pretty but it would bug me not to have numbers. I''d always feel like I''d be guessing the time and, well, that defeats the purpose for having a watch.

 

[vespergirl]

Date: 1/11/2010 3:37:05 PM
Author: Bliss

Date: 1/11/2010 3:28:16 PM
Author: Sizzle

Date: 1/11/2010 3:20:05 PM

Author: Liane

Not a fan, myself. If I saw that on the street I would assume it was fake and tacky (with the possible caveat that where I live, I do see the CZ version of that on the street on a regular basis, and it''s usually matched with velour sweatpants, earrings I could stick my fist through, and a baby stroller. So there is definitely some situational bias in my response).

I am laughing right now because that was my exact expression when I read it!

Yes, but are the sweats Juicy and is the stroller a Bugaboo? LOL Might not be fake! OK, that was a DF thing to say.

This also totally cracked me up, because that''s me walking around my neighborhood on any given day - raggedy Juicy sweats, pushing McLearan stroller with kiddo in it, sweaty & trying to get exercise, while wearing $25K worth of jewelry & with a Kate Spade bag hanging off the stroller. It doesn''t matter on your socioeconomic class - tacky is tacky

I know that wearing diamonds & sweats together is not normal in most of the country (definitely not where I live now in a WASPy section of VA), but I guess that while you can take the girl out of Long Island, you can''t take the Long Island out of the girl. Us Long Island girls are known for designer bags & jewelry with sweats - that''s practically the official uniform ...

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

LOL I''m glad I didn''t say it looked like something out of real housewives of NYC or NJ...that would have hit a little too close to home!

 

[steph72276]

I also need numbers, b/c otherwise I'll just save the $ and use my cellphone to tell the time, ya know? It's frustrating watch shopping for this reason b/c it seems like all the watches I do like don't have numbers and I would have no clue what time it really is. But I guess if you were to use it as a special occasion watch and not everyday, it would be just fine....fashionable, but not functional.

 

[lucyandroger]

Date: 1/11/2010 4:52:29 PM
Author: wyndham
Sizzle, I think this watch is awesome! Just some food for thought: as an objective observer, I wouldn''t be able to tell whether it was ''real'' or not -- might have to do with the lack of numbers and/or other design(s) or logos? If it were my decision, I would get it if it were a fun novelty piece, but I wouldn''t break the bank on it (don''t know what the pricing is like) because it seems like more of a ''special occasion'' type piece that would be hard to use as an everday, functional piece (no numbers).

Good luck deciding -- it''s such a fun piece!!

This is exactly how I feel about it.

 

[amyholder]

Date: 1/11/2010 3:28:14 PM
Author: risingsun
I don''t care for the watch or the use of the word ghetto. I''m really not all that PC, but I think there are better ways to articulate your question.

oh good grief! when did people get so sensitive about stupid things? just think, if people didn''t use words like "ghetto", then what on earth would you have to complain about?

 

[Callisto]

Date: 1/11/2010 4:49:01 PM
Author: gardengloves
Sizzle,


Try it on, and just make sure you can read the time in all lighting conditions, that backdrop of diamonds on the face may get in the way of reading the hands.


Even with my Happy Sport, those little diamonds dancing around can obscure the actual time.


Watches are ultimately about telling us what time it is, and although I love diamonds, having them on the face can make it hard to read the time. I like them better surrounding the face.

That was my thought too... I feel like it''d be so difficult to read the time on this thing... no numbers and pave dazzling all over the place haha.

 

[Maisie]

Date: 1/11/2010 6:09:44 PM
Author: amyholder

Date: 1/11/2010 3:28:14 PM
Author: risingsun
I don''t care for the watch or the use of the word ghetto. I''m really not all that PC, but I think there are better ways to articulate your question.

oh good grief! when did people get so sensitive about stupid things? just think, if people didn''t use words like ''ghetto'', then what on earth would you have to complain about?

I''ve not seen you around PS much, I see you are relatively new. We are a friendly community here. I''m sure you will see that if you stick around. Everybody is entitled to their feelings. Nothing is stupid.

 

[Bella_mezzo]

I like it. If you like go for it

 

[jewelz617]

This girl didn't ask for a PC etiquette lesson. SHEESH. I like the watch. It's "ghetto" fabulous. If you like it, rock it with confidence.

 

[Lilac]

Personally, not my taste because I prefer a more delicate look. I used to work for an internet-based jewelry company and I often saw these types of watches (and I actually remember this watch in particular). I never found them to be that pretty and to me they often look fake and gaudy. However, if it's your taste you should get it anyway and wear it proudly!

 

[Lilac]

edit - double post

 

[radiantquest]

Is there a return policy? Can you get it because you like it and then if there is a problem with it not having any numbers or it blinds you with the sun you can return it. Again, like I said before, go for it!

As far as the PC of PS...I had no idea that the word in question held that meaning. To me, it seems that more than just the word ghetto have taken on other meanings in modern language.

 

[Imdanny]

I say get the watch if you like it! I think it would be more enjoyable if it is water resistant (like enough to actually wear it in the shower). And I would find out about the movement or (hopefully because it's easier to deal with) battery- can it be replaced? I have no problem with the watch aesthetically. A lot of expensive watch makers (like JLC) put diamonds on steel (or white gold or platinum), either some diamonds for a more casual look (like your picture), or completely covered. Good look with your decision!

 

[jewelz617]

Someone on here told me I was being offensive because I used the word "skinny" once. I don''t like walking on eggshells

It''s totally understandable to get huffy if someone says something lewd or blatantly racist, but ghetto? Really?