OT:Is "Ricer" a derogatory term?

I am truly not attempting to start a war but I am wondering? Does this term imply that the makers of such cars eat a lot of rice? I am not personally offended by it but I am uneasy b/c it could possibly be insensitive to others? Are Porsche's Braughtwersters? Are Ferrari's Meatballers? Flame suit on......now!

Some find it derogatory, some don't. I have yet to see it used in a positive context so I'd say in general it is used to classify certain cars and their drivers in a derogatory manner.

I think before you draw conclusions about the term 'ricer', you should visit other Italian and Japanese car forums, and get an overall tone of their "terms". I think it all balances out in the end.

To non-asians, the term is probably non offensive because they don't know any better. But to asians born in this country, it's very derogatory. Asians tend to be less outspoken about racism than most, but think about it . . . if you had a mexican friend, do you think he'd be offended if you referred to his car as a beaner-car? how about asking a black guy about his watermelon-mobile; ask a german guy about his kraut-car. I suspect people who think the term "ricer" isn't derogatory don't know any "ricers". I've also never read a post on this board about ricers that didn't refer to them in a derogatory way.

Well I'm a halfer but my origin is of Filipino. I call people ricers or cars that fit the description of a ricer. I don't take it in any derogatory way but then again I'm not a believer in this particular art form either so I call these "people" out if needed. I call white, black, yellow, red, green people ricers if they are into that kind of thing. I have Mexican friends and African American friends Puerto Rican and Vietnamese and German friends and whatever else is out there. We all call each other things that most people on the outside would get there butts whooped for but in the military you build a close family and we all learn who is comfortable and who is not with the way we call each other. It just all depends on who you talk, when you talk to them and how they or others percieve it. I would definately not speak outloud and shout Ricer to someone or any other term unless i was looking for a fight. If i offended anyone sorry in advance. harrY White Rice...German soul.

When you cal a car a "ricer", you are saying that it is not a nice car, possibly even an atrocious car. I don't believe you will ever hear a statement like "Look at that gorgeous ricer!!" So, in response to the question, is it derogatory, the answer is that the term ricer is most definitely derogatory. The question then becomes, is it racist? The term "ricer" was coined to denote the cars that were made in Japan or Korea that were subsequently modded and are abnoxious to the observer. You can ask 100 people what car brand comes to mind when you say "ricer" and 100 of them will come up with an Asian brand. Ask those same 100 people what country or race comes to mind, and 100 will say some Asian country. We can safely say that "ricer" would indicate the Asian culture where rice is the staple food. We can define a term racist if the term pertaining to a race or a race's cultural character is considered derogatory. Therefore, the term ricer is most definitely racist. If, lets say, one of the African nations built a car, would you call it a "******"? Why don't we call our cars "****'s" and place swatika decals? The term "ricer" most defintely belongs in the same category as ******, slant-eyes, gook and what have you. Shame on anyone who uses the term and not realize it is very definitely racist. My mother is from the USA, my father is from the Philippines. I was born and raised in the Philippines. I am a Filipino. I am not a "halfer", nor "mestizo", nor anything other than a Filipino national who chose to reside in the US as an American citizen. I am 6'2", 198 lbs, fit as a fiddle, and will gladly show anyone foolish enough to call me a "ricer" the error of his ways.

And if you were of Irish extraction (as I am), it could be called a "spud-er", as in "my car spud-ers from time to time." New Zealander... Kiwi-er (that's hard to say). Canadian...Canucker or puck-er? French...Frogger? Not all of these terms are derogotory - some are kinda friendly. I never met a Kiwi who didn't mind being named after a small, hairy, flightless bird or a fruit that looks like a camel's..well, you know.

Kiwi's are cute.

Does da bling bling man say look at that cracker car

Interesting, I've never heard the term applied to people. Originally, didn't the term come from motorcycles? I remember early Harley owners talking about Hondas, Suzukis and Kawasakis, first as "rice burners," then, when they got faster, as "rice rockets," then just as "ricers." Obviously a reference to little, low power engines (when the Honda 90s first arrived in the U.S.) and obviously a reference to the Japanese diet. And obviously meant to be derogatory. But I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings so, from now on, I won't call them "ricers." From now on, they're "sake jockeys!" Dain

So, that way they can "sake" to me.

My feelings were that the term "ricer" is ONLY used in terms of cars and in no other situations. where as the terms "******", "****" etc. are used in all derogatory ways. But, if Palting (who has been extremely level-headed in all his posts) you find it racist I will stop using that term. i apologize for my ignorance.

Palting thank you! my hope in starting this discussion was exactly this...That board regulars would help bring clarity to something that needed it. I agree with your conclusions on the origin of the term and its connotations being both derogatory and racist. As with most things deemed racist, something is judged racist by the intent of the speaker and the perception of the recipient. e.g. my black friends tend to pepper there speech to other blacks with "****** this" or "****** that" (or should i say "***** dis" and "***** dat"...levity ) There seems to be some unspoken understanding between my white friends and I b/c they tend not to use the "n" word in my presence. For me there are few context in which it doesn't sound insensitive coming from there mouths...This may be my weakness...if only in perception. The one point I would like to clarify is that I think there are levels of hateful words e.g. I find Watermelon mobile kind of funny but ******-Rig or the like I find hurtful and damaging. I think for me it has to do with the history behind the words intent.

I find the term very racist. Living the in the bay area, in a predominantly Asian and caucasian neighborhood, Most if not all Asians drive Honda Accords and Toyotas. A lot of my idiot neighbors call anything Japanese or even Korean cars "Ricers"....keep in mind these cars are not modified in anyway, some brand new from dealerships with Grandma driving. So, to me its more of a Racial slur not only because of the manufacturer's nationality who made it, but also the majority of people owning these good cars. It is very true that some cars if they were made in Africa, would be made fun off as "Ni***rs", here in Oakland, you can get shot if that word leaks out of you. In the same sence, VW Beetles and Golfs are made in Mexico, so a tacky fixed up VW would be considered "Beanered out", Wet-Back mobile, or worst yet, IQ challenged vehicles. .....very racist isnt' it. So the term "Ricer" is very very racially motivated.

Easy there big fella! The last thing we need is for you to be opening up a 55 gallon drum of whoop-*** on some shmo who is hardly worth your time!" Palting if I had a nickle for all the subtle racist S#!T that was said to me over the years.....i could buy my cab and you c4s cash!...One of my favorites is "You are so articulate!" When I think I just sound like (but don't look like) the other doctors. (just once I am going to say back "How duh F**K you thank im posed to sound Biatch...WEST PHILLY WHAT BARK BARK!!) Education and Time is what will bring us together...and a little love!

I'm with Jeeva, I always felt that ricer referred to the car, not the driver. Always thought it was short for rice-burner (engine), not rice-eater. Either way its not particularly complimentary, but its not meant to be derrogatory to a particular race, since out here there are more non-asians in hopped up asian cars than there are asians.

Did come off a little strong, didn't I? Sorry about that. It did just hit the wrong button.

Palting, I think you said what had to be said. And it was well put and to the point. Over here in the UK, nobody would know what the hell you were talking about if you said "ricer". It must be an American Colloquial term. But after reading your post, it is clear that it is meant to be racist and derogatory.

Im Chineese born in this country who live in a predomiately asian area in LA. The term ricer may seem offensive, but I don't take it that hard. It depends how it was used. If it was referiing to the people who drives the car, then it is a racist remark. If it refers to all asian built cars it is offensive. I think the better term is rice burner. You have to look at how the term is used. LA is the hot bed for sport compact modified cars. I'm some what old school so I know about the Datsun 510, Mazda RX3 the real old stuff. When guys lowered the cars and put the annoying exhaust we refered to them as rice burners. The reason was two fold. First may be the offensive part is that all of these car were Japanese. The second reason those cars made such a loud whinning noise it sounded like the car was running on alcohol. The term was to refer that it was running on sake. We grew up with this term and even used it ourself. If you were to say look at that rice burner refering to the modified compact sport car then its OK. If its to refer to the drivers or the all asian car its offensive. Now as far thoes offended take it easy look at the how it was used. I know some people offended by the use of Oriental. I know its not a race and a culture, but don't get too bent out of shape because someone refered to them as Oriental. And to top it all off we use to refer to a guys BMW 2002 that was fixed up like a 510 as a **** Burnrer. So these are not deragatory, just have fun with your cars, we just refer to the cars we don't like in a funny way. Comments on blacks and hispanic taking offense to remarks, it true we should not be calling them thoes, but some take it a little too far. I swear some get offened by the smallest things. For the record 6'2" 198 is not all that impressive. I'm 6' 195 fit and I don't think I can kick everyones butt.

I'd help you. Between the two of us 6 foot orientals, we should be able to kick any racist's butt .

Don't get me wrong I know when a remark is racist, but I ldon't take every one of them as one. Hey thanks for the offer, I would help out too.

I'm 6'2" 180 i have been known to pass out a lump sandwich or two in my day...I will be glad to join my asian brother'n in a scrap!

I've never seen a pair of rugs beat up on a rascist before...

That's OK. I'm 6'4", 250 pounds. I can't even kick MY OWN butt! Dain

5'4 Philipino FOB here that gets offended with the Rice term, but I just look away and don't stress anymore. It use to really bother me but then again, I'm just proud to be who I am. I don't need to show anyone I can kick anyone's butt. I'd rather show them that I could care less. When I first came to this country I use to take offense of being called names due to my back ground, clothing and accent. Worst yet, by my own people (American born Asians).....Needless to say, racism doesnt stop at color. Don't lose your sleeps over this matter, you'll experience a lot more in our lives, forever. I just look beyond that BS and drive away in my new 03 Porsche, park it next to my Benz, watch the door so that I don't door ding my Ferrari. Finally close the garage in my 1.5M home. ....not bad for a FOB that came here with close to nothing....you can call me anything you want.

Now thats funny!

Hey guys, check this "ricer" vs german car race video out! No offense intended. I'm from the Orient myself but I find this real funny. http://www.realcoolcars.com/multdown/cookrice.html My 0.02, I was once put my personal touch on my first car with whatever I can afford. Being a car enthusiasts, it makes you feel proud to have the car that you put your labor into. So I say, let's not forget where we came from and give the kids a break. Remember when you were trying to dress up your first car with your $10/week allowance.

Oh yeah, my first mod was cheap fog lights for my my '72 Celica ST! Then came the black and never painted front chin spoiler Funny movie

pstoppani, I would love to see a 72 celica preserved. By the way, that's a very nice 'anniversary edition' 911 you have.

Hey - can I join? I'm only 5'-4" but I've studied martial arts most of my life (to defend myself against people who think the term ricer isn't derogatory). BTW, thanks Palting for helping to set the record straight. Whenever someone asian (like me) mentions that "ricer" is a derogatory word, many on the board jump in to justify why it's OK to use it and how it isn't at all derogatory.

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I'm not sure what to make of the term. I've always heard it used to describe a Japanese brand car that has been lowered, spouting wings and things, and sporting a loud exhaust. I've not heard used to describe a race. Nonetheless, I personally don't find it offensive, but I also am not surprised that some of us do. Funny how many of these same cars are made in the USA. You'll find folks of different sizes, colors, and backgrounds climbing out of the front seats depending on where you live.

Today I asked an African American/Black friend of mine, he doesnt care what he is called as long as it isnt slave or ni***r, about the term ricer and at the end of our conversation he said he would even consider himself a ricer because of his Ford Focus project. So what if people who are into the form of mods call themselves "Ricer"? Is that a bad thing too? harrY Osan AB, ROK

I agree w/ all above, it depends on the context in which the term is used. FYI, presumably DMV will not allow vanity plates that are deemed offensive/racist/inflammatory, yet every good combination of "rice rocket" was already legally issued to a CA vehicle when I checked DMV's website (just for fun) for plates for my Evo VIII while ordering my standard vanity plate (I'll never tell, but this is the 3rd state in which I've had it) for my 996. Clearly there are many who just don't like Japanese cars, some Rennlisters included. Does that make it prejudice? Personally, I just like performance, which is why I bought an Evo for my beater/snow car. There just isn't an AWD German car anywhere close to being in the same performance league for under $30K. Cheers, Dirk Tanner, aka Speed Ricer

I find Rice Rocket perfectly acceptable to refer to a heavily modified asian make car. I'm Asian. Ricer, not so much.

wow!! 2004 is back!

funny how people used to talk back then

What's even funnier is that this thread was revived from the dead.

Did they even have the internet back on 2004?? wow!

Ask Al Gore

This cute one in a checkered flag shirt would be what I'd call a racist Great picture I think racist and gay are two conotations that ruin the roots of words. The concept of racist shouldn't have anything to do with the word race and homosexual shouldn't be hijacking anything to do with a word for being happy. In my terms this bike makes me a racist for liking to race and it's a ricer made in japan. Kind of woops tail which includes my own if I try to kick its tail. This leads us to the kinky part where I kind of like it when it whoops my

Obviously, we've grown more mature in the last 6 years...

Quotes source post: 1180658

You're kidding, right? I acknowledge that any labeling of a group is bigotry on the face of it. But seriously, do you honestly equate a reference to an ethnic diet with references to genocidal fascist totalitarianism or the subjugation of a race to slavery? I'm fully supportive of finding a more neutral and descriptive way to refer to a bunch of cars. But this kind of extreme rhetoric smacks of political correctness, and is generally the enemy of rational discourse. My .02.

Oh, crap. Didn't even notice the original date of this thread. Guess I am a dumbass maple syrup swilling moose lover. Never mind...