Graham Balin wrote:
>
> On Sun, 27 Sep 1998 09:58:11 -0400
> Phil Dunlap <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> >
> > Even in the pre-Bubba era.s
> >
> I keep seeing references to Bubba, especially in jokes.Is he/she/it
> mythical, like Kilroy, or based on a real person?
>
There are almost no ethnic/cultural groups in the politically correct
climate in the USA to which ethnic/cultural slurs (or even humor) may be
applied. The exception is the Southern white male (in which category I
belong by birth and temperament) who may with impunity be referred to as
"Bubba", "redneck" or just "po' white trash". As with other slurs, the
members of the group may use the term freely -- even affectionately -
amongst themselves. From a northerner, however, the use is considered
derisive. It derives from a young child's pronunciation of the word
"brother" and is analogous to "mama".
The current occupant of the Oval Office (no, I mean the male one) is -
alas - a Southern white male. Any unreferenced use of the term "Bubba"
usually refers to W.J. Clinton and is meant to be derisive.
The frequency of the word in jokes is explained by the fact that there
are a lot of good ethnic jokes laying about and only one group available
for acceptable PC jesting, so Bubba can be substituted in for most
anyone.
Sort of like "Essex man", I think.
Phil
4 Bailey Hill Road
Natick, MA, 01760, USA
[log in to unmask]
(508) 650-9097 - voice
(508) 650-9152 - fax
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