Why? What do you want to prove? And why do you need proof? I'm happy with my own opinion. Aren't you happy with yours?

This is a discussion isn't it? I simply wanted you to 'back-up' your opinion in case I was mis-understanding something relating to my opinion?

But that's the point, we are discussing opinions, not cold and hard proof related facts.
I personally think it's wrong to assume that because some people use the expression, pommes, kiwis, japs, yanks, chinks, abo's, paki's, bushies, we're all racist.

I don't like being called a pomme but I get called one frequently and it's said in the most derogatory manner. Does anyone jump on my bandwagon and say tut tut, it's not PC, you shouldn't say that?? No, they don't. I have to ignore it and talk to a more intelligent person. Hard to find in this place but never mind.

I'm totally fed up with being referred to as a 'Pom', and yes, I feel insulted in just the same way as when my husband got called a 'Paki' (he's actually Indian). Although our children are British, they are half Indian, quarter Irish and quarter German by descent, which leaves them open to all sorts of nasty racial taunts/quips - hopefully that might never happen.

I'm not sure why this area needs debating, as so called abbreviations such as Paki, Abo, Pom etc., are just simply disrespectful and can never be justified.

this makes sense to me. would never say pom is racist-xenophobic, but disrespectful is a good way to put it. the other terms discussed would make me uncomfortable were I to use them so i would deem these racist.
having been called jock, sweaty, skirt wearing girl and so on, by englishman for years, i must admit it has never worried me. i feel getting upset by being called a pom may be a bit over sensitive.

So it's OK for you to feel offended by being called a Jock, but not for someone being called a pomme? Both are intended in a disrespectful manner so what's the difference?

Just in case anyone is misreading my post, I think it's wrong to address any person in a manner that is degrading to their culture. But I also believe that my making such an issue out of it, we are aggravating the problem.
When I was growing up in the UK, we accepted Pakistani's as locals, I think that is still pretty much the case amongst the majority of Brits. But since the reference to names has been actively brought to the attention of the media, there is now more resentment and racism than there seems to be 20 years ago. It's called gang warfare and Britain is rife with it.
Today, any ill educated young person looking for a cause will now jump on the wrong bandwagon.

It's just my opinion but sometimes there are better ways to bring understanding, education and respect to a delicate issue without making it more of a problem by drawing so much attention to it therefore making the problem bigger.

i think i said it never worried me
I have never had jock bandied at me in a disrespectful manner tbh, only banter. people are too sensitive

It doesn't really worry me either. My daughter was pinned against a wall in college by a group of Pakistani boys and called 'white trash'. That bothered me but I think the principal had the right approach. He made sure all the boys were given the correct discipline but the matter stayed between just us and in private.
It was decided that if it was made public or turned into a larger issue, there would be retaliation and repercussions on all sides.

There are now laws to protect people from racial abuse so I can't help but feel that when we single out an incident or a person for making a comment, it instigates more intolerance and anger instead of helping develop patience and moving forwards.
Again just my opinion.

Is the word written as "Pom" or "Pomme" because if it is "Pomme" They are referring to you Brits as feminine apples (Given that its a feminine noun)

I believe Pomme has been wrongly used as 'prisoner of mother england' and also product of mother england. But I think it's main origins were in fact related to apples. When prisoners first arrived on shore, they were a pasty looking white. After a while they were bright red from the sun so yes Joules, you may be correct about the apple theory.

See? They are being rude to us when they call us pommes! They're saying we look like English tourists, white and pasty looking.

In Spain we refer to you as "Gambas" Prawns because you go pinky red in the sun, so we too are racist like the aussie

Well in that case Don Quixote, you better behave yourself in case we send our own Armada in your direction.

Well given the amount of Brits here I think you already did.

Anyway..great post Jumbo lol...this thread has been dragged up from ages ago, time to move on me thinks. Lets talk about sex hahahahaha

That`s a very latin subject as well. So lets begin with the prologue before jumping into chapter one.