Do people still use the term “wogs” these days?
I recently watched the movie Of an Age (which I thought was fantastic, by the way) that’s set in the late ’90s in Macleod, just outside Melbourne, and follows a group of young people around graduation time. One character at the mall remarked, “there are so many wogs here.” I was curious about the term, so I looked it up and found out it’s a slur used for non-white individuals, particularly those of Mediterranean descent. I was taken aback by how casually a young person used such a derogatory term, and I’m interested in hearing your thoughts on this. Thanks in advance!
The term “wog” is indeed a derogatory slang term that has been used in Australia and the UK, primarily to refer to people of Southern European, Middle Eastern, or North African descent. It reflects a history of racism and can carry significant negative connotations. In the late 90s, when Of an Age is set, it was more commonly used and might have been considered more socially acceptable in some contexts, especially among younger people who may not have fully understood its implications.
Today, while some might still use it informally, it is generally recognized as offensive, and awareness around casual racism has increased. Many people are now more conscious of the impact of such language and strive to use more respectful terms. The scene you mentioned may have been a reflection of that time and the attitudes prevailing in certain social circles. It’s important to continue to educate ourselves about the language we use and its effects on others. Your curiosity shows a willingness to understand and be mindful, which is definitely a positive step!