The use of term 'Black' needs to stop in metaphorical linguistics because it associates the color with bad and 'White' normally is assumed as good. This forms into a harmful and racist trope. However, the roots of such metaphors is historical in context.
Historical: The roots are in association with slavery and colonialism. White Europeans associated black with darkness, evil, savagery. They associated white with purity, goodness, and civilization. This was a way to justify further enslavement and oppression of Black people.
Cultural Reinforcement: The association is reinforced in popular culture, literature, and language.
Impact: Such harmful stereotypes create a lasting impact on society which contributes to mindset of people and the dehumanization and discrimination of Black people. Furthermore, it perpetuates negative stereotypes and prejudice.
Challenge Stereotype: Important to recognize such language use as harmful and call it out, being mindful, and promote positive representations of people in society.
Examples of Metaphors:
- Black lists and White lists
- Pot calling the kettle black
- Black sheep
- Black humor
- Black Friday
- Black mood
- Black market
- Black magic
- Black death
- Black box
