Prince Harry calls a fellow army cadet “Paki” – a derogatory term for Pakistanis, and by extension South Asians, in the land of the queen. [BBC]

When Harry met Paki
img: via BBC

The British government is bending over backwards and falling all over themselves to avert a PR disaster. One of their contention is that Harry misspoke and simply abbreviated the word Pakistani, for Paki, which might seem like a logical argument.

So, did Harry misspeak and simply abbreviate the word without meaning it as a derogatory term? Hardly. He also went on to say this to a fellow cadet: “F*** me, you look like a raghead”.. “Raghead” – is another derogatory term for people who wear traditional headgear in the middle east and South Asia.

“Paki” and “Raghead” in one night. Not too bad, Harry. Maybe Harry should’ve also showed up in his favorite costume (pictured) while making these remarks thereby completely undoing all the good will towards the British royalty, that his father worked on so painstakingly.

As for the media and public assertions on whether Harry is “a racist”. Someone can be a “racist a’hole” but, no, someone cannot be “a racist”. “Racist” is an adjective. Whether Harry is racist or not, is up for debate but with his actions and remarks, he has certainly shown himself to be politically and culturally insensitive, bordering on being a bigot. Yes, there is a difference.

And also while we are at it, can we have celebrities stop apologizing after making politically incorrect remarks? If it’s the first time, one can attribute it to a misspeak, but after the hundredth time or so, it gets old, real quick.

Tags: paki, prince harry