Man files human rights complaint against Scrabble over racist slurs in game dictionary



A Northern Territory man has filed a formal complaint against the owners of popular board game Scrabble for including racist slurs against Aboriginal people in the game’s dictionary of playable words.

Aboriginal activist Stephen Hagan – formerly of Queensland, who last year forced Coon cheese to change its name – lodged the complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission against international toymaker Mattel for allowing the words “abo”, “coon” and “boong” to be played.

He said he was “absolutely flabbergasted” the company permitted the use of such offensive words.

https://www.couriermail.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts/man-files-human-rights-complaint-against-scrabble-over-racist-slurs-in-game-dictionary/news-story/d4bfb5ba2e393cddca78e9e9b83ae658

Although the word coon can be misused, it has legitimate uses as well so does belong in the dictionary. "Coon" is short for "raccoon" 

"Abo" is simply an abbreviation.  Australians are great abbreviators

"Boong" is always derogatory these days but it was originally simply the name of an Aboriginal tribe, no more offensive than "Boori","Murri", "Koori" etc.  So it has legitimate historical uses.

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