Entity: OREO
OREO is a slang term used to describe a Black person who is perceived as adopting the attitudes, values, and behavior of white middle-class society, often at the expense of their own heritage.
OREO
Etymology
The term 'OREO' is derived from the popular sandwich cookie brand 'Oreo', known for its black exterior and white filling, symbolizing the concept of being 'black on the outside, white on the inside'.
Definition
OREO is a disparaging and offensive slang term used to describe a Black person who is perceived as adopting the attitudes, values, and behavior of white middle-class society, often at the expense of their own heritage.
Historical Context
The term OREO originated in the mid-20th century and gained prominence in the 1960s-70s, reflecting societal attitudes towards assimilation and cultural identity.
Cultural Significance
OREO is a controversial term that highlights issues of racial identity, cultural assimilation, and the complexities of navigating multiple cultural worlds.
Related Concepts
Similar terms include 'acting white', 'whitewashed', and 'black on the inside', all of which address the phenomenon of individuals adopting behaviors associated with a different racial or cultural group.
See Also
A derogatory term used to describe a Black person who is regarded as having adopted the characteristics of middle-class white society, betraying their own heritage.