Source: REUTERS/Marko Djurica
[Saba Sports News] During a recent friendly match between the French and Japanese national teams, the French team’s official Twitter page used the abbreviation #FRAJAP, as it usually does when releasing relevant information. FRA represents the first three letters of FRANCE, and JAP stands for JAPON (the French word for Japan). However, some fans have pointed out that the abbreviation “JAP” may be perceived as discriminatory towards Japan. According to historical information, “JAP” originated from spoken language in London, England around the 1880s, and it did not have any discriminatory meaning before World War II. However, the term gradually became derogatory before and after the war and is often used in World War II-themed films and television shows. The offensiveness of the term varies in different English-speaking countries, and it is considered a national insult in the United States. Fans have differing opinions on whether the French team’s use of this abbreviation is discriminatory. Some argue that it is insignificant, while others find it offensive. What are your thoughts on this matter?