The N-word

Is the term Newfie empowering or exploitative?

By Julie Skinner

The term “Newfie” has had a long and storied history, used by Newfoundlanders and mainlanders alike. It came into usage in the early parts of the 20th century.

For many Newfoundlanders, use of the term by outsiders is offensive, while use among citizens of the island is acceptable.

There’s a bit of a double standard when it comes to telling Newfie jokes, especially if a mainlander is telling them to a crowd of Newfoundlanders. A fine line exists between well-intentioned humour and pure insult in these awkward situations, and these yarns often result in the mainlander being perceived as a judgemental outsider who doesn’t know the difference between a twig and a twack.

Not all islanders agree when it comes to the word Newfie and its many implications: Is the phrase itself simply an endearing nickname or has it somehow morphed into a scathing slur used by others to mock and disparage?

If Facebook is any indication, this longstanding debate remains, as groups like the one created by Margaret Elizabeth Myers, professor at the University of Windsor, debate the usage of the term on a regular basis.

Myers states that the purpose of her group, “The Word Newfie and its Implications,” is to “allow a space and a place for people who are offended by the other ‘N word’ – Newfie – to have a say about why they feel this word is used as a tool to promote negative stereotypes.”

Myers goes on to say that the group is for those who have “heard enough ‘Newfie jokes’ and negative referencing” and wish to discuss ways in which these sweeping generalizations can be remedied.

Me nerves are rubbed right raw

Erwin Warkentin, coordinator of Communications Studies at Memorial, believes there is a definite label placed on Newfoundlanders by the rest of the country.

“I think there are stereotypical views of Newfoundland. I’ve seen it from the Alberta perspective where I was a student and from an Ontario perspective when I was a prof at the University of Waterloo,” he said. “Put it this way, the stereotypical view is a little bit like the bumpkin – it’s really not all that different from what people in central Canada think of people from the prairies.”

Warkentin says that he can sympathize with these stereotypical views to some extent, growing up a self-proclaimed “farm kid” from Manitoba.

“Instead of driving a boat, I drive a tractor,” quipped Warkentin.

When asked the first thing that comes to mind when he hears the word Newfoundland, Warkentin immediately answered, “fish.”

“I think that may be the case with other people as well,” said Warkentin. “They may think of [Newfoundlanders] as fisherman or fisher-people who do not necessarily need a great deal of education. In my case, I happen to love fishing and I’m an avid fisherman. So when I say fish, I think of it in a different way than the rest of them.”

Is it mainlanders or Newfoundlanders who are responsible for perpetuating these stereotypes? Warkentin believes that that both groups are contributors.

“I think a lot of it is driven by central Canada and people living there,” said Warkentin. “I also think that a lot of it is generated by Newfoundland itself.”

Warkentin mentions that comedians such as Rick Mercer, Shaun Majumder, and Mary Walsh can associate themselves more closely to Newfoundland, further perpetuating stereotypes.

“I think a lot of central Canadians don’t get the idea that these Newfoundlanders are outsmarting them and that these stereotypes are being turned around [by Newfoundland comics] and used against them.”

For Myers, there is no debate that the word Newfie carries with it negative connotations.

“We may think that stereotypes don’t do any harm or don’t go beyond tasteless jokes, but the larger impact of stereotyping is far more extensive and far more harmful. Stereotypes influence the way people see other people, how people relate to them, how people value them, and how people depersonalize them.”

No mention is made of boycotting the term entirely, nor does Myers address the link on her page that takes viewers to a Snook fan site.

Snook, created by Gander actor Pete Soucy, is a fictitious character that exaggerates Newfoundland stereotypes for humour. Despite having a link to Snook’s site to support local talent, Myers believes that this type of humour “creates an invisible barrier where many feel they cannot critique or discuss issues without looking like a poor sport.”

And long may your big jib draw

Despite Myers’ disclaimer, many members of the group do not believe in focusing on the negative stereotypes attributed to Newfoundlanders.

“How about working on Newfie self-esteem instead?” wrote Jill Hoddinott, member of the Facebook group. “I’m proud of who I am and where I’m from. I love the term Newfie... The simple act of considering the term Newfie an insult gives the stereotype merit!”

Warkentin says that there have always been strong connotations attached to coastal communities and people who live off the sea. In Germany, for instance, those living in Hamburg are often referred to as fischköppe, which literally means fish heads. Warkentin says that this is no different from the stereotypical view of Newfoundlanders. Other people in both countries ridicule those who live on the coast and traditionally consume high amounts of fish and seafood.

He says that some need to make sweeping generalizations to make themselves feel more powerful and intelligent. For Warkentin, the fact that Newfoundlanders don’t feel the need to retaliate with disparaging remarks shows that they are underestimated in wit and intelligence.

“I think there’s something to be said about having to belittle others in order to make yourself feel superior.

Newfoundlanders don’t seem to have that problem – they don’t have a reason to make fun of people living in central Canada.”

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