Also, yes in modern society the racism card can be played frivolously and too quickly when judging a situation, but this is not one of those times. Referring to an African American man as "boy" has racist meaning and connotation dating back to the Civil Rights era. But if you really don't believe that, then go up to a couple of African American men and call them "boy" with a nice southern drawl just like the fan and see how they react. Guarantee your viewpoint will change from the experience