Just for your own sake, in case you're not a native speaker: you shouldn't ever, ever say this. The words you use send social signals to others, and 'colored people' sounds really, really, really racist.
This is distinct from 'person of color,' which is not. Use it instead.
Coloured is a normal saying in South Africa and isn't an absurd politically correct euphemism for black. Before accusing others of racism, check your cultural imperialism.
I specifically did not accuse them of racism, I said that it sends a certain signal, which is obviously scoped to cultures. HN is largely about California culture, so many readers will have a US-centric reading. Understanding what effect the words you use has on your audience is important.
You'll also note that the South Africa bit is specifically mentioned in the "people of color" link.
They're both ways of segregating the world in to people who are white and people who aren't. Saying one is appropriate and one isn't is just as stupid as saying blacks saying nigger is ok but it's horrible if anyone else says it.
Just for your own sake, in case you're not a native speaker: you shouldn't ever, ever say this. The words you use send social signals to others, and 'colored people' sounds really, really, really racist.
This is distinct from 'person of color,' which is not. Use it instead.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colored vs http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Person_of_color