Dude, if the "N" was use as a "derogatory term for blacks during a period when they had less power than white people"- then what word does racist White group now use? Here's one for you, when a White person shouts out to a Black person in anger what word does the White person use?
Is there a specific word whites are supposed to use? Please enlighten us.
I don't use any specific words when dealing with people of ethnicities different from mine. They are people, not a color.
When I get angry with my black friends, I don't do anything but tell them I'm angry and why.
[This message has been edited by Synthesis (edited 05-23-2012).]
Dude, if the "N" was use as a "derogatory term for blacks during a period when they had less power than white people"- then what word does racist White group now use? Here's one for you, when a White person shouts out to a Black person in anger what word does the White person use?
Do tell, something makes me think you may have heard it.
Frankly, I just think it's all plain dumb. Anyone getting all bent out of shape over being called a name by someone else is just a waste of time and energy. Who gives a rat's ass if some tool calls you any name. If some person calls me a name, I'm smart enough to know that going over and punching them in the throat isn't going to make them respect me more. (yeah, they'll *really* like me then!) It's pretty counter productive. I have much more regard for a person who can ignore those people than I do some knuckle dragger who confuses fear with respect. Why do people do that? Who cares, grow a pair and stop wishing for other people's approval, it makes you look like a pussy.
I use it, and I direct it at a few particular people, mostly while ranting at the TV screen. But then, I also have a variety of choice words I hurl at the TV at similar examples of poor humankind of other races as well, including caucasians. See, I'm not racist, I'm an equal opportunity hater.
If Tony means no disrespect using the term, and blacks use it freely amongst themselves, WHY should he be worried about using it?
That's simple. The reason why (some) Blacks usage of the "N" word is the same reason why people today use profanity. You know you're not suppose to use it, but using the "N-word" or "F-word" makes appear hip among your peers. As for Whites being worried about using is simple. Know the history behind it for you don't know who it is that might take offense to hearing it. I overheard a young Black guy heller at another person using the "N" word and I was mad! I gave him a real dirty look and wanted to slap him silly. Why? Because he embarrassed me as a Black man and the fact that he used the word when Whites were around. There are more reasons why I was upset. The way he wore his pants and hair to name a few. It's a different generation, but it doesn't mean I'm going to accept it.
[This message has been edited by madcurl (edited 05-23-2012).]
You so mistook everything I wrote. Please read my posts. If in the company of MY friends it is acceptable, then noone has a right to take that from us. And by friends, I am refering to African American friends. And yes, this white boy has numerous black friends. Numerous. Not two, but many.
Listen, I dare not ever refer to you in that context. That would make me a fool, and deserving of reprocussion from you. But if I were to call up "T" in Detroit, him and I will talk as friends. I am fully understanding of racist hatred. Never have I portrayed myself as a racist in life. Heck, I have been a victim.
Can you believe that a black guy can be racist, or is it only whitey? Honest question.
Please reread my post. I do not want a negative appeal, even from you.
Tony
I think you should ask some slaves and blacks that where around in the 40/50/60/70's cause this "You so mistook everything I wrote. Please read my posts. If in the company of MY friends it is acceptable, then noone has a right to take that from us" every single one of them will tell you why you don't have the RIGHT nor do your BLACK FRIENDS.. as they fought DAM HARD .. to change things.... your being disrespectfull of everyone that fight tooth and nail to better the standards of living for color folk.. if you can't see that and your friends can't see that, I feel sorry for your group..
You so mistook everything I wrote. Please read my posts. If in the company of MY friends it is acceptable, then noone has a right to take that from us. And by friends, I am refering to African American friends. And yes, this white boy has numerous black friends. Numerous. Not two, but many.
Listen, I dare not ever refer to you in that context. That would make me a fool, and deserving of reprocussion from you. But if I were to call up "T" in Detroit, him and I will talk as friends. I am fully understanding of racist hatred. Never have I portrayed myself as a racist in life. Heck, I have been a victim.
Can you believe that a black guy can be racist, or is it only whitey? Honest question.
Please reread my post. I do not want a negative appeal, even from you.
Tony
No bad vibes from me, I'm just saying I'm from a older generation than you. The Blacks you hang out with today aren't the Blacks I would be hanging out with and if I did they'd be receiving a mouthful from me. The rap music today uses the "N-word" and I know it's all about trying to be "cool" and sell records while looking stupid.
To me its simple. The N word is what you call the no good, low class, criminal ones and black, African American or whatever they call themselves today are the higher class. White are same way, where redneck, skinhead, bum, etc are the low class. About every race or ethnic people have good and bad people with appropriate slang names. I cant call a black the N word (see I cant do it now), but they can call you honky or cracker or any other similar stuff and its OK. Whats good for the goose is good for the gander as they say.
First off, I don't want to derail this thread and I have tremendous respect for basically all of the members here whatever race each person is. One of my favourite actors, Morgan Freeman, recently said in an interview I saw on tv that he is against Black History Month. When asked why, he said that (and I am probably paraphrasing poorly here) the first step in achieving equality is let go of the differences between the races and just treat everyone as "people". If anyone here remembers his exact words, feel free to post them and my apologies if I screwed it up. Holding to that view it would seem that the best thing to do in my opinion is to let go of these terms altogether. As a Canadian growing up in "multicultural society", race didn't seem like a big deal to people my age at the time. Most of my friends were of races other than white and there wasn't much talk about it then. (Maybe this was unusual in itself, I don't know). There seems to be a lot more tension between different ethnic groups now than I remember in the 80's and 90's. Maybe this is because of the rough economic times we live in(?). Of course none of us of any colour used the n word at all for fear of having our mouths washed out with soap or a smack on the backside! As a result, I find it to be rude no matter who is using it or when. Just my $.02.
To me its simple. The N word is what you call the no good, low class, criminal ones and black, African American or whatever they call themselves today are the higher class. White are same way, where redneck, skinhead, bum, etc are the low class. About every race or ethnic people have good and bad people with appropriate slang names. I cant call a black the N word (see I cant do it now), but they can call you honky or cracker or any other similar stuff and its OK. Whats good for the goose is good for the gander as they say.
Wow...... a flashback to the "Golden Age" of derogatory word usage.
I haven't heard anyone under the age of 50 use the terms "honky" or "cracker" in decades. More often than not, I hear White people referred to as "White people."
I accept what you are saying about the use of the word. Madcurl, it is due to your feeling of disrespect that I will work hard to strike this word from my vocabulary. I can very much understand your point of view. Very much understand.
Once again, at 40 years of age, I have learned something. At least for me, this is the right thing to do as a human.
Ain't I am honest azzhole? I am apologizing to anyone that found my words disrespectful. Please believe that I know my life's experiences do not always align with society as a whole. I am a product of society, and society is not always fair. I never meant to offend...
Tony Kania
[This message has been edited by Tony Kania (edited 05-23-2012).]
Wow...... a flashback to the "Golden Age" of derogatory word usage.
I haven't heard anyone under the age of 50 use the terms "honky" or "cracker" in decades. More often than not, I hear White people referred to as "White people."
Maybe it's a regional thing.
think you need to get out more.. city wannabe thugs use them all the time when in a group. but don't f'n dare when all alone
I think the answer is pretty obvious... it's a double standard. Same reason why we interrogate 80 year old women at the airport, but allow a woman in a full black hijab to walk through the security gate. Same reason why a homeless person is eligeble for a free cell phone, food stamps, subsidized housing, free transportation, and free re-training, but a person who is barely able to pay his bills is not entitled to any of it.
The reason??? White liberals... they are by nature, apologists and will do anything they can to apologize for everything that has ever happened at any point in history, or will happen in history.
As for me... it's been at least a decade since I've actually "hung out" with anyone who used the term, black, Hispanic, Asian, or white. Where I work, all the black people in my office are hard-core Republicans, and all the white people are "progressive" (to use the new, less offensive term). It's pretty funny... and I think it would really confuse Jesse Jackson.
think you need to get out more.. city wannabe thugs use them all the time when in a group. but don't f'n dare when all alone
LMAO!!
Which cities? I know "thugs" from coast-to-coast and if they want to say something nasty about White people, they usually say "White ______" ....fill in the blank.
Do they REALLY still say "Honky" in Massachusetts?
Maybe that's why no decent rap groups come out of Boston.
I hate the word. Too many acquaintances are legitimate racists. Some Black, but mostly White. When they use it, it's so ugly... It's a word that makes me very uncomfortable in all situations, besides music. When I hear a White friend say it, I tell them not to say it around me. When I hear a Black person say it, it makes me very sad.
I just don't like it. It's ugly all around. One of my best friends, who happens to be Black, never uses it, and I have literally never thought the word around him. I think the word should not be used by anyone.
I was called every name under the sun though... As I grew up and hung out at the beach more, I was called all sorts of names... Beach-N**ger Cracker Honkey Caveman Conky Devil Ditchpig...
THIS IS THE PROBLEM: Look at the above, noticed how he left out the word ****** but yet was acceptable to use every other racial term... see and that's ok. Yes I just said it... ****** . If it is ok to say cracker, honeky, caveman, conky, devil, ditchpig, etc, then its 100% ok to say ****** . One racial term is just as bad as another. Me getting kicked, in trouble, or anything else is fine. I'm just saying one is as bad as another. I'm a white guy and am tired of dealing with everything being racist towards me, but calling me racist for everything I do. All I can say, is that if there were a white only college, white only channel, white only awards, ... it would be racist, yet it's ok for everyone to be racist towards me. SCREW THAT!
Which cities? I know "thugs" from coast-to-coast and if they want to say something nasty about White people, they usually say "White ______" ....fill in the blank.
Do they REALLY still say "Honky" in Massachusetts?
Maybe that's why no decent rap groups come out of Boston.
haha,, we give you new kids on the block and markie mark.. donna summers, cars,aerosmith,boston,j geils band, godsmack, just a few, oh and most last more than 24 months
sorry, double standard that is all... al sharpton and jackson,(among others) sould be going after the rappers/comics/etc that use that word...
While I can't speak for those specific individuals, as I don't know if they have but it would not suprise me, that is a ignorant statement. Many Black leaders have spoen out over the use of the word from others of there own color. I have seen it discussed on many "talk" type shows on TV. I easily recall it being discussed on Oprah a few times, one with Snoop Dogg as a guest if I recall correctly. Either you are blind or just ill informed.
I know plenty of white people that use that term the same way a black person would.. as slang in conversation. Calling each other the n word. Of course, they do not do it when black people are around. I wonder why?
A sense of self preservation.
Say it around a "small man," and they may react violently.
(For those that question my usage of the term "small," I use that to refer to anyone who would let something get the better of them in a way as to incite physical violence. Humanity really needs to get over it's vicious streak)
Click to show
[This message has been edited by skuzzbomer (edited 05-23-2012).]
While I can't speak for those specific individuals, as I don't know if they have but it would not suprise me, that is a ignorant statement. Many Black leaders have spoen out over the use of the word from others of there own color. I have seen it discussed on many "talk" type shows on TV. I easily recall it being discussed on Oprah a few times, one with Snoop Dogg as a guest if I recall correctly. Either you are blind or just ill informed.
sorry, not buy'n it.. when a white person in the media/arts/radio/music/film/ uses any type of race slur, or comment that wasn't degrading, but the rightous thinks it is.. THEY DON'T STOP TILL THAT PERSONS F I R E D!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE, link to any person of color that any of the rightous black riot starters (sharpton/jackson, etc) they have forces off the air, off the t.v. off a record label.. off a newspaper column? thats right you can't,, but I'll bet just in the last 2 years there is over 10 they have forced to loose there jobs.. if they where anything but black... I'm not blind, or ill informed..
[This message has been edited by E.Furgal (edited 05-24-2012).]
I overheard a young Black guy heller at another person using the "N" word and I was mad! I gave him a real dirty look and wanted to slap him silly. Why? Because he embarrassed me as a Black man and the fact that he used the word when Whites were around. There are more reasons why I was upset. The way he wore his pants and hair to name a few. It's a different generation, but it doesn't mean I'm going to accept it.
Let me ask a question for the black guys here (or anyone else who has strong feelings about the use of the word), kind of a spin on the original question.
I already admitted I use "the word". Granted, with great discretion, and almost exclusively when yelling at the TV, or when in discussion about people who in my mind are deserving of the name. Also realizing that I have a pretty substantial vocabulary of choice derogatory terms to describe those of other races and creeds that I will draw upon at the appropriate time.
So here's part of my question, does it upset you that I (or anyone) uses the term *at all*, or primarily when directed at you?
Then, when you come up with an answer, go back and look at your contributions to the thread, and see if they jibe with your answer. That's the answer I really want to know.
Mainly, I'm trying to dig a little to find out what it is that really bothers people about this. My suspicion is, it's simply conditioning. Because, really, to me, it baffles me the power "that word" has over so many people.
Let me ask a question for the black guys here (or anyone else who has strong feelings about the use of the word), kind of a spin on the original question.
I already admitted I use "the word". Granted, with great discretion, and almost exclusively when yelling at the TV, or when in discussion about people who in my mind are deserving of the name. Also realizing that I have a pretty substantial vocabulary of choice derogatory terms to describe those of other races and creeds that I will draw upon at the appropriate time.
So here's part of my question, does it upset you that I (or anyone) uses the term *at all*, or primarily when directed at you?
Then, when you come up with an answer, go back and look at your contributions to the thread, and see if they jibe with your answer. That's the answer I really want to know.
Mainly, I'm trying to dig a little to find out what it is that really bothers people about this. My suspicion is, it's simply conditioning. Because, really, to me, it baffles me the power "that word" has over so many people.
In my opinion and mine alone, it is indeed predominately a matter of "conditioning" for lack of a better term and said conditioning may well be generational. It has been my experience that older Persons of Color tend to object to the word's usage more than younger generations do. Perhaps that's due to the prolific use of the term in popular culture specifically directed at that age group...I don't know. I've had the very same conversation with some of my friends and associates involved in the composition and distribution of music directed at the "Hip-Hop" generation. To cut it short, I tell them that if they themselves object to the term being used in relationship to them personally, don't make it a central element of the product you sell.
But, overall, I think I'm pretty consistent in my objection to the use of the term by anyone, regardless of ethnicity. It's not simply an American colloquialism either. I've heard it used in Great Britain in relationship to Indian citizens. I've heard it used in Australia in relationship to Aboriginal citizens.
As I've grown older, I hope wiser and more sensitive to the feelings of others, I find the usage of ANY derogatory terminology used to describe or marginalize ANY group of people to be distasteful to my ears. I fully admit I have a personal, historical and ethniological connection to the word "Nigga" and that connection or association certainly amplifies my objection to its usage.
The answer to the question “Why can you use the N word and no one else “is this:
It’s because, it’s only considered racism if it’s said by a white person. I know a lot of you will jump all over that statement but before you make a response, finish reading so you can make an informative argument.
It (the United States) has become one huge double standard. I will list some, not all, of the examples.
I have removed the 1st one because I was wrong. I not above admitting that. And a thank you to Doni Hagan for pointing this out.
Double standard no. 2: If you have a group of black Americans (men, women and children) in a park all wearing the same T-shirt and the only words on the shirt were “Black Pride”. Everyone would applaud saying they were showing support for there black heritage. Now if you have the same group, but white Americans (men, women and children) in that same park all wearing a T-shirt that says “White Pride” they would be branded as “white supremacist” “skin heads” and just plan raciest.
Double standard no. 3: Black History Month. It’s a month long celebration of black Americans/people that have done great things through out history for the black community. There could never be a white history month as this would be considered insensitive to the black community.
Double standard no. 4: BET. Black Entrainment Television is a channel dedicated to the black entertainer. You could never have WET (no not the playboy channel): White Entrainment Television because this again would be considered raciest and insensitive to the black community.
Now these are just a few examples as to why we here in America (all Americans) will never be know as “Americans”. It’s sad that there are still so many narrow minded people out there that feel they have to drive a wedge between them self and someone different.
As for the "N" word, “ALL RACIAL SLURLS ARE NEGATIVE NO MATTER THE CONTECT” until we realive this we will never be able to move forward. It doesn’t matter that your friends have no problem with it, someone will.
Just my .02
[This message has been edited by ricker429 (edited 05-24-2012).]
As I've grown older, I hope wiser and more sensitive to the feelings of others, I find the usage of ANY derogatory terminology used to describe or marginalize ANY group of people to be distasteful to my ears. I fully admit I have a personal, historical and ethniological connection to the word "Nigga" and that connection or association certainly amplifies my objection to its usage.
Well said. It's just as easy to use neutral words in reference to an individual person or group as it is to use offensive words. Similarly, I find it easy not to curse or employ "foul language" in ordinary conversation.
On the other hand, some people seem to take pride in offending others, just as there are those who constantly invoke "freedom of speech" to rationalize what is simply bad manners. In a few cases the problem is best described as immature posturing.
Double standard no. 1: I’m not sure of the exact number but it’s somewhere over 60 colleges/universities in this country that ONLY allow enrollment to black Americans/people. Now if a college or university where to allow enrollment to ONLY white Americans/people you would have everyone screaming they were raciest.
Just my .02
I won't address any of your other points nor question their validity (as they are more subjective than objective) but I will address the one above.
You're not certain of the number of colleges or universities that only allow Black student enrollment because they do not exist.
It's quite possible you're confusing the description "traditionally Black colleges and/or universities" (institutions of higher education in the United States that were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with the intention of serving the Black community) with the impression that these institutions are in fact "exclusively Black colleges and/or universities." That is no longer the case (nor has it been for quite some time) as any non-Black student from, say, Southern University, Howard University, Dillard University or Xavier University (to name but a few) will attest. In fact, some historically Black colleges have non-Black majorities in their enrollment numbers, the most notable being West Virginia State University and Bluefield State College whose student body has been over 80% White since the mid-1960s.
Though I respect your opinion and applaud you for expressing it, I would encourage you to verify your information prior to formulating it as, in this particular instance, you are quite incorrect.
[This message has been edited by Doni Hagan (edited 05-24-2012).]
I gave him a real dirty look and wanted to slap him silly. Why? Because he embarrassed me as a Black man and the fact that he used the word when Whites were around. There are more reasons why I was upset. The way he wore his pants and hair to name a few. It's a different generation, but it doesn't mean I'm going to accept it.
Please read my posts. If in the company of MY friends it is acceptable, then noone has a right to take that from us. And by friends, I am refering to African American friends. And yes, this white boy has numerous black friends. Numerous. Not two, but many.
I am apologizing to anyone that found my words disrespectful. Please believe that I know my life's experiences do not always align with society as a whole. I am a product of society, and society is not always fair. I never meant to offend... 
