The "N" word
kapeluza
Posts: 3,434 Member
Is anyone else like me and refrains from even thinking the "N" word? I find it really offensive. I am not African American but I would never use that word, not even to joke with a friend.
So why do I cringe and think WTF when I hear African Americans using it between themselves? Does this make sense? Am I the only one that always thinks to herself, wtf? Why is it ok for African Americans to use it if it's such a derogatory racial slur? Anyone?
So why do I cringe and think WTF when I hear African Americans using it between themselves? Does this make sense? Am I the only one that always thinks to herself, wtf? Why is it ok for African Americans to use it if it's such a derogatory racial slur? Anyone?
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Replies
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That word is foul, regardless of who is using it. It make me cringe, too. I don't see how anyone can have any respect for themselves or others using such foul language, especially if the African-Americans are tossing it around at each other. I don't hear a lot of Caucasians calling each other "crackers." It just makes no sense and repulses me.0
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I don't know, I use it occasionally as a joke... I probably shouldn't buy lets face it, it's funny0
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I think a lot of people look at words differently. While there is plenty of hate associated with the "N-word" (and many others), there are some that think you don't need to give so much power to a word. One perspective is that by using a word freely, you take its power away.
When talking about words associated with a particular group of people, we have adopted these weird rules (ex: OK for Black people to use racist terms about Black people).
Should those words be considered offensive regardless of use? Even in a discussion about word use I typed "N-word" which I think is kinda silly. We all know what word I'm talking about. Is it racist to actually type that word? I don't think so. But I recognize that the word itself brings some people pain. Since we all know what word I'm talking about, typing N-word isn't that big of a deal.
Racial slurs, words associated with sexual orientation, religious name-calling - these are all still just words. I don't think they are any worse - BY THEMSELVES - than any other word (in fact, the N-word has evolved to become associated with hate speech. It's original meaning was neutral). I think people's *behavior* is what matters. This includes how someone uses their words. I think getting too caught up in a single word makes it harder to spot real racism/prejudice/hate. But I also know that navigating that nuanced difference can be exhausting and dangerous.0 -
I am certain that if a Caucasian man called some random African American man "N", that would be a big problem. I see it as double standards when two African American use this word. So it's ok for them to use it but not everyone else, not that I would but other people?0
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I think its a bunch of yahoo about nothing. It's a word, people. A series of vibrations caused by air flowing through the throat at different muscle pressures. There is no atrocity. I doubt a single person alive today was an African American slave. Likewise, I doubt any of us white people have owned slaves. Get over it.0
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I don't think anyone should use the word but I kind of chalk it up to the I can talk about my mom but you can't mentality. Stupid but double standards exist everywhere these days.0
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My only issue is that the word itself gets more attention than the context it's used in. Words themselves are not bad. It's how you use them. Any word used with hateful intention is bad. We give the word more power than it deserves. But it's not for me to decide whether it's hurtful or not. So I don't use it. Unless I'm singing along with Dre.0
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Damn. You did a better job of making the point I was trying to make, in far fewer words. Even included a Dre reference. Color me impressed (but don't call me colored).My only issue is that the word itself gets more attention than the context it's used in. Words themselves are not bad. It's how you use them. Any word used with hateful intention is bad. We give the word more power than it deserves. But it's not for me to decide whether it's hurtful or not. So I don't use it. Unless I'm singing along with Dre.0 -
Damn. You did a better job of making the point I was trying to make, in far fewer words. Even included a Dre reference. Color me impressed (but don't call me colored).My only issue is that the word itself gets more attention than the context it's used in. Words themselves are not bad. It's how you use them. Any word used with hateful intention is bad. We give the word more power than it deserves. But it's not for me to decide whether it's hurtful or not. So I don't use it. Unless I'm singing along with Dre.
+1. Nicely done0 -
I don't use the word and never will. I cannot even say it, if I am quoting someone else who has used the word. I am from the South and I am accutely aware of how that word would sound coming out of my mouth. The only issue I have with African America's using the word is that it then encourages white people to use it. But I accept that if someone of color wishes to use that racial slur or any racial slur in at attempt to reclaim the word.
Regarding the word cracker. I am from Georgia, but I currently live in Northern California and when I meet someone else form central/south Georiga or from Northern Florida we often call each other cracker. It is just a word and to me if means I am from the area. It refers to the sound made by whips on cattle drives. I loathe being called a peach, but I call myself a cracker all the time.0 -
*kitten*...There, I said it. Did anyone die? Did the world stop revolving? Did your husband leave you? I think not. As a *kitten*, I use that word with my Niggas all the time. I hang out with all types of Niggas, black, white, yellow, brown, male, female. We use terms like, Whassup my *kitten*? Man, look at that *kitten* run that ball. Who does that *kitten* think he is?
Words are very powerful, if you allow them to be. Jay Z was asked why he uses the work in his songs. He says that it holds no power over him, so he has no problem with it. That being said, Let me warn all you people out there, especially white people. If you are not close with a *kitten*, do not come up to them and use said term. It will result in a beatdown the likes you have never experienced in you life. I grew up using the word as a regular part of my vocabulary. As I matured, I know when and where to use it. I would not use it with my fellow professionals who are black, because it is inapproprate. I would also not call my parents my Niggas. I do not use it around my children, but I have heard them using it with their friends, appropriately.
To bring it home, I see a lot of people say they find it offensive when blacks use the word among themselves. Yet women often refer to themselves as biatches and sometimes hoes, but if a man is not allowed to call you those names, because we all know hell hath no fury like a *kitten* scorned. Feel free to agree, or disagree with me, but unless you know me, don't call me a *kitten*.0 -
*kitten*...There, I said it. Did anyone die? Did the world stop revolving? Did your husband leave you? I think not. As a *kitten*, I use that word with my Niggas all the time. I hang out with all types of Niggas, black, white, yellow, brown, male, female. We use terms like, Whassup my *kitten*? Man, look at that *kitten* run that ball. Who does that *kitten* think he is?
Words are very powerful, if you allow them to be. Jay Z was asked why he uses the work in his songs. He says that it holds no power over him, so he has no problem with it. That being said, Let me warn all you people out there, especially white people. If you are not close with a *kitten*, do not come up to them and use said term. It will result in a beatdown the likes you have never experienced in you life. I grew up using the word as a regular part of my vocabulary. As I matured, I know when and where to use it. I would not use it with my fellow professionals who are black, because it is inapproprate. I would also not call my parents my Niggas. I do not use it around my children, but I have heard them using it with their friends, appropriately.
To bring it home, I see a lot of people say they find it offensive when blacks use the word among themselves. Yet women often refer to themselves as biatches and sometimes hoes, but if a man is not allowed to call you those names, because we all know hell hath no fury like a *kitten* scorned. Feel free to agree, or disagree with me, but unless you know me, don't call me a *kitten*.
*kitten* PLEASE !!!!!!!!0 -
Lol. There, that proves my point.
Comedy.0 -
*kitten*...There, I said it. Did anyone die? Did the world stop revolving? Did your husband leave you? I think not. As a *kitten*, I use that word with my Niggas all the time. I hang out with all types of Niggas, black, white, yellow, brown, male, female. We use terms like, Whassup my *kitten*? Man, look at that *kitten* run that ball. Who does that *kitten* think he is?
Words are very powerful, if you allow them to be. Jay Z was asked why he uses the work in his songs. He says that it holds no power over him, so he has no problem with it. That being said, Let me warn all you people out there, especially white people. If you are not close with a *kitten*, do not come up to them and use said term. It will result in a beatdown the likes you have never experienced in you life. I grew up using the word as a regular part of my vocabulary. As I matured, I know when and where to use it. I would not use it with my fellow professionals who are black, because it is inapproprate. I would also not call my parents my Niggas. I do not use it around my children, but I have heard them using it with their friends, appropriately.
To bring it home, I see a lot of people say they find it offensive when blacks use the word among themselves. Yet women often refer to themselves as biatches and sometimes hoes, but if a man is not allowed to call you those names, because we all know hell hath no fury like a *kitten* scorned. Feel free to agree, or disagree with me, but unless you know me, don't call me a *kitten*.
as per our previous discussion under the rule section this topic defaults back to you being right. Since we agreed it's an unknown rule
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See, thats my *kitten* right there. We be cool like that. And life goes on. No harm, no foul.0
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Damn. You did a better job of making the point I was trying to make, in far fewer words. Even included a Dre reference. Color me impressed (but don't call me colored).My only issue is that the word itself gets more attention than the context it's used in. Words themselves are not bad. It's how you use them. Any word used with hateful intention is bad. We give the word more power than it deserves. But it's not for me to decide whether it's hurtful or not. So I don't use it. Unless I'm singing along with Dre.
+1. Nicely done
I agree and well said0 -
okay. so. let me clear it up. there is a historical context behind that word which makes it pretty much uncool for any white person, ever, to say it. you don't hear white people calling each other derogatory terms because in general, there isn't one that can even half-way measure up to the notoriety that the 'N' word has accumulated. with that said, i believe we, as african americans, in an albeit misguided attempt to take the 'power' back and thus, ownership of this term, have started using this as a term of endearment. not all of us. but a vast majority, sure. it's easy to toss the n bomb on an internet forum and say how big of a deal it ISN'T, but the truth is. it is. no matter the context. call it hypocrital? sure, that's fine, it's hypocritical, along with a LOT of beliefs that float around, so let's not act like this is the only issue with contrary double standards, because it isn't. my rule of thumb, and those of my friends of different cultures is: if there is a certain word, where there's any kind of question about whether it offends someone, where you can only say it around 'certain' members of said race without getting your *kitten* kicked...chances are, you probably don't need to be saying it. and i do believe that this shouldn't require an explanation, but since it does. here it is. and if you choose to use this word around the wrong '*kitten*'. don't be surprised when that '*kitten*' punches you in your face.
sincerely,
black person.0 -
Well said - I was brought up that it was a derogatory word and should never be used. I even cringe when I hear black people using it. I don't understand how calling each other a word like that makes you "own" it but if it works so be it.0
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Well said - I was brought up that it was a derogatory word and should never be used. I even cringe when I hear black people using it. I don't understand how calling each other a word like that makes you "own" it but if it works so be it.
honestly i don't either :laugh: but i kind of equate it like being the word b**ch to females. there are some females that use the word as a term of endearment, but hell and brimstone will ensue if a man calls a woman a b**ch0 -
Nah, you're making it a bigger deal than it is. Or maybe that's just the way we see it up here.
If everyone became so sensitive about their own minority status, we would never be able to communicate with one another. Labels are wrong, but it's better to remove the power a single word has and to trivialize it, then draw bloodshed.
No one wins out of that0 -
Nah, you're making it a bigger deal than it is. Or maybe that's just the way we see it up here.
If everyone became so sensitive about their own minority status, we would never be able to communicate with one another. Labels are wrong, but it's better to remove the power a single word has and to trivialize it, then draw bloodshed.
No one wins out of that
no. it's not about minority status. you have to understand the historical reasons behind why some blacks would be deeply offended by you using it. and if you can't understand that...then that goes deeper than the word itself. i've been called '******', '*kitten*' and whatever other conceivable derivation of this word by whites in different situations and contexts and i can tell you, it's offensive regardless.0 -
Nah, you're making it a bigger deal than it is. Or maybe that's just the way we see it up here.
If everyone became so sensitive about their own minority status, we would never be able to communicate with one another. Labels are wrong, but it's better to remove the power a single word has and to trivialize it, then draw bloodshed.
No one wins out of that
no. it's not about minority status. you have to understand the historical reasons behind why some blacks would be deeply offended by you using it. and if you can't understand that...then that goes deeper than the word itself. i've been called '******', '*kitten*' and whatever other conceivable derivation of this word by whites in different situations and contexts and i can tell you, it's offensive regardless.
Haha you think you understand better than me!
When you grow up as a minority in a country where there is ongoing ethnic genocide, and the people you love are actually killed as opposed to your ancestors than get back to me.
Trust me when I tell u this, you have no idea how bad it could get0 -
Nah, you're making it a bigger deal than it is. Or maybe that's just the way we see it up here.
If everyone became so sensitive about their own minority status, we would never be able to communicate with one another. Labels are wrong, but it's better to remove the power a single word has and to trivialize it, then draw bloodshed.
No one wins out of that
no. it's not about minority status. you have to understand the historical reasons behind why some blacks would be deeply offended by you using it. and if you can't understand that...then that goes deeper than the word itself. i've been called '******', '*kitten*' and whatever other conceivable derivation of this word by whites in different situations and contexts and i can tell you, it's offensive regardless.
Haha you think you understand better than me!
When you grow up as a minority in a country where there is ongoing ethnic genocide, and the people you love are actually killed as opposed to your ancestors than get back to me.
Trust me when I tell u this, you have no idea how bad it could get
this isn't a d*ck measuring contest. i was answering the question. and i STILL stand by my point. this was about whether or not it's okay for whites to use the 'n' word, and guess what. i still feel they shouldn't.0 -
And I was answer the question too. Don't be so sensitive and perpetuate the stereotype0
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In my opinion, the word shouldn't be used. White people don't go around addressing each other as "crackers" do they? I'm white and I certainly don't do that. On the flip side, do I think the word, although foul, has a very valid use? Yes, I think it does. And not to refer to black people. Side note: Yes, I called them black. Most of the black people living in the U.S. are NOT from Africa. My ancestors are European, you don't see my referring to myself as a European-American. I was born here, therefore, I'm an AMERICAN. I think the so-called politically correct ways we've developed in this country to refer to different ethnic groups is absurd. We're all about equality, then we go and label everyone as different. Seems paradoxical to me.
Anyways, though I don't like the word, I've seen many, MANY people who act like what the word implies, regardless of their skin color. I've witnessed black people refer to other black people in the derogatory sense of the word to imply that those people are classless and disrespectful; an embarrassment to people with tact. I don't know why some blacks feel it's classy to call each other that word in a friendly manner, since it's clearly an insult.0 -
just saying !!!!0 -
......CANT WE ALLGET ALONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! just saying.
Agreed! I don't care what your skin color is, but if you're a douche, you're a douche. You can be black, white, yellow, red, purple, orange, etc... and still be a douche. (you're not, I'm just making an example).0 -
And I was answer the question too. Don't be so sensitive and perpetuate the stereotype
LMAO if it offends me it offends me. i was explaining my reasoning behind it.0 -
This pretty much sums how I feel about it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-pS3t1P4Vk&feature=player_embedded#!
"I enjoyed that he didn't minimize the impact of the N-word. Just because we can choose how we want to respond to an external stimulus doesn't mean that said stimulus doesn't pack a punch. It does. It seeks to dehumanize -- not only a particular individual target, but an entire group, and this malevolent intention should not be lost, no matter how well some particular individual has learned to protect himself."0 -
Except that's not exactly true. Even within this thread, a black man stated that some of his white friends use the term. You don't get to say what's cool for all white people (or all black people). You *do* get to say what's cool for you.okay. so. let me clear it up. there is a historical context behind that word which makes it pretty much uncool for any white person, ever, to say it.
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That's the catch - that it's so serious and strange - all this power given to a word. You make sweeping statements saying that it's not cool for a white person to use the term ever. I don't agree with that. I wouldn't use the term in front of you, because I now know how you feel and I respect that. Nor would I use the term in front of someone I didn't know - no matter what color they are.
But I can certainly discuss the N-word with black friends. You may not think that's cool, but you should know that the word doesn't *have* to mean hatred or racism. I don't do the "My N..." slang, either. I would discuss the word in historical, racial, or etymological contexts.
Lastly, I'm disappointed that some of the reactions/responses have included violence. There is not only hatred and bigotry embedded within the N-word, but a history of violence. So I think describing reactions to the use of the word with "beat downs" and "*kitten* kickings" does a disservice to your point. My opinion.0
This discussion has been closed.