Do Black Parents Discourage Their Children from Using the "N-Word"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was riding on the Metro last night towards Reston, when three black youths (late teens/early 20s) got on the train near Farragut West. Over the next 25-30 minutes, and in the presence of mostly white and Asian passengers, they spoke loudly, with about every 1/3 or 1/4th word out of their mouth being "niggas." As I listened to them speak it became clear it was used as a substitute for "we" or for "young workers in entry-level jobs" (like "they make the niggaz stay late to clean up at Shake Shack").

Do black parents discourage their children from using this term, or do they not care? And, if the latter, how can they take offense when youths of other races are then socialized to think it's an acceptable term?

This is not trolling, but a serious question that merits an honest discussion. As long as non-AA youths are routinely punished for using language that AA youths apparently can use in public places with no repercussions, some people will trend further right, convinced that the left is ready, willing, and able to enforce speech codes replete with double standards.

Those kids will have trouble getting into any decent college or job, and blame "institutional racism" and "implicit bias" and whatever new BS gets coined around for their predicament.

They may believe they are "empowered" by using completely inappropriate language, but in reality it's they who will suffer for it.

Sad.

Wow. So you have never heard of code-switching? I am a (white if it matters) highly educated college professor. When I am with my friends, I use slang, swear, and speak completely differently than I do in class. These kids will be fine because they know that the metro is not their office or job interview or college classroom.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was riding on the Metro last night towards Reston, when three black youths (late teens/early 20s) got on the train near Farragut West. Over the next 25-30 minutes, and in the presence of mostly white and Asian passengers, they spoke loudly, with about every 1/3 or 1/4th word out of their mouth being "niggas." As I listened to them speak it became clear it was used as a substitute for "we" or for "young workers in entry-level jobs" (like "they make the niggaz stay late to clean up at Shake Shack").

Do black parents discourage their children from using this term, or do they not care? And, if the latter, how can they take offense when youths of other races are then socialized to think it's an acceptable term?

This is not trolling, but a serious question that merits an honest discussion. As long as non-AA youths are routinely punished for using language that AA youths apparently can use in public places with no repercussions, some people will trend further right, convinced that the left is ready, willing, and able to enforce speech codes replete with double standards.

Those kids will have trouble getting into any decent college or job, and blame "institutional racism" and "implicit bias" and whatever new BS gets coined around for their predicament.

They may believe they are "empowered" by using completely inappropriate language, but in reality it's they who will suffer for it.

Sad.

Wow. So you have never heard of code-switching? I am a (white if it matters) highly educated college professor. When I am with my friends, I use slang, swear, and speak completely differently than I do in class. These kids will be fine because they know that the metro is not their office or job interview or college classroom.

You sound like Trump. He'd enthusiastically endorse your ""code-switching" theory.

I never swear, in any context. And I especially avoid using improper words in public -- what those teens were apparently doing on the Metro.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm having a hard time trying to wrap my head around "trending right" in the context of being denied something.

If you think using an offensive term as a privilege, you've got personal issues that are way more troublesome than the impact on society and culture.

Enough with the lame "white privilege" shaming - which has nothing to do with race, and is only an attempt to illicitly steal political influence.

Serious question: what does this even mean? You're ashamed of the ability to ascribe negative characteristics to an entire group of people - even to its most successful members? How can this be illicitly stealing political influence when it's the primary appeal of the GOP's candidate?

And how can white privilege even be avoided in this discussion when the original post asks why black kids should be permitted to use a word that white kids can't?

The point is that non-blacks no longer think it's an offensive term because so many other kids, mostly blacks, use it in their presence in a way that signals inclusiveness, not oppression.

If you think it is then somehow "white privilege" when white youths are then singled out and punished for using the term in the presence of peers, you had best check your own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm having a hard time trying to wrap my head around "trending right" in the context of being denied something.

If you think using an offensive term as a privilege, you've got personal issues that are way more troublesome than the impact on society and culture.

Enough with the lame "white privilege" shaming - which has nothing to do with race, and is only an attempt to illicitly steal political influence.

Serious question: what does this even mean? You're ashamed of the ability to ascribe negative characteristics to an entire group of people - even to its most successful members? How can this be illicitly stealing political influence when it's the primary appeal of the GOP's candidate?

And how can white privilege even be avoided in this discussion when the original post asks why black kids should be permitted to use a word that white kids can't?

The point is that non-blacks no longer think it's an offensive term because so many other kids, mostly blacks, use it in their presence in a way that signals inclusiveness, not oppression.

If you think it is then somehow "white privilege" when white youths are then singled out and punished for using the term in the presence of peers, you had best check your own.

Well said.

Signed,

Neither white nor black, and tired of this whole PC bullsh*t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can't believe any self respecting Black person would willingly participate in any discussion on race in this forum.

No truer words have ever been spoken.

Yep. I'll leave this thread for a bunch of non-black people to try and make rules for African Americans to follow in order to make them feel better and allow their non-African American teenagers to say the "N-Word".

[Anonymous]

Do white parents discourage their sons from grabbing women by the pussy, like noted white men Donald Trump and Billy Bush?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do white parents discourage their sons from grabbing women by the pussy, like noted white men Donald Trump and Billy Bush?

well if we use that logic then obviously black chicks like it more if we go by which music and entertainment has the most 'pussy grabbing' involved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was riding on the Metro last night towards Reston, when three black youths (late teens/early 20s) got on the train near Farragut West. Over the next 25-30 minutes, and in the presence of mostly white and Asian passengers, they spoke loudly, with about every 1/3 or 1/4th word out of their mouth being "niggas." As I listened to them speak it became clear it was used as a substitute for "we" or for "young workers in entry-level jobs" (like "they make the niggaz stay late to clean up at Shake Shack").

Do black parents discourage their children from using this term, or do they not care? And, if the latter, how can they take offense when youths of other races are then socialized to think it's an acceptable term?

This is not trolling, but a serious question that merits an honest discussion. As long as non-AA youths are routinely punished for using language that AA youths apparently can use in public places with no repercussions, some people will trend further right, convinced that the left is ready, willing, and able to enforce speech codes replete with double standards.

Those kids will have trouble getting into any decent college or job, and blame "institutional racism" and "implicit bias" and whatever new BS gets coined around for their predicament.

They may believe they are "empowered" by using completely inappropriate language, but in reality it's they who will suffer for it.

Sad.

Wow. So you have never heard of code-switching? I am a (white if it matters) highly educated college professor. When I am with my friends, I use slang, swear, and speak completely differently than I do in class. These kids will be fine because they know that the metro is not their office or job interview or college classroom.

You sound like Trump. He'd enthusiastically endorse your ""code-switching" theory.

I never swear, in any context. And I especially avoid using improper words in public -- what those teens were apparently doing on the Metro.

Ohhh your Trump dig cuts so deep. Wait, no it doesn't, because it doesn't even make sense. And you act like not swearing is some kind of virtue. Maybe it is. But it is outweighed by your narrow mind, non-critical thinking, implicit racism (as noted in your suggestion that these youth will automatically cry "racism!") Whatever.

And maybe you should learn up on something, code switching, let's say, before you continue to proceed with your nasty, uninformed statements.

[Anonymous]

OP, I always wonder about people who feel "left out" because they cannot use the "N word". Do you feel cheated because you really want to use it? Why do you care if black teens use it? Also, your question is idiotic. All black parents aren't the same so why ask the question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm having a hard time trying to wrap my head around "trending right" in the context of being denied something.

If you think using an offensive term as a privilege, you've got personal issues that are way more troublesome than the impact on society and culture.

Enough with the lame "white privilege" shaming - which has nothing to do with race, and is only an attempt to illicitly steal political influence.

Serious question: what does this even mean? You're ashamed of the ability to ascribe negative characteristics to an entire group of people - even to its most successful members? How can this be illicitly stealing political influence when it's the primary appeal of the GOP's candidate?

And how can white privilege even be avoided in this discussion when the original post asks why black kids should be permitted to use a word that white kids can't?

The point is that non-blacks no longer think it's an offensive term because so many other kids, mostly blacks, use it in their presence in a way that signals inclusiveness, not oppression.

If you think it is then somehow "white privilege" when white youths are then singled out and punished for using the term in the presence of peers, you had best check your own.

Well said.

Signed,

Neither white nor black, and tired of this whole PC bullsh*t.

Sorry. No one is that stupid. I truly do not understand the foot stamping whininess of "I can't use that word. Neither can you!" Why do you care?

I work with a diverse community, and i have heard members of discrete groups use ALL sorts of words that would not be acceptable outside those groups. Think "queen," "fag," "cholo," "slut," and yes, the "N Word." It is a way to communicate and embrace other members like you while diminishing the power of the words. The key word being"diminish." It doesn't mean that the words suddenly have no power when used by people who aren't part of that circle.

And sorry, you or I are not part of some circles. It is okay, really.

If you don't like that everything is not exactly fair and equal linguistically, you belong in a bubble. Culture and community and language are not stagnant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I always wonder about people who feel "left out" because they cannot use the "N word". Do you feel cheated because you really want to use it? Why do you care if black teens use it? Also, your question is idiotic. All black parents aren't the same so why ask the question.

This. I know that some gay men may use the "f" word, but I know that's not a word that I can use in the same manner, as a straight person. Eminem, the rapper, never uses the "N" word--he knows this is not a word for him to use, period. These words were and are still hurtful to many, and take on a different resonance when used by a member of the "oppressive" majority.

[Anonymous]

Black parent here.

Teach my kids to use as much as possible. We sit down at night and practice saying it too. I dont want them going out there sounding like they are saying it forced, if you know what I mean. It needs to sound authentic, real, and from the heart. If they feel they are not saying it right the first time they say it during a conversation, I tell them to stop and try again another day. At least put it out there to your friends that you use it so as to not look uncool.

Hope that helps.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was riding on the Metro last night towards Reston, when three black youths (late teens/early 20s) got on the train near Farragut West. Over the next 25-30 minutes, and in the presence of mostly white and Asian passengers, they spoke loudly, with about every 1/3 or 1/4th word out of their mouth being "niggas." As I listened to them speak it became clear it was used as a substitute for "we" or for "young workers in entry-level jobs" (like "they make the niggaz stay late to clean up at Shake Shack").

Do black parents discourage their children from using this term, or do they not care? And, if the latter, how can they take offense when youths of other races are then socialized to think it's an acceptable term?

This is not trolling, but a serious question that merits an honest discussion. As long as non-AA youths are routinely punished for using language that AA youths apparently can use in public places with no repercussions, some people will trend further right, convinced that the left is ready, willing, and able to enforce speech codes replete with double standards.

Those kids will have trouble getting into any decent college or job, and blame "institutional racism" and "implicit bias" and whatever new BS gets coined around for their predicament.

They may believe they are "empowered" by using completely inappropriate language, but in reality it's they who will suffer for it.

Sad.

Wow. So you have never heard of code-switching? I am a (white if it matters) highly educated college professor. When I am with my friends, I use slang, swear, and speak completely differently than I do in class. These kids will be fine because they know that the metro is not their office or job interview or college classroom.

You sound like Trump. He'd enthusiastically endorse your ""code-switching" theory.

I never swear, in any context. And I especially avoid using improper words in public -- what those teens were apparently doing on the Metro.

Ohhh your Trump dig cuts so deep. Wait, no it doesn't, because it doesn't even make sense. And you act like not swearing is some kind of virtue. Maybe it is. But it is outweighed by your narrow mind, non-critical thinking, implicit racism (as noted in your suggestion that these youth will automatically cry "racism!") Whatever.

And maybe you should learn up on something, code switching, let's say, before you continue to proceed with your nasty, uninformed statements.

Wow, you don't even understand your own pseudo-theory. Trump could claim he has "code-switching" when using that horrible and sexist "locker-room language" -- that's not what he'd say in public.

So, it's OK what he said?

I hope you code-switch to more evidence-based thinking when speaking as a "(white if it matters) highly educated college professor"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was riding on the Metro last night towards Reston, when three black youths (late teens/early 20s) got on the train near Farragut West. Over the next 25-30 minutes, and in the presence of mostly white and Asian passengers, they spoke loudly, with about every 1/3 or 1/4th word out of their mouth being "niggas." As I listened to them speak it became clear it was used as a substitute for "we" or for "young workers in entry-level jobs" (like "they make the niggaz stay late to clean up at Shake Shack").

Do black parents discourage their children from using this term, or do they not care? And, if the latter, how can they take offense when youths of other races are then socialized to think it's an acceptable term?

This is not trolling, but a serious question that merits an honest discussion. As long as non-AA youths are routinely punished for using language that AA youths apparently can use in public places with no repercussions, some people will trend further right, convinced that the left is ready, willing, and able to enforce speech codes replete with double standards.

First, all black parents aren't the same. Second, if your kids are being socialized and think what they hear on the street is acceptable, they YOU are not doing your job as a parent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was riding on the Metro last night towards Reston, when three black youths (late teens/early 20s) got on the train near Farragut West. Over the next 25-30 minutes, and in the presence of mostly white and Asian passengers, they spoke loudly, with about every 1/3 or 1/4th word out of their mouth being "niggas." As I listened to them speak it became clear it was used as a substitute for "we" or for "young workers in entry-level jobs" (like "they make the niggaz stay late to clean up at Shake Shack").

Do black parents discourage their children from using this term, or do they not care? And, if the latter, how can they take offense when youths of other races are then socialized to think it's an acceptable term?

This is not trolling, but a serious question that merits an honest discussion. As long as non-AA youths are routinely punished for using language that AA youths apparently can use in public places with no repercussions, some people will trend further right, convinced that the left is ready, willing, and able to enforce speech codes replete with double standards.

Those kids will have trouble getting into any decent college or job, and blame "institutional racism" and "implicit bias" and whatever new BS gets coined around for their predicament.

They may believe they are "empowered" by using completely inappropriate language, but in reality it's they who will suffer for it.

Sad.

Wow. So you have never heard of code-switching? I am a (white if it matters) highly educated college professor. When I am with my friends, I use slang, swear, and speak completely differently than I do in class. These kids will be fine because they know that the metro is not their office or job interview or college classroom.

You sound like Trump. He'd enthusiastically endorse your ""code-switching" theory.

I never swear, in any context. And I especially avoid using improper words in public -- what those teens were apparently doing on the Metro.

Ohhh your Trump dig cuts so deep. Wait, no it doesn't, because it doesn't even make sense. And you act like not swearing is some kind of virtue. Maybe it is. But it is outweighed by your narrow mind, non-critical thinking, implicit racism (as noted in your suggestion that these youth will automatically cry "racism!") Whatever.

And maybe you should learn up on something, code switching, let's say, before you continue to proceed with your nasty, uninformed statements.

Wow, you don't even understand your own pseudo-theory. Trump could claim he has "code-switching" when using that horrible and sexist "locker-room language" -- that's not what he'd say in public.

So, it's OK what he said?

I hope you code-switch to more evidence-based thinking when speaking as a "(white if it matters) highly educated college professor"?

NP :
Wow! You are not too bright.
"Code Switching: the practice of alternating between two or more languages or varieties of language in conversation."
Code switching doesn't even apply when it comes to Trump for a million different reasons, the major one being, it does not apply to admitting sexual assualt.
It's about language, not admitting to criminal behaviour.