Do you use the N word?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't use the word. Ever.
But I think that AAs have played, played, played you with this word. Is a WORD. Not crime. And saying a word does not equal ".... it's discriminating under the law and on and on and on.... fools!"

...the hell are you talking about?

So brain washed. OK for all AAs to use the word anytime they want, but anyone else and out comes the race card. Do you ever think for yourself, or just rush to be the first one to play the race card yourself?

Context provides a lot of meaning for words. When a word is used in a certain context, it can have a certain meaning, but it's meaning can be completely changed when it's used in another context.

When AA people use the word, it doesn't mean the same thing as when white people use it. When white people use it, they mean "I am racially superior to you. I have more rights than you. The police will not treat me the way they treat you, so I can afford to start a confrontation with you, even if it gets physical." When black people use it, they are using it to each other to mark a shared status and group membership, or they're using it to criticize one of their own.

Context creates meaning. If you can't understand that, you don't have the social skills required to live in a modern society. Please immediately remove yourself to the top of a nearest mountain or the outskirts of Greater Redneckistan.

The problem with this argument is that it dismisses the fact that words carry weight and power - both in a positive and negative way. Words can be hurtful, hateful and harmful in the same way that they can be uplifting and encouraging. When you ignore this fact then you lose the ability to communicate effectively with those around you. Context does create meaning, but it cannot suddenly make an offensive term acceptable. It won't take away the generally accepted hateful meaning of the word.

I am a middle-aged (hurts to write that - see…words have power!) white woman who has never used the term and never will. I was raised to believe in the power of words. My father once kicked one of my sister's (loser) boyfriends out of the house for using the term - that's how strongly my parents felt about the use of appropriate and respectful language (not to mention actions). I don't buy the argument that black people using the terms with each other some how makes that word less offensive. No one can take away the history and prior use of a hateful term. We cannot "own" words or change their history of disrespect. The history is there and it isn't going away. As a woman I hate the word "c*nt". It is hurtful and only used to disrespect the recipient. I cannot change the history of misogyny it carries. It's for this reason you don't see me (or any other woman) walking into a room full of my female friends saying "Hey, c*nt, what's up?" Why? Because it would be ridiculous and outrageously disrespectful!

If we are going to get anywhere in this nation not only with positive race relations (with ALL races), but also with removing the continued sense of division due to differences of opinion, culture and practice then we have to start with understanding the power of the words we use. No one should get a pass to be disrespectful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't use the word. Ever.
But I think that AAs have played, played, played you with this word. Is a WORD. Not crime. And saying a word does not equal ".... it's discriminating under the law and on and on and on.... fools!"

...the hell are you talking about?

So brain washed. OK for all AAs to use the word anytime they want, but anyone else and out comes the race card. Do you ever think for yourself, or just rush to be the first one to play the race card yourself?

Context provides a lot of meaning for words. When a word is used in a certain context, it can have a certain meaning, but it's meaning can be completely changed when it's used in another context.

When AA people use the word, it doesn't mean the same thing as when white people use it. When white people use it, they mean "I am racially superior to you. I have more rights than you. The police will not treat me the way they treat you, so I can afford to start a confrontation with you, even if it gets physical." When black people use it, they are using it to each other to mark a shared status and group membership, or they're using it to criticize one of their own.

Context creates meaning. If you can't understand that, you don't have the social skills required to live in a modern society. Please immediately remove yourself to the top of a nearest mountain or the outskirts of Greater Redneckistan.

The problem with this argument is that it dismisses the fact that words carry weight and power - both in a positive and negative way. Words can be hurtful, hateful and harmful in the same way that they can be uplifting and encouraging. When you ignore this fact then you lose the ability to communicate effectively with those around you. Context does create meaning, but it cannot suddenly make an offensive term acceptable. It won't take away the generally accepted hateful meaning of the word.

I am a middle-aged (hurts to write that - see…words have power!) white woman who has never used the term and never will. I was raised to believe in the power of words. My father once kicked one of my sister's (loser) boyfriends out of the house for using the term - that's how strongly my parents felt about the use of appropriate and respectful language (not to mention actions). I don't buy the argument that black people using the terms with each other some how makes that word less offensive. No one can take away the history and prior use of a hateful term. We cannot "own" words or change their history of disrespect. The history is there and it isn't going away. As a woman I hate the word "c*nt". It is hurtful and only used to disrespect the recipient. I cannot change the history of misogyny it carries. It's for this reason you don't see me (or any other woman) walking into a room full of my female friends saying "Hey, c*nt, what's up?" Why? Because it would be ridiculous and outrageously disrespectful!

If we are going to get anywhere in this nation not only with positive race relations (with ALL races), but also with removing the continued sense of division due to differences of opinion, culture and practice then we have to start with understanding the power of the words we use. No one should get a pass to be disrespectful.

+1

Thank you! I'm black and I agree with you 100%!

[Anonymous]

The N word is synonymous with hate. So no, there is no excuse to ever use it. Ever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about racial slurs for other minorities?

I don't use them, my kids don't use them, and I don't associate socially with people who do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No! It's horrifying.

so what do you think about reading Huckleberry Finn? Just asking as my 8th grader is doing that now and the word is used about 250 times in the book.

The historical context of the book and the lesson of N*gger Jim's life make it a powerful message for adolescents. On the other hand, my older DD was assigned a chapter from one of the Little House books in which Pa puts on blackface and acts like a "comical darky" to entertain neighbors! I've never forgotten how appalled DD was or how clueless her teacher was to why we might be upset.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about racial slurs for other minorities?

Do you have a comprehension problem or are you trying to stir the pot?

Repeat this to yourself until your brain absorbs it. IT IS NEVER OKAY TO USE RACIAL SLURS FOR ANY GROUP OF PEOPLE!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No! It's horrifying.

so what do you think about reading Huckleberry Finn? Just asking as my 8th grader is doing that now and the word is used about 250 times in the book.

The historical context of the book and the lesson of N*gger Jim's life make it a powerful message for adolescents. On the other hand, my older DD was assigned a chapter from one of the Little House books in which Pa puts on blackface and acts like a "comical darky" to entertain neighbors! I've never forgotten how appalled DD was or how clueless her teacher was to why we might be upset.

OMG! What school does this teacher teach at?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't use the word. Ever.
But I think that AAs have played, played, played you with this word. Is a WORD. Not crime. And saying a word does not equal ".... it's discriminating under the law and on and on and on.... fools!"

...the hell are you talking about?

So brain washed. OK for all AAs to use the word anytime they want, but anyone else and out comes the race card. Do you ever think for yourself, or just rush to be the first one to play the race card yourself?

Context provides a lot of meaning for words. When a word is used in a certain context, it can have a certain meaning, but it's meaning can be completely changed when it's used in another context.

When AA people use the word, it doesn't mean the same thing as when white people use it. When white people use it, they mean "I am racially superior to you. I have more rights than you. The police will not treat me the way they treat you, so I can afford to start a confrontation with you, even if it gets physical." When black people use it, they are using it to each other to mark a shared status and group membership, or they're using it to criticize one of their own.

Context creates meaning. If you can't understand that, you don't have the social skills required to live in a modern society. Please immediately remove yourself to the top of a nearest mountain or the outskirts of Greater Redneckistan.

The problem with this argument is that it dismisses the fact that words carry weight and power - both in a positive and negative way. Words can be hurtful, hateful and harmful in the same way that they can be uplifting and encouraging. When you ignore this fact then you lose the ability to communicate effectively with those around you. Context does create meaning, but it cannot suddenly make an offensive term acceptable. It won't take away the generally accepted hateful meaning of the word.

I am a middle-aged (hurts to write that - see…words have power!) white woman who has never used the term and never will. I was raised to believe in the power of words. My father once kicked one of my sister's (loser) boyfriends out of the house for using the term - that's how strongly my parents felt about the use of appropriate and respectful language (not to mention actions). I don't buy the argument that black people using the terms with each other some how makes that word less offensive. No one can take away the history and prior use of a hateful term. We cannot "own" words or change their history of disrespect. The history is there and it isn't going away. As a woman I hate the word "c*nt". It is hurtful and only used to disrespect the recipient. I cannot change the history of misogyny it carries. It's for this reason you don't see me (or any other woman) walking into a room full of my female friends saying "Hey, c*nt, what's up?" Why? Because it would be ridiculous and outrageously disrespectful!

If we are going to get anywhere in this nation not only with positive race relations (with ALL races), but also with removing the continued sense of division due to differences of opinion, culture and practice then we have to start with understanding the power of the words we use. No one should get a pass to be disrespectful.

+1

Thank you! I'm black and I agree with you 100%!

I agree entirely. Especially with the groups that people think are somehow "more acceptable" to attack. Back off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about racial slurs for other minorities?

Do you have a comprehension problem or are you trying to stir the pot?

Repeat this to yourself until your brain absorbs it. IT IS NEVER OKAY TO USE RACIAL SLURS FOR ANY GROUP OF PEOPLE!

PP here. Calm down. I happen to be a minority and am curious about this because I often find that many people are (rightfully) appalled at the n word but find no issues with tossing around slurs for other minorities. It's particularly hurtful when it's one minority doing it to another, at least in my opinion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't use the word. Ever.
But I think that AAs have played, played, played you with this word. Is a WORD. Not crime. And saying a word does not equal ".... it's discriminating under the law and on and on and on.... fools!"

...the hell are you talking about?

So brain washed. OK for all AAs to use the word anytime they want, but anyone else and out comes the race card. Do you ever think for yourself, or just rush to be the first one to play the race card yourself?

Who is saying this? Most of the AA's that have commented here most that I know say that it is NOT OK! So your point is kind of an empty one.

Of course they say that. And you believe it. But it is still the race card in their pocket.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't use the word. Ever.
But I think that AAs have played, played, played you with this word. Is a WORD. Not crime. And saying a word does not equal ".... it's discriminating under the law and on and on and on.... fools!"

...the hell are you talking about?

So brain washed. OK for all AAs to use the word anytime they want, but anyone else and out comes the race card. Do you ever think for yourself, or just rush to be the first one to play the race card yourself?

Context provides a lot of meaning for words. When a word is used in a certain context, it can have a certain meaning, but it's meaning can be completely changed when it's used in another context.

When AA people use the word, it doesn't mean the same thing as when white people use it. When white people use it, they mean "I am racially superior to you. I have more rights than you. The police will not treat me the way they treat you, so I can afford to start a confrontation with you, even if it gets physical." When black people use it, they are using it to each other to mark a shared status and group membership, or they're using it to criticize one of their own.

Context creates meaning. If you can't understand that, you don't have the social skills required to live in a modern society. Please immediately remove yourself to the top of a nearest mountain or the outskirts of Greater Redneckistan.

The problem with this argument is that it dismisses the fact that words carry weight and power - both in a positive and negative way. Words can be hurtful, hateful and harmful in the same way that they can be uplifting and encouraging. When you ignore this fact then you lose the ability to communicate effectively with those around you. Context does create meaning, but it cannot suddenly make an offensive term acceptable. It won't take away the generally accepted hateful meaning of the word.

I am a middle-aged (hurts to write that - see…words have power!) white woman who has never used the term and never will. I was raised to believe in the power of words. My father once kicked one of my sister's (loser) boyfriends out of the house for using the term - that's how strongly my parents felt about the use of appropriate and respectful language (not to mention actions). I don't buy the argument that black people using the terms with each other some how makes that word less offensive. No one can take away the history and prior use of a hateful term. We cannot "own" words or change their history of disrespect. The history is there and it isn't going away. As a woman I hate the word "c*nt". It is hurtful and only used to disrespect the recipient. I cannot change the history of misogyny it carries. It's for this reason you don't see me (or any other woman) walking into a room full of my female friends saying "Hey, c*nt, what's up?" Why? Because it would be ridiculous and outrageously disrespectful!

If we are going to get anywhere in this nation not only with positive race relations (with ALL races), but also with removing the continued sense of division due to differences of opinion, culture and practice then we have to start with understanding the power of the words we use. No one should get a pass to be disrespectful.

It is still just a word. The only word that gets people fired. It is wrong to give a word so much power.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about racial slurs for other minorities?

Do you have a comprehension problem or are you trying to stir the pot?

Repeat this to yourself until your brain absorbs it. IT IS NEVER OKAY TO USE RACIAL SLURS FOR ANY GROUP OF PEOPLE!

OK WHEN THE WHOLE WORLD IS READY TO PLAY THEN I WILL PLAY TOO. UNTIL THEN I WILL RESERVE JUDGEMENT.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about racial slurs for other minorities?

Do you have a comprehension problem or are you trying to stir the pot?

Repeat this to yourself until your brain absorbs it. IT IS NEVER OKAY TO USE RACIAL SLURS FOR ANY GROUP OF PEOPLE!

OK WHEN THE WHOLE WORLD IS READY TO PLAY THEN I WILL PLAY TOO. UNTIL THEN I WILL RESERVE JUDGEMENT.

So, you're waiting on the world to change instead of changing yourself?

[Anonymous]

I had a great aunt use the word shwartze, and I was utterly horrified and sickened. Totally unacceptable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't use the word. Ever.
But I think that AAs have played, played, played you with this word. Is a WORD. Not crime. And saying a word does not equal ".... it's discriminating under the law and on and on and on.... fools!"

...the hell are you talking about?

So brain washed. OK for all AAs to use the word anytime they want, but anyone else and out comes the race card. Do you ever think for yourself, or just rush to be the first one to play the race card yourself?

Who is saying this? Most of the AA's that have commented here most that I know say that it is NOT OK! So your point is kind of an empty one.

Of course they say that. And you believe it. But it is still the race card in their pocket.

Folks like you will never get it. By the way, who is talking about using the n-word as a race card besides you? You keep injecting something that doesn't even fit the discussion. Keep up and stay on topic. I think you better go play with your toys and allow us grown folks to talk. What exactly is your point? Do you care to elaborate without your insecure negative hangups about black people?