Hip White People Using The N-Word: Right Or Wrong?

[Gilpesh]

Remember, slavery was not only legal once, but there were once laws and propaganda in place used to keep black people from achieving equality.

Again with the assuming that I'm denying bad **** happened. I see a common thread.

Those laws are gone, but centuries of programming don't disappear overnight. They don't even disappear in a couple of generations.

Actually. They could disappear in a couple of generations. But it takes realizing when people's elders are full of ****.

Deep down, there's something in the black community that makes some of us unconsciously hold ourselves back.

A lot of people unconsciously hold themselves back and they have to fight it also. Sure, not everyone has such a great boogie man to point to though.

It's the reason why my older brother gives me s*** for speaking proper English, and why he went to prison for armed robbery despite being a spoiled brat whose parents and grandparents supported him-- he felt like he had to live up to a negative image that's glamorized for black people.

I've heard stupid is available in many colors. There's even whites that feel they need to live up to that same image also. Heck there's even negative images for everyone else to live up to.

It's a subconscious effort to hold himself back. He's a slave an old way of thinking.

Or he's a spoiled brat and an idiot. Those come in many colors as well.

White supremacists don't even have to try anymore; it's a self-perpetuating machine.

But it's not anywhere near the threat it used to be.




And this thread has been derailed enough. Back to debating language!

 

[Lantern Venom]

The only justifiable use of the word is in a book or movie where it is required, ie Roots, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Malcolm X. It is offensive and stupid to use it to be "cool" or "edgy", regardless of age or race.

 

[Casius--J]

I try to refrain from using the word but it can be difficult sometimes because its in movies, tv, music etc etc.

I dont think its a word anyone should be using black or not, its a terrible word no matter how you try to spin it.

Personally I have been called the N word a number of times in a negative sense but it doesnt bother me because I choose not to associate myself with that term so in my opinion they're not talking to me

 

[Silvermoth]

I simply do not see why anyone would want to use such a word.

 

[TheFuture]

I'd never say it, I don't care what the context is. It's why I stopped listening to rap when I grew up, I realised that I couldn't relate to these songs when every few words there's the N word thrown in. Also, my deep hatred for the word may stem from observing white chavs calling each other the N word when I was growing up. I'd say your Italian friend thought the same thing as me; how ****ing ******ed are these people?

 

[AG1973]

First of all, as someone who has seen BEP live twice (Once they were opening for a band was seeing, the second time was Zootopia, and they were one of the acts) I have to say that they are GOD AWFUL LIVE. Heck, just watch their live performances on tv. They're dreadful live.

Second, NO ONE should say that word. The fact that black people think they can say it and no one else can is stupid. If you have an offensive word that you don't want people to call you, DON'T USE IT YOURSELF. It's like we're asking for it.

Mentally disabled people are offended by the word ******. Gays don't like the word f*ggot. Yet, you don't see them saying "Yo, what up ******" or "What's good, f*ggot". They are offended by those words and have removed them from their vocabulary. The fact that black people continue to use that word like it's a term of endearment, but when someone who isn't black use it it's suddenly a racial slur it ridiculous and makes me sick to my stomach.

First off I don't like the word and I do not use it in personal speech and I am not one to seek out music where the word is used repeatedly. With that being said, as a black person of 37 years old black people using the word with the "A" on the end minus the "ER" does not infuriate me.

A white person or other demographic group that feels that they can say the word with the "A" minus the "ER" just because they feel they can say it because some black people say it among themselves rubs me the wrong way.

A white person cannot relate to being called the N-word out of malice like a black person can. I live in the south and I have been called that word with malice by a white person more times than I care to remember. It was very very upsetting everytime it occured.

However, another black person can relate to being called the n-word with malice by a white person or some other demographic group. That ability to relate is like my younger brothers and sister being able to say things to me that people that are not my family cannot say. That's the best analogy I can give.

I personally would prefer if black people would stop using the word alltogether; but just because one person can say something does not mean that you can say it.

 

[Crook]

I'd never say it, I don't care what the context is.

Context is everything. Words have absolutely no meaning without it.

I'm neither black (nor white), and I must admit it has become a common word amongst my friends and I. Our social circle has just accepted it as a commonplace term, because of where we grew up. I'd never use it in the spaces of random strangers, simply because I know how sensitive of a topic it is.

But I will hold the position that certain terms that are used derogatorily, can also be used in a non-malicious fashion. Especially if both have been used almost universally. I'll take the word 'stupid', a pretty tame adjective by today's standards.

That performance was stupid!

and

That performance was stupid! t:

...are quite different in meaning in spite of their equal syntax. In fact they're exact opposites. The bigger issue is that some types of people, or certain generations, have the inability to discern such differences. And will therefore assess statements according to what they are familiar with. I have no doubt some people will read the above example and have no idea what the precise differences are.

 

[terry78]

Point blank, it's allowed if you're black. Just like using the b-word is allowed if you're a chick, and using the f-word is allowed if you're gay. I try not to use the n-word myself, but it does slip out at times. I don't get pissed if it's used by white people in a manner like Lenny Bruce or George Carlin did, because those two dudes somewhat understood. They weren't the typical "if they can say it why can't I" white guys.

 

[Wylie Times]

Context is everything. Words have absolutely no meaning without it.

I'm neither black (nor white), and I must admit it has become a common word amongst my friends and I. Our social circle has just accepted it as a commonplace term, because of where we grew up. I'd never use it in the spaces of random strangers, simply because I know how sensitive of a topic it is.

But I will hold the position that certain terms that are used derogatorily, can also be used in a non-malicious fashion. Especially if both have been used almost universally. I'll take the word 'stupid', a pretty tame adjective by today's standards.

That performance was stupid!

and

That performance was stupid! t:

...are quite different in meaning in spite of their equal syntax. In fact they're exact opposites. The bigger issue is that some types of people, or certain generations, have the inability to discern such differences. And will therefore assess statements according to what they are familiar with. I have no doubt some people will read the above example and have no idea what the precise differences are.

Everybody knows that, but some people like to play dumb when it comes to this subject.

 

[TheFuture]

Context is everything. Words have absolutely no meaning without it.

Don't patronise me, I know that. Why are you talking in general rather than in regards to this specific word? Talking about the semantics around using the word "stupid" is not comparable in any way to the N word.

Are you trying to tell me that I can use the N word if the context is "appropiate"? There is no appropiate context.

 

[Crook]

Don't patronise me, I know that.

Why are you talking in general rather than in regards to this specific word?

Because the N-word isn't some special term that circumvents the basic rules of language.

Talking about the semantics around using the word "stupid" is not comparable in any way to the N word.

Oh, I would love to hear you explain this. Please...tell me. Tell me how semantics is altered. What are the rules?

Are you trying to tell me that I can use the N word if the context is "appropiate"? There is no appropiate context.

Whether it is appropriate will vary from person to person. The very fact that it is widely used today in urban culture, and in a NON-derogatory way, is proof that it's socially acceptable for that particular crowd.

From my experience, it has little to do with race, and more to do with whether you are part of that "circle" who is allowed to say it.

 

[Wylie Times]

Don't patronise me, I know that. Why are you talking in general rather than in regards to this specific word? Talking about the semantics around using the word "stupid" is not comparable in any way to the N word.

Are you trying to tell me that I can use the N word if the context is "appropiate"? There is no appropiate context.

Depends on what you view as being "appropriate".

 

[Wylie Times]

Whether it is appropriate will vary from person to person. The very fact that it is widely used today in urban culture, and in a NON-derogatory way, is proof that it's socially acceptable for that particular crowd.

It's not just widely used "Today". Black folks in American have been using the word as a term of endearment for a long Long LONG time.

 

[TheFuture]

Because the N-word isn't some special term that circumvents the basic rules of language.

Oh, I would love to hear you explain this. Please...tell me. Tell me how semantics is altered. What are the rules?

I'm not talking about the rules of semantics, I'm talking about what a specific word represents.

There are very few words in the english language that carry as much History as the N word does. Anyone who knows a thing about not just American history but European history should know what this word represented. And for little idiots to use it so casually at a concert is incredibly unnacceptable and just shows how idiotic some of the youth of today are.

Whether it is appropriate will vary from person to person. The very fact that it is widely used today in urban culture, and in a NON-derogatory way, is proof that it's socially acceptable for that particular crowd.

From my experience, it has little to do with race, and more to do with whether you are part of that "circle" who is allowed to say it.

That doesn't make it right, just because a particular group uses it freely does not mean it's appropiate. Homophobia is accepted in some circles but that certainly does not make homophobia right.

 

[Colossal Spoons]

The word means nothing to me unless said with malicious intent; there are worse things I'd rather not be called. I enjoy seeing white people get all weird when the "N-word parts" come up in song lyrics. I don't care. Artists keep saying it, so will the people who buy and listen to their music

 

[Crook]

I'm not talking about the rules of semantics, I'm talking about what a specific word represents.

There are very few words in the english language that carry as much History as the N word does. Anyone who knows a thing about not just American history but European history should know what this word represented.

Then you are right back to 'context'. If an old, white man shouts out of his porch, "get out of here you damn n***as!", we all know the history behind that usage. A teenager to his co-workers saying, "wassup my n***as!", is not, contextually speaking, the same word. If you want to insist otherwise, that's your problem.

If I'm correct, 'gay' is frowned upon here if it's not typed solely for sexual orientation. Regardless of the fact that even when used in a negative light ("those stipulations are gay"), it has nothing to do with homosexuals...at all. The word has gained new meaning over the years, and it's a bit disappointing for some to dismiss this so readily. Almost as if they want certain terms to remain negative.

That doesn't make it right, just because a particular group uses it freely does not mean it's appropiate. Homophobia is accepted in some circles but that certainly does not make homophobia right.

You cannot possibly compare a prejudiced mentality with what is essentially just a noun. The former is fixed, constant, and leaves only one form of interpretation.

 

[SurfDUI]

Well...I'll admit, I've never been fully comfortable with it, or any form of its use. Having said when I get heated... ill belt out a DAMN N! COME ON", but its few and far between.

White guys my age are rarley pioneers in my eyes, but I think of Emenem- he's up there IMO with Rakim, KRS, B.I.G., Chuck D. And he's only illuded to the word once, as far as I've heard. I you can be that successful in just the frame of hiphop and not use it. I can do better than that.

Just like Mayer, white folks can be slick about that type of thing, one of the main reasons people are so divided is Black folks pain is underestimated. Still 'what's good for the goose'...I try to keep it out the vocab.

 

[Wylie Times]

Well...I'll admit, I've never been fully comfortable with it, or any form of its use. Having said when I get heated... ill belt out a DAMN N! COME ON", but its few and far between.

White guys my age are rarley pioneers in my eyes, but I think of Emenem- he's up there IMO with Rakim, KRS, B.I.G., Chuck D. And he's only illuded to the word once, as far as I've heard. I you can be that successful in just the frame of hiphop and not use it. I can do better than that.

Just like Mayer, white folks can be slick about that type of thing, one of the main reasons people are so divided is Black folks pain is underestimated. Still 'what's good for the goose'...I try to keep it out the vocab.

Now this is the most offensive thing I've ever heard in my life.

 

[Colossal Spoons]

Now this is the most offensive thing I've ever heard in my life.

Hahahaha

 

[TheFuture]

Then you are right back to 'context'. If an old, white man shouts out of his porch, "get out of here you damn n***as!", we all know the history behind that usage. A teenager to his co-workers saying, "wassup my n***as!", is not, contextually speaking, the same word. If you want to insist otherwise, that's your problem.

I would sit the teenager down with a few bed time stories about the history behind the word. Different contexts does not make the use of a word okay. If I called a friend "a ****ing ******" I would be prolonging and maintaining the use of the word. Even though I wouldn't have meant it in a homophobic sense, I'm still using a phrase that is hurtful to a lot of people. What if another friend in our presence overheard me calling my friend a ****** in a vicious tone, what if that person was struggling with his own sexual feelings? How would that affect that person? We need to think about what we're saying instead of thinking in simple terms such as "Oh the context is right, I'm safe using this word."

If I'm correct, 'gay' is frowned upon here if it's not typed solely for sexual orientation. Regardless of the fact that even when used in a negative light ("those stipulations are gay"), it has nothing to do with homosexuals...at all. The word has gained new meaning over the years, and it's a bit disappointing for some to dismiss this so readily. Almost as if they want certain terms to remain negative.

They want "certain terms to remain negative" because they are still very much negative terms. For every time you call someone gay in a lighthearted sense, there is someone else in the world using the same term to bully another person. We can't clamp down on such things because of people like yourself who talk about context when using unacceptable words. Because you want to be able to use a word freely that word still lives on as a weapon to use against people in a hateful way. That may make me PC, whatever, I don't care.

You cannot possibly compare a prejudiced mentality with what is essentially just a noun. The former is fixed, constant, and leaves only one form of interpretation.

Okay, what about the words gay and ******. I've already covered that nicely so thank you.

 

[MessiahDecoy123]

I see nothing wrong with blacks taking ownership of the N-word the same way gays take ownership by using the term F-A-G. I think it's kind of silly for whites to resent not being allowed to say as if it somehow hurts them. I don't resent the fact that gays can refer to each other as F-A-G and I can't because I'm heterosexual. Why should I?

Some words of persecution are exclusive to the persecuted. What's the big deal? It's one way to alter the intent of a word.

You take an insult and turn it into rallying cry. It's more offensive that whites feel blacks don't understand what their doing when taking ownership of the word. Blacks know exactly what they're doing. They're taking a word of persecution and showcasing it as a word of comradeship.

Why would, anyone say, "hey that word is exclusively for persecution, the persecuted cannot use it for their own purposes".

 

[SurfDUI]

Now this is the most offensive thing I've ever heard in my life.

Heh, I here you...again. He's a lyrical monster tho, yea he goes on about nuthin a lot, just like his counterparts but I dig him

 

[THE MR. TERRIFIC]

I'll admit to saying the word on many occasions. I've always felt that white people should not however. I can say that I don't like to use the word anymore but it does slip out. The fact of the matter is it's apart of out culture like it or not. Not to say that it's ok but it is. Everyone SHOULD stop saying it, but I don't see that happening anytime soon.

 

[Warhammer]

Some people just shrug it off with "it's just a word" and all that, but f*** and s*** are "just" words, too. That doesn't mean it's not inappropriate. It makes you sound ignorant and uneducated, regardless of race or ethnicity. However, I don't actually get angry unless someone uses it with racist and malicious intent. If you do, you're just a racist motherf***er who needs that ass whooped.

 

[Warhammer]

Now this is the most offensive thing I've ever heard in my life.

Hahahahaha.