The N Word

Everbody knows that this word has a horrible reputation in the past of slavery to put black folks down. Now we hear alot of black people use it. And I am one of them. There is a contradiction to this word which is us black people can use and white people can't unless they want to get beat down. My question is what do yall think of this word. Input please.

"There is a contradiction to this word which is us black people can use and white people can't unless they want to get beat down"

It means that at one time, black people deserved integration, for the whole issue was completely fucked up and every person is equal.

Now, with this "contradiction", as you call it, it causes a reverse in our progressive society and indicates the desire to be segregated again.

"Everbody knows that this word has a horrible reputation in the past of slavery to put black folks down"

The key word here is "past". Today is today . . . let the past go. If you hold onto this notion, then the "N" word still means nigger. If you let it go and realize that everybody is just a person, then the word no longer has to be horrible.

It's up to you, to me, to everybody . . . to get past this so we can all be happy and healthy individuals.

You're right P-Angel, now since blacks has reached a power that rivals every other race, now all of a sudden we've slanged a horrible name and forbid only whites from uttering the words...this is just pure idiocy. The anger of my ancestors run through my blood, and yes I have been in my share of fights over whites saying it, but honestly, I think it's that I just want the whole word to be eradicated from everyone's mind. I think people who says it freely has lost the spirit of our ancestors and has totally forgotton why us blacks are soo powerful in the first place.

"I just want the whole word to be eradicated from everyone's mind"

Amen to that.

Well,native americans are still up for racist words being thorwn at them and being mascots insetad of people.However again like you mentioned,theres natives who use those words yet whites aren't allowed to so the contradictions there as well.It doesn't help explaining why redskins doesn't mean native americans in general if native schools use similiar also.Cleveland Indians I don't have a problem with cause of the history of the teams name.After being called "that indians team" refering to a certain player who was native,it stuck so wasn't really a negative meaning to it in the first place.

Otherwise,the "n" word means an ignorant person on top of negative history so yeah,do kinda wonder about blacks who actually choose to call themselves that.:S

Oh in case you don't know "redskins" are the scalps of native americans.Indian scalps was considered offensive to white women so they started using redskins for them in trade.

Tiamat,

I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't know this . . . yet, I am a Redskin fan. What kind of fan doesn't take the time and put forth the effort to look into the history of their favorite sporting team?

I was wondering where that term came from. Thanks for enlightening me.

FORGET THE ARGUMENT, THER ISN'T ONE , THE WORD SHOULD BE BANDED. YES BLACKS USE IT , AND IT ISN'T RIGHT ,BUT THERE SHOULD NEVER IN SAMS HILL BE A PERSON OF ANOTHER RACE USING THE WORD, HELL TO THE N-O. OH AND HEY BLACK WOMAN , FROM ONE SISTER TO ANOTHER, I AM CHI, A KNEW MEMBER... WHAT'S UP GIRLY GIRL

Whadup chi

chi i agree with you...the word shouldnt be used anyways, but if blacks want to use it them fine...but i def. don't think that anyone else should. i would get affended if i were black if a white person tried saying that word.!@!!!

Chi: "FORGET THE ARGUMENT, THER ISN'T ONE , THE WORD SHOULD BE BANDED. YES BLACKS USE IT , AND IT ISN'T RIGHT ,BUT THERE SHOULD NEVER IN SAMS HILL BE A PERSON OF ANOTHER RACE USING THE WORD, HELL TO THE N-O"

Personally, I feel equally, if not even MORE insulted when a racist black man called me a "stupid n****r" with the 'r' and all. I wanted to beat the dude down in a fiery rage, ending with me crushing his skull with my timbaland boots. This comment, coming from an experienced black woman, I thought you would be on the same path as me. Maybe this is what you meant....

THERE SHOULD NEVER IN SAMS HILL BE A PERSON OF 'ANY' RACE USING THE WORD, HELL TO THE N-O"

...but I have to agree with this, i would much rather a NON-racist black man using the word as the 'black only' slang word for 'homie' or 'dude', I can tolerate that. I hear that coming out of almost everybody's mouth that I know. I have another question for my black peoples...do you think it's fine for a non-racist, thug-like hispanic person to use the word? It kinda fuels my anger a bit...

Don't you think it's odd that ANY word in any language can be used at any time a person chooses, except that one without getting people fired up?

I mean, if people who get insulted about the use of this word, I just wonder if they would then turn around and use a word to another person that may be deemed inappropriate.

So, what kind of person does that make you?

Should anybody even, then, care whether or not it's insulting if there's no honor to stand by your own principals?

"Should anybody even, then, care whether or not it's insulting if there's no honor to stand by your own principals? "


Exactly😉Its racist to be okay with the word if the person using it is black while expecting other races to not use it in the same way such as in the slang "homie" or whatever....your giving privelage to someone based on race which is the same thing as how the word came about.

The question is . . . how do we get this out to the people, so we can stop the hypocrasy, which only perpetuates racism, all together?

Like the Eagle's victory song says:

Often times, it happens, that we live our lives in chains, and we never even know we have the key.

A march should be started, one of Freedom . . real freedom, from the chains we hold around ourselves. A march that encourages people to set standards for themselves and to live every single day, keeping this aim in focus.

We will be able to overcome - ANYTHING - then, because we will hold ourselves personally liable for our deeds.

To be free from our own life chains . . I like that.

So, who's going to start? Need an Aries . . . that's the man who can get something like this going. And then, the Virgo to keep it rolling.

The rest of us will be the brains behind the movement. lol

I feel you have taken back the word. Meaning, you now own it so it does not have a derogatory meaning when you use it. Similar to how women have taken back the word c*nt. We can call each other that in jest...but no one else better DARE. And that's the way it should be.

Sea Siren: "We can call each other that in jest...but no one else better DARE. And that's the way it should be."

...But still, don't you feel a little stupid that some chic called you a c*nt, knowing this is coming from another woman?! Honestly, it sounds kinda embarrassing and degrading to me! I still can't see the honor in being named as ANY of these words...they are all beyond every other insulting words and they shouldn't be coming out of anyone's mouth. period. . . . .

Of course it's silly and stupid. I didn't say I used either word myself. In fact, I'm not a fan of either of them at all. But the idea that somehow you can get people to just stop saying a word because you don't like it, or agree with the way it is used is really just as silly. How in the heck would anyone enforce that type of ban? And is banning appropriate in a free society? Freedom of speech protects everyone, (at least here in the states). Even idiots. I think that is precisely why people have taken back words like this. It lessens the derogatory power, and that's all you can do in a nation that gives everyone freedom of expression. I think many artists (particularly rappers) would have a serious problem with a ban on that particular word, and if they took it to the supreme court, they would win. The Court almost ALWAYS protects freedom of speech, and I feel they are right to. To have that right, you have to accept that you will hear many things you do not agree with, and even hate to hear.

HEY ANGEL BABY, I THOUGHT U SAID THAT A BLACK PERSON CALLING YOU THE N WORD IN THE PAST FUSED YOU MORE THAN ANYTHING. ANYHOW AT NO COST SHOULD ANOTHER RACE BE USING THE N WORD. IT IS DERAGATORY. I HATE WHEN I HEAR HISPANICS USING THE WORD TOO ,AS I SAID BEFORE NO ARGUMENT, THE WORD SHOULD BE BANNED. WE SHOULDN'T BE USING IT , BETTER YET ANOTHER RACE!

Message posted by: flygyrllchi on 8/9/2006 2:41:06 AM ip: xxx.xxx.xxx.37

HEY ANGEL BABY, I THOUGHT U SAID THAT A BLACK PERSON CALLING YOU THE N WORD IN THE PAST FUSED YOU MORE THAN ANYTHING

I can't say that I've had a black person call me that, flygyrillchi.


Sea Siren, you said, "I think that is precisely why people have taken back words like this. It lessens the derogatory power, and that's all you can do in a nation that gives everyone freedom of expression."

I don't agree with this. To take back a word, doesn't lesson the derogatory power. IN fact, with this word we're talking about, I think it only allows the negative power to continue and strengthen.

I really can't say for all white people and maybe some will come and say thier experience in this matter, but, for me and my world . . we NEVER use that word. When we're sitting around telling a joke, or having a discussion about a person at work, or watching someone on television . . whom these people are black, we say, "black man", or, "did you see that woman". The word never crosses our minds because we see people as just individuals. And that's every white person I know. Only when I hear other people say it, do I think about the word and what it used to mean.

So, my point is, if the word was let go . . it wouldn't exist. But, if black people use it and your theory, they should be allowed to because they own it, then it continues to let the word re-surface in our minds about what it meant. The word has no use in our modern society, so, if it's said, then the only thing it can be related to is it's old meaning of the past.

I'm not black and i use it. Sounds less stupid than "brotha".

Message posted by: mr.crabby on 8/9/2006 11:02:59 AM

I'm not black and i use it. Sounds less stupid than "brotha".


Really? First person I've met then, to do so. In the real world, I don't know anybody. In fact, I can't say that I've even seen any black person get discriminated against, first hand. Every person seems be to dealt with, just as that, a person.

Sea Siren: But the idea that somehow you can get people to just stop saying a word because you don't like it, or agree with the way it is used is really just as silly.

You're missing my point...of course this word is NEVER going to be eradicated from everyone's mind, similar to Martin Luther King's dream, this will never come true either. My point is this, why does (for example) black people HATE the 'n' word with such passion to go as far as brutally beating someone, but then making this same word they hate a proud, trendy word for only black people to say? This is just being prejudice! Like P-Angel said, this is just another racist move by us blacks to segregate ourselves all over again...and to think we've fought soo hard for equality...

Mr. Crabby: "I'm not black and i use it. Sounds less stupid than "brotha"."

Ummm...I'm gonna give you a little advice about this word. If you were to use it where I live, more than most likely you'll wake up in a coffin. Please, for your safety, just utter this word to yourself or your other non-colored "brothas" cuz you will get hurt for saying this to some black person you don't know. (Or at least the black people I know)...This also brings up another thing I don't understand about us black people. I now hear black people saying that this white boy is my N***a!!??!?!? WHAT?!?!? I got into a little argument about this in my neighborhood a while ago. I just don't understand it...maybe I'm not as 'black' as you guys are, I'm more of a 'brown' I guess, cuz ya'll slingin this word around like it aint nuthin and this means soo much more to me than just another word.

Okay, Big D. I see what you're saying now. However, I still think the reason black people use it is to take back the power. When you think about it, what white person is most likely to say that word to a black person? A white supremicist. And if they get their a $ $ es kicked for it...I can't really say that would have me crying my eyes out. And I don't see how it makes black people who do this prejudiced. Are they beating the person up because they are white? No, they are beating them up because of their ignorance. This is not confusing to me at all as a white person. I don't use that word, never have, and don't feel resentful that black people can use it, but I can't.

P-Angel - Let's say this ban did take off. What about all the literature and film documenting the experiences and history of black people? That word is used quite a bit in those works because it was part of their experience, and conveys an aspect of the terrible injustice of it. Would we take it out of all of those too, and water down the power of the stories? Why?

P.S. Does this mean I have to stop calling family and friends honkies? lol Just kidding. 🙂

Sea Siren: "And I don't see how it makes black people who do this prejudiced"

Well, beating on ANYONE other than blacks for saying this word I think is quite racist myself...but that's just me.

Sea Siren: "Does this mean I have to stop calling family and friends honkies?"

Heh, why stop now? It's like you said, it's impossible to stop racist words from being said...

I don't talk to black people i don't know, and unless i'm very friendly with someone, i am extremely polite. I probably wouln't speak with someone who would get offended by words. So i guess i'm safe right? Big meanie black men won't shoot me in the street now?

Racist pig, it's not like all blacks are maniac murderers.

Ok, so, it looks like we have one person who is racist . . but, that's just one out of the bunch. Hopefully, with a little more time . . . there won't be any.

That was a joke, Big D. I don't use that word either. Everyone around here needs to lighten up. SHEESH! I see where you're coming from, but it is impossible to erase centuries of history, no matter how many people may want to. As long as there are different races, there will always be racism. Is it right? No. Is it fair? No. It's just the way it is.

"As long as there are different races, there will always be racism. Is it right? No. Is it fair? No. It's just the way it is."

The problem with that Sea Siren, is that it isn't every race, in every country. If it is the way it is, and we should be accepted because that is how life works . . then it would be so for every different race. But, it's not . . so, that's NOT the way it is, rather, an excuse to not have to put effort in and grow beyond that barrier.

Mr. Crabby: Racist pig, it's not like all blacks are maniac murderers

You're right, but I guess you didn't read my whole entry, so I'll copy and paste for u...

Me:"Please, for your safety, just utter this word to yourself or your other non-colored "brothas" cuz you will get hurt for saying this to some black person you don't know. (OR AT LEAST THE BLACK PEOPLE I KNOW)"

Understand that I believe what I see, and I see people that aren't black getting hurt severely for saying this word. Besides It's a shame I'm being called racist by a man who uses this word. I'm actually pretty confused now...how am I racist again?

I'm sorry SeaSiren, I guess I have to learn how to be a little more funny when I talk about something like this...huh? I completely understand everything that you are saying, and yeah, I truly agree with you when you said that it is impossible for this word to just 'disappear'. Honestly, I just feel as if no one feels as strongly as I do about this word, like I'm hearing nonsense like "Well, I'd rather hear it from this race" or "I only say it because it sounds better or 'cooler' than this word" or the imfamous "Well, I'm black so I can say it." I just can't understand any of this type of thinking and I don't understand why no one agrees with me. I would be EQUALLY angry if this word is said from ANY RACE, I can't accept this word coming from ANYBODY! I don't discriminate, so I can't allow even black people to call me a 'n' without it making me spaz out.

P-Angel: It's certainly "the way it is" in the U.S. because no other country in the world has so many different races all living in one place. That's why it is more prevalent here. And no, I don't think censorship is the key to stopping this, that way leads to a police state where government is in complete control. BAD idea. Remember Nazi Germany? Certain words can be offensive, but just because someone is banned from saying a word doesn't mean their feelings or viewpoint is any different, and those things are what causes racism. Not words. Until people change their minds and hearts and recognize the idiocy of their racist views, NOTHING will stop it. If I've sounded rather hopeless in this thread about changing people, well, let's just say my experience has shown me that people RARELY change. Especially ideas that have been ingrained in them since childhood, which is where such ignorance comes from.

Big😱 Have you ever asked another black person why they use the word? What did they say? You are certainly entitled to your right to express your opinion, and good for you for standing up for it. My fear is, if we start banning words, it takes us one step closer to losing freedom of expression altogether. It is not this particular word I am adamant to protect, but the idea of uncensored expression in general.

Black people use the "N" because it's a way of diminishing it's power. It's a negation.

The "N" word ... hmmm, never cared for that word or any term that belittles a specific culture or creed. A way of diminishing it's power ..... huh——

Good grief ...... :-/ Yeah, okay, tell me anything, I'll believe it 😄

Now, my opinion on those who say the "N" but have issues with other saying saying it ..... hahahaha, nevermind, I have no comment 😉 I plea the 5th on this subject.

*** cappy shakes her head at the lack of intelligence some people have ***

Yes, CS, a way of diminishing it's power. A thing can't control you or make you less than if you confront head on! Saying the "N" word just means see, I can take the meaning and make it my own.

BTW, cappy, I hate to be cliche, but if you're not black you really wouldn't understand. It has nothing to do with lack of intelligence, it's cultural.

lol . . . Branh

When I was a young'in, I used to hear the word, pickininny, a lot by my elders. I wasn't exactly sure what they meant. I think, they were referring to black girls, but because I was so little . . I can't verify that as to the meaning.

they were referring to black girls,

they were racists—

That's what I thought, too.

My parents used to hang around with some people, who were prejiduce, apparantly, but, I was so little, I didn't even know what prejiduce meant.

Anyway, they always used this word and I was so confused because my sister's name was difficult for me to pronounce and I called her "Ninny". So, when these adults would say this, I'd look around and think, my sister's a pick a what?

I'm not sure why my parents stopped hanging around with them, they aren't prejiduce, so it's likely this may be part of the reason because my mom know I would get upset about it. Not upset because it was a racist slur . . I didn't know what a racist slur even was . . but, it upset me never-the-less because I thought they were talking about my sister in a derogatory fashion.

I'd forgotten all about that until now. Just goes to show that all people are born viewing the world as people just being people, a child doesn't know the difference.

Branh,

Once again, you've taken what I said out of context. I never said I thought saying the "N" word was empowering. I merely mentioned that some blacks subscribe to this theory, I must certainly do not. I've been called a nigger and I've felt it's affects so I would never claim it as my own, but others do.

You really need to manage your anger better and stop lashing out just because you disagree. Who is you wish to punish? Not me for sure. You and many others in your clique will reject the person or the idea on the basis of the negative association, instead of looking at the available evidence. LOOK AT THE EVIDENCE FOR F&CKSAKE! You're bullshit bullying and name-calling are weak attempts and making yourself look better in front of your meager audience.

You're so negatively charged it's ridiculous. If you uncertain about my position, ask me a question before you launch in. I ain't GODDAMN porch monkey you arrogant F*CK.

I wasn't the one who started with the name calling. You don't seem to have a problem with branh calling me a porch monkey, so why should there be a problem with me saying I don't wish to be a called name either? Unfortunatley, the only way for some people to get it through their heads is to sink to their level. I've indicated to Branh and others many times in the past the stressful energy name-calling creates, but clearly it doesn't work unless you speak their language.

Branh has a history of name-calling and labeling, along with others on this board. It's an easy defensive mechanism which requires no thought.

lol . . . she's . . . different

"I wrote it on my book....like a doodle... for me it meant "friends" cuz that's how I see it when they greet each other"

tanya023, that gave me chills when I read it. To you, it just meant "friends"

OMG, that sentence has so much meaning to it . . maybe even more than anything else anyone has said on this thread yet. People have all these opinions and views of what it meant then, how it pisses people off now who are black and people other than their race use it, people say it's to take the power back . . just all kinds of stuff. And you to it meant . . .

. . . Friends

This Time it ain't no slackin in my mackin.

hey branh0913.... how did ur date II go—? im curious 😛😛😛😛