I was facilitating a group discussion last week and a white participant raised the question of why it’s acceptable for black (and brown) people to drop the N-bomb but not white people. “It’s an unfair double standard,” she said, as have hundreds of other before her.
I’ve always found this to be an odd complaint. There are all sorts of things that each one of us can say to family and friends that would be off limits if a total stranger said those very same words.
But so many white people have voiced this double standard complaint over the years that I’ve come to see their struggle as rooted in more than the issues unique to race relations and the disturbing legacy of that word. What I see now is that young white people in this generation do not want to drop the N-bomb (with the “a” ending) as a means of entitlement, “If you get to say it, we get to say it.” I’m starting to think that they want to do so because that word has become the “gold standard of cool.”
Let’s face it. Urban African Americans are the epitome of coolness. It’s been like this for generations. Jazz. Cool. Rock -n- Roll. Cool. Hip Hop. Cool. Timberland shoes worn by white people. Uncool. Tims worn by black people. Cool. You get my point.
Watch Dave Chapelle and Chris Rock and a long list of lesser others kicking around N-bombs. What white person with any healthy barometer of coolness does NOT want to be as cool as Chapelle or Rock? And what it looks like these days is you’re not going to get there if you can’t drop the N-bomb — especially in mixed company, with black gatekeepers of cool nodding or laughing in approval. THAT is the ultimate statement that says “I’m cool,” AND “I’ve been admitted into the club.”
Very simply, young white people may be wrestling with “nigga” not so much as a racial signifier as a signifier of “cool.” In comparison to the generations that preceeded them, black people have reshaped the word from its singularly hateful focus and now it stands in the center of the culture as an indicator of much more than the state of race relations.
More to come…
I do not understand why people still use the “n” word. If it is so offensive no one should be able to use the word. Even if you are black it still is wrong to use it. It is like a double standard that black people can use the word and it be alright but when a person of another race uses the word it is the end of the world. I think that we should just erase the word out of our vocabulary. It does not make you cool using the “n” word. It just makes people look ignorant and makes me loose respect for that person that uses the “n” word. If the word is really offensive to black people they should not use the word either. It gives a false impression that it is ok. I also do not understand why people like Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle can use the “n” word in their comedy acts and still think that it is offensive when it is used towards them. Overall, I think that no one should use the “n” word and maybe this will help with the ongoing problem of racism in the world today and in the future.
[Reply]
The “N” word is a very touchy subject in today’s world. Though considered one of the most demeaning words in the English language, it is constantly uttered in many different areas of society. Whether the word is said by a white person or a black person, I feel uncomfortable with it. The history of the word has no “cool” meaning. It is exactly the opposite. I do however realize that today it is a part of black culture and is a very important word. On the other side of the coin, since the word in thrown around so much, I find it hard to see how it will not be said outside of its usual setting. I think that if it’s going to be said as often as it is, it has to be expected that it will be misused and said inappropriately. I do think that responsibility has to be taken by those using the word as many people do not really understand the meaning of the word and will use it to be “cool” as Sam said. In my opinion the word is demeaning and should rarely be said, but it will continue to be said if it is constantly used throughout society. It should be used by only those who fully understand it.
[Reply]
In my personal opinion, the “n” bomb is a word that should be used very carefully and in moderation. I personally am not comfortable saying that word at all, and I know a lot of people who feel the same way. I hear it a lot in rap and hip hop songs, and it always makes me uncomfortable, regardless of whether it ends in “-a” or “-er.” I avoid using that word at all costs.
I think it is true that it is much less acceptable for a white person to use any form of the “n” word than a person of color to use it. In out race relations class a black person said that he used it all the time in all sorts of different situations. No one really made a big deal about it. Then a white person said that he used that word all the time too, and the entire class went absolutely silent with a few awkward chuckles here and there. Sam asked the black guy if it was okay that the white guy uses the “n” word all the time and he said “it depends on how it is being used.”
I think it depends on your particular points of view. I do not really care if someone uses the word, but I am not comfortable in saying it myself. I think that everyone should be very careful in how they use it and who they are using it with because it could be taken offensively.
[Reply]
I try as much as possible not to use the “N” word, but because I was raised in Philadelphia where the “N” word is frequently used, it is sometimes hard not to use it. Back in high school the “N” word was used by a lot of my friends (colored Friends), I guess it is something that color people use to make their sentences sound “cooler”, which is being portrayed by the rap industry. And I do admit some of the people that use the “N” word are viewed as being cool. However, I don’t think it’s right to use the “N” word in any surrounding, which is why I am trying to eliminate that word from my vocabulary. I definitely don’t think that it’s okay for white people to use the “N” word. The reason is because of the history black and white people have with each other and that word. The white people made the “N” word as a way to label the black people as inferior to whites and to keep them in oppression. Just because the word today is being thrown around a lot and it doesn’t have the same magnitude as it did before, white people still shouldn’t use it even if they want to look “cool”.
[Reply]
I feel that there are probably a lot of different opinions on this issue, and I kind of think that I understand both sides. The N word has been a derogatory term for decades, and that cannot change overnight. However, I know black people that are on both sides of the fence. Some of them say that a white person should never be allowed to say the N word in any type of context what so ever. Some others say that if they know them and know that they are saying it in a lighthearted and friendly manner, then it’s acceptable.
Personally, I don’t think I would ever say it. I was brought up in an environment where it was completely inappropriate and rude to say “nigger” or even “nigga”. To be completely honest I even try to avoid it when I’m in my car singing along to a rap or R&B song. I’ll sing all the words out loud until it gets to that one and then I’ll just kind of mumble it. I’ve had a number of my black friends tell me that I should call them that, and then I try it and they make fun of me because they can tell how uncomfortable I get.
[Reply]
On the Blog entry regarding the N word. I believe that is a word that has a terrible history behind it. Anyone that experienced discrimination other and other forms of racism during the the Jim Crow years and earlier will express how they feel about this oppressive word. In our generation, where it is not legal to be discriminated against and segregation does not exist, the word does not have the same power it used to have. Rappers and comedians use it loosely to identify other people of color (mainly black). It is similar to calling someone in your social circle a foul name that would not be acceptable unless you were cool with that person. You can call your close friend a loser or idiot etc., but if you try to call someone that you are not on that same level of friendship or understanding, there will be an issue. I heard white people use the word nigga within their social circles because where they grew up they were very comfortable with blacks. It is more of a personal thing and it will differ person to person. For example if we had a bunch of people living in the Hamptons white or black that knew nothing about blacks using the word just because they thought it was cool, the word would be abused quickly. I personally feel that even some rich black people should not even be able to use the word if they only use it because they hear their favorite rapper using it. You just have to understand the black culture and know how blacks will feel if one uses it especially if you are ignorant of the black culture.
[Reply]
I really don’t see the big issue about not being able to drop the N-bomb. All of my life I have never, not once, had the desire to drop the n-bomb in a way shape or form, and I don’t see that changing any time soon. I also see why black people feel the urge to keep the word to themselves. It in of itself is a small form of empowerment. Being able to say a word that other people can’t say automatically separates you into groups, those with and those without power. I believe that any racial group would react the same why in that certain position, especially if their argument for not allowing others to say the word is backed by two hundred years of enslavement. But another thought about this subject that I had was that race segregation is still an issue today in many parts of the United States, whether it be colored people separating themselves from white people or white people from colored people, and I don’t think progress can be made if both sides does agree to compromise. One of those compromises might have to be the allowance of anyone to have permission to drop n-bombs.
[Reply]
I think that is IS a matter of “you get to say it, we get to say it.” I agree that white people want to be part of the club. I am white, and I know several people who get upset over the fact that black people can use the n word and white people can. I think that they are mad that they are being excluded from the club of people who get to say it.
Just because you have an issue with the fact that white people can’t say the n word, does not mean that you are racist. However, I have several acquaintances who have very racist views, and they definitely take issue with the fact that they can’t say it. I try to express my point of view, that there is ton of negative history behind the n word—a history of oppression and racism. White people took power over this word for so long, and used it in horrible ways. Some black people are okay with the use of the word, while others are not—for those who are okay with it, I have always assumed that they are asserting their power over the word. Maybe it’s their time to use it any way they want to. For a white person to say it just rehashes the negative way that white people used it in the past.
In summary, I don’t really have a problem with the idea that white people cannot use the “n” word. As a white person, I don’t think it’s “cool,” and I would never say it.
[Reply]
I don’t really understand why people use the “n” word at all. White or black, I feel like it is a dirty word that shouldn’t be uttered out of anyone’s mouth. I’m not really sure where it actually originated from, but when comedians and black actors use that kind of language, others will obviously pick it up. Especially for kids in high school, they see people dropping this word like it’s nothing. Because of our culture, people are growing up to learn how to talk like this. This word seriously offends people and should never be said in any kind of matter. I do think that is kind of unfair that black people use the word but when white people do, they get very upset. Bottom line, I just don’t think that it should be said at all. It would save a lot of troubles and racism problems. I don’t think it is really fair to ridicule other races besides blacks for saying this word when they use it all the time. Some people say it so nonchalantly that it seems like they wouldn’t mind if people said it, then completely blind side you when someone actually drops the word because they feel it is acceptable in that atmosphere. People should be a little more sensitive and not use this dirty word.
[Reply]
After reading Laurie’s original statement and others comments on this historically word I’m not surprised by alot of peoples mixed emotions. I am a black female that has grown up with family member who cuss like sailors, but that word has always seemed to be off limits. It’s interesting because the word can have many meanings if used by black people with an er or a. I find that when black and brown people use the word around other people of color they use it to refer to other people of color. For example like saying that girl or guy, as it were some form of a noun not a derogatory term. In no shape or form am I condoning that this is accurate or holds truth in many households or all people of color use the word. In recent generations that word had being coined to be in many media pieces like shows, especially music, videos and so forth. When my friends use the word I tend to get upset because it makes them sound ignorant because they could definitely find another word.
I’ve run into many white people who claim that it is unfair that that people of color use it and white people cant. Overall it’s ignorant no matter how the word is used whether their black or white. Many people of color feel guilt when they use it around white people, so they SHOULDNT USE IT! Never should people feel like they have to walk on eggs shells to use a word especially when the original purpose of the word was intended to be hurtful and a form of disrespect.
Kelli Scruggs
[Reply]
Language is not a static thing. Words can have different meanings, different interpretations — these change with time. Nigger is a word. It has been used as a derogatory insult, as a term of endearment, and for everything in between when referring to black people and people of other races, whether pronounced with an “er” or an “uh.” As a part of our language, in our society, which is based on free speech, no one has the authority to say who can use it or how it can be used. As I see it, everyone is a little bit racist. What I mean is, everyone sees racial differences. It is human nature to be selfish and see oneself as being better than others. Every group has a sense of self-pride. It is only when this pride turns into a supremacist sentimentality that problems begin to occur. No one race is any “better” or “worse” than any other, they are all just different, and only in superficial ways. When you say it’s ok for one race to use the word, but not another race, you’re really just perpetuating the tradition of separating the races by what they are or are not “allowed to do.” Every person is an individual. Having a racial identity is fine, but just because the N word is a part of that identity (and if you are black, it is) doesn’t mean other people of other people should be stigmatized just for saying it, whatever way they use it. If people use it in a hateful way (and they do), you have the right to dispute it, as does every American citizen. If it offends you that people also use it in a jovial manner, then you also have the right to dispute it, but the fact that you have this right means that you shouldn’t. If you really want to change people’s minds, the best way to do it is just by talking to them, not yelling at them or telling them how wrong you think they are. Just explaining your own point of view is enough.
[Reply]
I find it odd that even black people care to address others using the “n” word. Considering the history of the word and how offensive it is, I would think that the use of this word would feel uncomfortable even when black people use it to address other black people. I agree that some white people want them to be using this word to be accepted because they want to be in the “club”. They want to be cool. However, also there are other white people that want to use this word because they are surrounded by this “urban culture” and simply see it as a normal thing to address one’s friends in this way. It’s generally accepted that there is a difference in connotation when using the “er” or “a” ending. I’m pretty sure there are people that believe the “a” ending is more acceptable for a white person to say. Personally, I believe that there’s not really a difference in the meaning of the two. Do you get a different meaning when someone says sittin instead of sitting? Also, I think that many white people who use this word are unaware that it isn’t accepted by a lot of society. They think that if they’re not using it in a negative way then it won’t be taken as a negative thing.
[Reply]
This is an interesting topic. One that I find myself battling with my opionion on it. I will never, not once, say the N word. And I get very uncomfortable when other people say it, even black people. I think it awesome when cultures are able to “take back” a word, and turn it into something less offensive by giving it another meaning. Maybe that is what is meant with the N word ending in an “a”? In class Sam was talking about how its deemed more acceptable to say that now than ever before. I have to disagree. If black people say it, then whites will start to think its okay, and the word will be misused.
I am, however, a huge fan of reading the intention behind a question, or a statement, as opposed to just the meaning of the statement. It is so hard in our world today, of political correctness, to always say the right thing. Therefore, if someone wants to say the N word, with no hatred or bigotry behind it.. is it really harming anyone?
Overall I just keep battling these points.. not saying the N word .. and not really having my mind made up.
[Reply]
I grew up in a white neighborhood. I went to private school at my local parish and the only black girl was in my class. At an early age, I was never exposed to racism. Even though I wasn’t exposed to it, my parents insisted that I never use any term that would negatively affect another race. To me, the “n” word is a way of describing a person’s character, not their skin color. From what I’ve gathered from my short life, the “n” word is somebody who acts shady, try to hustle you, and is always barging in when not welcome.
At Penn State Altoona, I roomed with a kid named Sammy. He was one hundred percent Dominican. He had black skin, an afro, and the kid knew how to dance. Once we got comfortable with each other, we were able to bash racial slurs against each other to get laughs. One night, he left the oven on all night after making a pizza. When I saw it I said, “Sammy you freakin’ nigga.” He responded, “Pock, you shut your cracker ass up.” None of us meant to hurt one another; we were just looking to bring laughs to a stupid incident.
So, I say you can use the “n” word amongst good company that you feel comfortable enough to joke around with. In the end, it’s just a word.
[Reply]
I find this blog response very interesting because I am technically a mixed young adult male born from a white father and a latina mother, but for the most part I consider myself latino because I was born and raised in the Central American country of El Salvador.
During my college years, I have become very good friends with other black and latino students whose hometowns are in urban areas of different parts of the country. A few of them were actually my roommates for a couple of years. One day, they asked if I used the n-word. Acutally, they assured me that I was “allowed” to say the n-word around them. One of my African American friends even created a group in facebook that was called “I can say the n-word without getting my ass kicked,” and I was sent an invitation, along with other black and hispanic friends. So I have to agree with Sam that there has to be a level of acceptance to the “club” and usually white people are not welcome to that club.
I personally do not agree with this idea, but it seems to be such a delicate subject connected to the history of this country that black people are usually offended with white people use the word around them.
Even though my friends are very dear to me, I don’t agree completely with their beliefs, but I respect them for I know their true intentions.
[Reply]
I definitely agree completely with the blog about dropping the ‘N’ Bomb having become a cool thing in society. I think that using it successfully among groups of people has become somewhat of a status and gives the user a reputation for being likable among his/her peers. I can completely understand why it is only acceptable when used among black people but I feel as though if it should not be used by others, maybe it should not be used at all. It kind of goes back to the age old “only I can make fun of my brother…no one else can” thing. Though it really isn’t necessarily acceptable for you to be making fun of your brother at all, I can understand why it wouldn’t be okay for someone else to make fun of him. This makes it more difficult for other people to understand though, and I do believe that some tolerance should be applied when people who are not black attempt to use the word to invoke those same “cool” feelings; when it is not being used to harm or insult. Also it is important to understand that if black people have transformed this word from something horrible and derogatory into something of coolness then they may as strange as it sounds embrace the fact that others (black or not) are using the word now on the terms of others, as they have reshaped it, and redefined it. I’m not saying that it should be used, but if black people are going to redefine it in a more positive light, I think that it needs to be understood that it may start to catch on.
[Reply]
For years people have been using the N-word (nigger).Especially in African American communities. Most use this word as a term of endearment and respect. By changing it from nigger to nigga, it holds a different definition. The N- word is a derogatory word that should not be used socially and casually. The history behind the word gives it a huge impact.
When slavery started, nigger was used to describe the slaves. The United States is an advanced country; things are no longer the same. Words used in the past, especially negative words, should be left in the past. Neither Caucasians nor African Americans should be allowed to use the word. African Americans take offense to it when the word is used. However, i feel that all races should be offended by the word. The term was used during a time that was inhumane and should be looked as such by every race and nationality.
With the cooperation of all races, the word can be eradicated. It can only be used in text books if necessary. Otherwise, the word should be a censored word and should be looked at as other curse words because it holds the same value as a curse.
[Reply]
I think that the use of the “n” word is completely relative to who says it in what way. After reading this blog the first thing that came to mind was a lecture of Sam’s in which he spoke about words and the meanings they carry. A point he made that resonated with me was that words are just words. The word itself means nothing without the feeling or purpose behind it. Any word that could be used against blacks in the same horrific manner as the “n” word would have little significance without the emotion fueling its use.
I do not see why the “n” word hurts people because the people that use the word are just trying to be cool. Therefore just like people of color use the term “cracker” and other terms that were once used to offend whites and are now overlooked I think the “n” word when used for “cool” purposes is fair game. Although, this comment does not encompass that percentage of people who still use derogatory terms like the “n” word with the intention of offending an individual or expressing that they think a certain race is inferior to their own. In my opinion that group of people needs some seriously enlightenment.
[Reply]
I do not like the fact that the n-word had turned to a word that is “cool” to use among black people. I feel that no one should use that word because it was a way to degrade blacks in the past. However, since it is used so much by black and brown people in the media, especially by rappers in hip hop and rap that the word has been acceptable by black people. Black and brown people tend to think that if they change the ending to “a” instead of “er” the term in acceptable. If whites say the n-word it is totally unacceptable unless they are one of those few whites that are “in” with the black people so they are so called accepted. But it is a double standard, blacks can drop the n-bomb all the time, but if a white person does they are seen as racists. The term for black people has changed from hate to a term of endearment and friendship. I do not understand how the n-word got the reputation to be “cool” and user friendly among black and brown people and not for white. Being black myself I still do not think anyone should use the word just because it had such a hateful meaning in history. I believe that if rappers and celebrities stopped using the n-word so much in songs that it would stop the youth from using it as well.
[Reply]
I completely agree with this double standard. White people act tough, ‘hard,’ and trashy, so why shouldn’t they be called Niggers? That’s basically the reference we’re using it for these days, after all. If black people can use the word all the time, why can’t white people? I completely agree with the fact that the word comes from painful origins, but I think that this double standard needs to go! Black people and other minorities should stop having their attitude of “anyone white who uses the N-word is a racist,” and white people should stop thinking that there is some “rule” that they have to follow- to use the N-word at their own risk. A lot of black people hate the n-word just as much as us white folks do because it is considered a rude and racially charged curse word. However, there needs to be a definitive unwritten rule. Either the N-word isn’t used at all, or it is acceptable when used in certain contexts. For example, saying “Hey Nigga” instead of “Hey friend” is, in my opinion, acceptable, but saying “You’re a nigger” when pointing to a black man or woman is completely UNacceptable. The reality, though, is that this will never happen. I think that people, anyone, should be allowed to use the N-word if they are willing to accept it’s burden. Any person who says it should be willing and able to face the criticism, the stares, and the controversy it will entail. It’s hateful and it’s wrong, but no one can be stopped from saying it because it’s a free country.
[Reply]
Personally, I do not think that saying the N-word has anything to do with being cool. The N-word originated as a derogatory term for people of color. Now it is used in rap videos, as a way for people to greet there friends, along with many other slang meanings. I never really understood how a word with so much hate can be so transformed. Why is it okay for black people to call each other a word that was so hurtful in the past? It is probably better, since it helps dilute the meaning behind it, but it is not a word I feel should be used at all, no matter who you are. As a white male, I would not feel comfortable saying it, no matter who it was to, and whether I used the “-a” ending or the “-er” ending. I know it is the meaning you put behind the word that gives its significance, but after years of harm being done by a word, I don’t see how that it can all of a sudden be cool. There are so many other words that can be used to sound cool, and there is no reason the N-word should be added to that list.
[Reply]
Is “nigga” the new and improved “nigger” in today’s society? Personally I feel like “nigga” and “nigger” are not the same words. Dropping the “a” off of “nigg” and adding an “er” changes the meaning of the word dramatically. Nigger distinctively labels a black person and is a term of ignorance and insolence. Overtime the word nigga has become a cultural term used by the urban generation of today, yet more liberally by African Americans. Even though the term has become more acceptable this still does not mean anybody and everybody can use this term. A random person cannot just casually come up to me a say “hey nigga!” That is uncool for a black or white individual. I am an African American female who was raised in a fairly mixed urban community in Philadelphia. My white friends say “wassup nigga” all the time. Some African Americans may state this is not acceptable, however to me it is a sense of comfort with the other person. When my white friends say “nigga”it does not strike me as an insult. Though if a state college resident were to say “wassup nigga” I would question the context of the expression. I try not to relate the expression “nigga” to race; generally the meaning of both terms really depends on the perspective and situation.
[Reply]
Alright, i agree with the statement associated with black people that they have brought some pretty cool and interesting thoughts, ideals, and fads into our culture today. I often hear the use of the N when i pass by a group of black people, or like sam said when watching black comedians such as Dave Chappelle and Chris ROck. I think these guys are hilarious and have brought many new things to the table as far as comedy has come. But i dont really understand why white people would feel the need or want to use this word. It is not really a part of our culture and obviously alot of black people dont want to hear that out of a white persons mouth. Now i can understand if you have a lot of black friends and start to pick up their culture more than the average white guy that it would be a little more forgivable. But to be honest i really find no use in me being a white person to use the term. I dont get offended if i hear black people using the word religously through their everyday conversation because it is something that i feel is acceptable for them to say. I will also admit that when i hear uneducated white people call someone the name and just use it in such a dirogatory way it usually tends to piss me off. It’s like, where have you people been for the past thirty years?? I personally feel that i have no need or want to drop the n bomb in my life at the current time. Who knows, maybe in the future it will become a common thing for all people to say, but for now, if your white you dont really need to go that route. Thank you.
[Reply]
I completely understand where the white girl in the discussion group was saying. Constantly, through out rap lyrics, comic standup, and even in daily conversation, I hear the N-bomb being dropped. If it is okay for black or brown people to call each other the N-word as a means of endearment, then why can’t I call my friends that word as well. I understand that in the past the N-word was used as a put down and had a very negative connotation, but today people (black and brown) use it as a synonym for “my friends”. For example I always hear people saying “I am going to hang out with my N-word.” I believe if I were to say that phrase, I would most likely be punched in the face. But I do not understand why. If it is “cool” or acceptable for black and brown people to call each other that, then equally it should be “cool” or accepted if I or another white person says it too. It is a double standard and it is completely unfair. When I white persons drops the N-bomb it is seen automatically as an insult even if the word end in an “a.” I believe it to be unacceptable for any race to use the N-word with the “er” ending because it has a completely different meaning than using the N-word with the “a” ending. Personally, I have no idea why the different endings brings different connotations but it does. Overall, if one race can say it, all races can say it (but I will not be the leader for this movement for the fear of being accused as a racist or punched in the face).
[Reply]
The “N” word has a very difficult and complex situation around it. Whether or not one can use it who is white is a hotly debated point. I see the many facets of this argument and as in most situations life would be so much easier if the word just didn’t exist. I can see the cool argument you make but at the same time I can see a much stronger acceptance backing to it. If any old white person goes around spouting the word some may not care but at some point that person is going to get their ass beat. Whereas if you are in a mixed company group and it is totally acceptable for the white person to use it then you are in. I think deep down people who use it strive for that ends. At the same time I think in the eyes of whites who don’t see or use the word as derogatory are intending it in the comradery sense that it is used by many blacks as today. This isn’t the first word of its nature to do this. On more than one occasion downtown on a weekend I have heard girls who are best friends call each other “sluts” with no malice intended. I feel like some whites see blacks use the word for that and therefore use it amongst themselves too intending the same ends. Unfortunately not everyone sees it that way and therefore it can lead to hurt feeling or altercations. This is a word that means too many different things to too many different people so it is just too hard to pinpoint what is and is not acceptable. Just some thoughts of mine.
Regards,
Kyle Lutes (kwl5039)
[Reply]
i think the N-bomb is disrespectful no matter who says it. I have friends who use the word all the time, and while i son’t say anything about it when they’re just talking, if they happen to address me using that word, I’ll call them out on it. Those are my black friends. I have not experience a white person or friend saying the word in my presence, but if I did, i think i would have a more negative reaction. and i guess that is a double standard, but i’m more used to hearing people of color say the word. i cringe everytime i hear it, even in my favorite music, but the i guess it hurts more when a white person says it. It doesn’t make sense, but then it does. That word to me is just so demeaning and unnecessary. When black people say that they have turned it around and are now using it as a positive term, a term of endearment, i can’t wrap my head around that. Why not just be creative and come up with another word? That word is drippingwith disrespect, disgust, and disdain for black people, so to use it, in any form, is just insane. But, since i am used to hearing that reasoning and hearing the word in the black community, it’s not so much of a shock. I guess it is a double standard, but I wonder why anyone, black or white would want to use the word. I feel like a white person shouldn’t use the word, even if it is a double standard, because it is bound to cause major conflict. However, black people shouldn’t usethe word because it undermines everything that we as a race hae been through, everything we hae worked and are working to overcome, and it’s just insulting. When I think of the words “Nigger” or Nigga” there is no difference to me. I still think of a person who is ignorant, subordinate, and less than others. I tihnk of a person that i am not, and no one should ever be. That word is a negative label. Every other term or word used to describe blacks, “colored”, “people of color”, “afro-american”, etc, I can find the logic in. I can understand where they came from, even if I would prefer to not be refered to with some of those terms. But they all make some kind of sense to me. The N word makes absolutely no sense to me. I don’t see the logic in that word besides hate and misunderstanding. So, I basically think that it should just be removed from the human vocabulary. I know that won’t happen. There will be people out there who will always defend it as a new, term of endearment, a new positive spin on a negative term; and there will always be people who use it as it drips with hate. then there will always be people like me who will never accept the word as ok and will never allowed myself to be called a nigger, nigga or whatever. My name is Ariane Ashley Gilgeous and that is what i WILL be called.
~Ariane A. Gilgeous
[Reply]
I think the reason that it is okay for those of the same race or gender to make fun of them is because there is not as much room for interpretation or misinterpretation. For example, I am Jewish. If someone who is Jewish makes fun of Jews, I know they are making fun (normally) having good intentions. There usually is no malice or threats associated with these. But if a Nazi were to start making fun of Jews, I would be worried that there could be follow up actions or consequences that would make me feel quite uncomfortable. The same thing goes for the “n” word. If a black person calls another black person that, it is okay because there is a mutual understanding of what the word means and entails. If a white person were to call someone that, this probably would not be acceptable because who knows if that white person is racist or if they are just trying to fit in?
I also think there is a sense of ownership in regards to certain words, phrases, and slurs. If a white person uses the “n” word, there is a line that is being crossed. That is not a word that most white people use, and therefore they are crossing the boundary of what is considered normal. The “n” word, in society is always associated with black people, and is most often used by them too. Because society has made it so there is importance in what language is used regarding racism, black people may feel ownership of this word. I know for me, sometimes if someone from a different social group comes to try to fit in, they use language that they don’t really know what it means, in hopes that they will fit in. Fitting in is a big part of racism today as well. Some want to cross the bridge of separation, while others do not. There is no way to tell upon first meeting someone how they stand in regards to racism, and there are so many ways to interact with others too. This makes it extremely difficult to read people and know their intentions.
The whole concept that there is a difference between “nigga” and “nigger” is also quite confusing. Someone who did not grow up or is not as familiar with these seemingly slight differences may cause offense to those that are black. Someone could be trying to be friendly and accepting by using one word, while actually using the other one. This can cause a lot of reason to believe that there is racism.
[Reply]
In response to Sam’s original post, I cannot help but to agree with the basics of what he has written. On the totem pole of heroes for white youth, sports and entertainment stars rank at the top. Those sports and entertainment stars are likely to be a different ethnicity, and possibly use words that the white youths do not use. Without thinking about the race of the sports and entertainment stars, is there any reason to assume that the white youths would not emulate their heroes in language as well as activity? If the sports and entertainment stars were all Chinese and many spoke their native language, would it be a surprise to see white youths start to drop an occasional word of Mandarin in their conversation?
My personal addition to the original comment is that I almost admire the spirit of the white youth for not knowing the past hatred behind the word and just assuming that if their heroes can use it then so can they. This ignores the feelings of the rest of society regarding the word, which are obviously quite different. In a way though, I feel that much could be gained by assuming the mentality of the youth, for if the hatred of the word is unknown to them then they cannot be saying it with hatred and malice in mind. It may be a small difference, but in my mind white youths using the word to emulate their sports and entertainment heroes is a vastly different issue then racists and bigots using the word to express hatred of an entire group.
[Reply]
As far as conversations involving the “N” word go, I am personally uncomfortable when anyone uses the term. In my experience, when the term is used by a white person, it has been because they were trying to emulate hip-hop culture. But, when it comes to who can and cannot use the word and what type of people make words or comments racist, I believe that if you are part of the group that you are talking about, then what you are saying is not a racist comment. Being a white person, I am not going to walk around dropping the “N” bomb or saying nasty things about other cultures that I am not a part of. My reasoning behind this is that in my mind, those comments would be racist. If someone who was part of my religion or part of my race was to make a comment about the religion or race, I would not take offense because those comments are usually made of out jest and apply to the person speaking as well. It doesn’t make sense that people would make racist comments about themselves. I think that when someone outside of a race, ethnicity or culture makes a negative comment about another race, ethnicity or culture, then that is a racist comment. That person is saying something rude about a culture does not apply to them. Today in class someone used the example “I can talk about my family, but when someone else does it, I am going to basically go off the deep end”. It is not racist if you are talking about something that deals with you and your culture. The statement can be completely false and/or a generalization but it is not a racist comment.
[Reply]
I think this situation, though it is one that comes up all of the time. Honestly, when a person of another race asks that question, I don’t put any energy to entertaining this subject. Why that person is so worried about it, is what I think in my head. It makes me chuckle to myself because someone must seriously have no life to not anything better to do then to go out of the way to ask a question like, If we can’t say nigger then why can you?. And then I would also wonder the reasoning why it is so important to know, it almost seems childish, as though the person who asked wants to say the word. Another reason why I would not entertain that question is because, I don’t think any answer to that question can be rightly justified. I’m not saying that people should not answer, but I don’t because I don’t believe the reasoning behind it would be worth listening to. So, I myself refrain from saying it because my personal feelings towards ancestors being degraded by those words don’t give me a nice feeling about throwing it around. When individuals do throw around the word a lot, it has been known to desensitize the word, reversing its original meaning, but I still feel as though I should show somewhat of respect for the ancestors before me. So, all in all, I believe that “no comment, as I slightly roll my eyes” would be the correct response from my mouth towards a person of another race asking me why they cannot say nigger and why black people can.
[Reply]
I feel as though the “n” word brings up a lot of controversy especially in today’s generation because of how freely many people use the word. Personally being white I feel no need or desire to use the “n” word. Although the same question arises in my mind as to why white people can’t use the term as freely as black people. I understand that is has “history”, but at the same time if black people are so open to using the term freely I feel as though there shouldn’t be exceptions to certain people who are not of color who can use it and who cannot.
Speaking from a white person’s point of view I feel as though we are not trying to make it a point to say that we should be able to drop the “n” bomb whenever and wherever we want or on a normal basis but we shouldn’t be so scared of what will happen if comes out of our mouth white singing along to a song. Or for example some people have proclaimed to feeling comfortable using it in their tight net of friends who accept it coming from them being a white person.
I don’t know if we will ever come to terms as to who is and isn’t allowed to say the “n” word. Personally I don’t feel comfortable using it no matter what context it is in and would even consider it a word in my vocabulary. But the more this word is depicted in our media the more challenging this question is going to become.
[Reply]
The double standard of who is allowed and who is not allowed to drop the N-bomb is something that is talked about so frequently nowadays. And personally it is something I have talked about with many of my friends. First off I do not think it is right for anyone to use that word regardless of what race you are. I would never think to use that word and even when my friends do I cannot stand it. The use of that word just sounds so horrible. No matter the ending –a or –er. I do not understand how anyone could think that using the N word makes them appear “cool” or sound “cool.” I know when I hear people say it, all I think to myself is, “do you hear how you sound right now?” I do not even understand how black people or people of color themselves like the use of that word. Even if it is being said by someone on their own kind, with the history that word has and its original meaning, it should never be used. If I was of color, regardless of the context someone was using the word in, or even if it’s meaning has been reshaped, the word still originally was used out of hatred and I would never want to say it to someone of my own race or another.
However, if black people or people of color feel they are “allowed” to drop the N-bomb when they want and expect it to be okay, then they should expect the fact that others will want to use it too. Just because the word originated out of hate for their people, does not give them anymore right to use the word opposed to someone else using the word. There is not as much tension when a black person or a person of color uses that word opposed to a person not of color, but it still should not be
used.
The N-word just sounds like a bad and dirty word, and if society thinks that it is a cool and acceptable word to use, then maybe we need to re-think a lot of things.
[Reply]
In response to “Dropping the N-Bomb – Part I”, I have to say that I pretty much agree whole heartedly with everything that was said. This blog is on point from beginning to end. I don’t think there is a double standard. Certain people, or groups of people have things they say to each other that are okay to say, but if someone else said it, it could be seen as offensive. If I’m joking around and I call one of my friends a bastard, they will know I’m kidding. If a stranger walks up and calls them a bastard, then it is a different story. I also agree with the point that was made that states white people want to use the word to try and status themselves as cool. As many times as I’ve heard a white person use it, I’ve never personally heard someone use it in a racially derogatory way. It is always white people trying to be cool, because as this article states, black (and brown) people are the epitome of cool. Black icons like Dave Chapelle and Chris Rock have helped move the word in this direction, and though some people may claim it is inappropriate or wrong, they have taken the hatred out of a word and made it “cool”. To me, that is quite an accomplishment.
[Reply]
In response to “Dropping the N-Bomb – Part I”, I have to say that I pretty much agree whole heartedly with everything that was said. This blog is on point from beginning to end. I don’t think there is a double standard. Certain people, or groups of people have things they say to each other that are okay to say, but if someone else said it, it could be seen as offensive. If I’m joking around and I call one of my friends a bastard, they will know I’m kidding. If a stranger walks up and calls them a bastard, then it is a different story. I also agree with the point that was made that states white people want to use the word to try and status themselves as cool. As many times as I’ve heard a white person use it, I’ve never personally heard someone use it in a racially derogatory way. It is always white people trying to be cool, because as this article states, black (and brown) people are the epitome of cool. Black icons like Dave Chapelle and Chris Rock have helped move the word in this direction, and though some people may claim it is inappropriate or wrong, they have taken the hatred out of a word and made it “cool”. To me, that is quite an accomplishment.
-Alex Davis
[Reply]
I can completely understand the essence of this post. Many young people, including myself, used to go back and forth on the “n” word. My intentions were not to be degrading or demeaning in any way possible. It was just that growing up in a very white neighborhood, with a hint of influence from the city, made some new terms be thrown about aimlessly. African Americans in this day in age are considered trend setters no matter which way you look at it. This has much to do with the rap and hip hop community that floods the homes of many young males. But not just any young males buy these recordings. Most of the CD sales go to the white community. On these tracks, includes many different derogatory terms thrown about. When people like parents and organizations get critical, they normally go straight to the “n” word. But what about words like bitch? Most people know this word as a demeaning term for women. But this word is usually surpassed by the race card. But is it really okay for all groups of people to use these terms? I do not think it is right for some races to use these words in a bigoted way. In this day in age, these words are just considered cool or just “words.” But you cannot determine every situation it is okay to say these words in because every person has a different view on the subject. This is why I think all these words should not be said on a regular basis like they are now. It may take some time for change, but look how far race has come.
[Reply]
I personally think using the n-word is wrong. Period. I definitely see the argument of black people who think it is absolutely wrong for, in some cases, anyone BUT black people to use the term, or in other cases, any white people to use the term, because of the origin of the word. I have heard black people ask the question, “Why in the world would a white person even want to use the word?” But I also think it is wrong for any black people or people of color to use the term. I ask the question, “Why in the world would any black person even want to use the word?” The n-word started as being a derogatory name used by white slave owners toward their black slaves. So when did the slaves or black people in general want to start using the name toward one another? A word that is so strong and had such a strong meaning toward them is now thrown around as a normal nickname and it doesn’t even faze them! Until, of course, someone of another race, particularly a white person, uses it. I think the entire word should be taken out of every day language because there are so many other words that can be used instead, and their also wouldn’t be such a dividing line, “us and them.” They can use the word, but they can’t. Even if a white person is using it the same exact way a black person would, just as friendly and as part of their daily language, it is wrong.
[Reply]
I am among those people who cringe whenever they hear the word “nigger” or “nigga”. Not gonna lie, it’s hard for me to type it without feeling like I should backspace. I understand that words lose their meaning or the certain sting they seem to have, no matter why or when they’re said. And I understand that meanings develop and change, just as general attitudes and perceptions change over time and through different generations. With that said, it is most certainly easy and understandable to say that words are just words. And yes, sometimes we have to look deeper than words in order to even understand what was said and the context of what was said. However, I still believe that words have more power than we’d like to admit. While actions have even more power, words lay the foundation. Just because something changes over time does not mean it has no power in the present. And as much as political correctness can keep us from brutal honesty, which has power in itself, sometimes I think we do have to be aware of the power of our words and come to a point of decidingwhether or not our reason for saying something validates offending someone else.
[Reply]
The “N-bomb” came up a lot in our discussion group this past semester and people had very different remarks about it. Some people found it ok because many black people use it on a daily basis as a form of acceptance and “coolness.” Yet I believe that this word is not, by any means, acceptable for anyone to use. I believe a lot of young people throw around the word a lot without even realizing the history that is behind it. Yes it might appear “cool” to be dropping the “N-bomb” around your friends and the people close to you but that word carries so much weight and hatred throughout history. I can almost guarantee that if the grandparents of young African-Americans today heard their grandchildren using that word, they would be appalled.
Changing the ending from “er” to just an “a” doesn’t change the history that comes along with it. It represents a time when white people treated black people as inferior and when there was so much hatred at the African-American race. It is also never ok for black people to use the word. Look at how far our country has come. We now have an African-American president; black and white people can attend the same schools, get married and live side by side. Using the “N-bomb” so casually dishonors how far our country has come as a whole and how hard African-Americans have worked to gain the rights they deserve.
[Reply]
Blog #1
“Let’s face it. Urban African Americans are the epitome of coolness.” I think this may be the greatest thing I have seen written on paper especially by a white man himself. Is it cool to be called “cool” if and only because we CAN use the word nigga? I mean really like let’s stop… think… and now reevaluate… Why every black person including me read this article entitled “The N-Bomb,” and felt the cool, calm urge of coolness come over them because white people consider us cool because we are guaranteed access to a word that they could probably never say, ever.
I am pretty much baffled at what this has come to. Why can’t we (black people) be cool for being professionals, lawyers, doctors, powerful political speakers etc. Why do we have to be cool because white people feel the need to want to say a word that could possibly end them in a world of trouble depending on who/whom is around.
Don’t get me wrong I absolutely have nothing against white people, and let’s not get things twisted I am under no circumstances trying to apologize, offer an explanation or explain myself for what I said previously said. I am just putting out there that I acknowledge white people and the fact that there are those that do interact with black people on a daily basis and that this nigga word can be tempting and more familiar to them because that may be what they are used to.
[Reply]
This is a situation that I know plenty about, and it does not even deal with me personally. I have never been one to have an urge to say that word, it simply just is not who I am. Growing up in New York, a lot of my friends are Italian and have that tough guy image. They think that it makes them tougher, more of a man to use that word. At least that is what I think goes through their heads when they say it. I do not really understand why people think using that word makes them cool when we all know what it meant during times of slavery and what not. At the same time, I know that when most white people use it or want the privilege to use it, they do not mean it in a bad way. Hearing that word honestly gets under my skin. I have told my friends many times when they use it in front of me that it bothers me and that I do not like when it is used. For some reason when I hear the word I think about the past and what was done to people of slavery. I think about how they were called this word, and even though the meanings are different between now and then it just bothers me. I hope our world can get to the point where using that word does not make you any cooler than if you did not use it.
[Reply]
I never heard of anyone complaining about not being able to say “nigga” until I came to Penn State. I think this is mainly because most of the white people I knew were older and teachers and usually punished us for using any kind of offensive word. I agree that white kids want to say “nigga” because they think it will make them look cool. I think white people do a lot of things just to seem closer and in touch with an entire group of people they hardly know anything about.
I think white kids watch BET more than I do, watch Chris Rock and other comedians more than I do, and also know more rap lyrics than I ever had. I think it’s really interesting how everyone wants to be black until they are about to get in trouble. No one wants to be black when they get pulled over by a police officer on an empty highway.
I find the white people in Penn State try really hard to be “down” with black people and a lot of times all they manage to do is offend me. Recently someone asked me if I had a niggaspace.com account. I have no clue what that is and I haven’t been curious enough to go look either. My roommate last year asked me, over the phone before she knew what I looked like, if I was excited to go to Penn State. I replied, “No I wasn’t because there are hardly any black people on campus”. She said, “Well I think everyone is equal and I like rap music”, it’s interesting how she tried to make a connection and failed so miserably. I don’t even listen to current rap music, but I let it go.
White people want more than to just say “nigga” to seem cool.
[Reply]
I found this blog very interesting because I guess I can relate to it. I am white, and I use the “N” word, ending with an “a” a lot, I’ll just put it at the end of someone’s name. I don’t use it in a derogatory manner at all, and I guess I never actually thought twice as to why I use it so much. I don’t think its because I think its cool to use it, I can’t even remember when or why I started saying it. I will say it around my friends, whether they are white or of color because they know me and know I don’t mean anything bad when I’m using it. However, I don’t use it around people I don’t know, because I don’t want to offend other people and I don’t want them to get the wrong impression of me. I do watch Dave Chapelle a lot, because I think he’s funny, and I do say a lot of his lines like joking around with my friends. Ya know how you hear someone repeat something a lot, and it gets stuck in your head, and then you begin saying it? Well I think might be a reason as to why I say it. And it does bother me why black people can use the “N” word and its okay but if a white person were to use it, we would automatically be labeled as a racists.
[Reply]
Honestly I have to admit that there is a double standard when it comes to an African-American using the N-word and a white person using the N-word. Some may say its fair and some may say its not fair, but truth be told it is what it is. Also I have to admit that I am guilty of contributing to the growth of this double standard. I am an African-American male and I often use the N-word with my African-American friends and family members. Sometimes I also catch myself using the N-word while talking to a white person or a Spanish person. I know that it is not really good to use the N-word even if it does have an “ a “ on the end instead of an “ er “ , but because I heard it used so much in conversations in my neighborhood I began using it also. In my opinion there is a subconscious difference between a white person using the N-word and an African-American using the N-word that makes me feel uneasy when the word is used by a white person. I want to say that it is because of why and how white people used that particular term to degrade an African-American back in the day, but in all reality I don’t truly know why I don’t like to hear white people use that term. So for me I guess it is just one of those things that can’t really be given an explanation even though we know that it exists.
[Reply]
Let me first preface by saying that I am a white male. Now that we have that out of the way, I really don’t care about the dreaded “N” word. It is just a stupid word, I don’t want to say it so that I can seem “cool” because I already know I’m not cool so that would be kind of pointless. I personally don’t use “nigger” all that much except for times of extreme frustration in the privacy and safety of my home and only in the company of people that I know. It is not directed towards anyone it is just how I sometimes vent frustration. I will use “nigga” more commonly and I am usually use that term while I am making a joke or something of that nature. Again not in reference to any group or anything like that, I use it just like I use any other word. I use all sorts of words in connotations where they do not necessarily belong. I mean look at the word “cool” you say that something is cool, how does that really make any sense? Shouldn’t I be using that term to describe something cold? I also use the word “tan” which I essentially equate to meaning the same thing as cool. Again this makes absolutely no sense, but then again it is just a word and I like to make up my own definitions. I can understand that some black people could get upset from s white person referring to them as a “nigger” but most likely that person is sporting a fresh mullet, drives an 84’ Chevy pickup truck with a confederate flag on the back and is straight from the trailer park, so really you get the last laugh. Who the hell cares what ignorant white people say, ignore them. So, in closing, it is silly to fret over words that have no real power, remember the old phrase, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
[Reply]
I had only heard actors and singers use the word “Nigger” or “Nigga” in songs, movies and tv shows. Never really knew where this word originated from as I was not from United States. But I had heard from various people that it was considered very offensive in the States. As I came I never really meant to use the word but once in my dorm I said it in front of my roommate, don’t remember exactly in what context I used the word but as far as I remember it was meant as a joke and nothing more. My roommate literally snubbed me so harshly that it really got to me why would he react so staunchly over something so small and at something which wasn’t even directed at him, since he was white and it was offensive for black people (as far as I know). Then I asked him why he took it to offensively and he told me it was used as a derogatory word used for black slaves and it’s considered very offensive. Personally speaking I don’t care if anyone called me a nigger or used the word in front of me as its something very small for me to notice and make an issue out of. I think there are bigger things in life to worry about than make issues or quarrels over whether you used the N word or not! I think people should become more educated and liberal on things like this and not take offense so easily. Literally every rap song has the N word used in it somewhere or the other and those same people who take offense from it like those songs or listen to them at parties and I don’t see them making faces there or trying to do something about that. It is a state of mind of how you perceive things and well if you have nothing better in life to worry about then you take offense from little things like using the N word or not!
[Reply]
I’m honestly getting a little tired of hearing people complain about this. I think it’s completely ridiculous for anyone to use this word that caused much pain in the past and it still is. So many activist fought for this word to be completely abolished and to get blacks the respect that any living being deserves that it’s horrible that people forget that struggle. I was watching Chris Rock last night and he said that the reason why so many black people are so over protecting of the N word is because it’s the only thing that blacks can say that whites can’t. such a hateful word should not be used whether you are black, white, green, yellow or purple, period. Many people do use it not towards any person but as a way to refer to a friend or person. The word is virtually on almost every hip-hop or rap songs. I think there’s a point where we hear something so much and so many times that it get engrave in your brain and you’re just bound to use it. I don’t think that a particular race uses it because they want to be cool and if they do than that’s just plain dumb. I do think that there is going to be a time in the near future that the N-word is going to become an everyday word just like the word cool did or the word google. I understand why so many blacks get offended when someone uses this word. I think I would get offended as well if someone calls me a spik.
[Reply]
I feel like I’ve been hearing a lot more people talk about using the “n” word lately. I don’t know if it’s because I’ve been more in-tune to it because of my discussion class. I was watching Dr. Phil recently and they were talking about the use of the “n” word and had a panel of some famous black comedians, actors, writers, etc. and the audience was part of this open discussion. It amazed me that there were several white people in the audience saying that they not only used the “n” word when talking to their family and friends, but thought they should be able to use it freely when talking in public. Of course the black people were angry, and in my opinion rightly so. One of the women in the audience commented that she thought we would be moving forward as a society if everyone would be able to use the word freely without any negative association with it. She would be able to say it to anyone and no one would get upset in her “perfect world”. I can see that she meant to have good intentions, but that’s just not possible. It’s so different for black people to accept anyone saying the “n” word because of the history behind it with all the discrimination and hurt and suffering. If you call a white person a cracker or anything like that, it really doesn’t have as hurtful or negative a meaning. If someone said that to me, I really wouldn’t be offended. I think that the “n” word should be left for black people to say to each other if they want, but white people really don’t have any reason to use it.
[Reply]
Personally I don’t ever feel the need to drop the ‘N-bomb’, I am white though so I guess this is a good thing… In my home country you don’t often hear the word in normal conversation, so I guess it’s a word I’ve never really felt compelled to use, or that I needed to use to express myself. In regards to people of color being able to say it? I don’t really see how this is a double standard. The way the word was historically used was extremely negative, carrying such prejudice and hatred. If the people the word was used against, or their future generations, have been able to turn the word into something slightly more positive then don’t they have the right to do this? And perhaps, simply out of respect or something, white people just shouldn’t say it (or shouldn’t presume they have the right to say it)… In conversations regarding this topic I have heard white people say that no one should use it (regardless if it with an ‘a’ or an ‘er’), as it makes the person sound uneducated. While I do understand this point of view it sits a little bit oddly with me… To me it sounds like white people, who first started using the word in such a cruel and negative way, are now saying no one (even black people) can use it and if you do, you are uneducated. Given that mostly black people use it now it seems a little unfair…
[Reply]
Personally I don’t like it when anyone uses the “n” word and I am a white girl. I cannot even imagine how much it would make people of color mad. There is no reason to say the word whether people of color use it or not. It brings no meaning and it is just going to get you in trouble some day. From what I have heard some people of color just say it as a slang term for a friend. But I think that if anything it should just be said within people of color. I know if I was black or brown I wouldn’t want to be called that if I was a guy. Now a day, it just isn’t what it used to be. People have taken it too far with the word and have made it become a bad word in some cases and we have no one to blame except for ourselves. If you are in a situation and you have to question yourself whether or not to say it then you probably shouldn’t be saying it at all. There is no point. It doesn’t accomplish anything and like I said before, one day, it’s just going to get you in trouble.
[Reply]
I think a lesson in life we need to remember when talking about a topic like this is “Life isn’t fair.” Of course there is a double standard. Although today the word “nigger” (or any form of the word) might have a positive, bonding meaning when used between two African Americans, they still remember historical impact the word has had on their people. It is understandable that some white people might want to use the word just for the simple fact that today it can be almost a term of endearment between two people ( usually in an African American or urban culture). Also some white people might just feel that since African Americans can use it, why can’t I? But here is where it is really important to remember “Life isn’t fair”. Life wasn’t fair for the hundreds of years African Americans had to hear that term used towards them in a negative and demeaning manner. Life wasn’t fair for all the little African American children who were taunted with that word by their all white classrooms. Life wasn’t fair for the entire African American population who were considered to be merely a word instead of actual people with thoughts, voices, ideas, passions, and dreams. And finally life isn’t fair for the millions of African Americans who feel the same pain and anguish from hearing the word “nigger” as their ancestors did hundreds of years ago. So for those white people who are truly bothered by the inequality that they face with using the word “ nigger”, I would just like to politely remind them that life isn’t fair.
[Reply]