Is The N Word Off Limits To Everyone?

[Jamal]

Has the N word been resurected for Black Folks use only? Awhile back, Al Sharton and Jesse Jackson laid the N word to rest, however, just recently Rev Jackson was caught on tape calling Barak Obama the N word. Is the N word only okay when Black Folks use it? Should we get a free pass, afterall, a lot of Caucasians call each other redneck, the comedian Jeff Foxworthy has a whole routine about rednecks, but I am sure if Black Folks called someone a redneck it would have a different effect. I believe if we are going to be taken seriously about ending the use of the end word, it has to start with us. Changing the ending of the word form er to ga to acommodate us is ludicrous, we can't cry foul when others call us the N word, if we continue to refer to each other as Ns, anything less is hypocritical.

[BISHOP]

I don't know what FORUM it's in but, I know there is a thread or two or 5 about the N Word.

TGIF

[TUCKER]

Originally Posted by BISHOP

I don't know what FORUM it's in but, I know there is a thread or two or 5 about the N Word.

TGIF

Actually it sounds like some of this came from one or two or 5 of those threads.

[TUCKER]

Originally Posted by Jamal

Has the N word been resurected for Black Folks use only? Awhile back, Al Sharton and Jesse Jackson laid the N word to rest, however, just recently Rev Jackson was caught on tape calling Barak Obama the N word. Is the N word only okay when Black Folks use it?

It aint never okay to use the word in any context. Thats like saying WOP, KYKE, DEGO, WET BACK, COONASS, JAP, JEW, etc. None of these races who are repped by these classic nicknames would stand around and call each other that in casual conversation, like Blacks often do! "Whats up my WOP", "DAGO please," and all these were popular terms in the US at one time or another. Why is it taking us so long to get tired of hearing it?

Should we get a free pass, afterall, a lot of Caucasians call each other redneck, the comedian Jeff Foxworthy has a whole routine about rednecks,

Why does this sound familiar? The only thing you could call one of them that would offend them would be N word LOVER! Strange isn't it?

but I am sure if Black Folks called someone a redneck it would have a different effect.

You best believe it.

I believe if we are going to be taken seriously about ending the use of the end word, it has to start with us.

Its never a term of endearment, but there was a time when Blacks thought if they used the word enough it would become so common that it wouldn't be offensive. Time has proven that to be a flawed theory. Now its just the opposite, with the symbolic burial of the word and all. Certainly we all slip from time to time, after all we're only human, thats what Jackson did. It was a mistake and he thought the mike was off. Hes apologized for it to everyone. Now Blacks certainly need to leave the GARBAGE on the curb and not your opinion of him or any other prominent Blacks be swayed by the media. The press has tried to make COSBY, SHARPTON, JACKSON and any other Black who might've been a positive role model to some young Black child look foolish to Black people and everyone else. Many of us are guilty of helping them too! Some matters should be settled inside. Generally speaking, Black people are trusting and forgiving by nature. We're not a vindictive people per se. Our compassion for others and fascination with the barbarian are probably the major factors that put us in chains and keeps us in chains!

Changing the ending of the word form er to ga to acommodate us is ludicrous, we can't cry foul when others call us the N word, if we continue to refer to each other as Ns, anything less is hypocritical.

Changing the spelling of the word is ludicrous as you said, HELL that don't change the meaning. But I don't agree here, we best continue to cry foul EVERYTIME ANYONE uses the word toward us, BLACK/BLACK or BARBARIAN/BLACK, you best to let messenger know immediately that the word offends and perhaps the sentence should be rephrased. See maybe a lot of people who use it don't know its offensive to others and themselves because they're not bothered by it.

[Jamal]

Originally Posted by TUCKER

It aint never okay to use the word in any context. Thats like saying WOP, KYKE, DEGO, WET BACK, COONASS, JAP, JEW, etc. None of these races who are repped by these classic nicknames would stand around and call each other that in casual conversation, like Blacks often do! "Whats up my WOP", "DAGO please," and all these were popular terms in the US at one time or another. Why is it taking us so long to get tired of hearing it? Why does this sound familiar? The only thing you could call one of them that would offend them would be N word LOVER! Strange isn't it? You best believe it. Its never a term of endearment, but there was a time when Blacks thought if they used the word enough it would become so common that it wouldn't be offensive. Time has proven that to be a flawed theory. Now its just the opposite, with the symbolic burial of the word and all. Certainly we all slip from time to time, after all we're only human, thats what Jackson did. It was a mistake and he thought the mike was off. Hes apologized for it to everyone. Now Blacks certainly need to leave the GARBAGE on the curb and not your opinion of him or any other prominent Blacks be swayed by the media. The press has tried to make COSBY, SHARPTON, JACKSON and any other Black who might've been a positive role model to some young Black child look foolish to Black people and everyone else. Many of us are guilty of helping them too! Some matters should be settled inside. Generally speaking, Black people are trusting and forgiving by nature. We're not a vindictive people per se. Our compassion for others and fascination with the barbarian are probably the major factors that put us in chains and keeps us in chains! Changing the spelling of the word is ludicrous as you said, HELL that don't change the meaning. But I don't agree here, we best continue to cry foul EVERYTIME ANYONE uses the word toward us, BLACK/BLACK or BARBARIAN/BLACK, you best to let messenger know immediately that the word offends and perhaps the sentence should be rephrased. See maybe a lot of people who use it don't know its offensive to others and themselves because they're not bothered by it.

Excellent commentary

[cc5k]

Originally Posted by TUCKER

Its never a term of endearment, but there was a time when Blacks thought if they used the word enough it would become so common that it wouldn't be offensive. Time has proven that to be a flawed theory.

True for some (like yourself), but not for all! The fact remains that the word is so common among many young folks that they do NOT find the word 'nigga' offensive. On the contrary, they consider it slang and positive (i.e. "that's my nigga"). Sensitiveguy posted a video, not long ago, of interviews on the street that clearly demonstrated this.

[cc5k]

Originally Posted by Jamal

Changing the ending of the word form er to ga to acommodate us is ludicrous, we can't cry foul when others call us the N word, if we continue to refer to each other as Ns, anything less is hypocritical.

That's a fair point, but it should be noted that it is an opinion (regardless of how popular it is on BFRU). Many people have a differing opinion that changing the ending DOES make a difference, and those people tend to still find 'nigger' offensive, but not so with 'nigga'.

[cc5k]

Originally Posted by BISHOP

I don't know what FORUM it's in but, I know there is a thread or two or 5 about the N Word.

TGIF

LOL... Practice makes perfect!

TGIF

[TUCKER]

Originally Posted by cc5k

The fact remains that the word is so common among many young folks that they do NOT find the word 'nigga' offensive.

So because many "braindead" young folks are using that word makes it right huh. Surely you're not trying to sell me that snake oil logic! All that means is theres a lot of young folks disrespecting themselves and others.

[cc5k]

Originally Posted by TUCKER

So because many "braindead" young folks are using that word makes it right huh. Surely you're not trying to sell me that snake oil logic! All that means is theres a lot of young folks disrespecting themselves and others.

I didn't say it made it "right". I said it's a matter of opinion. Your OPINION is that it's wrong. You're free to agree/disagree with other opinions, but don't confuse an opinion with a universal truth.

[TUCKER]

Originally Posted by cc5k

I didn't say it made it "right". I said it's a matter of opinion.

Perhaps that was your intent. This is what you said that prompted my reply, "The fact remains that "the word is so common among many young folks" that they do NOT find the word 'nigga' offensive." And the quoted ones were the braindead group I was referring to!

[cc5k]

Originally Posted by TUCKER

Perhaps that was your intent. This is what you said that prompted my reply, "The fact remains that "the word is so common among many young folks" that they do NOT find the word 'nigga' offensive." And the quoted ones were the braindead group I was referring to!

Braindead? Maybe. Could also be from ignorance and cultural influence that keep them from putting the word 'nigga' into the same context that you do. I've known some very smart kids that casually used the word.

For your mission to get folks to stop using the word, I think you've got the right approach, as you described in the last paragraph of post #4.

[cc5k]

Off topic, but look what I just got 3 times in a row on my left hand margin?



Please tell me others are getting this same advertisement. I'm starting to wonder if someone put JP up to this.

[Jamal]

Originally Posted by cc5k

That's a fair point, but it should be noted that it is an opinion (regardless of how popular it is on BFRU). Many people have a differing opinion that changing the ending DOES make a difference, and those people tend to still find 'nigger' offensive, but not so with 'nigga'.

There are plenty of real terms of endearment to use beside the psuedo term "my nigga". What ever happened to the term "my brother, or "my main man" or " my sista". I don't want to be referred to as "my nigga" or "my dog", these are negative demeaning terms used my the slave master to make us think less of ourselves. It's a dehumanizing word that feeds into self hatred. In fact it makes it easier for the youth to shoot each other down like dogs, because a N aint sh't and never will be sh't. As Tucker pointed out we are the only race of people who use self depricating term to address each other. Trying to dress up the word nigger to be an acceptable term, boarders on lunacy. If you put a dress on a pig, it doesn't stop being a pig, it still has the same offensive odor.

[cc5k]

Originally Posted by Jamal

There are plenty of real terms of endearment to use beside the psuedo term "my nigga". What ever happened to the term "my brother, or "my main man" or " my sista". I don't want to be referred to as "my nigga" or "my dog", these are negative demeaning terms used my the slave master to make us think less of ourselves. As Tucker pointed out we are the only race of people who use self depricating term to address each other. Trying to dress up the word nigger to be an acceptable term, boarders on lunacy. If you put a dress on a pig, it doesn't stop being a pig, it still has the same offensive odor.

I don't see what this has to do with what I just said. I don't use the term myself, particularly because I know how SOME people find the term offensive. But, if anyone here is denying the fact that in some circles, "my nigga" is considered a compliment, they're only lying to themselves.

Different people will have different connotations for words, and that's not unique to this one word. If you want others to share your opinion, then the best way to do it is the way TUCKER does... make others be aware and sensitive to YOUR connotation of the word. Assuming people with differing opinions are "boardering on lunacy" probably won't cause anyone to change their behavior.