The N-Word

I haven't read this thread yet, so I apologize if this is repetitive. I just want to get my 2 cents in. (whoa, I just noticed the message icon smilies option in replies...cool)

Basically, I think this is a personal matter. I don't use the "N" word in public because many people would get very upset/sad/mad. I'm not black, but I've been called the "N" word endearingly by black friends and derrogatively by black people who talked trash to me on the hoops courts. When I'm with friends that I know who endearing use the "N" word to me and I do also towards them, I am at ease with it. I understand if other people views that as incorrect, but it does bother me because it is accepted amongst my friends as slang and we use it amongst eachother. From our standpoint, we aren't evoking images of slavery when I hear a "what's up my 'N'?"

Now I also have black friends who don't want me to use the "N" word around them. So, in respect for the feelings of a friend, I woud not say that around him.

For the music perspective, I don't like singing the "N" word when used in crap music or as an insult, or in even just dumb music...okay, I'll try to be more specific with a case of when I do sing along the "N" word.

Example: "Life goes on" - Tupac
"How many brothas fell victim to the streets
rest in peace, young ***** there's heaven for G,
be a lie, if I told ya, that I never thought of death,
my *****s, we the last ones left.
And life goes on"

I life this song, and find it quite moving. I sing along with it in car all the time. I understand that many people would disagree with me doing this, but I'm just explaining that from my personal standpoint, using the "N" word here is just me singing along with a moving song that is personal to me and it has nothing to do with anyone else.


There is long standing debate about using the "N" word in all communities. I remember reading "Blaze" magazine in 1999 when it had this article about Jay-Z's new CD and him using the "N" word on a TV performance with kids in the background. And there's a for the "N" word article and one against it. If someone has those, I remember them being good reads.

So I guess I really didn't add much to the debate except for the points that if people just cared for others feelings, but not too much, than this shouldn't be that big a problem. In public, even though I never use the "N" word derogatively (I don't even think it makes a strong insult compared to other stuff I can come up with), I won't use the "N" word mainly because it could hurt other's feelings.

Now if people get upset when I talking to friends like that who talk to me the same...well, it's quite impossible for other people to get upset at that, since they're not hanging out with me and my friends.

 

I'm trying to detect the sarcasm here, but I guess I'm too white.

 

I don't see how you made you point. You pointed out specific circumstances in which someone can't use the n word in a professional environment. I think a lot of people (the majority according to the poll) think the double standard is that black people feel free to use that word, and have no problem with other black people using that word. However, they do have a problem with a white person using it, just for the color of their skin.

If you could elaborate your point I would appreciate it. I fail to see how that 'disproves the double standard'.

 

If Shaq says the N word on television he will catch flack for it. If you say it a home, I'm assuming you're not black, you probably won't. I mean really, how is anyone going to catch flack for anything we do in private. The only way to judge the double standard is in the public arena.

 

Logical conclusion. No sarcasm.

 

Ok, now I see what you mean, and I don't disagree. However, I think there is a middle ground of being in public and not necessarily on national TV or an office. People in the streets use that word and do or don't catch flack (often based on race). The media (music) obviously uses it, and while they catch some flack sometimes, they continue to use it without a whole lot of problems as far as I can see. I hear it often in public from black people (outside a business setting, of course). Ever time I do, it's like a kick in the gut. Maybe I should get in their face about it like I do anyone else that uses it around me.

Rimbaud,
Do you mean on this particular issue, or in general? If it's in general, wow.

 

Then I wouldn't say it if it upsets the cousin. You got to find out first. And if you do say it before finding out how my boy's cousin feels, and he gets offended, then I'd apologize for hurting his feelings and explain that I'm not intending to do that, and I'd stop using the "N" word in his presence. To me, it's not a big deal if everyone I considered a friend disliked using the word and does not want to hear it, for I don't mind never saying it again to anyone. But on the flip side, when used amongst friends, and all is cool with it, that shouldn't be a big deal either and it isn't b/c others are not involved.

Basically, anyone can do what they want within their rights, but all I'm saying is be considerate to the feelings of those around you. That way, a lot of conflicts would be easier to resolve.

 

It's a personal thing with him; I wouldn't put too much stock in it. It's really a weird form of self-flagellation. Rimmy has a superiority complex, yet at the same time, he hates himself. So the only way he can stomach to knock himself down......is to bring along the rest of his race with him.

At least that's what I heard....

 

seriously, buddy...clean up the language.

 

Actually, it has nothing to do with me. I do not associate "white people" with me, I am different. I just generally don't care for white people as a whole. Doesn't mean all white people are bad, just the larger race as a group. And yes, goophers, in general, wow.

Also, Pole, what you hear is wrong (but typical).

 

Are you a racist?

 

The poll seems to asking it seems if it is "okay" or "should" people use the word. The largest votes are that it's okay for blacks but no one else should use it and no one should use it. But I don't see how this shows anything about people's views regarding "double standards".

As far as blacks having problems with whites using the word, well, whites invented the word and used it to denigrate blacks, how could a black person not feel uncomfortable generally when hearing a white person use it???

The whole point that you have some "right" to expect people to react the same based on an action otherwise it is a "double standard" is ridiculous because it depends on context. I mean if I call someone's wife by some endearing nickname that she likes to hear from her husband but gets angry if I call her that I guess that's "unfair" and "double standards" too according to this "logic".

 

That's what I heard you would say.

 

But that isn't really a conscious or chosen racism, is it? Does rimbaud consciously choose to be a racist?

 

You said "everyone is a racist to a certain extent." By that, you mean that people try not to be racist, but subconsciously, they just can't help it, and they will be prejudiced.

Rimbaud is different. He is trying to be as racist as possible when it comes to white people.

 

Must have been two different people, then, right? Anyway, I am confusing myself and your post(s) was(were) funny.

Mr. Clutch - I could be much more racist towards white people, so there. Besides, I already explained that I have nothing against white people, just "white people." I will be friends with a white person, I just won't like "white people." it is really quite simple. Oh, and I never would have married a white woman. Other than that, though, they can do whatever they want.