These conversations never really go anywhere because most white people don't really care why black people use the n-word, I've found that they just use the question as a reason to stroke their own self-righteousness. No matter what viable reason a black person has for using the word there will ALWAYS be an argument against it that challenges how black people operate within our own culture...if it's not your problem, then why even worry about it?
You're honestly telling me that a person calling you names in a hostile threatening manner who is obviously physically weaker than you while you're in the middle of Toyota Center surrounded by other people and security guards is "the same to you" as if you're alone in a bad neighborhood and some person much bigger than you and armed to boot calls you names in a hostile manner? You're either really stupid to say that or you're a liar. There' s no point in arguing this if you're gonna claim both situations are "the same" when it should be patently obviously to 99% of people that they are not and that 99% of people would rather be in the first situation than the second. You just look like a fool for saying that they "are the same" out of a stubborn refusal to admit the obvious.
Let me rephrase that.... A white person can call a black person a ***** and it not be taken offensively by the black person. I've seen it before. Again though, it's about perceived intent and accepting a person as part of "your crowd" versus "the other crowd"
How about this... It's not worth the risk. There's always a chance it could be misinterpreted and your ass kicked.
I think the problem is whether the Black Americans you see in the media truly represents Black culture. It significantly reduces the meaning of using the word, IMO.
Which Black American in the media? Colin Powell or Al Sharpton Connie Rice or Maya Angelou Oprah or Wendy Williams Bill Cosby or Chris Rock Shane Battier or Steven Jackson Ed Bradley or Tavist Smiley Brian McKnight or Jay-Z My point is there is no limit to how Black Americans are represnted in the media. Since there is not one voice there can't be one conclusion.
can't speak for everyone but i have a problem with the segregation of culture. we'd all be a lot better off with a shared culture, the culture of man not of races. take this topic to a macro level and you have the reason why there is no global peace.
you don't have to look far....eminem has said ***** plenty of times and you don't see blacks lining up to beat the crap out of him or complaining much...
This is BS. Sorry. Sounds nice on paper but it is BS. Rather than reaching for some idealistic "shared culture," we should strive to CELEBRATE differences rather than trying to merge them. The word ***** should be CELEBRATED and recognized as something unique to African Americans rather than having a bunch of white people wondering why it is used. Who cares WHY the word ***** is used. Instead, just accept that there are different strokes for different folks and let it be. If you don't understand that, you need to get out more.
I personally see it as more of your self-righteousness. You've taken on this us against them mentality and preclude anyone else from taking part of your 'culture'. I'm sorry but your culture is out there all over the place and it's getting intermingled with everyone elses.
let them eat cake. you are barking up the wrong tree brother. don't make me draw a cartoon or something.
I answer a question about my culture and I'm self-righteous? I maintain that questions like this do nothing more than polarize us more because we don't understand the intricacies of what's inherent to other cultures. Your post is a prime example.
You've got to be joking. If a word is offensive, it's offensive. To say that only certain people can call me names and get away with it is simply BS. I got slammed on this board for brining this up when all I'm trying to do is understand. Please...so you're telling me the term ***** is ok? Just don't put an "er" on the end of the word? Give me a frigin break.
That has to be the most unbeliveable cop out I've ever heard. This is what I find really bizzare...because you are from the same culture, you can use derogitory racial terms and it's ok? Do you see how stupid that sounds? I teach my kids not to use any racial slurs, at all! I don't teach them that it's ok to use racial slurs if it's within you're own culture. I would never condone that behavior from my kids. So because someone's African Amercian, they get a green light to use racial slurs? Please! If you find racial slurs offensive stop using them anytime, anywhere.
Your attitude is definitely self-righteous. Actually those two quotes are prime examples of your self-righteous attitude. 'You can't understand us so stop trying.' I guess I do now
