Why do black ppl get offended when someone of another race calls them the N word?

Question

I haven't found anybody who can give a reasonable answer to that ?.. We call each other Ni--a all day long but when someone else does it we get offended by it? Can someone tell me why that is? I was watchin this talk show one day and it had Russell Simmons on it, the host asked him that same ? and I damn near fell out the chair when I heard his answer.. He said something like black ppl have turned that word into somethin beautiful.. Back in the day white ppl used it as a racial comment but we (black ppl) made it mean something positive.. I'm not quoting word for word.. I was shocked when he said that. So I challenge anyone to give a real reason to mah question..

To hot one it's funny u say that it jus shows that when ur pressed wit an intelligent question u use ignorance as a way to express urself. I am a proud black woman. I asked the ? because I wanted to kno what other ppl's views were.. U didn't have to answer it. But Thanks....

To hot one, U deleted ur comment to me! why? U should've left it up there. Callin me out mah name was offensive, especially when u don't even kno me. But I asked for ur opinion and if that's how u felt u should've stuck wit it..

Mike B.. I don't see yo momma on here. U mus be talkin to her cause that's the only ***** I kno.. I can be an azzhole to!!

Answer 1

i don't get why they call each other it, i think that part is stupid. but i get why they don't like anyone else calling it, because it means "person without race", and maybe when a white person calls them it, it reminds them of how terrible people used to be to them using them as slaves and such.

it is the same way as girls calling their friends b******, but when someone else does it, then they get mad.

Answer 2

Because back in the day white people used it to demean the black people or slaves by using it as an offensive term which was used to make them feel worthless, incompetent etc... Now days some black ppl use it on each other wether it be jokingly or when they're angry for some reason. The few black people that choose to use this term probably take offense when it's used by someone they don't know who they feel has no right using that word to define them in any way. Which I feel is their right and I'd feel exactly the same. If you do use it, you best be quick to explain yourself.

Answer 3

How the word is said makes the meaning change. A Black slang would be N' ending with an A' meaning Dude to another race. However the person of another race might pronounce it N' ending with an R and would be taken as an insult.
The N word you hear in Rap Songs is always N ending with an A'

Answer 4

I choose not to be addressed by my own people using the 'n' word and definitely will not tolerate from others. Look up the spelling and meaning of this word-*********-you can see that it can be referred to any people. Use of the 'n' word was applied to black folks by other races that feel better than and/or superior. Unfortunately, some black folks glamorize its usage and sadly see no wrong or damage. Another thing is that I always challenge my people that use the 'n'word to refer to white people as that to their face...most back down. Personally, I think most races do not wish to be addressed in a derogatory manner, it is demeaning, just like when some woman address each other as ***** and whore...I see no class in that!

Answer 5

I have to agree and disagree. I agree with the fact that we shouldn't use it, but I do get even more offended when individuals outside of my race use (jokingly, conversationally, hurtfully, etc...) purely becuase of the negative history it has. The name when spoken by whites especially, evokes negative emotions in blacks. Also as far back as slavery blacks called each other ****** because thats what they were called so much by their oweners. If someone called you and everyone like you a certain name for so long you begin to identify with it. It's a horrible thing and I wish the cycle and mental block will just end.

To explain why some still use it:
This is a horrible explanation, but it's sort of like an inside joke. Everyone who is in on it can laugh and share it, but the moment someone tries to come in and act like they get it too, it becomes awkward. And just like an inside joke it's hard to explain to outsiders as well...

I liked the joke analogy someone used. People make fun of themselves all the time, but the moment someelse does it they're hurt... human nature I guess???

Answer 6

I think it is negative to them because of how it was used back when segragation was going on. As to why they can say it to each other..I dont know but I guess it just sounds worse coming from someone else. Its almost the same as saying you can joke with yourself if you were fat and uglu but if someone else tells you that your fat and ugly then you would get offended. Well most people would that is. Im not sure if there is a right or wrong answer to your question

Answer 7

I find that the n---- word is offensive no matter who says it. That said I do think it's a little like an Italian calling another Italian a Wop, or an Irishman calling another Irishman a Mick. When one is of the same race/nationality it doesn't have the same connotation. I don't agree with this but I think that it is a reasonable explanation.

Answer 8

Well I can call my wife 'honey' and she smiles. I can call my neighbor's wife 'honey' and he gets the rope, or my wife gets a knife. Blacks just dont like it when white people use it. I hear it all the time. But never from whites. There are some white people that need to go. But there are some blacks real close to me that need to go first. I think it is just hatred. Thats all it is. If everyone had a relationship with master Jesus, we would all be better off.

Answer 9

I don't like the use of the word regardless of who uses it. It is a hateful word used for many years by the white man to keep the Ni_ in his place. You don't hear white people calling each other Honky, or Hispanics calling each other Wet Back. We shouldn't identify each other with Ni_ either.

Answer 10

Because that... word... is a "hate" word. It has a history of hundreds of years, and was used as an excuse to persecute, lie, and murder people who were different just because of the color of their skin.

Frankly, I don't know why young blacks call each other that name, considering the violent history it's had. It seems kind of ignorant, but the black community must not see it that way. I would never think of going up to my best friend and calling them "honkey." But that's just me...

Answer 11

it's offensive whether it's used everyday or not, and it ought to offend everyone. it's derogatory, and kids today use derogatory terms too much for us to understand how hurtful they are. like when someone says something is gay, it puts a negative connotation on a sexual orientation. and i think we've forgotten the actual historical context behind it, or more or less do not understand the incredible suffering during slavery and how the word was really used.