Like, me and my friends always say "what up *** ga?" or "what up *****?" or "damn straight, *** ga!"
Is it offensive to black people if white people are using that word like that? If so, i plan to stop using it...i was just wondering so i dont offend anyone...
2006-07-18 17:17:57 · 58 answers · asked by drQuiggles 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
one of my friends i call "*** ga" is a black man. He doesn't mind it at all...just another small detail
2006-07-18 17:42:30 · update #1
This is my opinion and my opinion ONLY, I don't see anything wrong with you using the word in the way that you do. n-i-g-g-a is just slang to me. i don't get all bent out of shape when someone uses it in the exact same way that i do/did. Not many people are going to agree with me on this because more than half of the world are still stuck on the racist side of this issue. at the same time i will say to you, don't get caught saying this around other black people because not too people feel the same way i do. nine times out of ten they will get offended. oh yeah, if you haven't figured yet, im black.
2006-07-18 17:43:50 · answer #1 · answered by heavens_angel 2 · 6⤊ 6⤋
****** is only a word. The connotation can affect peoples reactions, I.E. yelling ******* at the top of your lungs in most major metropolitan areas will get you promptly hurt, but the real power it has comes from what people give it. If you and those around you see no negative problems with the word and the way you use it then to you the word is harmless. When a group of black people use it the word gains a power of community and fraternity. When a guy dressing up as a mentally deficient ghost uses it the word it gains a malice rarely matched.
Overall the word is just a string of phenoms that make a recognizable sound. It is not inherently good or evil. It is the stock we put in it that gives it its meaning and power. So the only person that can answer your question to your satisfaction is you.
But yes, even using ****** as a term for friendship is offending to some people of the darker skin tones. But that's what centuries of negative emotions and connotations will do to a word.
2006-07-18 17:25:00 · answer #2 · answered by Lucifer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know it's offensive, but if you want to test this theory just go up to a black person and say "what up n-----" and see what the reaction is.
I know that some people will argue that some black people use this word, so why can't we? Just like some gay people will use the word "queer". By reclaiming the word they are defusing its impact and its power as a term of abuse.
But if you are not black/a person of colour or gay, I would stay well away from using these words because they will cause offence, and you will be perceived as ignorant. But you knew that already.
2006-07-18 17:26:54 · answer #3 · answered by Big E 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How can you use the n-word in a non-degrading way? The n-word has over 300 years of hatred, violence, disrespect etc, attached to it. It was specifically used to put down African-Americans. Everytime you use that word you are insulting every African-American young/old in past/present/future. Its not cool to make light of a word that has caused generations of people pain. I don't think Dr. King Jr. would allow his white friend to refer to him as an N. For a black person to use or allow others to use the n-word makes those who don't really understand the depth of the word think its ok. It's not cute, fun, or awesome to use a word that perpetuates hatred no matter the "context". Put the word to rest.
2006-07-19 07:04:06 · answer #4 · answered by ny2caligirl87 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are referring to it in a historical way like while writing a paper or giving a relevant speech, then yes. You can use it as necessary. For example, if you were writing an essay about the historical significance of the word or how it came to be. I mean, some black people won't find it offensive, but most will. Regardless of if it offends them or not, you sound ignorant using it in casual conversation with your friends. I mean it's just a word to me, but you probably wear ecko and fubu and are whiter than an egg shell.
2006-07-18 17:23:45 · answer #5 · answered by The Chucksta 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the word was not at first a bad word you can find that in a dictionary it was really a complement bu people have turned it bad and yes you are using it inappropriately you could do harm to others people or you could get your self in a lot of trouble theses days my son was shot seven times because he was in a club and it was run buy a Asian gang and because he was big and white they shot him no words so could you imagine what you might be provoking using this word , find a norther word that you all can use that is not offensive to any one,if you find a word that doesn't make sense only you and your friends think how confused others will be around you a secret word
2006-07-18 17:33:24 · answer #6 · answered by lois k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most urban africans arent that offended, compared to more of the older african generations. Its became a Slang word today. Its not widely accepted. I would suggest you find a new slang word within your group just as a general curiosity. It could hurt someones feelings. Also, if a tree falls in the middle of the forest and no one is there to hear it.. did it make a sound?.. lolz..
2006-07-18 17:22:09 · answer #7 · answered by desixraja 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a lot of stupid things that people say that offends others. The "N word" being one of them. If you obviously know you will offend someone, why ask? Also, it is just plain idiotic how some of these people have responded to your question. FYI: if a word/saying is offensive when one person says it (be they a different "color" than you), then why is it "ok" for someone of the same "color" to use it? It's the same context, by the way...it's still derogatory any way, shape or form.
2006-07-18 17:31:38 · answer #8 · answered by nc_strawberry 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is only a word. A word cannot be degrading, because a word does not have feelings or intentions. If a black chooses to feel a certain way, it is not the words fault or your fault. Feel free to use it as much as you like.
2006-07-19 00:35:54 · answer #9 · answered by bluesea112 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think if you can appreciate the history of the word, you wouldn't use it as homey vernacular and in a casual context. Or at all.
The word is steeped in racism, slavery, violence, discrimination, murder and degradation.
I just don't think it's a word that should be bandied about. It's not "just a word". It has a history that can't be separated from it. Remember that every time you speak it, you are shrugging off and making "sexy" language that represents the plight and pain and torture of many many people. To use it lightly, it's like you are not respecting its real meaning and the history attached to it.
I'd be careful in using it carelessly and casually.
2006-07-18 17:22:49 · answer #10 · answered by lily 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you use that word, whether you're black or white, you will offend someone. My advice is to use it at your own risk. Since what you're asking is totally subjective, you have no possibility of a guarantee that it is socially okay.
Probably better just to leave well enough alone. Have you really nothing better to say?
2006-07-18 17:23:50 · answer #11 · answered by nathangreybaldwin 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋