Why do black people still say the n word?

Answer 1

The "N word" was initially used by whites against blacks as a slur, and blacks could not do anything about this without causing serious problems, physical harm, and sometimes death. By taking the word and using it in the black community, the word lost some of its power to frighten and demean, and it also took from white people the power of being the only group to use the word. Different people have different feelings about this word being used, and I don't think there is any right or wrong about it.

For the record, most oppressed groups (women, people with disabilities, gay and lesbian people, deaf people) have followed this same example and taken a word that was formerly a slam or slur and turned it into a word that be used (by in-group members and close friends only) as a repudiation of the power of others to characterize or demean. Some examples: butch lesbian women calling themselves 'dykes' or 'bois'; people with disabilities calling ourselves "crips", "blinks"; and gay men calling themselves "queer".

I think it's basically a way of regaining empowerment and refusing to allow opponents to control one's image or self esteem.

Answer 2

We dont ALL say the n word. I find it extremely offensive and hurtful and I will tell anyone who says it, i dont care what color skin they have. I think the reason that word is still perpetuated is because of ignorance of what it means. Kids go around saying it and can't understand why its offensive because they never learned that that was what white people called you because you weren't even human, you were a n*****. They dont understand that that was the last words you heard when you were swinging from a tree by your neck. So as long as ignorance about the past is going on, this disgusting word will continue.

Answer 3

I do not know. But as long as they do they will never get the respect that they claim they want.
They try to justify it by stating that white people call each other "white trash" & "cracker" but obviously they cannot understand that if we use those terms we are using them to apply to people that we believe to be lower than ourselves. We are not calling our best friends "white trash". When I hear the "n word" used, it is when they are saying it to their friends, or even calling themselves that.
How can ANYONE of any race that uses derogitary names to describe themselves expect respect from anyone else?

Answer 4

Tigermew hit the nail right on the head. Said exactly what I wanted to say!! Give that person the 10 points!!

Answer 5

Because they are ignorant. Follow my logic for a second, if we say it we are considered ignorant, so for them to say it must be ignorant. Anything else is racist as there should be one uniform code of speech for all colors. The connotations of the word don't change with the color of the person saying it.

Answer 6

although they may try to justify it many ways (ending it in a or ah instead of er so that its a different word) it really makes no sense. they get way too bent out of shape over a word that has no real meaning anymore.

Answer 7

It's ok if a black person say it to another black person. That's cool with them. But if you're white, you better think twice.

Answer 8

Alright let me clear it up!

"NI**A" evolved from "*****" not "NI**ER".

If you notice in the 70s they used phrases like..."***** Please"
"*****" was the non racist casualy used word used for blacks. Even whites used it. That word has evolved into "****a" which is used today, simply put.

However because of the controversy they should just phase it out.

Answer 9

I'd like to know why some black people pronounce the "th" sound as "f's"...i don't get it

Answer 10

Because ***** is a cool word among blacks