“Why can’t we say the N – Word?”?

Question

I’ve heard so many White Americans ask this question. As an African American, honestly, it doesn’t bother me at all. I just see it as another word. But, please allow me to give you some insight on why it bothers other people. First, I must say I believe that most White Americans who ask this question are more so the ones who tend to be in denial about the racial history of America. You must keep in mind how the word is associated with White Americans – and I say White Americans because I’ve traveled and noticed that Europeans are not half as racial as Americans, Black or White. Their history is different. Racism was just a small part of Europe’s history, where as America was founded on racism. Racism was woven into the very foundation of America, that’s why it’s such a big issue in America where as it’s not such a big issue in many other countries. They do have it, but not to the extent of America. Many other countries learn their racism from American Media. Ask the average foreigner, they’ll tell you. So, why can’t we use the N-Word? - Because it’s your initial association with the word and the constant racism that still goes on in America keeps that negative association of the word fresh. Young African American Men have created a different meaning for the word amongst themselves and when used could simply mean: my homey; my buddy; a guy; a man; etc, etc, etc. For example, the Rapper Eminim, although he is White, he’s associated as a Rapper, and his use of the N – Word is associated with the Hip Hop community, but not as a White American. Please share your thoughts and ideas.

Answer 1

you answered your own question

Answer 2

Let me say there are some boundaries that always is better to keep, one single generation will not change the meaning of a word, two or three.
This will be along process, while a society, christian in majority, with teachings and values against racism, has to confront this issue and go to a better situation.
Just think that know the white people who may be racist, is too busy dealing also with the Latino people and the Asian people.
So I guess the African-American have a break!

Answer 3

Both uses of the word are really stupid if you ask me. I am a white american. I remember when my school wanted to ban Huck Finn because the N-word was in it. I thought that was so ridiculous. It is just a word, however, there is a time and a place for it, and that should really only be in history. Why can't we say **** and **** or ***** on yahoo answers??? There's a time and a place for those words though. I hate rap and hip hop and their current use of the word, but I tell you...i sure do like smokey robinson and the miracles.

Answer 4

First of all saying racism doesn't exist in Europe is completely false. Remember the Holocaust? How about Bosnia? Anti-Semitism is on the rise again all over Europe. Racism exist everywhere in the world. Ever heard of Rwanda?

The infamous "n" word is given power by black Americans, particularly young black Americans, which is sad. Does the word "cracker" carry such power? Jewish people don't like words "hebe" or "kike" but they don't allow the word to have a power over them. It's is simply a derogotory term, used mainly in anger or by people of little or no class or intelligence.

Answer 5

I agree with you! In general, if people of a certain race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, etc are opposed to the use of a certain word to label them and consider it derogatory and insulting, one shouldn't use that word. In fact one has no excuse for using the n-word or any other ethnic or racial slur. But I still don't understand, given the history of that word, why the Hip Hop community uses the n-word. This is coming from a white fan of Hip Hop.

Answer 6

ya know thats a good question....but i dont have an answer to it. im native american and i live in a small town with maybe 1 african american family and i see racism everywhere....its so sad, the way people treat each other. black on black crimes, white on white crimes...whats the difference? and me not being african american i would never use that word just bc its associated with racism. its a hate-ful harsh word and something i would never use...i dont think i answered your question but i just thought id give ya my insight...

Answer 7

i don't ever hear any white people use that word anymore. but it still has a negative connotation for me. all i have heard from my african american friends or any african americans i have seen on tv/heard on the radio is that the word is horrible. so it is hard to believe otherwise

Answer 8

Thanks for taking the time to give insight into that.
Racism is still so alive and well in America huh? When I think about all the Afro-American musicians, actors, comedians, leaders and achievers it is absurd.
However, such is the mentality sadly.....

Answer 9

I don’t know about other countries but in America that word is used as a racial slur. It denotes your hatred or feelings that they are of an inferior race.

Answer 10

Wow! You really gave it some thought.. Who cares about the word "******" .. If black people don't like white folks saying it to them then they shouldn't! And it's true, as a European it's like not even noticing skin colour.. We hardly even use the word black or white when talking about other races..

Answer 11

It's offensive, wrong and tends to erase all of the negative history associated with it. That good enough for you?