Why do Blacks always say...?

Question

First of all, please understand that I mean NOTHING RACIST by this at all. It's just something I was curious about. Also, please do not use inappropriate language, as I will try to restrain myself too.


Now, simple question... the "N-word"... it's a TERRIBLE word to use.. . but why do Blacks themselves use the word in their everyday language? I've always been curious...

Thanks for your responses, I was worried that I may come off as racist to all of you, but apparently, many of you are just as curious as I am.

I do, however, acknowledge that I was perhaps stereotyping too much with this question. Not ALL of them use the term, of course, but a fair number of them do.

Answer 1

From what I've read on here they say it as a term of endearment, I don't understand either. But that's what I hear.

Answer 2

What's racist is the "why do Blacks always say" as it is simply not true.

The use of the word by Blacks is a matter of controversy with the African-American community (as, I gather is the word "Black").

You got some good answers here, along the lines of "it was used by whites to put us down and keep us there; now that word is OURS and you can't use it without incurring great wrath."

Among users, it's a sign of solidarity -- the way teasing is among family and friends (good, fun teasing, not the "Made you cry" kind of teasing).

Anyway, that's this white chick's take on it.

I wouldn't suggest asking someone directly unless you have a really good relationship and you know they won't take offense, as it's a touchy topic.

Keep an eye out for interviews with Blacks where they are likely to try to explain. (That is, where the context of the interview is one where this might come up.)

Linguistics and sociology are good fields to look into regarding this question, too.

I would imagine that many, if not most, are heartily sick of this question -- it gets asked by whites A LOT. Funny, no one spends nearly the time asking why whites started using it in the first place.

It ocurred to me right after submitting that, use of the word around whites probably has a fringe benefit in making all the whites wince and squirm -- for some.

Answer 3

I have always had the same question, to say that the question is racist is ignorant! It's a true statement. In reality its an observation made by many, that many black people, do call each other the N word. Its a fact. No not ALL, just like not ALL people use profanity....But I have heard many black people call each other N. Why do they do it, because the one's that do are the one's that probably have filthy mouths, and have no standards or enough self respect to speak in a dignified manner. I choose not to cus, swear, or call others bad words, that is my choice and my standard for how I conduct myself. Its whats in a persons heart that comes out of their mouth. Its a persons choice as to what kind of person that they choose to be. Dignified or a perverse dirty mouth.

Answer 4

The question isn't racist but you have generalized a bit. Not all blacks say that word. But they use a different spelling and pronunciation. They replace the 'er' at the end with 'a' and that is supposed to make a difference. I don't see it as taking a bad word and making it good, I see taking a bad word and pronouncing it differently.

Maybe it makes those that do use that word feel empowered because the word is used to belittle and demean another person. I'm not sure.

Answer 5

The question is not racist and I have always wondered about that to. Watched Oprah today and she referred to herself and her friend as ******, to make a point about being in an all white town in Colorado. So is she a racist? Does she hate her own race?

The n-word is just a word that some blacks make into a racist issue as they see fit. We, (white), are called honky, cracker, whitey, white trash, among the nicer words for us. And I could care less. There are, of course, white people that are close friends with blacks and use the word to refer to themselves and their black friends and that is OK. If blacks would not make such an issue about that word it would simply go away.

Answer 6

I'm black - and I NEVER use that word. No one else in my family uses that word either. And, none of my black friends use it.

To answer your question though - I think some black people use the N-word as a kind of underlying message to the white race that, although the N-word was created as a way to further demean the black race verbally, the tables were turned by making the word take on a new meaning.

Other than that, the only reason I can think of for a black person to use it is ignorance, mixed with a little stupidity.

By the way, us citizen, I always find it so annoying to be referred to as "them". But, of course, every black person in the universe thinks exactly the same way, don't we?

Answer 7

this could possibly be one of the most stero typical question, and answer i have ever seen. The people that say its not racist are right, its stereotyping. To say Blacks use is in thier everyday language is one of the dumbest things i have ever heard in my life. I dont get why ignorance like this if tolerated in our society today. Were all the same why cant people understand that.

Answer 8

Its not a racist question. Them that say that are full of crap. According to them you cant ask anything about black nor its racist. If you asked why Italians like to snack on biscotti that's not racist. But if you asked why blacks like to eat chicken its racist. I say both are only questions and folks shouldnt make more out of it. Now your Question. When I was in high school I heard blacks refer to each other with that word. But were offended when a white or mexican or any other person used it. Its like two fat people who call each other fat. Thier not offended because thier both fat. But if someone else called them fat it could hurt thier feelings. Its something close to that. Hope that helps. And for those of you who cry racist at every question like this , get over it.

Answer 9

It do seem racist when a black person calls you the N word. If he say ***** with a (a) then that's ok. If with a er then you would be like what did you say. Maybe they started this because whites will have no more power saying it, if black will call it to each other.

Answer 10

Just as an expressions anyway! I think not only blacks doing the same thing, but all over the world, people are expressive in different language as part of their lifestyle and daily conversations! The best thing is, they just utter nasty things and not doing it by hurting others!

Answer 11

I've wondered that myself. If another other than a black says it, God forbid. They get insulted. Yet the blacks use it freely toward themselves. At one time the proper way to refer to the race in general was a *****. Suddenly that became wrong and colored was the proper term. Now it is black. Who knows?