Why do Black people call each other the "N" word? and call it to their white friends?

Question

for reference im white ... I used to have a co worker that always said "whats up my niger?" to me...he also said that i had to say it to him because we were friends... i told him i was uncomfortable saying that and he laughed...he kept insisting that i say it to him because we were friends..other co workers were ready to slap him because he was so loud about it..this made me feel awkward...what do you guys think about it

Answer 1

I think the 'N' word in this case stands for 'brother' or 'pal.' Something one would call a peer. You were right in saying you are not comfortable with it. I'm white & I don't understand it myself. The older Black people around that kind of talk get upset too with it. Its good that you told him how you feel about it. You may want to ask him what the 'N' word means in the context he is saying it. I'm not comfortable with it & would never use it.

Answer 2

I saw this movie a little while back called "Poolhall Junkies." One of the first scenes is my favorite, mostly because they swear A LOT! hehe Anyway, in this scene its a white guy talking to a black guy. BG is telling WG how the whole "N" word thing goes. If you are tight friends with someone, you've known them a long time or know them well, you can call them "my n igga." If you don't, you can't. And it is always n-i-g-g-a, not n-i-g-ge-r.
I'm sure the clip explains it a lot better than I just did. I would suggest, however, talking with your co-worker/friend. Ask him why he feels you have the right; he may be able to explain it better than anyone here.
As for why black people say it other black people, I think part of it is reclaiming the word. I know a lot of women (I am one of those women) that calls themselves a b itch, but takes offence when someone else calls them it. Vagina Monologues, I believe, actually has a scene where a woman is reclaiming the word vagina because it is not a dirty word. Its a social thing mostly, I think... Maybe one day even the swastika (a former symbol of peace, but now a dirty symbol of the Nazis) will be reclaimed for its true and pure meaning. *shrug*

Answer 3

The British called American's Yankees as an insult and we made it into a song and took pride in being a Yankee. Same thing. It doesn't mean what it used to mean to most people, that is the people with the white sheets, it means the same thing. The rapper w/ the Escalade, it means "I'm past that and I'm going to turn it against you because I'm a person first."

Answer 4

I don't have an answer. I have wondered the same thing myself. If people of color are (SOO OFFENDED) by being called the N word,why on earth do they call each other that. If they despise the word so much,they should set the example for others regarding showing respect.

Answer 5

the 'N' word is offensive to blacks and if another black calls the other the 'N' word it is still offensive.. but hip hop and rap music has taught them that its ok to curse your fellow black people and if hes calling you it aswell and your white then the boys confused and needs to go seek help.. and if your really uncomfortable about him let him know this.. communication is key!

Answer 6

I don't know but I hate that word!...I was raised in the 60's/70's and that word was never used in our house....And was not taught in my home around my kids either...I can't stand to hear that word spoken...And I am 100% white.

Answer 7

im not gonna blow smoke up your butt and say its cause we took a negative word and made it positive blah blah blah i see its jus force of habit, its no real reason we say it, we jus do. personally i dont say it around white people i jus use it in the hood when dealing with hood folks. but its the same as you all who say dude all the gosh darn time. it jus happens.

Answer 8

This coworker is either messing with you (trying to get you to say something that will get you killed) or really stupid and immature. Either way, please know that black people with good sense do not use that word to call each other. Only ignorant and misguided blacks do that.

Answer 9

i am white, but i can't help but feel this is an obnoxious habit as well.
however, some people would make the case that it is their group and they can use that word in their own way if they want to.

Answer 10

i can see whrere he would make you uncomfortable...i was told not to call a colored person that name at all....i guess he was trying to act big and words never bothered him...i probably would of just quit talking to him...i do hope your problem is settlled now..i think i would of been the one offended by his big mouth....