Why do the black people that call each other "n*gga" demand respect from white people?

Question

"N*gga" was, of course, a term for slaves. Slaves did not get any respect from white people. So, if blacks demonstrate no respect for each other by calling themselves "n*ggas" then why should white people give them respect?

Double standard?

Just to clarify - I know not all black people talk like that. It just seems that the people that are most vocal about demanding respect nowadays, are those that do talk as such.

Answer 1

...why should anyone give them respect?

If you act like a n_____, you will be treated like a n_____.

Answer 2

I know this won't be the winning answer, but oh well. In cultural studies, there's a term called "reclaiming", which is when you take something that used to be used against you, and make it your own, or into a good thing. It's seen as a positive, powerful action.

For example, some women have reclaimed the word "*****", instead of meaning a cold or mean woman, it can mean a strong woman who knows how to achieve her goals. Some gay or lesbian people have taken "queer", and instead of using it as an insult, they use it as a sexual identification that does away with the male/female distinction. Many black people have done the same with the N-word.

Remember, there is nothing inherently wrong with the word - it's just a random assortment of letters. What's wrong is when you use it in a derogatory way. White slave masters used the term in a derogatory way to express their power and superiority over black slaves. However, many black people use the N-word to mean "friend" or "person", as well as "black person", which means they are zapping the racism out of it - which is a powerful thing.

That the point of reclaiming - saying "You used this against me, I'm taking it back, you made it say something bad about me, I'm going to make it say something good about me (or at the very least, get rid of the bad connotation)."

If a white person calls a black person the N-word, it is disrespectful, because white people can't "reclaim" the word - it was never about them, it was never used against them, and their identity was never made into a shameful thing. Black people can reclaim it, however, so they can say it.

I don't consider that a double standard. I consider it fair.

In addition, respect for black people should *not* be contingent on whether they respect themselves (although I think for the most part they do, just as much as any other race). I think it should be contingent on the fact that they are human beings. I don't think they should have to *earn* your respect. If a black guy sees you call a white guy a bad name for cutting ahead in a lineup, does that give the black guy the right to beat you up, because you aren't showing respect to a member of your own race?

It just doesn't make sense.

You should respect them being they are human beings.

Answer 3

Yes, it is a double standard. Either it is a bad word or it isn't. You can't have it both ways. Whites who care to be correct, take their cue from Blacks. Who would imagine that such a horribly degrading word would be used by the same people it degrades toward others as a word of endearment? Using the word, as some Blacks claim, to diffuse it's hurtfulness is just an excuse since they still find it objectionable if Whites use it. The bottom line is that it's a word that should go into obscurity.

Answer 4

WHAT??!!! Demonstrating respect shows that you have it. You need to stop...really. I am sick to death of this arugument. It seems that some people are looking for a reason to show disrespect others and use this word. You give respect because you are a person that is respectful. What others do should not have NO effect on the type of person that you choose to be or how you deal with others.

Answer 5

There was a man called Lynchly who they named lynchings from ., who way back in the 17 100 s wrote a book and even taught slave owners in the north. then in the south in seminars how exactly to turn the Negroes against each other in a variety of ways. and since then they haven't learned any better ,it will take hundreds, maybe 1000 s of years for them to get over that training.Its a damn shame, I pray for them sometimes when I hear about all the weird, crazy, murderous things they do to people, especially themselves, in Jacksonville they have killed over 120 of themselves so far this year,men mostly killing other men, but some Innocent children also. god all mighty, they get crazy don't they?,I wish they knew better,Of course I am sure there or many fine blacks,

Answer 6

It is a double standard...unfortuately black people try to justify it by saying it's ok to say it to each other but it's a negative word period....no matter who uses it. If most black people understand the actual definition of that word, I'm sure they would not use it at all. But it seems like everything that is degrading and once viewed as negatively is cool to use nowadays...it's not right but that's the way it is right now.

Answer 7

First of all they weren't called N*gga but the term "negroes" was used. I think any racial term that offends a culture should not be used out of respect. That also goes for black people calling white people "crackers" , "honkies" etc.

Answer 8

I agree, that word offends me as a white person, I would never use it. It is not right though that if a black person calls another black person a n* it is ok, but if a white person does it is discrimination. That really bothers me. I think it is wrong all the way around, but if they can call each other that I can not see how they could get offended to be called that by a white person.

Answer 9

Shows Ignorance & is a double standard if you choose to say the word in front of them. Giving the green light for an attack in their ignorant minds. Its a trap for the fools to keep fighting amoungest themselves instead of focusing on more important issue's! No i do not give them respect i identify them as swoggey's to avoid!

Answer 10

You have to have respect for yourself, if you want respect from others. Anyone using terms like that is still a slave, to ignorance.

Answer 11

I understand where you are coming from....I have a friend who is a minority and she is very sensitive....maybe over sensitive to how caucasions talk and act. Many times she reads into things that are not really there....but then again I have not walked a mile in her shoes either.