The "N" Word?

Question

What exactly does it mean to you? Because people say it means "ignorant black person," though some people take it in another way. Also, why do YOU feel black people don't appreciate it when "certain" people make use of the word.

By the way, I'm black myself, and I feel like no one should use the word. But, I'd rather just black people use it than any other race.

It seems as though a lot of people say it to be cool. I hear mexicans/hispanics say it more than black people at school sometimes, and it irritates me. Not to offend them, it's just, stop saying it.

Answer 1

Well, I'm not black, so maybe my opinion shouldn't count, but I always thought anyone who used the "N" word was just too ignorant to use the correct word. But now the old correct word is wrong, too!

Answer 2

This is a quote I found from the CampusProgress.org website, that explains EXACTLY how I feel!

"I have just had enough. I am tired of walking down the street hearing it. I am tired of hearing it bleeped out in rap music, articles, and in comedy acts. Historically, the word "N" was simply used to demean blacks. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word "N" as an offensive word to describe a black or dark-skinned person.

A word that is defined as being offensive, one that whites used during slavery as a term of inferiority, shouldn’t be used as a term of endearment less than 150 years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The struggles that my ancestors endured, when they were sold into slavery, auctioned off like property, beaten with whips and chains, chased by dogs, squirted with fire hoses, convicted of crimes they didn’t commit, raped, had their homes and churches burned down, lynched, these are the images that, for me, conjure up the term “Niggggger.” Changing the ending of the word will never change that meaning. "

By Tamia Booker, Campus Progress
Thursday March 9, 2006

Answer 3

That word has so many different meanings that who knows anymore. In the dictionary just means ignorant person. But it can be your friend. Being white the only people that i have heard called that are blacks that really have no education or act like they are better then other people or don't care about anything. Also

Answer 4

Lets see............ here in the Hispanic community that I live (keep in mind my gf is Hispanic)
around here looks like: (to be honest)
the big n word is losing its meaning pertaining to the black people. It means slave (as in maid) or someone who rips you off, not like Oprah or Montell or my good old neighbor of 35 years

Also, here, If someone is "jewed" it means they didn't get a good deal on what ever product.
Not that they re talking about anyone that's Jewish.
Most people here don't dislike or even know Jewish people (Hispanic)
Interesting, I'll ask my neighbor what he thinks, he's honest. A black man, I would never refer to him as "n"

Answer 5

I have traveled to places over half the world, met MANY different people and cultures. I know the difference between a Black man or woman and a ******. ****** to me means black trash. **** means brown trash, shanty means Irish trash. Red neck, white trash.

If you don't want people to use these words, don't say it's OK for "Us" to use it. That's a lame and immature excuse.

And remember, racism starts and stops at home.

Answer 6

Can I ask why it's ok for a black person to say it anymore than a white person.

Why is it ok for a black person to call white people "crackers" and "whities" and that never seems to black people as offensive as the "N" word.

I think the "N" word or any derogoratory term used against any race is wrong....I just think the whole name calling is cruel.

Answer 7

I think all of us are people. We shouldn't be racist. All of us are humans. Not like an alien or something. Even though someone is being a racist to you, just ignore them. Anyway no race is "higher" than another race!

Answer 8

True but people are going to keep saying it till eventually it gets played out so you should'nt let something you have no control over bother you.

Answer 9

I hate that word also.Just shows ignorance.

Answer 10

any terms used to tear people down are wrong--no matter who we are...