The "N" word.......?

Question

Ok, i have a question. First of all i am not racist on ANY level. I have friends of ALL colors i do not prefer one over the other. why is it that when a black guy(orgirl) can call another black guy (or girl) the "N" word, but when a white guy/girl calls a black guy/girl calls them the "N" word they get pissed....but its ok to call a white guy/girl a "cracker"(and can someone tell me where the hell cracker came from?) anyway i do not think its write to call anyone no matter what color the "N" word. and i dont think its all that fair to call anyone a "cracker" so tell me, why is it ok to do one, but not the other?

Answer 1

The "N" word is different from "cracker"... The "N" word has a lot more history and envokes feelings of anger and hatred. You are right in saying "where did cracker come from?" No one really knows... But we do know where the "N word" came from, it came from whites.... That may explain why it is not accepted for us whites to say it now. Black people use this word amongst themselves for whatever reason and trying to understand why is stupid because black people are not all the same and may use it for different reasons or may not use it at all... It seems that maybe the "N word" might be soon banned from T.V. and other sources of media.... A new step in erasing racism? Maybe... Maybe not.... I guess we'll all find out soon!

Good Question!!

Answer 2

A cracker is what the country folks were called when they first settled here. The "n" word is demeaning. It's a derivative of ***** that had the southern slang put on it and changed it to mean ignorant black. When it comes from an African American one to the other it's not a racist insult but because of it's historical relation when it comes from a caucasian it's seen as an insult and it no longer has to be tolerated. You have no idea what it was like in the earlier times! Grown men being called boys. All of this has a bearing on using the "n" word outside of the African American culture. Caucasians aren't the only ones who will be challenged by using that word by the way.

Answer 3

Well, I'm not sure where the term "cracker" originates, but I'm a mighty fine cracker, so I wouldn't let that offend me in the least.

On the other hand the "N" word originated when blacks were slaves and it was used to humiliate and intimidate them. When black people use the term the do not use the 'r' at then end, they end it with an 'a' and it's intended as humor. I believe they are trying to take the pain and humiliation away from the original word and intent .... but when a white person uses it, they are not using it the same way, so it offends.

I agree that blacks shouldn't use it only because it confuses others, but I understand why they do it.

Answer 4

I was told that the term "cracker" comes from "whipcracker" during the slave era.

And using that word is not right by any means. I also have black friends and this discussion has come up a few various times. A few will not use that term in either derogatory or positive ways. Another friend said it was a their way to take something negitive and turn it around into something positive meaning "brotherly love". Those weren't the exact words, but something along those lines. But all in all, it's not ok.

Answer 5

It's not OK for someone to be called a 'cracker'. It's a continuous debate about why black people can say "the N word", and white people can't. Maybe it's just because white people created the word to use in a derogatory manner.

Answer 6

I am not one and I call my FRIEND who is one by that word all the time. It is not who always meant in a bad way. Just like he calls me a terrorist all the time. If I were to go say it to some random person then i can understand why they would get upset and if a random person came to me and called me a terrorist i would probably drop them but yeah thats just what i think.

Answer 7

I don't think that's ok no matter what. I can't say racial slurs, I just can't.

Which is going to be really hard for me given that I'll be moving to New Orleans, a predominantly black city in the south, since they say it all the time there.

It's going to be extremely difficult not saying anything nasty to people who use that word.

Answer 8

What about the "W" word...?? NO Italian likes it said at ANY time.

Therefore one can see the level of mutual self respect and regard the Black community holds itself to.

THAT is the "Culture of Black Failure in America" in action!

Listen to Bill Cosby and read Juan Williams new book "Enough"
and you'll understand what it really means to call each other as Blacks the "N" word.

But most Blacks don't read that much ...not Best Sellers anyway
even if it could change their lives!

Answer 9

Its just because your white, haven't you figured out we cant do anything without offending someone. I often wonder how many people are offended and how many people just say they are whenever a white person (especially someone in the media spotlight) says it and just want them to write a check to the NAACP as penance or whatever other racist black charity they choose. What is next will I have to order my cofee plain instead of black?

Answer 10

The "n" word is serious. There's a long history behind that word. I agree that it should never be used period, by any one, but you can't compare the "n" word to the use of "cracker".