End of the N-word in entertainment?

Question

This is what rev.jesse jackson wants and the kind of questions I ask on my blog Kuestion a day in which I ask a question a day on various topics from religion to politics to current events.

BLOG: http://kuestionaday.blogspot.com

Answer 1

It could be done but who's strong enough (in the industry) to step up and do it?

The entertainment industry is influential - people see then people do. For example, rap music didn't evolve into the mode that is it today without one person changing the free-spirit verses of Curtis Blow into the more aggressive stylings that we are now accustomed to hearing.

If someone would step up and say "Okay I'm removing the N word from my vocabulary and style" others would follow.

The problem is I don't think anyone is willing to take that stand. Their too conscious of hurting record sales or their image and therefore they'd rather sell themselves under the "N" word to garner money and fame not realizing it's also adding a blanket of shame in the process.

Answer 2

Its usage should be ended and should have been for a long time, but it's the culture to blame. If the Black or African-American (PC title) community is still regularly using it, then it's hypocritical to end its usage in music and other entertainment, however, I feel that many black hip-hop/rap artists exploit the word for shock value or to thumb their nose at their music-buying public to say "hey, we can say, but you can't." If a white person uses that word, he is automatically a bigot, racist or intolerant hatemongerer, but if it's used in music as it is frequently, then it's ok... just as long as the artist is black.

The usage of the N-word is not put onto a level playing field. Amazing how in a few years the word took on a much more sinister, insulting meaning or became part of the 'Gangsta' wannabe culture, but back in the 70's and even 80's, the word was freely used amongst blacks in a complimentary manner. it was also used freely in comedy (Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor), film and even some tv shows. Nowadays, if you say it, you could get sued, lose your job or go to jail. Really, there needs to be consistent enforcement of the banning of this word or else its usage will never leave our society as it should have a long, long time ago. We, as Americans, should be much better than that and rise above racial, gender and sexual orientation divides once and for all.

P.S.>>> the same could be said about the word "*****" - it's used all over the place and I am sure most women feel offended bi that as well.

Answer 3

the n-word, like any other, gets its "power" from its use. if we were to take it away tomorrow--ban the word the world over--it would be more prevalent than before. that's not cynacism, that's reality. you'll create and artificial scarcity. think about the f-word. that's banned on tv, radio, etc... and yet it is all over the net, in public speech.

further, why should we ban a metaphor for thought? it is only a word. it is our reaction that determines what it communicates.

Answer 4

i'd like to see how that plays out in the hip hop realm where its widely used. why isn't anyone upset that the black guy called richards a white cracker before he even used the n word?

Answer 5

what they telling you on your blog, they wont let us use the n-word here on yahoo so I cannot comment.

Answer 6

i think it would be nice if the n word no longer existed in any facet of life.

Answer 7

Because cracker is not even minutely offensive to white people.........

Answer 8

hes offended by the blacks using it as well as thw whites

Answer 9

It will never happen...it would be NICE, but it won't happen.