Why do black people say "N" word?

Question

I've never understood this. I've heard different reasons.

The most popular reason I've heard is because they don't use it in the same context as when it's used as an insult. However, if a white person uses it in a non-negative context, it's still looked down upon. So I figured it's not really because of the context, because then anyone that used it in the same context as them wouldn't be offending anyone.

Another reason I heard is because they took the word, changed it (a little) and gave it a different meaning (it's not n***er, it's n***a). However, the same problem arises as before: a white person still can't (by can't I mean it's still looked down upon) say the latter, so it isn't really that.

I pondered this for a while, but I want to hear other opinions. Is this a way of being able to exclude whites from something? Do they only feel offended because they were taught about the old meaning of the word by their own families and wouldn't want to be Uncle Tom's?

Crap, I meant the question to say "Why do black people say THE "N" word?" Damn it, I'll get crap for that.

I know what an Uncle Tom is, and I did read Uncle Tom's Cabin.

I mentioned that because I would think they'd look like Uncle Tom's for allowing whites to use the word again (like you say, kissing white people's a**es).

Yeah, porch monkey is also used as a negative name for blacks.

Answer 1

i think for two reasons:
1)we desperately wanted to try to turn something negative positve
2) it makes it seem like its only something we can say. like when female friends call eahother 'b*itch.'

i don't think either of them are working. the word just shouldn't be used at all. it was developed as a deragatory term and that's all it's ever going to be. plus it sorta gives other ppl permission to use the word.

Answer 2

I think that it is time really to forget that word totally. I had something on the TV where African Americans were saying we are the N word and blah, blah, blah. My kid asked me if they were N's. Now if my son says that word in school I would be the one blamed for teaching it to him. Granted we did not expect to find this on the TV but I think it is time either to say it is a word we can say or it is a word we cannot say. The word ******* means black by the way and the N word is derived from this. The N word was invented by someone who obviously did not have a whole lot of intelligence concerning his vocabulary to begin with. I say it either has to be totally dropped from the language or we will find it being used again as an insult. When we do finally drop this word though out of the language let's add a few others to it and that would be any name whatsoever that hurts anyone of any race. Peace!

Answer 3

My theory is that conditioning from both sides, black and white has led all to formulate some kind of definition of the word for their own personal usage.
When you look for the word in various dictionaries you get conflicting definitions as well.
I remember when women, black and white, didn’t like the word ‘b*tch’.
That same conditioning from both sides, black and white, led black and white women to accept the word as being a good thing in some circles; situations; circumstances; et al.
That word too has conflicting definitions in various dictionaries.
The word ‘n*gger’ and it’s variations confuses me too.
I just wanna be human.
Now here's the crap that you're expecting.
I don't know, you don't know and other black people that use the word as previously stated, some have formulated definitions fo r their personal usage.
BTW, if those guys hadn't been disruptive while 'Kramer" was performing, maybe he wouldn't have gotten angry enough to call them 'n*ggers'.
Evident'y, deep down inside him, he has a definition of the word that he uses to try to hurt black people; and it seems that it did disturb those two black men and others in the crowd and now probably the world.
Personally, I don't hold it against him. Everyone when angered, will use whatever they can to retaliate. Whether it be language, physical force, et al.
'Nuff said.

Answer 4

First of all no one should be using the word. No matter what race. I don't like it when someone black says it to me, definately would not appreciate a white person saying it either. It just shouldn't be used. Get rid of it period.
Some people use the n' word thinking that they are getting rid of the sting or power the word has. Their claiming it, saying that you can't use this word to hurt me. No one should be using it.
Uncle Tom is a totally different subject all together. Before you ask a question, won't you at least try and find out the history of them. An Uncle Tom is someone who likes kissing white people's butts, is willing to do anything to please old masa. That is why black's don't like being called one.

Answer 5

It is not a swear word! It is a cultural description from africa, dumb people just think its offensive....any word in the world can be used as an insult if you say it in an insulting way. Like calling some one a dog....is dog a swear word? No.

Answer 6

black society are hypocrites.
did you seen that show Black & White on FX, well anyways that black dad was pretty damn racist. i swear he was look for any excuse to say that he ridiculed because of the color of his skin. Don't get me wrong they are not all that like that; i know some cool black people that will sit down and smoke a blunt with you, thats for damn sure.





Oh yeah i put some tape on the back of my black shirt that spelled out Porch Monkey 4 Life last week... you know like in CLERKS 2.... , i wore it to school, keep in mind that i go to high school, why the hell did i get suspended for 3 days for. its not like porch monkey is a racial slur is it???

Answer 7

pretty stupid if you ask me...I htink people need to make up thier mind about whether it is offensive or not...and if not then shut the hell up. If i call them black they get pissed. If i call them african american they get pissed. Now I just call them whatever and let them decide if they still want to obsess over it or not because I know I'm not trying to be offensive.

There comes a place in time where people need to GET OVER IT!!!

Answer 8

there is a difference between ****** and n1gga. ****** is someone that is trashy and n1gga is like ur homies. and when black people say it they are makin and saying it is ok for white people to use it. am i correct. if white people aint sapost to be saying it then look at wiggas like paul wall, eminem, fat joe, and all the others. so never address a black person as a ******. address them as wut up my n1gga

Answer 9

They don't want anyone to forget it