Is it racist when you say......?

Question

The "N" word. I don't get it, all the black dudes at my school say it to each other, but when a white/Asian/Latin guy says it, in the same context (Friendly), they get all pissed off and turn the subject to "who hates Who" or "why the white man is a racists". I admit, I myself say the word, I guess the cultural diffusion at my school finally sank in, but I don't say it to those i don't know or in a insulting manner. What do you think? Is it right for only a certain group of ethnic people to use the term or is it just plain wrong? I'm Not Racists, ignorant or black, just use the word casually.

Okay, after reading some responses, I'm sure that some of you don't understand or comprehend my question. First of all, I go to a school where 90% of the population is Black. The school is in the Ghetto (and i'm serious). the rest of the 10% of that school is either asian, white, or mexicans. I am a asian, and actually been called the N word by a lot of kids I don't know. I'm not trying to justify using the word, I'm just trying to UNDERSTAND why they use it and only certain groups feel they have the right to use it.

Answer 1

I'm black and I don't use it, nor do I allow my kids to use it. In America, with its fierce tradition of free speech, you can't tell one group that they can't use a word that others can. It invites people to challenge the attempt to ban speech.

The better answer is simply not to use it. Black people should be the last to use it. Instead, all too many actively use it, keeping it in currency. There have been any number of slurs against other groups that have fallen into disuse because they themselves don't keep them alive. That's what should happen with the "N" word.

Having said that, there are in-group terms that almost every ethnic/racial group uses and considers acceptable when used as a term of endearment within the group. Gays have such terms, as do Mexicans, even Italians. But I seldom hear people complaining that they can't use those terms. Kinda makes you go "Hmmmmm." It's only the "N" word that people seem to want to use if black people use it. Not sure why. Maybe non-blacks are exposed to blacks using it more than in-group terms used by other groups.

Or maybe it has to do with a bit of residual racism. You asked the question. Maybe you can shed some light.

Answer 2

I think the N word shouldnt be used. But then yeah i do sometimes use the word to and not always in a friendly manner
i go to a almost all black school so yeah u get use to ppl using it and yeah i did witness a boy get beat up becuz he used the same word in the same context .... the word is disrespecting either way it is used it was used back then to insult and it is used now in the same way we just dont know it. Noone should use the word ever it should be against the law or something

Answer 3

If you understand the severity of the term and that you know if you use use the term around the wrong people they might drop yo a*s, then ni*ga go head, take a chance and loose yo legs.

Some many people use it *** a term of endearment while others use it in the context below. But as long as black folk be "acting like real black folk" then this word will never go away.

From "Boondocks: Let's Nab Opera" Episode
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO1jMcsZ-Nk
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAxzMDs0gqU
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN3xbxLbVmw


One Text Messaging: A conversation between Ed Wuncler III amd Gin Rummy, two white characters.
...
Gin Rummy: Fun fact: nothin typed by someones thumbs has ever been important. It's all just ni*ga technology anyway.

Ed Wuncler III: What 'chu call it?

Gin Rummy: Ni*ga, technology. Technology fo ni*ga. 'N don't you start trippin' n **** and call me a racist. Cuz i dont mean ***** in a disrespectful way, I mean it as a general term for ignorent mothafu*ka. Anybody of any race can be an ignorent mothafu*ker.

Ed Wuncler III: **** I be textin' my a*s off. Sh*t bit*hes like textin'. I be textin' 'em all da time. Matta of fact, I also be textin' my weed man too cuz you know he don't like to be on tha phone so I trext 'em.

Gin Rummy: Case in point.

Gin Rummy: So basically ni*ga technology is anything that doesn't plug into a printer. Does that plug into a printer?

Ed Wuncler III: No.

Gin Rummy: Know why? Cuz ****** neva have anything to print.

Answer 4

Many people who are not black use the word, I am not justifying it by any means. But white people who share communities with these blacks, live basically the same lifestyle, they are an exception. I think if wealthy suburban black guy called me the N word, I would feel offended, whereas if a inner-city white kid used it, I would not have such harsh feeling toward him. It's a torsional word, not racism, just rich VS poor.

Answer 5

Blacks are understandably offended by the word and by other negative racial references, but they feel they can justifiably say anything to or about whites...Black comedians think nothing of wearing out the words honkey, cracker, or portraying white speech or behavior in a negative manner, and I see the same thing in schools and other public gathering places...and I white folks who jump on that band wagon as wannabe blacks are really disgusting...

Answer 6

Wow. This is certainly severe. People simply presume that your profile photograph is meant to to seem very similar to you. I understand precisely the way you think. My challenge is vice versa, I use white profile photographs normally however I'm honestly black. They're both making use of practical feel and don't seem to be considering that this choice or are randomly guessing.

Answer 7

i have been called the n word by a hispanic person and you won't understand how much it hurts i don't call anyone the n word eventhough i'm black i just don't use that word on anyone i take it offensively when i got called the n word it doesn't describe me as a person because i'm not

Answer 8

please stop using that word... you are trying to justify it because you say other people use it why can't I, but if everyone were jumping off a bridge would you? Come on, its rude period.. you are your buddies can find some other dumb word to call eachother.. what about bro?

Answer 9

Just think... how would u like it if a black person called u white trash/cracker? Think about it...

Answer 10

well i think it is because they r all blacks they dont feel insulted when they say it to each other but they will if u tell them, but hey i am not racist either but i just think dats weird.