Is it right for anyone to use the N word?

Question

I see this question was asked several times and will go back and see what people's responses are, but this link here http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/121006/met_6669232.shtml
comes from my hometown newspaper and it was interesting, not to try and politicize this, what a representative of Florida's response was. Me? I came from Central Islip New York, and we were a very diverse community. I was born in 1970 and was at the very influential age when Rap became Main Stream. Especially Public Enemy. NWA was the group that opened my eyes (figurativly speaking of course) to African Americans using the N word so freely. Up until those two groups I think I lived a pretty sheltered life in to never really knowing the struggles that the African American went through. Me? Personally I think the word is offensive whoever says it? Even going through Leadership classes in the Navy it is brought up. I know how this Yahoo Answers works and how far it reaches people. Honest answers please.

If you try and use this question to slander another persons ethinicity, I will report you.

Answer 1

to belittle anyone is wrong. I have been know to mock this when I call my friends "are you my Caucasian?"

to use any word in a meanness is wrong. be cool and you will live to stool again!

Answer 2

Should ANYONE use it? Probably not. Will it ALWAYS be used? Deffinately. I've been through the leadership classes of which you speak. And I know how taboo it is for a military member, regardless of rank, to use the word. But it's okay for a colored service member to call me a "Cracker". Go figure. I have had a little rank in my lifetime, and was able to get away with a lot of things you may not be able too. And I HAVE used the N word in response to being called Cracker, or Trailer Park Trash, or White Bread, or any other racial slur some colored person wants to throw in my direction. I'm not perfect. I'm vengeful. It's the ultimate insult to a person of color to be called that. Know what? There's really nothing that can or will ever be done about that, either. It's a waste of time to really even discuss it, as nobody is going to be politically incorrect enough to say it's okay to use the word, unless it's by a colored person addressing another colored person. Hell, I get in trouble calling blacks colored people. But I've been cussed for using the term black. More than once. And African American? That is only accurate if one is a FIRST generation African immigrant to the USA and recently gained American citizenship. Like Amerasian. Asians will tell you rigt quick, if born in the US, they are AMERICANS. But really, it's all semantical. The N word is an insult if spoken by anyone other than a person of color. And most likely a term of endearment if spoken by one of their own. It is NEVER okay for you to use it. Regardless of what kind of rap BS music you're into, or used to listen too.

Answer 3

In my own opinion, ANY word can be offensive if people choose for it to be offensive and "take it on" as a personal insult. It's a choice. No one ever seems to bring up the fact that the word "*****" actually means "black". It is pronounced and spelled several ways. For instance Arnold Swartznigger; meaning of last name: "black farmer". The river Niger, meaning "black river". I don't get how a black race can be offended by someone calling them "*****" in another dialect of the actual word unless they just choose to be offended. It makes other races feel confused. It puts pressure and distance between people when we are always trying to solve the differences. Why can't we just choose to think: Did you just call me "****ga"? Now...how about that? You have an astounding vobabulary!" And then choose not to be offended. Before you know it, the whole problem would disappear because it wasn't getting the popular "I am so offended by the 'N" word" response it was intended to get. We ignore childish behavior in order not to reinforce it; choosing to be offended is only reinforcing the negative aspects of the word.

The work "fu*ck" use to mean "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge - short version, F.U*.C.K." to policemen who picked up prostitutes in England. It also use to be one of the nastiest words you could expell from you lips. Now...it's common; we sing it we say it, we play it. We have made a choice not to be offended any longer by this "fu*ck" word. If we would put as much energy into just respecting each other as human beings as we do in how we pronounce or use a word, who says the word, and how we spew degregating insults at each other, we just might be onto having a peaceful society.

OK...lets discuss the word "FAT"....now THAT is offensive!!! LOL...Lord, I do hope this was honest enough for everyone!

"Red, brown, yellow, black and white; they are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world." And so should we. Thank you for asking such an insightful question and letting me get on my cyber soapbox. Godloveya and Blessed Holidays to all!

Answer 4

Well of course you have black people calling each other the "n" word in conversation, but if a unknown individual comes up and approaches them with the word it is most likely unacceptable.
But in my eyes, I don't think its necessary to use in this way or any other way period. No matter the race.
I certainly do not want to be called one no matter what or who you are. I think that it is embarrassing that this is going on and wish this word or any other names like this weren't created.
But they exist, so individually we have to decide what to do.
I choose to ignore it.

Take Care.

Answer 5

Since the N word is usually used to hurt or put down another human being which God has created I do not see where anyone benefits by using it.

We are all welcome to become obedient children of God and God does not promote hatred or unkind words or feelings for any reason.

I totally agree with you that it is offensive and there is no right reason to say it. No exceptions.

Christian in Pa.

Penny

Answer 6

me personally i think it is wrong for anyone to use the n word b/c of what is behind the word. it was made to degrade and put down black ppl and it does not matter if us blacks try and change the word and make it "socially acceptable". it is wrong either way. i used to use teh word w/o knowing what was behind it. it is a terrible word and should be put to rest.

Answer 7

Nobody should use that word. No matter how "empowering" saying it might be it still has its roots in hatred and bigotry.

Answer 8

i don't like the "N" word at all.
what good can come out of a word with such a negative background?

Answer 9

it's disrespectful =)