I seriously want to understand, Why some people can get away with using "That Word" and others can't?

Question

Serious Answers only please!!!!!!
Why is everyone so appauled by Michael Richards using "That Word" when he lost his cool on stage but Kanye West can use it over and over in a hit song 'Golddigger' or Quinten Tarentino use's is in 'Pulp Fiction'.
Chris Tucker uses it in 'Rush Hour' and nothing happens but Jackie Chan repeats it and it starts a fight scene.

If it's so terrible why doesn't everyone stop using it?

Answer 1

You're absolutely right, EVERYONE should stop using it. The feeling that Michael Richards "churned up" in people, was caused by a combination of the "word" and the OBVIOUS ANGER and contempt that was displayed as he directed it at towards specific individuals. He (Michael Richards) "might" have gotten away with using that word had it been in a comedic fashion, or similarly, asking the same question you asked. Tarentino's use of the word, was in context with the character he played and the circumstance of the situation itself, (it was also indicated that "Bonnie", his girlfriend or wife in the movie was of African-American descent) as he was confronted with having to "store" the remains of a recently deceased "black" man who had died under sudden and "unforseen" circumstances. (And, on a personal note, one of the funniest F@^#%^* scenes I've ever seen) The point I'm trying to make is, it is a cultural connotation that people of African-American ancestry have taken back from White people. The use of that word, albeit in most situations, is unpleasant to hear, even when it's spoken from one Black Man to another - it is "Their" right to say it. They've earned it. It is not for us to presume to use that particular word, because coming from a White Man, it is inherently offensive. I'll never forget the first time I said the word, my father stopped everything that we were doing at the time, sat me down and told me what the word represented. I understood, even as a child, or maybe especially because I was a child, how deeply certain words can cut. To a child, it's like calling the "fat kid" "fatty". A child knows that the word itself, hurts. As adults we should too. The entertainment community has obligations. It's first obligation is obviously to entertain. How it does so, we hope, will not perpetuate the hatred of a Man based soley on the color of his skin. If we want to understand why it is not our place... all WE need do is open a history book or encyclopedia, or use the world of knowledge that is at our fingertips right here in front of US. "That word" IS hatred. Plain and simple. When a White Man uses it, he pertpetuates it. When a Black Man uses it, he reminds us of it. In a perfect world, that word would have never had a reason to exist. In our world, we have a moral obligation to change the reason it does exist.

Answer 2

The word is used in many contexes however its about time ALL people(white or black) are either forced to stop using the word or ALL people(white or black) are allowed to use it. Michael Richards did not own slaves. Did his family many years ago? Maybe. But that doesnt mean he should be held accountable for the crimes of the past. White people in genereal should not be restricted to use the word just because people in political positions many years ago with a light skin tone made very poor social decisions. We live in an equal soceity. SKin color should not dictate who can say the "N" word and who can't but context should. They went to see his show and the bottom line is if they did not like it, they could leave, which they did. However if Michael Richards attacked a black man or woman and used that word in the process then there would have been a problem that should be addressed witht he authorities for a hate crime.

Answer 3

Many times, it is the history of a word that can lead to the animosity that it provokes. Most people will tell you that 'the N word' is derived from the Latin for 'black', in Spanish, *****. But also, here in the States during the mid-19th century, just before the Civil War, the word was really a derivative of 'ignorant'; it was mispronounced by many of the less-educated Anglo community as 'niggerant'. It was a direct reference to a law that prohibited anyone from teaching a slave to read or write; to leave them 'ignorant' or 'niggerant'. That is it's actual history here in the U.S. What most people forget when they get so upset is the old kindergarten adage, "Sticks and stones may break my bones..." It is only offensive if you let it offend you. I can say of myself, and without offense: '****, *******, beaner (in fact, this is what my brother and I call each other) and not be concerned. Were anyone else to say it about me, it is more an indication of who is truly the less educated. ie a '******'. No one group is '******' (ignorant) unless they choose to be... enlighten someone else, pass this on.

Answer 4

Because society is really jacked up.

Think about it: When someone like Richards or Mel Gibson errs, we make him apologize over and over and over and over. It's all a joke. The "I'm sorry" isn't true remorse; it's short for "I'm sorry to be in this mess."

Society knows this and still demands its pound of faux-remorse.

Should everyone stop using it? Of course. When influential entertainers use it, they do FAR more damage than some irate fool in a club. They teach their fans that it's okay.

Answer 5

Context and who is doing the swearing. I believe you are referring to the 'n' word?

If a white man uses this word it is regarded as a serious racial insult.

African Americans have adopted the word to rob it of its power and use it frequently in rap songs and films.

Answer 6

those who object to anybody using the `,`,`ord nygger

are hiding somethings that would be useful to know that

would help solve alot of problems in society, yo, mandy.

like black guys poking homos on the down low or neil boortz

or art bell selling the microchip passport of the beast on the radio.

Answer 7

it has become a culture ; and like everything you say it has to be taken in the context it is meant to be ( i.e. if it is said with an undertone of violence ) then it will surely be out of order --- i guess it is how you interpret the word (s)

Answer 8

That dood was using it in a negative way, in a way to hurt those peoples feelings! it wasnt a song, it wasnt a video! he was doing it to directly hurt peeps!

Answer 9

The same reason why a dog can lick his own balls but YOU SHOULD NOT try to lick them.

Additional Details:
How come garfield above gets to say f u c k and it doesn't get edited? ****....you see!!

Answer 10

What word?