Why do people not treat the n word seriously, and why do black people call themselves that?

Question

I am black myself and I just dont understand, why people dont understand the severity and rudeness in this word, and why some black people use this word and call each other this. I know if anyone was to call me this word i would be mad, and definatly offended

Answer 1

I agree. Whether people understand what they are doing or not, they should at least understand the seriousness of that word and be respectful of the painful history (past and very present) associated with that word.

Theoretically - when a black person uses that word to another black person its supposed to be an attempt to "take back" the word. It's a weird concept but its meant to be empowering instead of disempowering. I think the idea is that if the word is banished from the general vocabulary that the pain and charge will forever remain with the word. By kicking it around and messing with it outside of its malicious intention it strips the power of that word and makes it just an ordinary word. But only people within that group can do that; anyone outside of the group using that word will continue its cruel intention even if they don't intend it.

Other groups do it also. I've heard lesbians call each other 'dyke' to break down the insult in that word. Same with people who wear glasses can call someone else who wears glasses 'four eyes'.

Realistically - I've heard black people use that word towards other blacks in a most insulting manner. It's probably the most sad and upsetting thing I witness. I presume that may be from internal racism, that's when a member of an oppressed group starts to ingest the dominant groups attitude. It's basically self-loathing.

Let people know how you wish to be and not be identified. It would be great if that started a deeper conversation about race and other aspects of identity. We're missing discussion; an exchange of ideas without agreeing or disagreeing or forcing an opinion on someone else. There's a lot of ignorance and there's a lot of fear.

Answer 2

It's just a word. I know that sounds callous and insensitive, and maybe it is, but all it does it tell you the narrowmindedness of the person saying it. I don't get offended when a black person calls me "white boy" or "cracker" (which I've been called), because it's just not worth giving my time and consideration to.

The presumed answer as to why blacks call one another such a slur is to, as it was explained to me, establish either a rapport or a degree of separation between one another, depending on the context in which it's used.

Answer 3

Why would you be mad. It is not an offensive word.
This was a word of honor for ****** until the media decided what you were to be called.

When black came to america they had to becalled something.
Indians were called indians because the white exployers(columbus) thought he was in India. They are today proud ot be called indian. They frankly told thenews media to f--- off and let them decide what they wanted to becalled and were happy with indian. Why are you so different and difficult. Most blacks are pround ot be called the n___ word as you call it.

Black was a derogotory term for ****** meaning "diorty black bastard" which british solders applied to africans . ****** is a much niceer word in reality as it means honor.

Answer 4

I used to go to a basketball court when I was younger, they would be just calling each other n all day long, it was kind of a were together club type thing. Us against the world. I knew though if I said it though being white it would take on a different meaning given the history of the word.

Answer 5

Well according to the various interviews I saw on Mind of Mencia. People use 2 different n-words theres N-er and N-a people treat N-a as slang for friend, pal, or buddy. While N-er is the actual word and a putdown I guess. Why people don't take it seriously I can not tell you because I too haven't a clue why.

Answer 6

I just got into a fight with my fiance tonight about the word. (we are both white). I just think white people use the word out of ignorance, it was used as a degrading remark toward all Africans and African Americans during the times of slavery. It offends 99% of blacks due to this and so it is a pointless word for whites to use, even if blacks want to use it. Some white people claim that they only use the N word to describe black people who are ignorant, lazy, or whatever, Well my remark to you is, USE THE WORDS LIKE IGNORANT OR LAZY TO DESCRIBLE THESE PEOPLE, NOT "N"!!!!

Answer 7

I'm black and I don't allow anyone to say or use that word around me. My mom was born in the 50s and in the south so she heard that word used as a racial slur and she didn't allow any of us to say that word in her house. I always ask other black people why do they use that word to each other and they say it's a term of endearment, kind of like saying homie or something like that. But either way I truly dislike it when they use that word! Just my opinion!

Answer 8

It's simple and believe or not
there isn't too much racism
about it anymore.
Other races say it for two reasons.
1. Because blacks still say it.
2. Because it's an easy way to
make someone angry.

Blacks, say it for two reasons as well
1. Because it deadens the effect to a
certain degree.
2. So it can be rubbed into others faces
who shouldn't say it.

Answer 9

from a white person's perspective (please correct me if I'm wrong, because I'm curious as well)

I think black people started using it to desensitize people to the word and to make it mean less than what it meant 20-30 years ago. The only bad thing about it, is that it desensitized the word to white people as well, so some whiteys started to use it, which pisses black people off.

Like I said, this is just my opinion now, please let me know if I'm thinking the wrong way about this.

Answer 10

okay, first my friend words are nothing but words and if the person uttering them is ignorant than they atre meaningless words, so you need to choose not to give away your power by rewarding jerks with your angry offended response, laugh at them and ignore get mad in private if they do anger you but dont let them know they won. second, you are right ,we tend to dimss the power of words and how these symbols shape our thoughts, alot of people using that word were not called that word like older people were back in the day so it has lost alot of the reality atttached to it, third,some of us refuse to let others hurt us by taking the power out of words and owning them for example my friends and I will call each other wh@re.s and laugh and there is no negative connotation connected with it, so when someone calls us that in public it does not hurt our feelings and we can sincerely laugh or agree with the person,cause they have no power to hurt us as we are immune to the hurt