I am a caucasion teacher who works in a middle school with black and hispanic students. I find it interesting that I, as a caucasion guy, often find myself reprimanding my black students for using the N-word. I have also had several incidences of my students stating that it's okay for a black person to say and not for a white person to say to which I firmly respond, "No, it is absolutely unacceptable for anyone to use that word regardless of color or ethnicity!" This is often met with a look of a little shock and confusion from the students. It seems like from their point of view that as long as you're black and drop the "r" at the end of the word, then that changes the meaning of the word and is okay to use. But if you're white and pronounce the full word without dropping the "r" at the end, then that's the most disgustingly racist thing ever!
2007-01-01 06:21:38 · 12 answers · asked by danman4472 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I feel it is becuase the blacks use it as a term of endearment (to me, I think it just deadens them to the larger social impact of it)
Lord knows that if you called them that term, you'd lose your license
2007-01-01 06:28:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋
I'm black and I know what you mean. It is never ok, under any circumstances, to use the n-word...whether it be with or without the "r" at the end. Keep in mind that your students and others who have the same mentality are taught by others that being black justifies using the n-word. It's racist when a white person uses it, and it's just as racist when a black person uses it. In the end, it still is a derogatory term that applies to a whole group of people.
2007-01-01 08:20:13 · answer #2 · answered by scarlett 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They're both 2 different words. By plainly saying the word would be the derrogatory meaning used to define black people. But by dropping the "er" and adding the "a", it turns into a colloquial, endearing term that defines a close friend. Though you will most likely only hear black people use the latter, it's not uncommon for people of different ethnic backgrounds say it as well. In some cases you may even hear a white person say it and not get completely pummelled, but it all depends the person, place, and time.
2007-01-01 06:47:36 · answer #3 · answered by PersonalJesus 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This question has been asked SO many times, how many more times must this question be asked? Everyone knows that it was/is used in the wrong way reguardless of who uses it. People tend to focus on the not so important things in life when there is more things to focus on; like hungry, racism, proverty, edcuation. The sad part we as a nation isn't as strong as we should be. It's not okay for no one to say because we all know the history behind it. It's not fair to be called a honky, jew, and what other racist names that is out there and I think it's pure evil when someone uses. It's 2007 it's time for a new start, let's leave the devil behind.
2007-01-01 14:07:10 · answer #4 · answered by Nina J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it is a socio-economic thing. In the 1800's -1900's it became a derogatory term and/or insult. Some will insist, that amongst the younger white and black youth, the word is a term of endearment. However, the majority of people will agree that this term does nothing to enhance or motivate an individuals identity and that emotion is what gives the word "****** or *****" its' power. If people want to advance themselves, they need to break the chains that bind them mentally and physically. A verbal assault (Words) can sometime inflict more pain and injury then any physical assault. Respect yourself, respect others. Evolve.
2007-01-01 10:41:39 · answer #5 · answered by C S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it has to do with status. That word is taboo because it was a word used by whites to reinforce the lower status of blacks. So when a white person says it to a black person it reminds the people involved that the white person thinks the black person is of lower status. When a black person says it to another black person, there is little danger of the first person seeing the second person of lower status because they are both black, so they understand it to be a term of endearment or solidarity. But I suspect that a black person who looked down on other black people could not "get away" with saying that word.
2007-01-01 16:50:50 · answer #6 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My friend if black and I was just singing some song off the radio that had the N word and I was just going along with it and he told me I can't say that. I asked him what I had said and he told me I said the N word out loud. This caught me off guard because he has been my friend for years and I was being told to not say it even though I was just singing a song.He knows I love hip hop and he knows I am not prejudice so I am not sure what that was about. Good question.
2007-01-01 08:18:05 · answer #7 · answered by l'il mama 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people find it ok for blacks to use the N-word because they are "turning it back on us and making it mean what they want it to mean," but that's BS The N-word is the N-word no matter who says it and for what reason.
2007-01-01 07:15:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
before there was any rasicism between blacks and whites, blacks used the word like any other word. But when whites came and the tension grew, they started useing it, and it pissed off the blacks. They said that only they could say it about themselves and thats how it started. It is perfectly ok, though, for a black to say it to another black.
2007-01-01 06:32:43 · answer #9 · answered by masterfalcon8 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I work in a high school and experience the same thing. I am baffled beyond belief. I wish I knew why the double standard exists...
Just know you're not alone in what you're feeling and thinking.
2007-01-01 08:51:49 · answer #10 · answered by Chelsea 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋