Why the double standard for the N-word?

Question

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!

Answer 1

It's simple I can call my mom a bad name if I feel like it, but you can't.
I question your ability to stand in front of impressionable young people when your still confused about such simple racial issues. Maybe you should teach younger, suburban firstgraders instead.

Answer 2

I am also continually confused and frustrated by the double standard surrounding that word. Since when has race given anyone ownership over language? Why, if one race is supposedly so offended by a word, is it used so frequently by that race in their art and casual conversation? It almost feels as though it's a dare by those who do use it to those who aren't supposed to do so... and if they do use it, it's license to attack them verbally, physically, or legally.

Personally I think everyone should be able to use it. It's a word... that is all. I think the fact that we empower this word with such negative impressions and connotations is what makes it bad. I myself am far more offended by the usage of "the N word" as a substitute: we all know what that stands for, so why is it any more acceptable or less offensive? Does this substitute really erase the thought of the word itself? It's usage is childish, stupid, and a self-perpetuating problem that doesn't address the issue but rather prolongs it.

That stated, I understand some people are offended by many words and prefer not to hear them. I have no problem with that at all. If you don't want to hear them and find it insulting, ask others not to use it around you; however, if you want to use certain words, I think you have no grounds whatsoever to prohibit anyone else from using them.

Anyway, I think you are doing the right thing. I don't entirely agree with your judgment that the word is "absolutely unacceptable for anyone to use"; but, in the school environment, you are setting a positive example and making a valid point about language usage in formal settings.

Answer 3

Im with Tee...I am white but I understand the difference between the ga and the ger. It is slang and even if a white person says the ga word they are looked at a little oddly but not hated...Usually! Either way...I can't say either way if it should be acceptable in school. If I can say dude or homie then whats wrong with ga? Then again it also sounds very much like the other word and its not 100% accepted for other ethnicitys to say it. I mean, anyone can say dude without anyone looking at them funny or even getting a little upset. So yeah...Its hard to decide what to accept.

Answer 4

Yes teach, this is true. Just keep reminding the black students that those words are unacceptable in your classroom. It will be tough but keep at it...They do not know what they are doing to their self-esteem.
Try going to Spike Lee's website, sending him an email about this. He often portrays this situation in his movies like: DO THE RIGHT THING it touches on how black people can call each other those names, but NOT someone of another race.

Answer 5

well ill tell you like this. Ni with a gga is considered slang. it generally means you are cool with the person or you can relate with them because you typically come from the same background. when the er is used it is definitely a racial issue. When a black person say it, they are not saying you are a N. They don't even mean it as a race at all. It is merely a figure of speech , kinda like dude. Its not comfortable for black people to hear white people say it because they cant fully relate to our race, and besides white people some times say it a little more pronounced.

Answer 6

The Ni**er word is a slang term that lacks a consistent definition.

I feel that the N word more defines the personality of the person spoken about at the time. Not about the color of the persons skin or the race of the person. For example, Moses married a woman from the Niger river area somewhere in Africa. In the more modern times they are called ******, ******. ******* defines the color of the skin of the people in that particular area.

The word Ni**er can fit anyone of any Race, color, or creed according to the demeanor of the person spoken about at the time. For example, I was shooting pool with this person who beat me, and a friend was getting ready to play him. I told him to watch out because the person liked to shoot ni**er pool. That meant that he shot dirty, unfair, and/or crooked pool. It had nothing to do with the color of his skin as we were all Caucasian.

You should also tell your students that they are not African American. If they are citizens of this country, they are Americans of African heritage

Answer 7

I think you should avoid the race issue and just make it that there are some things it's okay to say hanging out with your friends and other things it's okay to say at home, but this language is not appropriate for the classroom. Kids this age say all kinds of stuff, and they need to learn when it's appropriate to say what.

Answer 8

this is a tricky subject. its a word that isn't appropreate in school.
and it is a double standard when black people say it every 5 minutes and use other racial terms (even in jest), but no one can do it back to them. this is also why these words are so prevelent.

I can say that I do at times see their point. I joke with my friends once in a while and call them slurs, but I don't use those slurs to indentify them as people or to end each sentence

Answer 9

I think you are right for reprimanding the student. No matter who says it, or what the pronunciation is, it means the same, and that is a disgusting thing to say.

Answer 10

Welcome to the caucasion world of double standards of the african american society. While for so long all we (caucasions) hear is we're "keepin the man down", the african american society insists on being able to create their own rules as to what is acceptable and unacceptable from the caucasion society. Yet, we (caucasions) are keepin the man down?

Answer 11

If you have any sense of self respect(class) you would not call anybody a *****r or a ni*ga whether you are a Caucasian or black. If you don't respect the people close to you how are going to respect anybody.