The "N-word" used inappropriately?

Question

What should I do if when I was visiting a friend who was white (caucasian) and I'm mixed with black and when she was around her white neighbor and there were 5 black kids on her street and my friend was like " why are all these "n*ggers" on my street? " and I was like why do they have to be that? and she was like I don't mean it in a racist way, I mean it in as an ignorant person. She was trying to use the n-word as a term for an ignorant person, Why do people insist that's the meaning of that word? when they know they mean it as a insult to a "black" person? Cuz you never see a white person call another white person a n*gger.

****** and ***** are two different words people &&&&&; all your answers suck!

N*ggER and N*ggA are two different words people &&&&&; all your answers suck!

Answer 1

They insist that is the meaning of the word because that is one of the definitions given in Webster's dictionary. It also says it is a derogatory/offensive word towards black people but some don't care about that.

Some also claim that "all" black people use it as some kind of solidarity thing (Which is complete crap).

It seems being Anti-PC has become something of a popular thing these days. People just say things without really thinking of how it may effects others.

I don't use the word and don't know of any time or place where its use would be appropriate. If you don't like your friend to using it, the ask her not to in your presence. If she is a real friend she should stop.

Answer 2

I don't disagree with your points. I think under any context this word is inappropriate. However, having said that (I'm a white male) African Americans are naive if they think (1) they can call each other this and white people won't, and (2) it is socially acceptable for black comedians to use this term regularly and somehow that is okay; but heaven forbid if a white person utters it!

There is a double standard in this country about these issues and I defy anybody to argue there isn't. As long as white people feel like "the rules" are different and more stringent for them, racial minorities will continue to viewed as different, and let's face it....this causes resentment among white people.

I know I will get thumbs down for this answer. But, while the use of this word will probably never go away, black people could do some things to help their cause here.

Answer 3

I am a white person and yes I use the word towards those black or white ...that do acts that are socially unacceptable ....thats just me ....in the 60's I was invited onto a school bus full of black children ...me being the only white ....and they used the term very loosly on that bus ....and none were offended by it ...although i refrained from using it at the time ....those using the term usually are showing their own ignorance in social graces ...hope this helps

Answer 4

nicely black human beings use the n be conscious to frequently describe their very own race like as a pal. and that they use the n be conscious with an a not an er, and no person else could use the n be conscious with an a different than black human beings. And it is not incorrect so it truly is not tied with slavery, racism, ect. in easy terms blacks from the ghetto use the be conscious and different black human beings in all probability do not comprehend the be conscious. The n be conscious with an a could be used as a insult, a thank you to get a black's interest, or used for a pal. So now you comprehend your on the mark.

Answer 5

I agree that if everybody can't say the word, it shouldn't be used at all.. I don't like the fact that only certain people can use certain words, it's just ridiculous. BUT I do NOT agree that "ignoring the problem will make it go away" or "people won't change" as someone else answered, I think you should definitely confront your friend that NOBODY should be using that horrible word at all. if we all thought that people wouldn't ever change and all chose not to educate eachother, nobody would learn anything and we'd still be living in the stone ages.

Answer 6

A black young woman corrected me when I was in my early twenties for making racist statements about American Indians in front of a Native girl. It made a big impression on me.

I think you're right to say something to her, and I'd just say "Nonetheless, that word is still offensive when used about black people by whites." I suspect she's the ignorant person, but I wouldn't probably say that directly to her.

Answer 7

If a white person can't use the word like a black person can, the word shouldn't be used at all ... end of sentence! What's good for one, should be good for the other ... and it's not ... so blacks need to stop using the word or allow non-blacks to use it without taking offense. This is a chrystal clear example of a racial double standard!

Answer 8

I agree with first poster, people say that and have always used it to demean black people because they knew it offended them. Ignore it and the meaning goes away. People will always use this word, but the meaning behind it can be changed to that person being ignorant instead of you when you ignore!

Andrea

Answer 9

Certainly when African Americans use the term, it has a different connotation than when whites use it.

An elderly African American gentleman friend used the term often. He was particularly fond of saying, "I don't want no n***ers in my house" and "Never hire a ni**er to do work for you."

I often wondered if I fully understood the meaning he was trying to convey.

Answer 10

What you should do is not add fuel to the fire and let it go. Ignorant people are everywhere and you will never change them.

FP