Why is it OK for African Americans to call each other the N word?

Question

My grandson came to me with an interesting question, which basically the posted question. but it got me to thinking In many black comedians presentations the have names for whites such as, honky's, Crackers etc. and to me disrespect there own people the N word. If a white comedian did this a controversy would be set off. What justifies the double standard. I told my grandson that, it was a matter of respect that we be responsble for ourselves, and respect all races. Then He knocked the wind out of me because the kids at school call him half breed. He is a wonderful American Samoan.

Answer 1

Straight from my Black self, IT'S NEVER OKAY TO USE THAT WORD! I don't care if it's my Black brother or my White homeboy or my Chinese roommate. There is no excuse as to why my people choose to use this. They say it's to deflate it's powerful negative connotations within the Black community. That's a bunch of crap! It's another dark example as to why we as a race still have not elevated ourselves since the emergence of King Jr. and Malcolm X. So sad that people choose to use this word and lie to themselves about it's effect on one's self-esteem.

Answer 2

African Americans call themelves "n iggas", if that is stupid, so is a surfer calling their friends "dude" as they are pretty much the same thing.

When a black person calls another black person the N word. Do you honestly believe that their intentions were racist? No! The chances are slim at least. Furthemore, using an offensive word on yourself reduces it's impact. How offensive can it be if you call yourself it?

If I said that it was uncommon for me to hear a white person using the N word with racist intentions, I would be LYING! A black, you are more than certain doesn't hate themsleves. But as for a white person, you can never be sure. I do think that people overreacted with that white comedian (Cant rememeber his name) as it was obvious he was, well...joking.

Answer 3

You hit the nail on the head. It is about respect. When a black calls another black the N word, they think it is funny. I have a black girlfriend and she herself will tell you she does not like the REALLY black blacks. They are all the N. To tell you the truth ****** is not a word pertaining to "Blacks" They have made it that way over the years.... it means a lazy person. If people would understand the meanings and how to use them, the better off we will all be.

Answer 4

because the context even as saying it really is diverse. Whites say it in a adverse way and blacks do not. so easy as that. Why are you nerve-racking about it besides white boy? Mad reason you receives put in the well being facility if u say it? even as my aunt turned right into a teen she beat a white woman with an unopened soda can for calling her a n*gger and dragged her by way of the hair. LOL! let that white woman be an celebration of what can take position.

Answer 5

I often struggle with this myself. I am of Afro-Caribbean descent and I never use the word myself bec. I still find it very painful. I know some people believe that if the word is used enough it takes some of the stigma away. However personally I believe that it should never be used and the same respect should be shown to people of all ethnic groups.

Answer 6

Also white people get blamed for starting slavery,When in fact they where in-slaved by their own people first and sold to slave traders.Some of the biggest bigots I've met in my life have been blacks.Do as I say, not as I do.Its their own pet name for each-other now,just don't be a cracker and say it,all hell will break loose.It all has to do with ignorance,because there is only 1 species of human.Color is the body adapting to its environment only.

Answer 7

It really isn't okay. The answer you gave him was just perfect. Let him know that everyone is mixed with something. Your heritage isn’t something to be ashamed of. Be proud, very proud. If I had to be called something based on my heritage I would be a sixteenth breed (or something of that sort).

Answer 8

That's a good question. I have a dream that one day in this great world of ours it will just as bad for a person of dark skin to call a person of light skin a honky as it is for a person of light skin to call a person of dark skin a n*****.