Should the N word be banned?

Question

I heard on the radio this morning that the mayor of Brazoria (I think) wants to trample on the rights of his constituents. What's next, making it a crime to deny the holocaust? My question is: Should we ban words because someone is offended?

Note: I tried to write the word out, but Yahoo has already banned the word (and I fully support their right as a private entity to do so).

Answer 1

I live near Brazoria, TX, and this was all over the news last night down this way. I believe it will pass the council level, and become an ordinance. But, the ACLU has already visited with the Mayor of the small town, and has expressed that they will make sure this ordinance is reversed.

This will not stand up. I think that the mayor is using this as a political move. I am not sure if he is up this year, or next, but is using this to gain the support of the African American community. If he truly wanted to do away with this, he would have made it an ordinance to end all racial slurs.

I have no concrete proof that this is his motive, one would just have to look at the make up of voters in the small town. Or, this is a publicity stunt to gain recognition for the small town. Who knows.

*added*

The issue will be a citation, punishable by up to a $500 fine.

Answer 2

In the United States, I don't see how you could enforce the banning of a spoken word in an open setting or someone's private home. Without tramping on everyones civil rights.
Would you want the police to just wonder into peoples home listening to every word they say? If you are walking down the street in a conversation with a spouse would the police be allowed to walk behind you and listen?
Banning words seems a little extreme and ridiculous if you want a free society. Then you have to wonder what will be the next word banned- hick? redneck?
**Yes I used white race offensive words as to not be reported for offending Asians, Hispanics or anyone else. Sorry if I offended anyone that is caucasion**

Answer 3

What do you mean by "banned." Make it a crime for anyone to utter that word, regardless of context? That would certainly violate the First Amendment. Engage people in a dialogue to refrain from saying the word? That may be stupid, but that's OK.

Answer 4

No, free speech must be protected even when we hate what is being said. That's the only rational way for us to have a meaningful discussion - if everyone is free to voice their view without fear of prosecution. That said, we know there are limits to free speech. Simply name calling to annoy someone cannot be considered free speech if it is likely to cause a fight. In those situations, it is reasonable to exercise legal controls and curb 'hate speech'.

Answer 5

The "N" word is vulgar, rude and used by ignorant people. However, if we start banning words where will it end. I find many, many words offensive. Especially when people use the name of God vulgarly or sacrilegiously.

Answer 6

first amendmant right freedom of speech. I don't like the way they are twisting this amendmant around freedom of speech is just that no one can tell another what they can or cannot say otherwise why have constitutional rights at all.

Answer 7

No because where does it end? We would end up not speaking at all becasue someone out there will be offended about something.

Answer 8

Only if they arrest anyone who uses it regardless of race.

Answer 9

No but parents can help by not using it around their kids.

Answer 10

Of course not.