Many of us saw the new episode of South Park where they used the N-word. Even though the show had a decent moral to it, it has reignited a movement to make usage of the N-word illegal.
So what are your thoughts?
Two big things to keep in mind. First, we have freedom of speech and making the word illegal would be a direct violation of that freedom. Second, that word does carry incredibly offensive meaning.
Of course let's take it a step further. If the N-word were to be banned, it would have to be banned in all forms to all people meaning many black performers could no longer say things like "*****" and would make it illegal for many blacks from using the word to address their friends.
2007-03-12 07:30:07 · 5 answers · asked by uncletoon2005 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Hate Speech is already prosecutable. Such speech is not covered by the 1st amendment, since its entire intent is to hurt people and foment prejudice and violence. It is akin to the unwarranted yelling of "Fire!" in a crowded theater - this is not "free speech" either, and can land you in jail.
Hate speech is most often cited in association with hate crimes.
2007-03-12 13:00:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Honestly, I believe it is how you use the word. I'm not completely sure if this is true, but the n-word was made from just saying "no gooder" for short. At the school I go to I have witnessed conversations where people of non-African American origin, so to speak, used the word freely and in a non-offensive manner, kind of how people may call each other 'dude' or 'fool.' I have seen the new episode of South Park and thought it was funny how Stan's dad didn't get the word right on Wheel of Fortune. The word to me was used a bit excessively, but not offensively. It kind of showed something, because after Stan's dad (whatever his name is) used the word, he was treated as most blacks were back in the day. The word is still used in an ignorant manner today, but banning the word won't stop those who don't want to get along with everybody; banning it won't make everyone join hands and sing round a campfire if you know what I mean.
2007-03-13 13:02:42 · answer #2 · answered by Tigggerz01 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Freedom of speech whether we approve or not, is in place, we may not like the consequences but it is there. Black people use the word in speaking to each other all the time. Much the same as Southerners say "how ya ll doing"?.
In any given situation someone is going to be offended about something.
2007-03-19 04:20:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Black people use the word freely in regards to each other so why shouldn't everyone else use it
2007-03-19 08:18:55 · answer #4 · answered by naseldrip 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They only get offended when white people say it.
2007-03-20 11:52:20 · answer #5 · answered by jordanface7 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋