The N Word and Racial Slurs?

Question

I have a final in an english class at my college and have to write a short essay about the N Word and other racial slurs
it's an argumentative paper, and I would like to be bold at take the argument that It is a violation of an american's first amendment rights by prohibiting the use of racial slurs.

what do you think about the idea?

Answer 1

As you know, the first amendment states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press...." I think your bold step is a good idea and I believe it is definitely something Congress cannot do. The way to stop the use of racial slurs is through education, not regulation. Also, why should the prohibition of racial slurs be limited only to those of a different race? That would violate the equal protection clause of the Constitution, so Congress cannot do that either. Anyway, all you asked is whether it was a valid approach and I think it is. The way to solve the evils of society is through education, not regulation. A good example of that is DUI laws. When I was young, A DUI was like a speeding ticket. Today, my state Supreme Court ruled that the government can seize a DUI offender's car on the first offense. My local government has approached the problem of bullying in schools with education and the use of Golden Retrievers. If a student is behaving well, we have a reading program where we take dogs into the schools and the kids who are behaving well get to sit down and read to the dog. Pretty odd, but we've received national recognition for the program. We have started drug, alcohol and tobacco training in elementary schools. Racial tolerance can be taught the same way.

Answer 2

What is the N word?
The n word could mean something other than the word *****. I think that people are tooo damn sensitive about the word ***** or ****** that they have now turned it to the N word. ***** is basically an uneducated black american man/ignorant.... whatever definition you would like to give that was used back in the slave era.
As far a using it on black person you need to be more specific because there are lot of black people who do not respond negatively to the word ***** only because they are not black Americans....but they do have terms that mean ***** in their countries.
The argument that it is a violation of an American's first amendment by prohibiting the use of racial slurs will be hard to sell. I think the kind of effect it has on the different types of black people and not just Americans would also be a good argument.
Good luck

Answer 3

it's definitely a good argument. racial slurs can't be prohibited any more than racial thoughts can. it's just not realistic. maybe one day racism will no longer be a problem, but if america has learned anything, it's that you can't put an end to anything by prohibiting it.
are you saying that you are simply taking a bold stance for argument's sake, so that people will be less likely to think you actually believe in your essay? either way, i guess that's not a bad idea either. i find it kind of strange that you were actually assigned that subject in a college environment. i mean, are they trying to start a race war? j/k good luck with the essay.

Answer 4

Definitely. If I received a better grade as a result of it, I would do so. It would be a difficult thing to discuss, because many people want to prohibit the use of racial slurs (as if people black or white would stop saying them), while I view it as a violation of America's First Amendment. While I do not approve of the word, it just does not hold the same weight as yelling "fire" in a movie theater when there is no fire. In that case, you are lying to everyone, white or black.

Answer 5

I think that, subject matter aside (or not) that it would make a good subject for an argumentative paper. It doesn't matter when writing an argumentative paper if the subject matter is controversial or not, but actually sometimes it helps make clearer arguments when it is a controversial subject.

However, even though your instructor may appreciate the use of the argumentative stance in your paper, one thing to consider is that others in the class (or others that may hear about your stance/paper second hand) may actually think you believe what your paper says.

If you do, you're good to go. But if you are just taking a stance for the sake of the homework assignment, then just be aware of the risk involved from the "real world" perspective.

Answer 6

Okay not trying to sound sarcastic or anything but maybe because its the only one that is not food related and the computers can not tell rather or not someone is making an insult or if they are talking about a snack.Okay that may not be the reason but hm mm.......... live T.V broadcasting the censorship is done by computer not manually.

Answer 7

I don't think anyone "prohibits" the use of racial slurs. Lots of politically correct liberals frown on the practice. When some black comedians perform in front of a mostly black audience they get big laughs when using the N word. Blacks know how to push the buttons of pc liberals by feigning outrage when the N word is used by whites. Hide a microphone in a bar or restaurant that caters to black people. You will hear the N word used so often it will burn your ears.

Answer 8

Erm, I wouldn't touch that subject if I were you. Do a paper on the phases of the English language throughout time and how the changes effected England and Australia but not U.S. like our 'color' instead of 'colour'

Or do the difference on who and whom - i know someone who had to do a 20 page paper on it.

Talk about as little or as much as you want about it. enough info on either subject.

Answer 9

Well....to support your opinions, you can talk about freedom of speech and how we are being deprived of them in public places.....but the thing is that, allowing racial slurs tears societies apart.....

Answer 10

I think it's a good idea. Also, that it's ok for white people to be called honky, whitey, cracker, white trash, kkk member, etc. But God forbid if a white person utters anything about a black person, you will be crucified! I've never understood that.