Do words racially charged words have power? WHY do some people of color use the "N" word?

Question

Either way I think Dom Imus was wrong for what he said
He's just ignorant

I think people of the same color say these words in "humor" - to kind of diffuse the painful aspects of it being said historically in disrespect.
As for "why" people get offended when they are called racially offensive names, by those of a different color?

I think it's based on a long history of those same words being used in circumstances that were horrific and NOT in anyway "humorously" - they were intended to degrade and dehumanize people of color.
The "N" word isn't a "joke"
We aren't talking about a Polish person being referred to as a "stupid Pollock" in jest.
We are talking about a word that was used very offensively towards people that were enslaved, brutalized and ripped from their homelands.

WORDS have Power
If people of color want to use the "N" word ... towards each other (or in any way)and "own" the word... then it's a way of thumbing their nose at the WORD and it's historic meaning
by trivializing it.
It's kinda like a way of becoming Immune to it's power. The more you hear it...the less impact it has.

But what do I know...I'm just a whitegirl from Detroit

IF anyone finds this post offensive please understand , I'm hoping that this will bring answers and solutions NOT more conflict or tension:)

Answer 1

Everyone finds the N word offensive, and Black people are no longer using it in entertainment. The Honorable Mr. D.L. Hughley had a wonderful way of putting things on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno last week. I suggest using his words as a reference. D.L. is an fantastic human being, and he KNOWS what he is talking about. Power to the people, sister from Detroit. Using nice words rather than harmful words, remember, like teacher said "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything." It's true, all you really need to know you learned in Kindergarten. PEACE!

Answer 2

well its wrong for anyone to say the N word I think the real issue is that its a cencer agaist one people... as if I said a black person cant say cracker or for the over sensitive the "C" word. Dont try to take away any part of my freedom of speech I can say what I want.
I find I ironic that a bunch of people so pissed that they came here as slaves are now trying to shut down another groups rights. I mean whats next will calling you black go to far? you say call you african american? how do you know your from africa?
hell unless your still in the south how do you even know your ancesters were slaves?
damn this is a dum topic
EDIT:
oh look two minutes later and two down flags wtf!
what is racisium? dicrimination of another person because of the color of his skin
by being black and excepting a black person saying some thing that you would not except another race saying you yourself though exteamly odd and ironic become a RACIST your self by definition.
to quote one of my favorite black entertainers chris rock,
"whos more racist black people or white people?
Black people. Because black people hate black people too"

Answer 3

Well white girl from Detroit....

I look at this way...if a white person can be proud to be a red neck. H word C word and the oh so stupid " white Trash word.

Who really gives a fly F*** about the N word really!

"Please white people stop making this ur worry"

Just a black women in Texas....

Answer 4

I have always wondered why people of 'non-color' want to know so badly why the "n" word is used. Is it because they secretly desire to use the word themselves and are mad that they will be looked down upon if they do so? Why worry about something that has nothing to do with you?

Answer 5

Okay this is getting out of control. This question has been asked 20 times in 10 min

Answer 6

in short....noone should use the N word.....and the excuse that some people of color use it is lame.....it is wrong....

Answer 7

girl you needa get over it, Oookay?