It is of latin origin, it is a white word, dont steal our words, stop getting on the defensive over it, stop limiting full freedom of speech to blacks.
2007-06-21 21:42:02 · 7 answers · asked by Socrates 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
I meant to say that it is a word created by whites.
This makes it a white word. Not by ownership but by origin.
2007-06-21 22:09:51 · update #1
I mean, I saw some question that said "is michael jackson still a negro?" and people got all defensive
2007-06-22 11:14:13 · update #2
I dont even use it, just saying.
2007-06-22 11:15:18 · update #3
according to blacks it does, at least on yahoo...
2007-06-22 11:16:45 · update #4
Like I said, I dont use it, just saying that if I did want to why shouldnt I be able to? ****** actually is from a greek root I think which means lazy, this was used because after planting season or harvest blacks pretty much sat around all year, not that its their fault, but whites started calling them it because of it.
2007-06-23 12:12:09 · update #5
I don't believe anyone is limiting full freedom of speech - it's just a matter of courtesy and respect.
It is also up to the person being offended to determine whether or not a word is derogatory, regardless of its origin.
Would you shout the "f" word in a kindergarten class? It's of Latin origin! And even better - it's not only a "white" word, it belongs to every race that can speak English! (And even a few who can't, but know it anyway!)
And in all (un)fairness, probably the entire English language was created by white people. Does that really even matter anymore? It transcends race.
So please...you have the right to freedom of speech. You still have the freedom to use the word; however, you don't have the freedom to use it without repercussions.
The repercussions are also a result of freedom - the freedom of people to get offended and speak their own minds.
No one can stop you from using this word and being disrespectful. But wouldn't the world just be such a shinier and happier place if you didn't use it?
2007-06-21 22:24:46 · answer #1 · answered by Mara 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm, the "N" word, I can only presume you mean "******" and not "negro".
This word has ALWAYS been a derogatory word. Its meaning hasnt chnaged since its inception that I know of. I believe it still means "A person of any race or origin that is viewed as inferior or ignorant"....sounds pretty dang derogatory to me.
I would venture to say thatif you use this particular word it is likely to insite a fight or at a bare minimum some sort of uncomfortable clash between you and the person you are using it against.
Let me ask a simple question - when would you use this word? If you use it when you are mad at someone then you are using it in a derogatory manner. Actually, I cant think of any tme to use this particular word when it would not be derogatory.
Sorry buddy, I think you are on the losing end of an argument here.
2007-06-23 01:49:54 · answer #2 · answered by jimkearney746 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Freedom of speech does not include abusive or harmful language. This is why there are so many proverbs illustrating the harm language can do, as in "the pen is mightier than the sword." This proverb shows that, like fire, language can be a positive or negative force. Language evolves over time: a seemingly neutral word like "comrade," still used in many languages to mean "buddy," dropped from the English language for decades because it was used by the former Soviet Union to mean "fellow communist." We still use it in the expression "comrade in arms," though.
When a word or expression changes to become harmful or cruel, those of us who care about the feelings of others stop using it, just as we stop using slang of past decades. Words, cannot be "owned." Brand names can be copyright, but otherwise, once a word comes into use, anyone can use it. And finally, if people FEEL that a word is derogatory, it should not be used, unless of course, your intention is to show your prejudice or lack of concern for the feelings of others.
2007-06-22 08:35:26 · answer #3 · answered by Elaine P...is for Poetry 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The 'N' word has changed meaning and has become a derrogatory term. Many words have changed meaning over the years. The term 'rock n roll' once meant to have sex, gay once meant happy.
2007-06-22 05:45:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why would you want to use a word that is out of date and upsetting to some people. Is your need for a particular word more important than people?
2007-06-22 13:05:41 · answer #5 · answered by Polly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you just shouldn't use that word, it's part of their culture and if you're not black, you should just respect their beliefs and not say that word. There's a lot more words you could chose from, why that one?.. They don't like it, and you should respect that.
Besides, you're mad cus they wont let you use that word, yet you're claiming it's yours?.. I mean, let's cut the bs here.. You don't own no words, neither they do, but it's part of their culture and you should just respect that..
Or i don't know.. But i just respect them a lot.. And i'm not black, just so you know..
2007-06-22 05:00:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually....."the N word" does not refer to "negro"
2007-06-22 16:15:32 · answer #7 · answered by theartisttwin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋