is it wrong to use the "N" word and if so, state why?

Answer 1

i researched this and the "N" word is a "pejorative" term used to refer to dark-skinned people, mostly those of African ancestry. Basically a word, or phrase is that implies contempt or disapproval. It is synonymous with derogatory, derisive, and dyslogistic words or terms. When used as an adjective, pejorative has two meanings: (1) tending to make or become worse, and (2) tending to disparage or belittle.

Strangely though, the etymology and history to this word suggest that in the United States, the word ****** was not always considered derogatory, but was instead used by some as merely denotative of black skin, as it was in other parts of the English-speaking world. It also suggests that in nineteenth-century literature, there are many uses of the word, with no intended negative connotation. For example, Charles Dickens, and Joseph Conrad (who published The ****** of the 'Narcissus' in 1897) used the word without racist intent. Also, Mark Twain often put the word into the mouths of his Southern characters, white and black, but did not use the word when speaking in his own voice in his autobiographical "Life on the Mississippi."

In recent times, "n*****r" has been used self-referentially by many in the African American community, especially with the rise in popularity of rap and hip-hop, where the term has become more widely used among some black youth and among some non-blacks as well.

The term or word, though widely used by many, still hurts those of us who are black or dark-skinned because it was used to belittle us and make us feel less than human, therefore the "N" word or any word that is derisive or derogatory is wrong and should not be repeated or used in any form.

This opens the other debate of the "B" word that is used to describe women in general and has been popularised by the Hip-Hop and Rap culture. I would love to hear your views on this term as well.

Answer 2

Yes. It is wrong to hurt other people. Sometimes we hurt people with errors in judgment and that is still wrong but at least somewhat excusable. But there are certain terms that are obviously hurtful for most people. It is wrong to use those terms. The "N" word is one of them. The basket ball team from Rutgers was and should have been offended by the Imus use of another word. I also believe that it is wrong for rappers to use terms that they even consider offensive in their songs.

Answer 3

just like any word, if it is used to insult or antagonize then it is wrong.

the content of the n word at this point is offensive unless it is used between friends or equal where they see it on a different level.

Answer 4

It is degrading. Any word which degrades or insults a person (or a group of people) for any reason should not be used.

Answer 5

well....if you're black sometimes it seems to be oka (mostly heard from the hood rats who think it's cool to cuss every other word, wear their pants to their knees a bust a cap in someone''s azz if they piss them off) But in general...I wouldn't say it because they get offended at E VERYTHING it seems.

Granted...we have our share of hoodlums....but....well, I'll leave it at that.

Answer 6

Because that person has asked to remain anonymous.

Answer 7

who knows.
i still dont understand why they can say it to each other, but it is offensive if we say it.

ahh society.

Answer 8

Yes, because it is offencive and racist.

Answer 9

yes it is offensive.....if u are white is "white trash or honkey" sound offensive.......if your mexican american isnt the word "*******" offensive...chinese " chink" is offensive.....