do you think that saying the"N" word is racist? why or why not?

Answer 1

I definetly think that it is racist and inappropriate. You should never call someone something like that. It is degrading and anyone who beleives it is ok is completely the ignorant... which that is the actual true definition of the N word.

Answer 2

Yes it is derogatory and insulting. All racist terms are insulting and are better left in the dump where they belong. This word brings up hatred all the time, it should not be used. I would never call someone the n-word because of it's history.

Just because some ignorant black people use this word does not mean that all should follow their bad example. Why would a person want to be suspected of having a racist attitude when they do not? Also the case :"I'm white and I can say the n-word because black people do". Is foolish. Someones going to get hurt. We should all know better.
If some blacks want to say N*gga then let them, that does not make it right of course but THEY are not intending to be insulting to one another.

The question is, why would a white person want to say it knowing full well the hurt that it can bring?

*Important:
*********Lets stop arguing about who "gets to say it" and bury it in the backyard.*********

Answer 3

The N word, as I understood it, was not originally racist,and came from a Latin origin word "niger" meaning black. Through ignorance It, like other words, became a vile term and was associated as a derogatory description for a single race. Yes, the "N" word is a racist term and deserves to be attacked every time it is used.

Answer 4

It depends on the content, as for the definition for the word, it was not defined to mean a specific race or people, but a type of person. If it is aimed toward a person of color by a white person it is assumed to be racist, but not if it is from someone of the same race as the receiver. Frankly, to me there is little basis to the word being racists as you hear many African Americans use it to describe other African Americans, and I have heard it used to describe a white person as well. But the politically correct assume it is a racist term aimed only at one race.

Answer 5

Depending upon the context, I think it can be racist, but in most cases it merely shows ignorance. Even as a black person, why would I or anyone else use a word that represents hatred and depression on so many levels be used as a day to day endearment?

The difference/ distinction between N***a and N***er is not so great of one that people should find it acceptable or excuseable in any way to use it. If you wanna "connect" with your fellow brothers, then stick with brother or homeboy, or whatever you please, just not "my n***a"

Answer 6

It most definetly is racist regardless of the context.
The N word packs alot of historical context in it, and is meant to be demeaning.
For those who think that black people saying the N word makes anyone saying it ok, listen up: The N word was slightly changed for usage in "black" parlance. It was originally used to mock it's usage by racists. The idea was to use the derivative n*gga word to such an extent as to de-sensitize and render the word meaningless. When used in the black context the word n*gga has an almost opposite meaning from the word n*gger.

Answer 7

i think it depends on the context it is said in and the person saying it. Any word can be used in a derogatory manner. Some more than others. The N word happens to be one used most often in a cruel or uncalled for way. And in that sense it is not only racist it is just plain showing unintelligence and disrespect for anyone within earshot.

Answer 8

Doesn't really matter does it? It's already perceived and legislated as a derogatory word. This despite the fact that the very people who use it the most and ACT as though they're also offended by it have decided to put limitations on who can and cannot use it.
How intelligent is that lol?

The truly sad part is that a simple word regardless of it's connotations could effect someone who hasn't even had any experience with real racism in there entire life.

The people today who cry racism so much don't even have a clue as to what real racism was or is like, they simply like to use the PC (politically correct) whines that get them notoriety for something they don't even have any direct connection to.
Just because you're white doesn't make you rich or intelligent and just because you're black doesn't mean you have a clue what racism is or was.
To suggest implication simply because of your skin color is in itself doing a disservice to yourself.

Answer 9

I am 1/2 African American and I don't think it is, because of the meaning, Niger is a a republic of cen. Africa. ****** is a is a term used as a slur to insult people whom are different or stupid. The Irish where called Green ******* and the Asians where called Yellow *******. Some people believe the word originated from *******, the name given to black people during the time of slave trade, but ***** is the Spanish word for black. It is only offensive when it is used offensive. Like if your buddy said hey f**ker and then a stranger said hey f**ker. I don't like it when someone I don't know comes up to me and says hey my ****** whats up, I don't care what color they are.

Answer 10

To be honest...and I'll be in trouble for this.

It doesn't trouble me.....I heard it so often as a child, but was brought up with the words "sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me"....so I learned to live with it and not worry.

It isn't a nice word and only shows the ignorance of the user.

So, when I hear people getting upset about it, I don't understand why.

Answer 11

Take a look at a book called 'The N Word' it reveals how the term "******" has both reflected and spread the scourge of bigotry in America over the four hundred years since it was first spoken on our shores. The author pinpoints Thomas Jefferson as the source of our enduring image of the "******." In a seminal but now obscure essay, Jefferson marshaled a welter of pseudoscience to define the stereotype of a shiftless child-man with huge appetites and stunted self control. The author, reveals how nineteenth-century "science" then colluded with popular culture to amplify this slander. What began as false generalizations became institutionalized in every corner of our society: the arts and sciences, sports, the law, and on the streets.

the author's conclusion is as original as his premise. He argues that even when uttered with the opposite intent by hipsters and hip-hop icons, the slur helps keep blacks at the bottom of America's socioeconomic ladder. But he also proves there is a place for the word in the mouths and on the pens of those who truly understand its twisted history -- from Mark Twain to Dave Chappelle to Mos Def. Only when we know its legacy can we loosen this slur's grip on our national psyche.