When is N word appropriate?

Question

Is it not the intent behind the word over the word itself? If not, is there some sort of magically property to the word? Do those letters, arranged in that order, and pronounced as such, create some sort of triggered involuntary reaction that people would be offended regardless of the intent of it's usage?

Answer 1

bottom line its a word, and a word can only effect you if you let it, you only are what you think you are....i would never say it because, i am educated enough to know name calling gets you the same place as before you called the name..not a damn step further...

Answer 2

Ok my 1st comment has to go to YakHair... ummm you only use the word to offend someone... OK, I doubt if you are of the Caucasian persusian that you use that word expeditiously, lest you sit in the hospitial at this time for the servere as s whoppings you'd recieve.... Ummm the "N" word is not appropriate as we all know. BUT I truly agree it is a double standard sort of speak, because when black ppl use it in reference to each other its cool, but if a white person says it, its not. I mean, ppl get killed over using that word, I've seen it happen before...

I personally choose not to use the word, because I do not refer to any of my associates, friends or family with that type of language. My son will not hear that type of language from me and will know not to use it in my presence if used at all. I will teach him the meaning behind that word. I do believe however, that some black ppl are indeed "n*ggas" and "monkeys" in reference to their behaviour. But when ppl use it simply to offend or lash out or cutting someone, its simply inappropriate and unacceptable and I thoroughly belive that a white person in America should not use the word without expecting a beat down. Many ppl who do choose to use that deragatory language are "n*ggers" themselves, they are racists, ignorant, cowardly and weak individuals.

We have come a long way, but we still have an entirely long way to go. To the incredible statement the one young lady said on here about whites having it worse than blacks, ok honey. Your response is illogical and illiterate and just plain dumb. You think that ppl who send their children to an all white school are racists? You think that blacks and whites are treated eqaully? I feel sorry for you that you are one of millions who are blind to the facts and stuck in your own stubborness and unwillingness to open your eyes. But thats ok.

The "N" word is never appropriate, but if you chose to do so, whether you are black, white or whatever, its best to make sure you are arround other folks who do not find that word offensive. As an African American woman, I find it disgusting to see men or women of my race use that word in public like its ok. I've been called the "N" word twice in my life and both times the ppl who called me that regretted it and I'll leave it at that.... We all have to do better.

Answer 3

The word should not be used under any circumstances and should be struck from the vocabulary. Yes, regardless what the intent of usage, the word is offensive, period. As any other derogatory term used to describe any other race, color, creed, etc.

I am not one to be over politically correct, but there are certain words, such as the one of which you speak that have been struck for my vocabulary and I do not stand for others using it in my presence either.

Enjoy your day!

Answer 4

Never, for racial slurs that is. But the philosophy you stated is sound to curse words. Who is to say that some words are offensive. Now, if the word has an underlying meaning that is vulgar then there is good reason people find it repulsive. For the word in question the meaning refers to African Americans being worth less and therefor not deserving the full name (*****). Once again i say, to avoid thumbs down, i do not support applying this philosophy to racial slurs so NEVER say it.

Answer 5

Here's the thing- no one will ever be happy no matter what you refer to them by. Black people are still saying they're not treated equally. Well you know what, if I said half the stuff they've said I'd be a racist. If I wanted a private school for only whites I'd be a racist! They do it and everyone accepts it.

Am I racist? No. Do I believe everyone is equal? Yes. Do black people get more special treatment than white? In my opinion based off what I see- yes.

There is always going to be rude slang words thrown around and that's the world...

I personally don't say the N word because it does offend people.

Answer 6

That word is never appropriate. The word "Negrito" means black in Spanish and since the United States east coast was initially explored and settled by Spaniards, anyone with darker skin was called "Negrito", which degenerated into the word "*****". But regardless of the origin, the N word should never be used.

Answer 7

Stop over-analyzing; it's very simple, it is rude, it has very negative connotations and is not socially or morally acceptable anywhere said by anyone. Richard Pryor was the only one I know who could get away with it.

Answer 8

When I'm talking about michael vi ck aka di ck!

Answer 9

It is never appropriate. how would you feel if someone called you the N word, cracker, honky, kyke or something like that. Its history and the derogatory purpose helps the N word radiate in hate.

Answer 10

I vote with the "NEVER" group!

Why are you trying to couch this nastiness in your pseudo-intellectual prattle? What is right is right... what is wrong is wrong... and it is wrong to use the word. Let it die of neglect, shall we?


Have a polite day.