The "N" Word?

Question

Ok, I know that people have seen this question quite a few times, just revamped, but here it goes.

And I know that it's a lot of questions, but I just want a good discussion going...

I want to know why it is that black people think it's ok for us to use that word? Is it because they don't know the history, or because they just don't care anymore? And why is it that young Brothers and Sisters such as myself, feel that we (we being black people) can use the word, and no one else can? Do young black people realize that by us using the word, we're propogating the image to other ethnicities that it's ok for them to use it?

Also, for the older black crowd, how do you feel about my generation (16-23 year olds) using the word that you all fought against in the 60s?

The most well though out answer that isn't just "we can use it, cause it's our word" gets the points...

This is in response to "heyheyhey".

There is nothing but hurt and anger behind the "N" word. Although rappers use that word gratuitously, it is not ok. Furthermore, I don't recall rappers being the epitomy of blacks and black culture. They and all that they represent is a detriment to the black community. So please, before you make a comment such as "the rappers do it", learn about black people, our community, and our history first.

Furthermore, there is no pride what so ever, in being refered to as the "N" word. Anyone who thinks so is a damned fool.

Also, switching the "er" at the end with an "a" does not make the word okay. It is still the same word, regardless of how it is pronounced.

Answer 1

I'm 19 and don't use that disgusting word, i find it odd that someone would consider it a term of endearment when its origins lie in slave owners looking down on black people and using that derogatory term. Why cant you just say my brother, friend etc, there is nothing special about the n word. It is impossible to erase the hurt and anguish associated with that word, people fought hard for black people to be treated as equal and black people repay them by using the n word freely as if there are no negative connatations associated with it. The KKK must be having a field day!

There is nothing right with that word, it is not 'our' word, its a word whites used against blacks to continually demean us as less than a piece of s*it on their shoe. How is it fine for a black person to use that word but not for a white or any other race, its utterly ridiculous. Sure rappers use it, but they are hardly pillars of society, and in no way do they represent me as a black person.

I encourage all blacks that use this word to rethink their stance on it and stop being soo ignorant and making exuses for using this word.

Answer 2

It is an ugly word that has caused pain, suffering, fights, and death. It is in my personal opinion that any person that uses the word is ignorant as it was originally designed to cause pain to the person that it was spoken to, which was typically a slave. What ever happened to calling a person by their name? I assume that we are named at birth so that people can identify us by that title rather than a racial epithet.

Some African-Americans who use the word say whites never should, which bewilders some whites who see a double standard, and friendly use of “*****” upsets many older blacks, who know the pain and humiliation that “******” has brought. A black person's reaction to the word depends largely on where, how and who is using it.

Older African-Americans grew up during the time when the "n" word was used solely to dehumanize, belittle and control, and they say any variation of the word is always wrong. Younger generations of blacks have adopted it as part of daily conversation, and their white friends use it as well.

There are many conflicting stories regarding the origin of the word "*****/******", and whether you are pink, purple, green, black or white, it is a tacky and useless word of degrading value. Used as a racial slur meant to hurt another draws a fine line between the black community and other races, but many use it as a term of friendship, no matter what race.

It does matter that we educate ourselves and get pass this destructive ideology when we hear this word or its use against others as a way of making blacks feel like they are less than other races. We need to identify its purpose and once realized, not allow ourselves to sink to the perpetrators level by allowing this word to control our thoughts of how we refer to blacks.

It was used to justify the enslavement of Africans, in short, it was culturally necessary to believe, or be able to believe, that Africans were inherently and naturally less than human but were beings of a somehow sub-human, non-human, nature.

This we see proven with the written words documented in the original text of the Constitution of the United States which originally stated that Africans were 'three-fifths' a man by law. With this type of thought pattern in place it became necessary to DEHUMANIZE Africans and DEVALUE their historical worth as people in order to ensure their value as slaves.

When the word "******" was devised, the meaning it implied was of an ignorant, uneducated or very low person. Then, African-Americans dropped the 'ER' and added an 'A' thus forming a new word "*****". This word has been accepted and approved because 'the word now has a new meaning, meant in an entirely different way, which is really an obnoxious excuse.

Answer 3

I'm not black, but I think if it is said..so what? I dont say it myself, but words change meaning over time and I think so many rap artists have said it at this stage that its become almost acceptable.. I wouldn't take much offense if I was called a "cracker" or whatever else.. I know the word used to mean slave or whatever but you're not a slave anymore so u can almost be proud of it and not let anything bother u!

Calm down over it, didnt mean to cause offence and I'm well aware rappers dont epitomize black communities but they certainly spread the word. Don't take it so seriously, its going to be said anyway, so let everyone know that u don't care if its said, it doesn't hurt you cos u are stronger than that.

Answer 4

im white n i wudnt use the word at all i think is a horrible thing to call sum 1 how ever its used
but i no black ppl hu do n they say they say it cos there turning it round as sumthing positive but then say it 2 each other as n insult so how is that making it positive
n alot of black ppl i no dont no the history they jus assume all white ppl wer horrible n had slaves n they get annoyed wne u try n explain things they get the annoyed
n also i dont understand y its ok for black ppl 2 say n also any 1 that isnt white 2 use the word its ok n as soon as white ppl say it they r racesit
i was watchin a show bout this a lil while ago n they wer tlkin bout y its not ok 4 white ppl 2 use it n they jus come up with wihte ppl made it up
n there wer kids in primary skool ike 6 rs old callin each other it n a white kid didnt no wat it ment n jus assumed it was ok n a new word goin round school n said it n he got in loads of trouble for being racesit the kid didnt even no wat it ment
i think if ppl wana say it tey shudnt b so offended wen other ppl use it

Answer 5

I agree with you. I don't think it's okay for anyone, including blacks, to use the word. The word is demeaning and has derogatory meanings to whom it's aimed and also to the person who uses it. If a song uses the word, I won't listen to it or allow my children to listen to it. We women don't call ourselves b!itches & wh0res, so I don't expect or allow men to call us that either. You sound like an intelligent young lady and you set an example for all young ladies and gentlemen. I also do use or like to hear the terms whitey, cracker, or honkey or any derogatory term to describe any ethnicity. Good luck. 2D

Answer 6

it's a breath of fresh air to hear such intelligent thoughts from a young person. to bad the sub-culture in your race seems to continually perpetuate the racist card. look at this site and feel proud of your individual thoughts

Answer 7

i believe that the word "******" is a racist term

but "****@" with the "a" is just a word to call people like "brotha" "dude" etc

i have a black friend and he always calls me "****@" not "******"

cuz ive never heard him pronouncing the word "ger" but "ga"

racist like neo-nazi's or kkk's use the word with the "ger"

EDIT : ps if you dont like the "n" word, blame the rappers nowadays fo saying that word and you should check out myspace, lots of unblacks use it to call their own race but not blacks.

so please dont always thought "****@" is a word for only blacks.

i'm just saying my opinion.

pss read this article :
http://www.answers.com/****.a

without the full stop in between the g and a of course