[split] The word 'Nigger' and other slurs

[EgoRaptor]

In all seriousness though, using the N word in a derogatory context or just for the sake of it isn't right. But there does seem a double standard to me with rap music and the like. How many rap songs can be said to be promoting the word, even glorifying it?

It is so hypocritical. I'd be like a Jewish guy going out & shouting "Sieg Heil" while doing the Hitler salute, and then when asked to stop, insisting; "No, it's fine, I'm Jewish".

[FlyingNarwhal]

As someone from the same generation I personally think the white kid to do that are stupid. like I said if you can't understand where words come from what they mean and how they used you shouldn't use them. And that's my final say on the subject if you know that a word(s) will hurt someone you shouldn't use it.

I disagree. Again we are talking about context here. They are not saying the word with racial or malicious intent, or to parody or satirize black people. They are using it in the same exact tone and context as if they had instead said, "What's up man."

And I also disagree that I should not say words simply because people find it offensive. Do you know how many offensive words there are and have been? Is it every person's responsibility to keep an encyclopedia of offensive remarks that they shouldn't repeat? Should I refrain from saying "God dammit!" or "Jesus Christ" in exclamation because a Christian is offended that I took the Lord's name in vain? Have you ever bought something that immediately broke and cry out, "I got gyped!"? Originally a slant against gypsies. Ever use the word hooligan? Used to mean a drunken Irish man. Or is it maybe easier to not take offense so quickly.

If we cannot say things that offend other people, then what if you telling me that I shouldn't say offensive things, offends me? What do you do now?

[là bạn điên]

What you're not getting is, it's not about YOU! That word is very hurtful to brown people. How you think it's about punishing you instead of minding the feelings of others I don't know.

If its so hurtful then stop excusing black people saying it. Anyway ask people not to use it. If you order them then they will use it anyway.

[Fruity]

What you're not getting is, it's not about YOU! That word is very hurtful to brown people. How you think it's about punishing you instead of minding the feelings of others I don't know.

If its so hurtful then stop excusing black people saying it. Anyway ask people not to use it. If you order them then they will use it anyway.

She's not excusing anyone from saying it. Not even blacks.

[Kayenneh]

*Kay helicopters in for some comic relief*

The whole ixnay on the word nigger took a most fantastic turn, when a really famous candy, now called "Kisses", had to take the word nigger out. (The candy was of course called "Nigger Kisses" before.) Well, when our largest department stores had a Christmas sale on these and when the register scanned the product, the name that popped up on the receipt was "neekeri" instead of "pusu". Whoops..!

Anyhoo, my two cents.

It's now very common to hear people say, 'I'm rather offended by that.' As if that gives them certain rights. It's actually nothing more... than a whine. 'I find that offensive.' It has no meaning; it has no purpose; it has no reason to be respected as a phrase. 'I am offended by that.' Well, so fucking what.

I think mr. Fry sums it up pretty well. Even so, there's nothing wrong with being a tad sensitive and refrain from using known triggers to avoid major shitstorms. If I use a word that's offensive to someone and it wasn't my intention to hurt him/her, shit happens. If I purposely use a word to offend, well, then I am an asshole and not worthy of being acknowledged. And I agree with the sentiments of letting one demographic use an offensive term, when others aren't.

[BrokenQuill92]

What you're not getting is, it's not about YOU! That word is very hurtful to brown people. How you think it's about punishing you instead of minding the feelings of others I don't know.

If its so hurtful then stop excusing black people saying it. Anyway ask people not to use it. If you order them then they will use it anyway.

I don't excuse any black person from saying it, it actually worse when they do it. I would slap them just as quickly as a white person if they dared to call me such a word. it's like the point is going over all of your heads!

[Napoléon]

She's not excusing anyone from saying it. Not even blacks.

Yet she posted a video explicitly explaining why it's ok for black people to use the term but not white people. Riiiiight.

[là bạn điên]

If its so hurtful then stop excusing black people saying it. Anyway ask people not to use it. If you order them then they will use it anyway.

I don't excuse any black person from saying it, it actually worse when they do it. I would slap them just as quickly as a white person if they dared to call me such a word. it's like the point is going over all of your heads!

You posted a youtube video telling us why its OK for black people to say it but not white people.

Anyway I am still not going to use the term because I have no wish to offend people DESPITE the provocation of people telling me that I am not allowed to use it.

[Fruity]

I just said no one should use it, but the point is wanting to a word you know is offensive is dickish and immature

She's not excusing anyone from saying it. Not even blacks.

Yet she posted a video explicitly explaining why it's ok for black people to use the term but not white people. Riiiiight.

Right. So, Quill, what are your thoughts on that video? You posted it, but didn't say anything about it specifically. Although, right after that she did say that she does not approve of anyone using the word. I don't know what was the point of posting that video, but it seems clear to me that she doesn't use the word, or think it's appropriate for anyone to use it.


I am not one to be highly sensitive about things like this and I might be seen making fun of things that perhaps other people of my culture might find offensive. I have thick skin when it comes to racial humor when it's all fun and games. That's just me, though. Having experienced racist discrimination towards my father more than once as a child, I can understand how this subject may affect our fellow member Quill. I find it pointless to pout over "why can't I use the word, but you can". If you want to rap the darn song, then do it. Is it so hard to refrain from singing it when a black person is around in case it will start mayhem? One of my two closest buddies is black, I'm Mexican, and the other guy is white. We talk about ethnic stuff all the time. The phrase "you people" is used often when referring to things that our cultures do. We laugh at each other all the time. We can do that, because we know our intentions, and we feel safe that nobody there is racist. I have common sense, though. I won't go up to a black stranger and say "you people" this or that. If a rapper adds the words "nigger" to the lyrics, damn right I'd feel free to rap the song including the word. It's there. I'd just not do it in front of Quill or any other black person, unless they sent the message that we're cool like that. I understand it's hard to understand when you haven't been treated like shit for the color of your skin. I'm not just talking about the past. Even now it still happens to a smaller scale. I live in Arizona. I should know.

[BrokenQuill92]

I just thought the guy made a good point about WHY the word is offensive, and though I didn't agree with everything he said he's right on about wanting use terms you KNOW will offend people not being okay.