On The N Word
Filed under: TV News > Elizabitch Hasselbeck > Whoopi Goldberg
As you recall from last week, Elizabitch Hasselbeck got very emotional during a debate with Whoopi Goldberg and Sherri Shepard over the use of the controversial N word on The View.
Hasselbeck insisted that the word should not be used to describe anyone or be used by anyone. Whoopi took the position of many stating that only members of the black community are entitled to use the word.
Now steps in actor Taye Diggs, who has his own opinion about the situation and about Hasselbeck.
Diggs says Hasselbeck "doesn’t understand, and, no offense — I don’t think any white person has the right to tell a black person or to even weigh in on subject matter such as that. They don’t know what it’s like to be called that word; they don’t know what it’s like to be black.”
Diggs continued, “They can have an opinion, but… don’t take a word that you created and called me for many, many years, and then me being in my position, have the strength to change what it means in my own culture. Don’t try to take it back now. Now it’s ours. Leave it alone.”
What do U think?
Should everyone stop using that word? Or should it be allowed to be used by only some people?
[Image via WENN.]
First of all, Taye, because I'm white doesn't mean I called black people like N word. Just because my ancestors created the word doesn't mean I have any affiliation to it. If black people want to call themselves that, hey, go for it. If it's enpowering for them, that's great. I don't understand it, but I don't need to. However, if black people continue to call themselves that, other people will too. That isn't right, but that's how it will be. The best way for them to have others stop calling them that in a derogatory manner is to just completely stop using the word.
I agree with him. No white person has the right to tell black people what or what not to say. They can't expect us as whites or Latinos not to jokingly use it towards another of our race, but yes NEVER alright to use it as a white or Latino to a Black person. It's not right.
Re: LizCH –
Where's the "logic in your thinking? The N word is just that, a word, abortion on the other hand….
Re: JZBlo –
yeah! how is it that its ok for blacks to have BET but if whites had WET they are racist pricks that are gonna go start burning crosses on our front lawns. or black comedians can make jokes about whites and its funny but if a white comedian makes jokes about a black person then they're out of line and its a big whoop-dee-doo. i just don't get it.
I never did anything to Taye or his "people." If black people would like people of other decent to stop using the "n" word than they should stop using it themselves. I am in no way racist, but set an example if you want other people to follow. Plenty of people in this world endure a lot of disrespect because of the names they are called (chinese, japanese, italians, women) however, you don't see them calling each other chinx or guidos. I understand the pain black families felt years ago, but I (as a white person) have never individually done anything to harm anyone of any race and I would sincerely appreciate it if they would stop putting such blame on people who are white.
even bible says it: "the law worketh wrath". By putting up "a law" that white people can't say this or that, u black people are calling up hatred against yourself.
Nobody wants to be bossed up. Can't u see, u are trying to make white people your slaves on this matter and then u have nerves to even say that it is ok for u to use that same word.
Let me ask u black people, are u honoring your forfathers, who were slaves by using that N* word.
First, I feel like if you (the black community) don't want me (a white person) to say it, don't say it. You should lead by setting an example.
On the other hand, I think that in this day and age, that word is just a word. Historically, yes it's racist but I believe that 95% of the people who say it today don't use it in that context.
get over yourself. you want to be treated as equal then stop bitching already. get over it.
So….Us and them etc…no one has the right to tell another group what words to use then. And PS…we can but you can't doesn't work well
And Whoopi sucks
WE do not call YOU that… that is a stereotype. some people today still call others that word, but not everyone. by saying that WE call(ed) YOU that, you are stereotyping us as a race, dating back three hundred years (as if things havent changed since then), in which case you (personally, not generally) are equally as guilty as someone who uses/used that word at some point. and also, by black parents teaching their children that they can call each other that and use that word, it is only further drawing a line between black people and white people which will affect the racial visions of future leaders. how will things change if this continues?
Re: Lana – Black people don't get upset by the n-word??? Are you crazy? Of course they do!
I don't have anything against black people, nor am I racist, but…
Black people should either stop saying it, or allow white people to say it too. Don't they say that they're all our for equality? If that is truly the case, then why are they trying to limit the language of the white people?
Taye Diggs — you are a twat! You have no basis for saying that someone in 2008 created that word and has called you by that name for many years. Grow the fuck up and quit playing the damned race card. It's been done!
I wonder what Idina Menzel thinks of all this…
"That you called me for many, many years." Funny, I've never called anyone that in my life! I've never owned slaves, nor did my parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents either! I'm almost willing to bet that my ancestors before that didn't as well, because they were probably a) too poor and b) not lazy enough to make someone else do for them what they could do for themselves.
I'm soooooooo sick of this "you imprisoned us, you dirty white man" bull shit! We didn't do a thing, nor did ANYONE WHO'S STILL ALIVE!!!! Slavery was abolished in 1865 for Christ's sake, get the hell over it! You can forgive without forgetting, and since no single black person alive was EVER forced into slavery, I think you need to quit playing the card 24/7.
Should all Jewish people blame every damn German in the world for the Holocaust? You don't hear them running around crying about it daily and it was FAR WORSE and not nearly as long ago!
Pretty sure Elizabeth Hasselbeck wasnt the one who created the "N" word. Idiot! let it go.
I am white, I sometimes jokingly refer to my white friends as "cracker" "white trash" "redneck"…. etc. In the same way as he said about the N word being used by blacks towards blacks, I agree. I would not like it if a member of another race joking or not called me white trash or any various other insults.
Seriously though, I've a bone to pick with certain members of the white race, specifically Americans…. They hurl insults left and right to any other race/group/ethnicity but when it comes to someone calling them on it, all hell breaks lose and they act as if though they have just endured the cruelest, most offensive act in their lives.
We aren't better than anyone else. Our skin color or the place were we where born does not give us the right to treat others as inferiors.
Re: khleoskittykat –
PS - We're never gonna stop using it either. So I guess we're even.
Look, if we are trying to create a world where everyone is accepted and equal and all of that business, then we have 2 options:
1) Limit all sensitive words like b*tch, n*gger, c*nt, f*g, qu*er etc etc etc
or
2) Let everyone use these words, PROVIDED it's not in a derogatory way.
The blacks weren't the only ones persecuted. What about Jews, homosexuals, Asians, the mentally challenged, gypsies…..Really, the list goes on and on.
The only realistic "solution" is to let language be language for all.
I am a white woman, I never use it, nor would I. Not being black, I will not comment on on whether blacks should use it amongst themselves or not, their business. HOWEVER, the word will never be gone, or not used, in popular culture or in a derogatory way, if the current opinion is continured. That is the fact.
I agree with both. Yes, indeed i do.
I agree with taye diggs that white people shouldnt use that disgusting word.
And i agree with Elizabeth that when black people go around all the time saying it, it doesnt encourage white people not to say it.
I'd actually rather never hear the word at all. It fills me with anger. It's not a word that is heard in ANY civilized conversation, no matter who you are.
I really don't think anyone should use it at all. It's racist and foul, and I don't think it can be (or should be) "reclaimed" by anyone…just let it go. We should all do our part to try and rid the world of racism, and getting rid of derogatory words for the way people look and the colour of their skin is just the start. Why don't we focus on what makes us the same? We're all human! All sheep look the same to us, and all humans probably look the same to sheep. We're just another species, let's try to act like a unified group.
That is a load of bullshit!! The word shouldn't be used by anyone. You can't have it both ways. Either you want equal rights or you don't. There is no justification to discriminate if you don't want to be discriminated against. No one should use derogatory language, there should not be racial pagents, racial scholarships or racial schools. Abolish all black only or white only colleges and do away with anything that favors a person based on the color of their skin. Discrimination is clear cut no matter what spin you want to put on it.
The important thing to understand is that racism does still exist; however, one of the most important steps in overcoming it is realizing our differences and doing our best to be unified, and thus NOT using the word at all.
As a BLACK female, it is something I have never used. I feel more offended by these comments than the actual N-WORD itself because the majority of comments have GENERALIZED black people, by saying we all feel this way.
NO ONE PERSON CAN SPEAK FOR AN ENTIRE GROUP OF PEOPLE.
Not to be cliched but we need to "increase the peace."
ok well I am from a different country where that word was never used so i never said it either did any of my relatives, but im in america at the moment and i see things like the black collegian and hear of affirmative action and i feel discriminated against because what is protecting me as a white guy? anyway taye diggs i have a word you should use to decribe yourself, its stupid
I completely disagree with this … Diggs was clearly not thinking straight when he said this. I mean first he says that they changed the meaning of the N word and that its okay for black people to use and then he continues to say that white people cant say it. WELL HELLO IF THE MEANING CHANGED THAN WHY THE FUCK WOULDNT WE USE IT? It makes no sense what so ever and it makes me mad that black people say that white people have no opinion in the matter. like the first comment says "if whites have no opinion on the use of the N word, then men have No opinion in abortion, and non gay people have no say in gay rights…! fuck that… WE ALL HAVE AN OPINION AND ARE ENTITLED TO EXPRESS IT !!!!
Everyone needs to stop. The definition didn't change, just added another meaning.
this is for all you people saying that white poeple don't understand! SHUT THE FUCK UP!!! what don't we get?? you have been calling fucken white people racist about every fuickedn thing we say about black people, you NEVER hear a white person cry because your calling us whities we aren't using it agaionst you. this is the dumbest fucken topic in the world there are bigger things to worry about in life taye has a right to his opinon as do i and im stating that black people should just fucken drop the word because if they don't society won't either and we are back at square one!!! i thought we were all born with names…why dont we just use those??? and if the meaning has changed and the n word isn't the same, then what diffrence does it make??? the white people won't use in that term either? is it just as bad as saying negro?? i don't get!!!! im of german decedants now are you telling me that i'm a nazi and i killed the jews?? of course not because that would be RIDICULOUS!! so white people don't use it, other clored people dont use it and black people espically you don't use it!!! then we wont have this conversation
uhh taye diggs im white but i never called you that word. neither did any of my family that immigrated here 20 years ago from poland.
who gives a shit?
I am tired of seeing this shit go on. If you want white people to stop using the word, then don't use it at all. It is so fucking illogical. It is like cursing around a child and expecting him never to use that word. Of course he will, because it is there! If you don't want the word used, stop fucking using it!
It seems like white people are always made to feel like they have to tiptoe around black people because they are scared they will offend them. Yes, there was slavery, but it is over and done with…move on!! Where the fuck would you be if slavery did not occur? I don't get it. Black people hold so much of a grudge for slavery, yet they probably would not be here with the freedom they had if it had not happened.
A lot of us white people are and have been ready to move on without prejudice, but we are not getting anywhere because you won't let go.
I just think this is so dumb. NO ONE should use it at all. Here's the thing, I'm white, and I hate when black people get angry about the n word because they end up saying something just like Taye Diggs said "don’t take a word that you created and called me for many, many years, and then me being in my position, have the strength to change what it means in my own culture. Don’t try to take it back now. Now it’s ours. Leave it alone.”
That is rediculous! *I* (all white people) called *YOU* that word? I do not have a plantation in Misssissippi, and YOU are not a slave. Those times are over. It just seems like they are being prejudiced towards white people when they say that, we're not all racist. I think we should leave the past in the past, and not use the word at all. I have never said it in my life, and for the record, I've never called one of my friends a cracker either.
I may not know what it feels like to be black, but I know what it feels like to feel human, and what Taye Diggs is missing is that *I* did not call him anything. *I* have never called anyone a n*. *I* did not invent this word, and despite the fact that I'm white, the word still pains me. It still hurts, and it hurts that people would still bring down each other with it, whether or not they are of the same culture. We are all working towards being part of the same culture as a whole and as long as this word is still in use in any context, it creates and maintains a level of separateness that will continue to divide and weaken everyone.
Fags calling eachother fags is still hurtful and separatist and it's the same with any other word used to suppress, oppress and enslave.
I think African Americans need to realize that they were not the only ones to be called the "n" word. They have come a long way to shake off the reason why they were called that only to call eachother that. No they do not "own" that word.
i think that taye diggs saying "They can have an opinion, but… don’t take a word that you created and called me for many, many years, and then me being in my position, have the strength to change what it means in my own culture" is not fair. some white people created that word in the past, not elizabeth hasselbeck or anyone other white person alive today. those in the past who wrongly enslaved and degraded black people are in the wrong and to lump all whites together in that category is unfair. elizabeth has the right to feel strongly about the subject but it is true that she doesn't have first hand knowledge of how it feels to be belittled that way. the word definitely has a negative connotation and is wrong to say in general.
I agree that the debate over this word will never be over and people will use whatever words they want. I dont agree with Taye in this, HE hasnt ever been a slave and white people dont owe anything to anybody BUT WE AS YOUNG people need to respect each other enough to know that this word is used by black people and they are fine with it so why do white people care?They should stay out of it..And anyway Im sure 9 out of 10 of us have friends of all races that use the WORD
Correct me if im wrong, but everyone wants to be equal, do they not? whoopi said that her mother couldnt vote but she wanted to, my great great grandparents couldnt get a job because they were irish. the way to create equality is to demand equality, and that means holding everyone to the same standards: everyone should have respect for themselves and for other people. i think the way to acheieve equality is to teach our children that the "n word" is bad and that we should not use it or tolerate anyone who does. that applies to all parents and all children. and then a word that has so much hate attached to it will no longer exist, and we can work our way to a world where we all ARE equal.
anyone agree?
Re: Lita –
SO>>> White people can't tell black people what they can or cannot say,
BUT>>> Black people can tell white people that they can't say NI**ER?
Are you out of your effin mind?
And believe me, I would spell the whole word out if this program wouldn't block my comment, because apparently it agrees with the blacks…
No… there shouldn't be a double standard. It should not be used AT ALL.
FWIW I am part black….
It sounds very low class no matter who uses it.
Elizabeth didn't come up with the name and didn't use it for many many years. As a white person, I'll have my own damn opinion if I want to whether someone likes it or not. I don't treat blacks any different than I treat the whites and quite frankly, it's true for many whites as well. If black people have such an issue with the word, they should stop using it as well.
Re: Holei – Are you crazy? As a black person of the 21st century I have been called that word and know many black people who have. I walked down the street in Orlando and Disney and had bottles thrown at our group and called the N word….so please understand that though you didnt create it the word is alive and well in both the negative and positive connotations….
I dont like the word and i'd rather it not be said around me. But, people are gonna say it and i have no power to stop them. I dont think its bad when "ah" is added, although i dont say it because i honestly hate the word.
But…i bet you ANYTHING that the black people who say that word and tell people of other races not to say it have no problem whatesoever using negative terms about mexicans, gays, asians, jews, ect. Thats the only thing that bugs me. Double standards bug me.
Black people should lighten up tho…EVERYBODY wants to be black except for the racist people who think they're the best thing ever just because they have less melanoma then others, in which case they should just be wiped off the earth. Plus, black people can dance like it wuntnuttin and that induces endorfins.
By the way, that last thing i said was half joke. They dont need to lighten up because there is racial prejudice every which way you turn, but everyone DOES want to be black. Plus, i like saying wuntinnuttin. It rolls off the tounge. Plus, dancing does enduce endorfins. Science is awesome.
I think the word should not be used either by whites or blacks. I as a white person I did not create the word "niggar" I believe this word is offensive regardless who uses it. But the Black community for some reason want to hold on to this disgusting word. They use it in their music which is bought by 80% whites, so your rappers are using it in their music and wonder why whites use this word. From, the media, documentaries and such Blacks are more raciest amongst themselves than whites are.
But the word "niggar" is quite popular in the mainstream media, so there for don't be surprised that not only blacks, whites, browns and so on are using the word. The word does not hold such power as it did when back less than a 100 years ago when white Father Fuckers used it.
SHUT UP ALL READY…GET OVER IT NOW….ITS DONE…..MOVE ON..
anyone that has historical reference to the past in their culture about the N word should be using it to the MAX! because we can never forget history. That white republican bitch lady is trying to erase our memories by putting up a facade of being the goodie girl by saying "we should all stop!" ha yea right. ROOTS! oh and by the way, her new name should be Elizabeth Hassels-a-lot-of-peoples-back
OMG!!!!! Get the F**k over it!!! LMFAO!!!!
If white people can't use the N word, why do black people call white people "cracker" my family never once owned a slave and as I know at least 3 generations back never thought it was EVER right, but I get yelled at and told that I don't know how it feels. Do you know how it feels to be a woman? To be white? To be scorned now for something from the past that I had no control over? Why do I have to pay for someone else's mistakes? The word itself is abused by everyone. Not just white people or black people. It's abused by everyone. Then again I grew up in a WHITE family by 2 WHITE parents who taught me color is just skin deep, we are all the same and should be held to the same morals and rights. Then again… generations and generations ago white people in certain countries were slaves but we don't hold that against anyone.
Haha. Wow liked him but now I think he's an idiot. Yeah, they can keep it, and keep looking stupid.
why do african americans use this word,if it causes so much pain because weither a balck man or white man says it ,it still means the same fu*ki#g thing. personally i think that AMERICA needs a wake up call. we need to all come together as country and not let one word divide us or define us! wake up people were all Americans ! we should all be ashamed for what we choose to be our topics of dispute . theres way more important things we could be trying to solve ,like how our youth isent getting an college education because of $ cost weither your black or white and shit like that !other wise we might not last as a county much longer
SO sick of the blacks pulling racism out of their hat anytime thay want.. Now THEY may say "the N word", but whites can't? Sorry–if it's good for you, it's good for me.
If this is such a horrible word ( which it is), then why should anyone use it? If people want racism to go away, perhaps we should start acting as one, and not as whites can say and do this, and people of color can say and do this. The " C" word is horrible and we don't use it, perhaps no one should use the "N" word as well.
"I", as a white person of the 21st century, did not create that word.
"He", as a black person of the 21st century, has probably not been called that word. Or subjected to slavery, as he is trying to suggest.
And I don't think any white person is trying to take that word back, in this situation. Considering the core of this argument is Jesse Jackson saying it. The race card is getting quite the workout this week.
——————————
I highly disagree,
He probably HAS been called the N word and I know as a black girl I've been called the n word many times in public places for very random reasons. Now should blacks be able to call someone else that name, its complicated. When a white person says it, it is meant to hurt that person by calling them what we as a people have been called for years. However, when a black person say's it, we could be joking or meaning it in a ( i know it sounds crazy) friendly manner. I know my own parents joke around and call their friends that word. So i don't think whites should have any say in it really, whats it to them? why do they care? Their not black and will never be looked at the way we are. Your people made the word up, deal with it
HE IS CORRECT. we have no right to use the word or tell anyone how to use the word. IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY, WHITE PEOPLE WERE THE SLAVE OWNERS USING THE WORD…im sure some of us have ancestors that were slave owners. MISS LILLY WHITE ELISABITCH MARRIED TO MR WASPY HAS NO RIGHT TO SAY WHO CAN AND CANT USE THAT WORD. I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW WHY THE BITCH WAS REALLY CRYING, DID SOMEONE FINALLY GET GER GOAT? she is poison and very bad for american minds to listen to the garbage she spews..she needs to go work for fox..thats where she belongs..
N-I-G-G-E-R
I get what Taye is saying. However if its a negative word it's a negative word period. The meaning doesn't change based on who is saying it that is just the most ridiculous logic I have ever heard. It would be great if nobody used it but that is never going to happen so white people will use it in a derogatory way and some will use it in the "new" way out of confusion for the rules and black people will call eachother the N word in the "new" way and so on and so on.
don't assume that every white person uses that word. every white person did not create it. that is unfair. children white or black do not need to hear that word.
That is one of the STUPIDEST things ever uttered. I LOATHE E. Hasselbeck as much as the next person, but she ABSOLUTELY has a right to her opinion. AND, she didn't CREATE the word or use it to label HIM, and didn't give it to anyone. When is this STUPIDITY GOING TO END.
He is HOT at least.
I am most definatley not racist (dated an African American for four years); however I agree with the comment Hasselback stated in regards to "what do I teach my children, some people can say the word and others can not". That is totally unacceptable. To me the word displays ignorance and I will never teach that to any child regardless of color.
Certainly sounds like discrimation to me Defanition:treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit: racial and religious intolerance and discrimination.
taye diggs is the hugest moron ever! he says, "don't take a word you called me for many, many years…." umm hello you FREAK… you were never called that and we have never used it to call you that. HELLO IN-THE-PAST! maybe it was your ancestors… but nothing happened to you and white people haven't done anything to you. freak.
I am sick and tired of this debate. If black people find this word so unacceptable they should not be using it either. It makes no sense at all and in the long run the word is going to be used and used until it no longer exisits. Black people need to grow up and get with the program. After all the real minority in the US nowadays is the white man. Who in this country is truly white anymore anyways?
Every single race, religion, class, creed and sex has dealt with some form of oppression, anger, resentment. It has happened to all of our ancestors in one form or another (and is still happening today in some of the world). The difference here is that, for most, the divide is closed. What I see here the divide being kept open. As long as this continues (for any word) the disparity will remain. We cant pick and choose equality, it should be a blanket moral that covers all of society, not only when its convenient.
no one with ever stop using the word but black people should just get the fuck over it! dont call your best friend, "my nigga" when white people "cant” use it. its fucking stupid that people have to still argue over this. it just should be a word that no one should use not a word that one race can use and not the other. and what the fuck does he me that 'they dont know what its like to be black"???? its a fucking equal world for you now!!! gays are the ones that are struggling!!!! not you so stop being stupid!!!!
Well put Mr. Diggs. I totally agree. White kids now think they are being cool w/using the word around black kids who laugh and don't think twice about letting them no it is not cool. there are plent of black children are not informed on the background of the word. If their parents were to educate their children other races wouldn't think it was okay to say.
BLACK PEOPLE NEED TO STOP ACTING LIKE WE R BACK IN SLAVE TIMES. THAT WAS MAD LONG AGO. NO BLACK PEOPLE TODAY WERE SLAVES. MAYBE THEYRE GRANDPARENTS HAD HARD TIMES BUT U KNOW WHAT, EVERY RACE HAS BAD TIMES SO GET A NEW EXCUSE.- AND HASSLEBACK DIDNT "INVENT" THE WORD NIGGA, SO THAT MAKES NO SENSE. ALSO, BLACK PEOPLE NEED TO STOP BLAMING WHITE PPL FOR WHAT HAPPEND MAD LONG AGO. MAYBE ITS TIME FOR BLACK PPL TO STOP BEING RACIST AGAINST WHITES AND SPANISH. ITS OFFENSIVE TO CALL A BLACK PERSON A "NIGGA" IF U R SEYING IT IN A DEROGATORY WAY. APART FROM THAT, ITS A FREE COUNTRY AND NE1 CAN SEY THAT WORD. IT DOESNT BELONG TO ANYONE. SORRY.
Ummm……I thought this guy is married to a white chick? (I could be wrong)
Will their kids get to use it then?
If black people say it, then they better expect ALL races will say it too, not just the white race (geez, there is latino, pacific-islander, native-American).
Taye is so right on. EH is losing her mind. She is pathetic and has no grasp on reality. She needs to be off the air immediately and forcibly put in to therapy.
Let me get this straight: If a white or any non-Black person uses the "N" word, they are a racist hate-mongerer. If a Black uses the same word, it's "cool" and implies a shared brotherhood and comaraderie. Makes perfect sense. I get the feeling that many of these liberal-minded Blacks really have no interest in assimilating - they actually enjoy feeling separate because then the victimization card still works!
Re: Lukie –
African americans wouldn't survive a day in Africa.
The reason racism stays alive is because of people like Taye Diggs. To say “They can have an opinion, but… don’t take a word that you created and called me for many, many years…". I am white and have never used the "N" word. Nor have I called Taye that for "many, many years". I don't think it's fair for him to even bring that up this day and age. Maybe 50 odd years ago…but the world has moved on and I wish he would too.
ummm, stick to the runway, and keep your mouth shut. for those of us living in a racially sensitive world, no matter what color we are, derogatory terms should not be used. what is wrong with positively charged words, like sister or brother? so much hurt has come from that place. as a white person i feel alot of guilt and hurt from that term although it did not directly apply to me. loves!
Using the word, regardless of race/nationality/appearance or whatever is saying it's ok. Just because one is black and uses it doesn't mean all of a sudden they're empowered because it's in "their hands" now. That's bull. Stop using the word and move forward. Quit dwelling on crap that happened years ago and move on.
and kudos to what LizCH said. If people other than blacks (because not all blacks are african american.. some are from south america for instance) can't have an opinion and be heard (without being ridiculed for things generalized ancestors may or may have not done) than men should not have opinions about abortion.
Stop promoting the word and I'll stop using it in jest.
ok, if the black community hates the word so much why is it used all the time? and to use it as a term of an endeerment..i dont see how that is giving it a new meaning. I hate the word and the only way to get rid of it is to stop using it. And the fact that its ok that the black community says it but not ok if the white community says it is ridiculous. If the white community had a word taht wasnt allowed to be used by the black community that would start all kinds of craziness..it just needs to stop. and as much as i dont really like elizabeth..i totally agree with her.
And here's another notion…….
Why is it bad to say n*gger but it's OK to say negro. Last I checked they were pretty closely related.
I'm black and I personally never use the word but its not my place to tell others whether or not they can or can't use it OR to tell others whether or not they can or can't voice an opinion on the matter.
I'm gonna have to disagree with Taye a little bit. "They don't know what its like to be called that word; they don't know what its like to be black." Well I do and I don't take offense at it.
Are you speaking for all black people and saying we all share a common experience today? I don't think so. We share a common history and back then "what its like to be called that word" was a totally different feeling. Nowadays, its not a big deal. I have friends of other races who use it commonly.
for someone to say that Taye has never probably been called the n-word proves they know nothing about what it's like as a black person. to this day, black people suffer that indignity at the hands of some non-black people. LISTEN to him—he's explaining why black people use that word at all–>black people have taken that word and made it their own, stripping the denigrating tone of it when used by non-black folk and made it something of an empowering thing. It doesn't necessarily make it right BUT if communication and understanding is the point here, LISTEN to what he's saying. That's how you'll bridge the white-black divide. History matters. History needs to be understood not to be repeated.
This shit happens decades ago…..black people get over it…..please do not tell me that i do not know what its like to be black in america…….you have no idea what it is like to be white in america……we (the people living today) keep getting blamed by YOU about shit that happend decades ago…WTF???
You have your own history month in February, You have your own channel BET….. what if we had a chanel WET???? you would shit and then call us racist… STOP DWELLING ON THE PAST>>>move to the future..stop separating yourself with BET… Where is white history month>?
As a white person who lived in a predominantly black neighborhood I was called Cracker, Honky among many other names. I found them offensive and I also do not use those words to say hello to my friends. If you find the word offensive then why would you use it to refer to family, friends or anyone of the same race? There is no logic there. And as far as not knowing what it's like to be black, get over it! You have $ and fame and slavery was abolished many, many years ago. I owe you and I owe the black race NOTHING! I never participated in owning any slaves or putting them on a ship from Africa to here. Wasn't me and it wasn't this generation, I don't owe you a damn thing!
To whom ever said to use the word more to get people over it, that wont work because it still offends a large group of people ( not just black/african american). If people stopped using it period, the word would die after a few decades and it would be forgotten. I mean, look at the old minstrel shows they used to run; alot of people don't even know it existed because it was taken out and never brought up again. The idea of 'covering up' the past probably doesn't sit well with some african americans but thats the way to put it to rest.
Re: kionn – Re: kionn – YES A BLACK DICK
ok sure, i completely get and agree with what he is saying but the problems are 1.the red-necks who still dont think the african american community has any rights, and therefore continue to create that disgusting point of view and 2.the next generation of kids coming up who are being taught by every rap song that its an ok word to use. Is Taye Diggs going to door knock and let ever lil white kid know that its "ok to listen to DMX sing it, but dont you say it because your not black"
no one should say the word. you fucking idiots. but if black people say it…then i will too. get over it. the word isn't exclusive. so they need to shut the fuck up when saying they own it now…no you don't! and if you keep saying it so ignorantly then i'm about to start using it to. just to piss you off…even though i don't say it now. grrr!
My philosophy is everyone or no one. Either we all have access to the word or No One should have access to the word. What is acceptable for a multi -racial person? Does is depend on the darkness of your skin? Do darker skinned people get to use the word, but lighter skinned people are exempt from the word, even though both are black, Negro, African-American or whatever term is deemed PC today?
Slavery was an embarrassing part of our history, but it is done. It is WRONG to hold white people who live now accountable for what people we never met did MANY MANY YEARS AGO! Are Jewish people acting like this about the Halocaust? Are American Indians acting like this about how their lands and lives were raped from them? NO! Those were abhorrent atrocities as well, and there ARE STILL SURVIVORS OF THE HALOCAUST. None of them are demanding a damn thing, they're just thankful for their freedom and survival. Blacks scream for equality while doing everything they can to separate themselves from whites. EQUALITY IS EQUALITY - NOT EQUALITY AS YOU CHOOSE. Do you want us to keep breeding hatred and prejudice through the generations?
ok all you stupid cracker people.
obama is gonna settle this once and for all. so just GET READY.
Taye Diggs is married to a white woman so he should shut up. Furthermore, you do not hear caribbean blacks and other blacks who are descendants of slaves calling themselves by deragatory terms used by slaveowners to demean their ancestors. African-American need to think better of themselves, period.
Re: Lana –
Then why do black people get upset because white people use the word?????????
I for one am so tired of blacks using and abusing the race card. When I speak to one of my friends I dont paraphrase every opening statement with "Cracker Please" I don't even refer to race unless I hear it from some moron who wants to bring it up. I don't feel sorry for blacks,mexicans or any race in America we've all had the same chances to become better people. I a person choses to stay in the ghetto so be it. As far as reperation for slavery you show me a 200 year old slave and I'll personally vote for reperation
Re: Jessica – MEN SHOULDN"T HAVE AN OPINION ON ANYTHING>
THEY START WARS
Some of the biggest racists I've ever met were black (Whoopi, Jessie Jackson, Al Sharpton). Who the hell do you think you are to say "I can say this but YOU can't… nyeah, nyeah, nyeah!". Screw off. If you want the word to exist, then get used to being called it by white people. If you don't like that, then retire it. Until then, get OFF your high horse and stop acting like YOU were a slave or that America owes you for something.
He's right. This is coming from a Native American who jokingly refers to myself as an Eskimo or an Injun from time-to-time. I get it and my other Native friends get it too.
AGAIN, NOT EVERY BLACK PERSON FEELS THE SAME WAY HE DOES. SO STOP GENERALIZING. "They" "them" etc. are words that imply an entire group of people who do not have the same opinion.
Re: Dani-Elle –
I agree with you. NO ONE PERSON CAN SPEAK FOR AN ENTIRE GROUP OF PEOPLE
This applies to the people who are generalizing blacks on these posts. But it also applies to Taye Diggs who is trying to speak for the entire black community. And I, too am a black female.
Re: hey y – by the way, I have awhite child and a half black child, I'll be damned if I allow my black child to say a word that my white child can't b/c he is white or vice versa. What scare me the most about this whole situation is it reopen that segregation door. I live in Dayton, Ohio where bussing is still in effect and if any black person here does not know what the bussing is then racism hasn't really hit you that hard and you need to rethink your stance. When ANY race wants privileges above and beyond equality, then there is no equality. It starts with little things like a word, going into certain neighborhoods, getting into schools, etc. My fear is that this word and the insistance on only the black race being able to use it will lead to more and more demands to have special priviledges that will ultimatley cause more racism towards black people leaving my daughter with less rights than her white brother. The silliness needs to stop. I teach both my children that ANY word or phrase used to hurt or humiliate should not be used. My daughter will never view the N word as a term of endearment and if other people teach thier children the same thing then silly arguements like this will not exist in 10 years. On the other hand, If you don't want to share "your" word then take it and go home.
you know what, the jews have been persecuted since day one and i don't see them rallying for 'Jewish pride month' or their own word, the blacks just think they have it soooo rough, I'm sure all of our families have histories of persecution, whether you are protestant, catholic, muslim (i'm speaking of the reformation, the crusades and the overall birth of christianity). The Japanese internment camps during world war two… like literally everyone has been enslaved, and hurt and abused, but we seriously NEED TO LET GO!!! why do black people find the need to keep attention on themselves??
If it wasn't for us white people you would still be in Africa fighting local tribes for goats! I dont think in this date and time you have had to suffer because of the " N- Word" Get real. Its funny that black people dont take a look at their own history. Blacks in Africa had slaves of their own for hundreds of years before they helped white people ship them off to parts of the world. Poop me! When will it ever stop?
What's with all the double standard bullshit?! If we're banning the word- we're banning the word. I don't know about y'all, but I didn't create the word nor have I used it "for many, many years." It's an offensive word- regardless of what color you are.
The word has always been and will always be assosiated with slavery. So I dont understand why any self respecting black person would use it anyway.
People should not be hypocritical. If a black man can call another black man the word, why is it so offensive for a white person to do it?
I dont think that white or black people should use the word.
Re: kionn – Re: kionn – I guess you need a bigger n dick to plug yours, cos its not working yet. shut the fuck up
I think no one should use it. It's inappropriate.
This is part of the Black Victimization Mentality. This is history, but 'they' want to bring it up all the time! Like it happened yesterday. Can we move on now? No one is alive from the time the N word was formed. Everyone is dead. Can we move on and be a bigger and better society? Or do we need to stay stuck in the past?