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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.]
Re: Holei – Just because you were not physically involed in 'creating' that word, doesn't mean you know if he has been called it or not. Racism still exists today, in the 21st century, (which is sad to me because everyone comes from somewhere) and for you, as a white person, to believe that he suggests that he has been subjectd to slavery isn't very right to me. There's no possibe way you would know that he has been subjected to racism. You can't even sympathize. Even if you may have had racist comments thrown your way, you don't know what it's like to know that your ancestors was treated like animals just because the color of their skin was darker than the color of the white people in that century aka. YOUR ancestors.
-also-
The N word has everything to do with slavery, because thats where it all began.
Ridiculous! When are black people going to realize they are lucky to be here and not living in Africa!!!!
first - I didn't (nor anyone alive today) create the word - nor have I ever called anyone that word or ever used the word. But shouldn't we ALL move forward? Yes, there is respect that needs to be there for what has transpired over history and how that still impacts a race of people today - but as INDIVIDUALS we need to be bigger people and let that word GO - let it DIE as it should into history. Otherwise it can't help but perpetuate the separation of skin color between people, and especially our children!! Time to MOVE ON!!!
It's ridiculous to lump one white person in the present with every other white person who has ever existed–it's a total anachronism. White people today are not racist like those in the past. Yes, it's still extant among the uninformed, but, as a white person who does not consider herself racist, it's offensive to me that Diggs would consider Hasselback, who was obviously trying to keep the peace, the equivalent of white people in the 60s. EVERYONE is allowed an opinion about something; it's called being an American.
Re: Laura – lucky not to be living in africa??? are you serious? its not about living in africa! its about white people invading africa, not liking the color of their skin, and treating them like anything less than a fellow human being. omg. you really don't get it, do you?
JUST LET IT GO! The word doesn't mean the same thing that it did so many years ago and most of the people who use it today don't mean anything derogatory by it! I used to think Taye Diggs was a hottie, but now I think he's just a frustrated black guy.
I'm a 19 yr old black male and I dont think the word should be used by anyone black or white. I dont have a problem if a white person uses the word, as long as it isnt used in a negative connotation. Supposedly blacks have altered the word to justify using it, by changing the "er" to "a." So if they dont mean the same why do some blacks take offense when another person other than black uses the word? I dont like the word, but in my opinion if blacks can use it everyone can.
there are a lot of people who are inter-racial, stick to the 1 drop rule, how do you even judge who is black enough to say that word?
also i live in a latino area i hear nigga all the time kids just use it because its in pop culture and rap, i bet some of them dont even know the history behind it.
our world is changing dont tell me its all black and white, there are many other identities racial, sexual, cultural, etc.
I am a black person. Soem of the comments posted here just prove the point that (most) white people can not identify with enough, or understand our history and culture enough to make pertinent or useful comment on the subject. I'm 25, from NYC, and I've been called a Ni**er by a white person. Most black people expirience racism on a regualr basis.
We have taken that word back, and there is nothing wrong with us using it amongst ourselves, if gays and lesbians can also use 'f*g' and other derogetory names to neutralize the words' negative power.
It would be lovely if racism were no longer a problem, but it is. We need to deal with that and stop fooling ourselves because we'd like to be more forward thinking than we actually are.
Re: melis – You can't just let the past die. Thats what made our future. You shouldn't just forget what those people went through and how hard they worked so they could provide a good life for their children.
Re: LizCH – I'm not sure what your definition of 'logic' is; but last time I checked N%**er to black is not as Abortion is to men. Retard.
They didn't go through it, their ancestors did…they do not , cannot even begin to realize the suffering their ancestors went through for the present black people to enjoy this world. Out of respect for the ancestors they as well as anyone else should not use the N word…..talk about discrimination
I think people should just stop using that word. I understand what he says about white people not understanding what it's like being black. Me being a minority I can understand. But me being mexican I do not call my friends or relative "spics" or "wetbacks" like some other people like to call us. I do not like the N word at all. I can understand where they are coming from but I disagree that now we should let them use that word as they want. Instead they should erase that word. They were called that word but now they are still chosing to use it among themselves. That just doesn't make any sense.
White people of this day and age did not create the "N" word. Black people need to stop acting like we owe them something. If someone owes them something its our ancestors from hundred of years ago. Get over it, slavery is over and if you hold on to the past nothing is going to change. Racism should not be going on in 2008. Let go of the past there is nothing we can do o change it but we can change the future!
That's a crazy question. Why is so much power given to a fn word? Why the hell would EH care or want to say the word? It's ignorant for anyone to say, but really people should be "allowed" to say whatever they want. We live in America remember? Free speech and all? Who give a rats ass how or why anyone uses it. If you don't like it, change the channel, or don't read the book or listen to the music. Get over it. It's just a fuckin word! In this day and time it means nothing except what you want it to mean.
Re: Lana – then why would a black person get upset when a white person uses the word.
No. The "n" word is a bad word no matter who uses it. POINT BLANK.
Perez is a hypocrite. I actually spelled out the N word on a post yesterday but it did not get posted. Yet people can post nigga and n*gger and the f-word, Perez can crap all over people he doesn't agree with, but yet actually spelling the N word is unacceptable. Please. And to all the nigs out there, try being white and having to put up with your asses and all your bullshit and all your claims of racism. Stop acting like nigs and our dislike for you will go away.
Accept the past, we ("white people") can't change the past, so leave it alone, why even, like he said Impose our "new" 21st Century white person attitude and try and take it back. Your relatives f— up, you gotta deal with the baggage unless you don't consider your self a PART of the family("White People") anymore….
You don't see white people going around calling each other "cracker"
I wouldn't cry about it BUT I think everyone needs to stop using the "N" word!
Simple logic: You can't have your cake and eat it too.
We can't all be equal yet have a word that only one race can use.
you can't compare abortion with racism! Two totally different issues. I agree with Taye Diggs 100%
Re: Tina –
Also I don't want the word to be used period.
I don't want to use it. I don't like it.
Just 'cuz I'm a girl doesn't mean I call my friends "bitches."
I had a girl call me "bitch" in an 'endearing' way and I still got pissed at her.
Also I don't think anyone should use the word.
I'm a girl but I don't let other girls call me "bitch."
I had a girl call me "bitch" in an 'endearing' way and didn't like it.
Re: santa – So when does it end? We are more educated than our ancestors, so when do we say enough? Also, if you were to actually pay attention to what EH was trying to say; explain this to a 4 year old and have it make sense, it cannot be done, the whole concept of 'I can but you can't' doesnt make any sense, to anyone. No one owns this word, no one. We all live in this world together, we need to be able to get along, this doesnt help.
Re: Tina – Oops, didn't think my first comment posted.
Anyways, I don't want to call anyone that word. I think it's a bad word that shouldn't be used by anyone. I don't like it.
Re: Angel – I agree all except for letting the past go. Easier said than done.
Re: hayle – Learn how to be white and be known as a racist just because of the color of your skin. Black people are given everything to compensate them for something that happened hundred of years ago. But it seems like everyone forgets about it because then what would you have to complain about. Black people arent so innocent and are reacist against whites all the time. Besides you know your not the only one that was ever treated badly. Asians were put into camps because of pearl harbor, jewish people were treated just as badly as blacks because of hitler, and the list can go on and on. I'll give black people respect when im given respect back. As a girl living near the detroit area, i dont appreciate walking into a room and because of the way im dressed i get call a typical rich white girl becasue my parents work hard. I'll also maybe give a little more respect when my friend who was almost beaten to death because he was white and the black guys didnt like it, gets an apology.
I hate when black people today say how they were miss treated by me. It was our ancestors who did all that. So don't blame me for something that I didn't do in the first place. And if you really wanna look back their own kind did it to them as well.
there is a huge stigma on the word. If people stop reacting to it, people will find something else. All people are looking for is a reaction.
It's just a word people. The n word is a part everyday talk between both races. I find words like jigaboo or coon more offensive. Everybody deserves an opinion and there will always be conflict over this word. Just get over it already!
Everyone needs to stop using the word. I'm mixed and find the word disgusting to begin with. It's a double standard when only blacks can use a word, but if someone white uses it they shit bricks. If they would just stop using the word, it wouldn't be such a debate like it is and continues to be.
I am a white person who is offended by any racial slur. When black people call each other that I think it makes them sound trashy, not empowered. Hurtful words that descibe someone's race, sexual orientation or anything else should not be considered ok by the media or anyone else. I am also a young, blond, married with children, religious republican. Just like Elisabeth.
I think that black people should be able to use the word and white people shouldnt, it is racist if it comes from white people and just another word when it comes from a black person. BIG DEAL, who cares, let them use it all they want, it a horrible word but its now their word to use how ever they want. And im pretty sure if a black person calls another black person that word it quite normal.
Re: Lana –
Why is it acceptable for me to buy the CD - but not sing the lyrics?
I think that if we as white people were to use a term like that for ourselves and we told black people not to use it because we "own" it, they would have a monster fit about it and call us racist even more. I think that NO ONE should use it, nobody can "own" a word. They just want to have something else to complain about. I have a biracial nephew and if my sister ever heard him say that, she would die!
I have to agree with Elizabeth on this, although she did not articulate her position all that well. When black people use that word, they don't use it in a bubble - they use it in a world where people of every race hear it. When a white child hears that word come out of a black person's mouth, I think it is more likely that the white child will think "this is an acceptable word to use," than that she'll realize "this word is ok for THAT PERSON to use because they're taking possession of it." Give me a break. Using the word at all keeps it in our society rather than it being considered an outdated term associated with a different (and worse) time in our history. That's where it belongs. Whatever race we are, we're all being broadcast the same messages. To assume that everyone who hears that word come out of a black person's mouth will understand that it's only ok when it comes out of a black person's mouth is rediculous. Kids don't filter things that way. So, I think anyone who thinks it is ok for ANYONE to use that word should think about the fact that although the user feels like their "taking possession" of a bad word and turning it around, the people they're communicating to might not get that message.
Taye Diggs - when black neighborhoods are no longer crime zones, when black women stop being baby mamas, when your community starts to have some self-respect and stops emulating criminals and shooting one another… that's when it will matter what words you use or what you're called. Until then, you've got a lot bigger problems than a word. But of course, being outraged and offended is money in the bank these days.
I am white, but i am so f-ing tired of white people saying they're sick of the "race card" being played. Come on, you people are living sheltered lives in the suburbs. How can you be so daft? Go suck my dick!
I don't think that anyone that is NOT foreigner or black can have an opinion about this word.
I am a refugee living in holland and even here the white people have created a word to rever to everthing that is NOT white… So I do know what he means by taking the word back and making it mean something else…
that is our way of making something good of a bad thing… and there is no difrence in if he ever lived in the slavery century or not… this kind of words will never lose it's power aslong as we (refugees, foreigners and other colourd skin people) don't do something about it!! and this is our way of doing it!!!
Re: melis – Wait every white person lives in suburbs? I must have missed that.
i think it needs to stop being used … everyone wants to "eliminate" the seperation and promote equality, yet using this word that was meant to put down black people is promoting segregation and isn't advancing equality. I understand black people are trying to show that a word can't hurt them, but alot of white teens who admire black comedians and rappers and want to speak like their idols, can't because they aren't allowed, even when they don't mean it in a derogitory way, they mean it in the same way as the comedian/rapper uses it. I don't know… i was on team Elizabeth
mostly all of the people expressing their views on this blog disagree with Taye Diggs. Most of their responses are: "slavery ended a long time ago." That I agree with, but that DOES NOT mean that racism ended when slavery did. Why arent your parents teaching you this! Racism didnt magically disappear. It STILL exists today. Thats what people need to realize. 40 years ago, (when your parents were born) WHICH IS NOT LONG AGO, that is only ONE generation, so it is not long ago, white people were committing HORRENDOUS ACTS OF CRIME (which they were) towards black people. 10 years ago, ALL OF YOU WERE ALIVE THEN, a black man was pulled behind a pickup truck for hours and died…guess who were driving the truck…white men. SO PLEASE DONT SAY THAT NO WHITE PEOPLE ARE RACISTS IN AMERICA TODAY, AND NO WHITE PEOPLE CALL BLACK PEOPLE N-WORDS ANYMORE. its lies..but if thats what you have to do to sleep well at night…SO BE IT.
Re: Sem – Yeah we have no opinion because the word cracker and being referred to as whitey does not offend any of us. Damn it i hate to be the one to say it but this is the reason why im starting to really hate blacks and really wish that we would close off the border.
WTF?!? You are enslaved for years and now you think it's a good idea to make the N word cool? What do you think your grandparents would say??? That's disrespect. Retire that word for good. I agree with what people are saying on here, stop acting like you're so hard done by now a days… Most of my friends are brown or black and they get treated just like anyone else.
wow…u guys are saying that racism doesnt exsist!? with one post i had 3 white people call me the n word. and other racial slurs… just look through page 13, 14, 15.
so stop being in DENIAL. im right racism does exsist and is alive and well (sad but true). SO BEFORE YOU TRY TO CRITICIZE THE BLACK COMMUNITY ON USING THE WORD, FOCUS ON YOUR COMMUNITY AND TELL THEM TO STOP. BECAUSE THE WAY WHITE PPL USED IT, LIKE THEY JUST DID RIGHT NOW, WAS NOT A TERM OF ENDEARMENT BUT FOR HATRED.
LIKE WHOOPI SAID, CLEAN UP YOUR OWN DIRTY HOUSES BEFORE TRYING TO CLEAN SOMEONE ELSES.
black people are way more racist against white people now.
Re: Martic – In regards to Taye Diggs, uhhhh yes, I think he is married to a white person, so I agree; WTH is he talking about in my book he doesn't need to say anything about this at all!!!!!
I think that anything that encourages a divide, such as one race of people can say something but another can't, should be discouraged. Surely the word isn't valued so much that it really can't be let go of. The thing I disagree with is the quote "don’t take a word that YOU created"…I find that insulting…I didn't create this word…I am not actually responsible for everything other white people have done/said in the history of the world.
KAM- wtf? my parents didn't teach me that racism was dead. I think you're not so keen on white peple, that's what I think.
Oh, so one guy was pulled behind a van and killed by white people.. that means WE'RE ALL RACIST. I bet there was a white guy killed behind a van at some point too. Some people hate other races, that doesn't mean that we all do. Don't try to preach to all white people like they're all that way. What the fuck gives you the right.
lets lay off the race card. no one should be able to say it. by being offended when a white person says it, the seperation between races remains
Gosh he sounds stupid lizzie didn't create that word uhhh NOOOO so what was point of that statement? how is the n word positive? if when ppl use you still bruise then dear it's not positive.
Re: denve – Re: denve – you're fucking ridiculous and ignorant.
WHY SO SERIOUS??
Black people like to use the "race" card alot and say that everyone is racist against them. but the sad truth is that blacks are the biggest racist.
this is a response to peri: NO PERI, that is not the case. the crimes white people did on black people are 500 times more than black on white. so please no black people do not have that much HATE in their HEARTS to ever commit heinous crimes like burning someone alive because they have a different skin color than them. AND THAT WAS 10 YEARS AGO TOO. and NO your parents havent told you the whole story about racism in AMERICA, because one its WAY TOO GRAPHIC and they feel GUILTY. BECAUSE IF YOU KNEW THE WHOLE HISTORY…YOUR VIEWS WOULD CHANGE ABOUT THIS ISSUE.
how do black people use the race card??? someone please answer that question with an educated reply. how would you know when a black person faces prejudice, its not valid??? who are you to tell someone that they are just playing the race card when they actually have been hurt by ignorant people in America like you?
Re: kam – Im white, i must have horrible memory because im pretty sure i never burned a person alive. Thanks though, now i know that i should hate all my fellow white people ebcause all we do is burn houses down adn beat the shit out of all the black people.
To all of the white people commenting on this board:
Feel free to use the N word as you like. Just don't make the mistake of saying it to a black person, because if you do, expect an ass whupping.
If you can't say it to someone's face, don't say it at all. Use it at your own risk.
I agree with Mr. Diggs.
OMG! I am so sick and tired of blacks getting by with using it because they are black… E. Hasselbeck is correct in her statement.. everyone just stop using it. I am white and it makes me cringe when I hear anyone say it…. enough with the double standards already…
"But many of you have benefited from the enforcement of slavery."
I haven't. As a third generation American, I have received no benefits from the enforcement of slavery. My ancestors weren't slaves, but they were poor and I have nothing from them. If anything, white Americans are reveiving less benefits solely because the government is trying to kiss up to blacks with affirmative action and scholarships etc, so stop pitying yourself.
When my 9 yr od saw the "N" word carved into a park bench I told him that that is a VERY bad word and can NEVER be used. I went on tell him that he coud say the "F" word and s–t before ever using that word. He got the message and still think I was right to teach that.
I thought, we as US citizens had freedom of speech. If that is still the case (maybe not, seems as if the democrates are taking all of our freedom away), then we should be able to say what we please to whom ever we please. If you don't like what I say, then don't listen to me. simple as that.
Jessie Jackson uses N Word = debate
Charles Barkley puts down white players all season long = Laughter
Imus says word Nappy = Loss of wages, fired, congressional hearing, and the death penalty.
Does that make sense?
thats some of the most racist shit i have ever heard in my life! he should be ashamed of himself! fuck you taye diggs!
Taye Diggs has every right to say that. The reality is that black people often are still subjected to prejudice, bigotry, and derogatory terms such as the N word by white people, even today in the 21st century. Unless white people (and in fact all non-black people) want to claim that these social differences don't exist (stupid), then black people will continue to be forced to operate on an unequal plane. Since we are working within that framework of inequality, it is justified that a black person be allowed to call another one (who of course must also consent to being called the term) by the N word.
Basically, in summary: structural and institutional inequality has made us unequal. Let's not pretend we are equal even today. Since we're unequal I see no problem if equals (blacks) address each other how they see fit, but do in fact have a problem with whites using it.
I personally don't use it, and if I were called it by someone black would ask them to kindly refrain. If I were called it by someone white, especially in a derogatory context, it would be a WHOLE different story.
Omg, the "N" word shouldn't even be used by black ppl…It's a horrible demeaning word….&& the word Nigg'a is just annoying…
Re: Kam – Preach! These niggaz don't understand!!!!!!
Re: sarah – I completely agree with you Sarah. I would like to see any minority today live as a white person. Being a middle-class white these days is the hardest class to live in. We don't get any support from anyone, because we are NORMAL. It is the minority's who receive the grants, the scholarships, the full-rides, the housing..all of the government's pity, all because they are a "minority". So for them to shove something like that into my face and use it against me is ridiculous. Everyone needs to stop complaining and move forward, and be thankful they're the goddamned minority - because they sure are getting a hell of a lot more than us normal white people are! Cut the bullshit reverse racism and move on.
As a Black Women, I must agree with him. White people should never use the N word. We (Blacks) have incorporated the N word into our race to give it less meaning of a word of endearment rather than what it is meant to do! I have been called the N word and still to this day, am stilled called the N word. White people (All people) have a right to their opinion, but, don't try to make this into something that has no meaning. I don't use the N word, but, I know family members and family that use the N word has a term of endearment. To tell the truth, society hasn't changed their minds about Black people in 200 years and now, they want to pretend they have changed…Give Me a Break!! I work in a professional office and still feel like I'm not accepted due to my skin color. I don't trust white people!! Most Black's don't trust white people and that's the TRUTH! Because, I know my profession (5 times better than others) and I don't allow their opinions and perception to off-set my professional believes. I'm percieved has not friendly!! I don't care, I refuse to take part in their opinions and insecurities. I don't feel white folks owe me anything. White people are guilty and they know we know!!
Black people need to research their history. Whites did NOT enslave them, their own people did. Their people are the ones that sold them, not whites. Yes, slavery was rough, but it was a long time ago. Blacks are the only people that have not let go of what happened, and constantly blame the whites for the state they are in today. No one is suppressing you today, blacks! You live in America, in the land of freedom. You are welcome to do whatever it is you like in this country, to build yourselves up and become something. It is the negative attitude and continued racism of black people that suppresses them. Those black people will never get anywhere if they don't move forward and embrace what the world has to offer to them.
I agree with Elisabeth. Members of the African-American society insist on using a word that was once used as a degrading term when ancestors have worked so hard to rise from the days of slavery. It is a step backwards to use the "N" word. Whether you are white or black, the use of the "N" word is a reminder that racism is still existing. We can't expect to be seen equal yet separate ourselves with the use of a word. It needs to be eliminated altogether.
If we could all just get along….BLACKs and WHITEs should be able tosay whatever makes them happy…But if blacks want the whites to stop saying it then blacks should stop saying it as well. Don't be contradictive… The word actually has a meaning and it could stand for a white person just as much as a black person. Everyone needs to get the dictionary out a look it up. Then comment………..
I hear person of every color and race saying it and I don't think it will ever stop. How about we stop calling whites "whitey" or "cracker"?
Re: Slim – You are ignorant beyond belief. White people have tried accepting black people, but it is the attitude that you have that makes it impossible. Black people refuse to trust white people, even when the white people do EVERYTHING in their power to prove their trust. I'm tired of the black community acting like we're the racist ones. Look at what blacks have: Black History Month, BET, black magazines, radio shows, tv programs. You have a fucking month devoted to you! Yet, if a white person EVER demanded a "Caucasian History Month" or WET…you would call us racists. Just because you are black doesn't mean you are entitled to more than those around you. Every race in history goes through shit, and they move on, while your race is the only one that can't seem to do the moving on. We've been patiently waiting for long enough, and I think black people have finally made it clear it's never going to happen. So my response to that is, shut the hell up and give us all a break! We tried and you didn't, so you have brought this once again upon yourselves! And yes, I said AGAIN, because it is your people that started this racism mess to begin with!
We are nothing but a WUSS Nation. You people need to read your Bill of Rights. We have the freedom of speech. If you don't like what people say, don't listen to them! Bunch of WUSSIES! Grow the fuck up or go live in some other country, perhaps Russia!
No one should be able to say it. I hate it when black people act entitled.
Words are just that: Words. They have no power in and of themselves. It was the despicable Johnny Cochran who created the loathesome phrase "N-word," as if even saying the word was vile beyond measure. What the word does do is frame the speaker, not the subject. The person who uses that word is bigoted and ignorant. Archie Bunker used every racial slur ever written and probably made up a few more. Are we to say that episodes of "All In The Family" ought to be banned because of the language? The double standard is ridiculous. If black people can use it, then it's just a word. Saying that I can't because I'm white is just stupid. I refuse to give special preference to a word that even Jesse Jackson uses indiscriminately.
I am black, i dont use the word…I dont allow anyone in my presence to use the word. I am educated about the word and its history unlike most of those who use it and those who are educated on it are just ignorant. And we wonder why we as a people cant pull it together.
Left wingers crack me up they are so damn phonies. Right wingers were supposed to be the big brother people; the uncaring; the haters; Just read your statement….should no one BE ALLOWED to use the WORD or should SOM BE ALLOWED to use that word. Of course any right thinking American KNOWS that we are ALLOWED to use any GD word we please! The left in this country are the thought, speech, and freedom POLICE!!!
Good thing 'we' as taxpaying whites don't feel that way about how 'our' welfare funding is distributed, isn't it???
that's so ridiculously dumb
she didn't call anyone that
and he wasn't called it for 'many years'
it's all our predecessors - we all need to move on and be equal and that means no more stupid comments like "you don't understand what it's like to be black"
how about we all agree that we know what's it like to be HUMAN and EQUAL
i feel as a black person who attended an all white school my entire life that white people shouldnt use it..i agree that they do not understand what it is like to be called that. i know that if you were to ever come to bermuda and be white and say the n word you will have one rude awakening. Go Mr. Diggs and im sorry to all of you who don't understand but like he said if you aren't black your not gonna get it.
The sad thing is that the racism is being reversed, a white person says the n word and its a huge issue, a black person says something racist to a white person and nobody gives a crap. Oh and for Taye Diggs whole "you called me this for many, many years" shit, not al white people have been in america since the 1600's. Just FYI i am a white woman and none of my ancestors on either side ever owned slaves, Shit man my famiy faced prejudice too but i am not trying to claim a word.
the "N" word shouldnt be used at all…by ANYONE!!!! I was raised in an all black neighborhood, and i dont even here them calling each other the "N" word…
if you feel its ok for you to say it, then anyone can say it…
DONT USE THE N WORD ITS DISRESPECTFUL !!!!!! EVEN YOU AFRICAN AMERICANS SHOULDNT USE IT !!!!!!!!!! ITS DISRESPECTFUL - YOU THINK ITS OK TO DISRESPECT YOUR OWN PEOPLE - THEN OTHER PEOPLE WILL TOO
Re: Nunya – Lol. So true. We should cut the welfare and have blacks do real work on the plantations so they can earn a living. Put an end to drug dealing. It would be perfect. They'd all be employed on the plantations.
Re: butl – wow.. are you serious? you have just proved taye diggs point. you as a white person don't get it. first of all, black people have BET, Jet magazinge and black history month.. why? BC most networks tv shows are catered to white people. why? bc they are created by white people. so, if white people are writing tv scripts based on life experiences, most likely they are not thinking about black people bc its just not who they are surrounded by (for the most part) so, if most tv writers are white, most shows wont have black faces. so, BET was created for blacks so we can have shows that we can relate to. you have WET its called ABC NBC CBS you get it? think of all the all time popular tv shows. and tell me how many had black faces in the cast. for example, friends, satc, will and grace, sienfeld, i can go on… just open your mind. as a white person, you cant see how things are catered to you. be serious. look at the faces on magazines. how often is a black model chosen for the cover? we need these outlets for expression. and why does it matter its ONE channel and people bitch about it. as a black person i wouldnt give a damn if there was a jewish channel, gay channel.. id think that was nice for them. but for some reason some white people get offenended when we get one little thing.. i dont care if there was an asian month. who cares? you want a white month? actually i think you have 11 to be exact. stop fitting into the ignorant white sterotype.
I agree with the stance that black people need to get over this whole notion that the white man owes them something. We owe you NOTHING!
white people will never understand what the "N" word means to blacks. Just because none of us black people today weren't born in slavery days doesn't mean they haven't been call it in the current time. The "N" word in the dictionary basically means an ignorant person. Black people has changed the way the word is used toward our people and changed it. To me thats what has other races (meaning non black) mad about blacks using the word. So, i agree 100% with Diggs!!!!
Re: KevinK – Please justify. I completely agree that whites gave Jews hell too, but we (blacks) worked for 300 years without compensation on top of enduring severe mental and physical abuse, which persists to this day. Quit trying to change the subject and take responsiblity for the actions of your ancestors!!!!!!!!!! I say take responsiblity because you guys have reaped the benefits from their disgusting laws and actions. Present day whites may not have physically beaten the shit out of a slave or hanged one from that matter. But your ancestors did and I would be embarrased to be associated with such mass murderers. I honestly feel that if whites want to reconcile with blacks, a simple apology and acknowledgment of the fact that slavery was vile and unjust institution. Also the talks of REPARATIONS should be in the apology as well.
theres a comment that refers to taking welfare away frm black ppl and making them work on plantations - Who ever wrote that comment u r an A$$ !!! Black ppl are not the only ppl who are on welfare…ppl who need help to support themselves as well as there kids are applicable for welfare….
when ur mother gets old and gray - hopefully she will get denied the help she will need from welfare !@!@
Re: kionn – I agree with u..she needs to shut the F%^& up..let us be..we sufferd enough and its our time
I wonder if he thinks it's okay for his WHITE wife to use that word.
to HOLEI: you wont know if he was ever called the N word, i am a black person of the 21st century who is in my early 20's and have been called the N word by a white person more than once. It is people like you who act like racism is not present who continue the cycle! No white person can possible understand what it mean to be black in America!
Good God People!!! get a fucking grip. It is just a word, and words only hurt if you give them power.
and by the way wearing a purple tie, with a green checked shirt and a brown pinstripe coat is something only a man of a certain race can get away with.
Why is it that black people are always bitching about racism but always seem to be the ones to start a controversy regarding it. Get over it. It is 2008. Stop crying about what people may or may not call you and live your life. Everyone has a right to their own opinion whether they are black, white, purple or blue so shut the hell up.
i think he is ignorant.
Re: LizCH – A-FUCKING-MEN!!
As a white person, I can understand that black's don't want us to use it (I'd never use it anyway). BUT…what are we supposed to teach small children who hear black children call each other that word? Of course kids will repeat it. How do you teach a child that only black people can use that word? That will be a very difficult issue to get around.