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.]
I agree…
AND….what is this do as i say, not as i do!?!? It doesn't work like that!! i wouldnt call myself white trash…. and i wouldnt like it if other origins did either.
I have respect for myself and if the N word is still hurtful (and i can understand why) why would you call yourself that??…
In my opinion, to keep using such derogatory comments means that you do not want to shed the hurt…it doesn't make logical sense. If you can try to make me understand i am open to try.
Re: Faye – And what words would those be?? Cause I don't know anyone who uses racial epithats towards each other of the same color….Should germans call each other "Hey my nazi" cause it belongs to them? How about Indian women…."Hey my squaw"….I know, I know…Hey my cracker?? I know a white person didn't make that one up…..makes me wonder if mexicans call each other spics….what do you think?
NO ONE should use it!!!!!!!
Its a word… no one can stop people from saying a word. so if a black person wants to say it they CAN.. we have free speech in America (for the most part), BUt it doesnt mean they SHOULD say the word. Any other race should not use the word in a negative way, but we can say what we want!.. People should just chill the F&@K out and say what they WANT or DONT WANT to say… its up to you!!
I don't think we should become so obsessed with this. We need to treat each other respect. If a black man wants to call another black man that word but they both take it in a respectful way then there is no problem. It is all about tone and what you mean by it. Just because a black person uses the N word does not mean they are now asking for people to treat them badly or encouraging racism. If you think it is a bad word then don't use it. If someone around you is using it in a hateful fashion tell them it makes you uncomfrotable.
I find race relations in America very sad. I never realized the kind of tension that existed there until I became an adult and started watching the news and visiting your country. Please just treat everyone with respect no matter their creed, gender, race, size, orientation etc.
“They can have an opinion, but… don’t take a word that you created and called me for many, many years,"
This is where I have an issue…you. I didn't create that word, pretty sure Elizabeth didn't create that word. It's something that offends me and apparently her, and, as he said, she's entitled to her opinion. But I can't stand the generalization that "whites", as in all of us, created the word…
here is to all ignorant white people posting on this board. yae is right. You have no idea what you are talking about.
FYI: The word your (white) people created that ends in "ER" was used by bigots then and now. It technically means an ignorant person, but is commonly used as a derragatory word for black people. (Ex. I hate black people. they are N***ers)
The word our (black) people created was in response to the aforementioned. It ends in "A". This word was changed to take the sting out of the other. It is commonly used by black people who take pride in changing the meaning of the word. It refers to a black person as a form of endearment. (Ex. I love my of best friend. He is my N…A).
Why dont you people understand this. We took your ugly word, changed it into a term of endearment, and you get mad we changed it? How mighty white of you!
We had a big debate about this at work and our conclusion is: Using the "N" word is only okay for black people. Just like gay people calling each other "queen" or "fag" is okay. Or girls calling each other "bitches" or "whore". It is okay to use the word in your own particular group. But when an outsider of that particular group uses the word, it takes on a completely different meaning.
However, I personally feel, that if we are striving for a better world, one in which we are all equal, then using any type of negative words that will bring ourselves or others down, is not acceptable. It is not a perfect world…but I think we should all be a little more tolerable of others.
ok how about this.. me being of mixed several races.. mostly black and white.. how about we just make a word that only white people an call each other and get upset when a black person uses it towards us.. and make a big deal about it and tell the black people YOUR WRONG only we can say that.. will we be even then? how about cracker..?? i like cracker..
Having grown up white and in a western state, I don't know what its like to be black. But I know what hypocracy is. The "you can't say this but I can" mentality is degrading to EVERYONE and it PROMOTES HATE. I guess I could probably take back "cracker" but frankly, I would still find it insulting.
my sister, who has class with a few black males, said that they told the class that the N word is NOT ok, but that nigga was…. whoooooo knowwwwws!!
This subjected always pisses me off, yes what happen to blacks is horrible but don't say we shouldn't have an opion I don't think we should say it at all, and anthor I don't call anyone the N wrod. It was my ansisters who started that not me, I don't judge someone cause there great great great grandfather killed someone, so way are they still judgeing us for the N word.
The word in question was an ignorant name used by ignorant people of the time. I don't understand how a word that gave rise to so much hurt can be used so casually now. It doesn't matter whose word it "belongs" to; it's a racial slur regardless of who speaks it. It's time to grow up and start speaking intelligently.
I lost alot of respect for taye when he said this….."we" did not create the word and that in itself is ignorance…I volunteer working with inner city youth which are predominatly african american, I hear this word all too often…I think its this mind set that its ok for african americans to use this derogatory language that holds many members of the black community back…I feel it is no longer the white community opressing the black community, but the black community oppressing the black community…things like this are just sad…
I don't think it should be used at all.
It's derogatory no matter who uses it.
I get embarrassed when the elderly use that word…
Times have changed. I don't care if they did use it "back in the day".
You could get beat up for calling someone of color that word.
Blacks need to STOP using slavery as a crutch in our society. They want whites to not use the N word but they are ok with perpetuating the negative history of that word within their own circles. why do black people think that we still owe them something? If you don't what white people to "perpetuate racism"….DONT DO IT YOURSELVES!!
honestly if they dont want "WHITE PEOPLE" using the n word "BLACK PEOPLE" should not be able to use to the word.."BLACK PEOPLE" are then putting the word into society..which makes it usuable by everyone..as i see it they are putting racism into the world by saying white people cant use the word..that puts seperation bewteen us..dont "BLACK PEOPLE" want us to all be equals!!..i guess not …
What do I think? He's a fucking idiot and a piece of shit. Don't jumble all fucking white people into slave owners and racist pigs. It's like jumbling all black people and calling them the fucking N word. If you don't like the fucking word, don't use it. If you use it, you can damn well expect others to use it as well. Stop being so fucking ignorant. Get a new fucking excuse for your dumbass behavior. Fuck this shit.
When Obama becomes president, are all of you dumb fucks going to stop pulling the race card??
I remember some discussion like this on Oprah.
I agree with what she said, black people using it confuse others in thinking it is an OK word. I think they were trying to say that when two black people say it to each otehr they say it in a slightly different way and therefore it is OK.
p.s. taye diggs doesn't know what it's like to be white
OH PUH-LEEZE! What year are we living in?!??! This subject is getting so out of control. I am a white person that will tell anyone (black, yellow, white, red, etc.) that using the "N" word is inappropriate for ANY HUMAN BEING regardless of rage, sex, and religion. How dare Taye say we created the word, they took it, made it their own, leave it alone - we DID NOT create the word - it was created ions ago in a different place and time. The "N" word is offensive to anyone that hears it. If you want to go around calling your family and friends the "N" word then fine, do not do it in my presence because I do not believe it should be used by ANYONE. Black or white. Blacks and whites will never be equal because society won't let that happen, ESPECIALLY BLACK PEOPLE. Do you know what would happen if we had a White Miss America, White Scholarships, White Entertainment Network, etc. You won't see that happen. There are those of us that want our world to be one society then there are those that want to stay in the past. Stay there. I'm not. And I refuse to hear anyone use the "N" word in my house or in my presence. It can stay in our history books where it belongs.
no one is going to stop using it ever….step outta hollywood for once perez and look at the world around you….racism is everywhere no matter who is being called what. hardly a great subject to bring up, it will never end….
Yeah, and what's mine is mine, and what's yours is mine. Wrong, wrong, wrong.
I appreciate what Taye Diggs is saying, but I don't think that word has a place in the national vocabulary. It is a vile, terrible word and I think it is time to be forgotten.
It should be allowed to every body to say de N word or forbidden to every body to say such word; otherwise it would be discriminitation. In addtion i would like to clear up that in spanish languaje the meaning of the word Black is NEGRO, so for spanish speakers is the same thing…. to say black or negro. It is more a bebate about traditions and history using that word in the USA…In the rest of the worl NOBODY CARES or see any diference or offensive things……..Maybe the view journalist should try to get some internationl opinions about it, to show how only people can make an offense from a simple word that indicates a color.
Blacks are the ONLY RACE THAT DEGRATES THEMSELVES LIKE THAT…
JEWS DONT CALL EACH OTHER = KIKES
LATINS DONT CALL EACH OTHER = SPICKS
ASIAN DONT CALL EACH OTHER =KOOKS, CHINKS OR SLANT EYES.
but hey if black people like to be degrated by there own kind far be it for me to say anything……
BUT DONT COMPLAIN WHEN EVERYBODY USES IT…..
this guys is a DUMBASS, the D word. it's so ignorant of black people to make such a big deal about the "N word" when they use it on each other all the time. If you don't want to be called that, stop calling yourself that, retards. seriously get over yourself, just making an excuse for attention, EVERYONE is different, there is white, pink, brown and black yes black people around the world and we only hear YOU bitch about it. GET-OVER-IT.
Taye Diggs is 200 years old?!?
Get off your high horse.
Taye Diggs is dead on. And since I'm White, I can say: "White people, shut the fuck up."
I agree with Taye 100%.We ( white people) should just stay out of it.We are the ones that created that derrogatory word, and they are just making the best of it.So, Elizabitch mind your own business!!
He is right, as a white person, I have no clue what its like to be a black person. I do know what its like though to be called a cracker, to be called a honky, to be called white trash, to be screamed at on a bus because I decided to sit at the front, for being chased down the street just for being "a white girl in a black neighborhood"…Also being half native american, I know what its like to be called an 'indian giver', to be called a mutt, to be called a 'red', asked if I can make the rains come, about scalping, etc….Racism is everywhere. Just because I don't understand what it is like to be a black man, does not mean I have no clue what its like to be a white girl in a poor black neighborhood. It doesnt mean I don't understand racism. It doesn't justify his or anyone elses use of a racist word. End of story.
what about the word CRACKER!?!?!?!?!?!
black people shouldn't be allowed to use that word EVER again….
if this is the card they are going to play……
…………..babies
If it's such a terrible word, why are black people still using it in their daily vocabulary. If it's so derogatory then don't use it! Lead by example. I'm Jewish and I would never call a fellow Jew a Kyke because it's so disrespectful and I wouldn't expect anyone else to use that word either.
Who cares!!!! *igger is just as bad (to some people) as saying FUCK or CUNT.
People (as in Black and White) should leave it alone! If you say it to a black person you know what the reaction will be. If I said to some chick, You are such a CUNT, well I know what will happen. So should we never say the C word or the F word, NO! Use it however you want to, but know you will offend people.
Augh I am so sick of this black/white crap. Half of what he is saying is shit.. That man does not know what it was like when that word was really used against people who were slaves. If it really offended him, then he as a black man wouldn't use it. Get a life…Isn't your wife white brotha man.
I take offence that he say's, "You created that word" I never created that word and I don't ever want anyone to say that to me, just because I am a white women does not mean I created a word that the black people have been called. I hate that word!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't understand the entire situation. When I look out into the world I try and see equal, but it was Jesse Jackson, not a white person, that brought race and color into the issue. So why does anyone need to use hate words to describe themselves or their culture. "owning" the word doesnt make it less hateful.
sad! he's just repressing black people. go ahead keep using the word but don't complain when someone calls you it.
This guy is a massive idiot. This is the reason we are where we are. Yes, I remember when elizabeth called people the N word for many many years.
What the hell?? If we ALL are created equal, and we ALL are human beings who bleed the SAME color blood, then for christ sake we ALL can use it. Plain and simple. Not to say it should be used in a racist deragatory manner, but come on people!! TIME TO END THE SEPARATION!!!!! Even this ONE word is STILL dividing us. NO one should be able to dictate who can and cant use a word, its completely proposterous, childish, and counter productive!!! You cannot dictate who can and cant use specific WORDS. Either we ALL get over it and stop using it or this debate and problems will continue. We get it ok?? Yes, African Americans are still burned by the past…but its time to move on. Time to progress forward and stop letting your past dictate your future and the way you behave towards people who SUPPORT your movements for equality. Its a horrible degrading and disgusting word any way its used.
Re: tattooed white trash –
No matter who is in the White House, as long as you hold the deck and the deck is stacked, minorities in America have the right every day to pull out one little ass card. You hold the deck, we hold one card, and your asses still bitch!
A
Re: LUCY –
AMEN!
Oh, Miz Scarlet!
I don't know nothin' ’bout birthin' no babies!
I agree with Taye. I am white and would personally never use that word, but I will call other white people "crackers" with no hesitation (although that's really just because it's funny to say). If African-Americans want to use the n-word, that is totally their prerogative. I can understand where Elisabeth is coming from, but I don't think we should be telling people what they can and can't say.
I don't agree with Hasselbeck BUT we has 21st century people did not create the word. We need to look past the WORD and look more at what it represents today to ever move on. YES slavery has put blacks even today (you can deny it all you watn) at a huge disadvantage to white people, but is anyone really doing anything to help that? Yes it happened over a hundred years ago and yes it affects many people today. Let's work on how we can improve what slavery has affected in the lives of many blacks today - yes we do owe blacks something, we owe them to have equal oppurtunities just like everyone else, which they don't have. As far as the word goes, get over that and address the real issues. Use the word by all means but stop arguing about the use of a word.
Re: Kionn –
WE did nothing to YOU. "I" did nothing to "YOU". That wasn't our generation. It's not YOUR generation. I'm sure you are aware that our country also bent over backwards trying to straighten everythign out during the civil war killing thousands just for YOU GUYS. and yet you still hold a grudge?
By separating races you are still creating racism.
Move on with it.
xoxo
i just don't understand why black people can use the word soooo much and it means nothing to them and then if a white person says it, it's like the world has come to an end for a black person.
The word itself is horrible
but if black people can say it, white people should be allowed.
simple as that
Sounds like a bit of hypocrisy. White people can't say the word because it's discriminatory. Hmmm. Looks like his position on the topic is discriminatory.
Re: Holstein9 –
Nice.
It's soo cool to get high and mighty on your whiteness on comment board.
I'm white too, but I like or dislike people for who they are, not their skin.
This is one of the most ignorant things a person could say. If you don't want to be segregated in the real world, don't create your own "world" and don't give anyone a reason to single you out. It's not right that if a white person says that to a black person, they get offended, but if one of their homies comes and says it, it's cool. You either let everyone use it or you don't. There is no "our world" or "their world". We live on the same damn planet. I wish people would stop acting like they're owed something.
The N word should not be used by anyone. Just because you use it differently does not mean it changes its orginal meaning.
Additionally, just because someone isn't Black, does not mean that they have not been discriminated against.
I have heard young Black people use that word—and it does not sound like a term of endearment.
I hardly think that Whoopi and Taye are any kind of authority on anything. They get fed what they say and that is their profession.
thats not how the world works.. if the black community says it to each other than i think other people can say it to.. but if they dont want others to call them the N word then they shouldnt say it at all.. but personally i dont use it and i dont think that anyone should only because of the reason it was created..
lets not forget about how the africans sold other african tribes to the colonist for slaves.
People can do what they want, as far as I'm concerned. As a white female myself, the only way I can come even close to relating to this idea of reclaiming the "n" word is the way in which strong, assertive and intelligent women have attempted to reclaim the word "bitch" in an empowering fashion. I've done it myself. However, in the long run, I'm really not a bitch and I really don't act like one, in the traditional, male-defined sense of the word. Most black people tend not to act like the white construct that is "n@gger" (i.e., foolish, servile, any string of negative words), so why even associate one's self with that kind of negativity?
people who look at this, and arnt racist (like me) just roll their eyes. that word is so last year, people should just stop making such a big deal. okay and whats that bs about white people not knowing how it feels like….please, like black people never called someone a cracker or some other racist word for a white person, a mexican, asian, or any other race. people just over exaderate on that word. sorry but there is a diffrence between 'nigga' and the other word. but you always call eachother that and its kinda like you enjoy being called it. if you dont, than dont use it. dont blame the past on the future….the people your living with these days dont use it as a slavey term. no one is out to get you.
Re: Jen – i totally agree. this goes to both races [and i'm black] slavery was 400 fuckin years ago. get the fuck over it. White people chill out. you aren't superior over ANYBODY. and black people get over yourselves. jeez. the race card needs to be burned. dnt balme anyone else for you being a bum at your momma house eatin up all your little brother's and sister's cocoa puffs.
I have a daughter who is bi-racial. When we go to her Father's family's house and she hears her black relatives use the word, she is offended. She doesn't understand why a word is bad for me to say (white) but not for her black relatives. I have no bigotry toward any group, and I fully understand that I will never understand what it is to be black…which has become more evident as my daughter gets older and race becomes an apparant issue in her life… and I raise my daughter to have respect for all sides of her heritage. I don't think I would feel good about her saying it - in any circumstance - because it has always had a negative connotation for me. I hope it has a negative connotation for her as well and that she never chooses to add it to her venacular.
why do rappers use it so does that mean that I can sing the song ,but skip the n word makes no sense I think It should just stopped been used. I hope that our generation can come up with a solution. I would hate for my kids and their kids to continue this bullshit.
Freedom of Speech bitches!!!!! That is one of the reasons America is the land of the free. NO ONE can tell me what to say and what not to say. NO ONE!!! But I will tell you what…I am f**king TIRED of this race card BS. I remember when I was in shool, if you were white you were like everyone else, but if you were black you were the "popular kid" because life must be hard for you as a "minority". F all of you! I am not going to feel ashamed of myself for being white and once black people stop hating me for being white and stop using the race card all the time, I might give a f**k what you think. You can all shut up.
First off, it is our parents and grandparents that are partially to blame for racism the way it is today. As a child I was taught to be respectful of all races and nationalities and if the "N" word bothers people don't use it. Secondly, African American's are not the first race to be exploited. That being said, the civil rights movement was not that long ago and when the last people that were alive during that period die, America can heal. The Civil Rights Act is still fairly recent and things like this do take time to heal. Healing may not happen in our lifetime however, we need to teach our children that hate is something that needs to be avoided.
By saying they have their own word he is creating a divide, which will just help racism last that much longer. I guess we should all face the music and realize that it will probably never go away, at least not in our life time. I don't feel that any race should have privileges that other races do not.
Re: Lukie – Go back to Africa? If you guys provide the transportation like you did when you stole us, then we may consider. However, we are requesting cruise lines vs. that shit y'all brought us over here in. I hate when whites say "go back to Africa". Y'all act like we asked to come over here. Please refrain from speaking on subjects you know NOTHING about!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm black and I don't ever use that word! I think people should behave and think more responsibly AND engage in a more intellectual way of speaking!!!
Clarification from all the race knowledgeable. I have two babies here. One is white in color and the other black. They are biracial. So the one who came out white can't use the word but the one who came out black can. Stupid is as stupid does I plan on teaching these children better. You want to be nothing but a color keep segregating yourself.
Re: Holei – BRAVO TO YOU!
If the Irish people who came over here worked as slaves and had condistions just as bad and were taken against their will and (italians too) and can get over being called "mic" then the black people should get over it too. They weren't slaves and we didn't have slaves, it is in the past get the fuck over it and stop feeling entitled to something.
OH MY GOODNESS! If you don't want white people to say it, Black people shouldn't either! Stop focusing on the past It's the future and half the people talking about slaves aren't and never were slaves NOW! It's a word in the dictionary I don't get mad when I get called a Tomato picker or a beaner! people will always have opinions about you, be bigger who gives a shit! Stop caring so much what people say about you or your race! black white tan all have the same rights now it's not the 1700 or anything it's 2008 look to the future you idiots! work on making things better for your kids! IT'S A WORD! you'll hear it the rest of your life, it's never going to go away stop making such a big deal about it. Making it a headline and controversy is only feeding it on.
This topic really bothers me. For a word to be so offensive to black people and cause so much controversy, why in the world would you want to create a double standard? If is so important, which I think it is, for such a disprepectful word to be ban from our vocabulary, why would you want to hold a double standard. In order for society to move foward as a whole, we must all contribute, and not just where it is convenient. While, yes, I think it is obviously more offensive when used by a white person, it is equally degrading to society when used by a black person. As a white person, I am offended by the N Word because it symbolizes so much hatred. However, whether someone is black, or white, their use of the word fuels a sence of racism. In order to truly be equal, I think it is important for everyone to share the same standards of respect.
team whoopie, sherry, and taye
I THINK THE WHOLE SUBJECT IS PURE CRAP! I AM A MIXED 21YEAR OLD FEMALE AND I DO NOT APPRCIATE BLACK PEOPLE CALLING ME THAT WORD… THATS BEING RACIST AGAINST THIER SELFS… I THINK THEY SHOULD NOT BE SO READY TO JUMP ON SOMEONE FOR USING THAT WORD, WHEN MOST BLACK PEOPLE USE IT ALL THE TIME…. IF ITS SO TOUCHY…. DONT SAY IT IN YOUR EVREY DAY LANGUGE!!!!!! GEES!!
I'm Messican. But I think the dif is that when a white person uses that word it ends in E-R. But when a black person says that word, it ends in G-A. And I think a white person or any person other than a black person sounds ridiculous saying N-i-g-g-a. It can be a term on endearment in the black community or it can be used to scold, as in Hey, my little nigga, don't be doing that." But when it's used to scold or in a derrogatory sense by a black person to another black person, well, then they've just become what they despise: A person subjugating and feeling more powerful than the one being called "nigga." To me, it's similar to Animal Farm in that the power usage of this word has shifted to the more powerful black thug beating down another black person when the term is not being used as an endearment…..
Re: kim – I agree completely, anyone who uses this word sounds uneducated. This debate will never end and some people will say it without a problem and others will be crucified when they say it. It's just one of those things that noone will ever agree on.
Re: Apoll – Nice remark against white people, you dumb racist fuck! And just because Obamas skin is black, doesnt mean he is black…he is more white than anything, especially by being raised by his WHITE mom and WHITE grandparents. That is probably why he is so educated and well spoken, and not ignorant . Nor does he probably use the n word or condone the use of it!
Why do the dumbest people always have a forum to speak?
I am black and no one black, white, asian, indian, etc should be using that word. There is no pride in it.
And no race owns a word even one that is prescribed with such hate. You can't say that you have the right to use a word but then say someone else doesn't have the right to use it. You have not empowered yourself or others when you use it in any regard. You just have made yourself look like an idiot. The argument to use that word or any modified form of it is ridiculous.
taye makes sense, where does elizabeth get the confidence from ?
Re: nonam –
really? seriously?
Implying that only one group of people are "allowed" to use a word only strengthens the belief that people are groups and should be identified as such; separate and unequal. If we begin putting restrictions on words out of political correctness and politeness that is not addressing the problem. The problem is racism and that problem flows in all directions. As a country we took back the word "yankee" and made it a symbol of national pride but to this day if a Brit calls you an american an yankee they mean it in a condescending tone.
It is 100% hypocritical to say that one race can use the word and one can not. I agree with Elizabeth that if we want to move on to a positive place, you have to stop using such an ugly, derogatory word.
I think this debate really gets into more…What is the point in constantly bringing up the past and the negative? I am tired of hearing of what happened in the past and how that entitles people to behave differently.
People of all races are victims of poverty and circumstance. We live in a country that provides more opportunities than any other place on the planet. The reality is that you can be successul no matter how little you start out with if you work your butt off. I have never done something or said something negative to any other race, while I have had people from another race be rude to me simply because they felt entitled based on history. Will my children still have to answer for the sins comitted decades before they were even born?
I just think it is pretty simple. RESPECT. We should all respect one another and speak respectfully to one another. Not just in public but in our homes…
IS IT OKAY TO ASK YOUNG BLACK MEN FROM RAPING OUR WHITE WOMAN? WOULD THAT BE ACCEPTABLE?
Black people have no idea what its like to be white and shouldn't try to tell us how to act or what to say. Wait!! i'm so confused!!!!!
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH THIS POST:
If white people can't have an opinion about "The N Word" then men shouldn't have an opinion on abortion. If that's how the logic goes…..
I sortof agree with Taye Diggs. But I really don't think ANYONE should use that word. And if his opinion is right and Whoopi's is too, then only white people can use the term "Cracker", right?
On another note….will they just let Elisabeth go already? Seriously, enough with the Republican rants and the tears. I'm so over her!
Dear Mr. Diggs,
I'm a white guy who doesn't use the N word and I certainly don't condone it….but don't tell me that "I" created it and used it. Don't blame my entire race for the sins of our ancestors. If you are African-American and want to use it, go right ahead! If you want to use a word that is inspired from hate and racism, knock yourself out. It amazes me the furor that goes into defending a word that is born out of prejudice and ignorance. And as for weighing in, Mr. Diggs, the last time I checked we still live in America and that gives me my right to an opinion.
No one should be using this word. It can't be okay for one group of people to say it without consequence, only to have another group not be able to. That's just another form of segregation and a further division of race.
Taye's option #2
LEAVE IT ALONE!
taye is absolutely right! racism still exists even in this 21st century, there are still LOADS of black people that have been called the N word by not only white people but people of other races as well and were hurt by this form of hatred and fear. Now in this day and age black people use the N word as a part of their own vocabulary and made it their own, not abusing it as a term to put othr blacks down, as people of other races did. Black people have taken the N word and made it theirs, and it can only be seen that generally somone not black would use it in a derogatory way.
The debate about using this word has been played out. It was, however, interesting to hear both perspectives (Whoppi's and EH's)…gives a little more light on the situation. I agree that this word has a different meaning as taken and dictated by the AA population. However, to use this word…and NOT expect others outside this culture to not use this word…is unfortunate. Whoppi, we may live in different cultures/"worlds", but its still the same planet, and humans, by nature, mimick their surroundings.
White people may not know what its like to be black…True. But black people don't know what its like to be white either. As with any culture, there are good and bad qualities. And one can't expect to be the SOLE judge of their own culture in a society that's trying to blend. Not a realistic expectation.
my thing is this. if you want to be treated as equal, then stop segregating yourself by saying only one race can use a certain word!!! its the same with the gays, if you want the same rights as everyone else, dont be all crazy! I am a gay man and the reason why we don't have all those right is because all people see are the gays who dress up in leather bondage and run around like queens!! Thats fine if you chose to live like that, but don't be expected to be given the same rights when you purposefully segregate yourself. If any race, sexuality, ethnicity, or religion wants to be treated the same as everyone else, stop letting those labels define you and realize we are all the same, me, you, the president, osama bin laden, ghandi, oprah winfrey. no matter the degree of hate or love, violence or peace, every human is connected, we all bleed red. thats the only way things will change, when we realize that noone is so different, no matter how many labels we identify with.
Re: Nat – Great logic….just change a couple letters and that makes it great….how are we ignorant when that is your argument? It is still the same word, I don't care how you spell it….if everyone can't say it, no one should
no one should use that word. its so stupid and confusing. no one who has ever tried to explain why black people use it, has ever done a good enough job of it and thats why people still ask about it. i work with quite a few black males, i get along with all of them i even asked them about it once. none of them ever use it and even they said they dont know why its used by people of their own race. if they dont even know why, then how are white people supposed to understand, or anybody? im not even white, im hispanic and i would never, ever use a derogatory comment to describe people of my own race, its retarded. also,i dont think its about "owning" the word, they are not "owning" it, they are just using it, plain and simple. using that word it wrong, by anybody. its just wrong.
We should all be allowed to use any words we choose. Black people and White people. If you are viewed as a racist, take the consequences and move on. It is each of our OWN decision to use that word whether it is offensive or not. I, personally, dont use it, but who am I to police someone who does. Lets all remember our rights to think and say what we want. When we "ban" little things like words, who knows what else could be banned.
I think that since we live in a free country anyone should be able to use it how they please and as a result they can deal with the ramifications themself.
But I agree; if black people want white people to stop using it as a derogatory term towards them, they ought to stop using it amongst themselves. I personally don't use the word, but I know some others who think it's fair game to refer to some black people (usually behind their backs) using that word since those people use it amongst themselves.
This word causes a lot of tension and misunderstanding. Blacks are upset because of what the word used to mean to them, yet call themselves that in order to 'change' it? I don't think so. The logical answer is to just stop using the word period. Then people will stop crying foul over semantics.
I'm white, and my family came to this country from Portugal after slavery ended. They headed right for California. No one in my family has ever used the N word. I have never even said it out loud before. I know I am not the only white person whose family came here post-slavery, and I know many white people thru out history have disagreed with it, and racism. So I think its very rude for most black people to generalize, and claim that all white people did this, and said that, and I don't think that I should have do anything for a black person because of their past, as my family had nothing to do with their troubles. Besides in the grander scheme of things, most african-americans would not have even been alive today if they had stayed in Africa. With diseases, hunger, war, HIV… etc.. , it would have been a much more difficult life. I hope that everyone takes advantage of the opportunities this country offers all of us. All countries and people have a horrid past… its time to move on.
the funny thing is I did not call you(taye diggs) that word. i have never used that word so i dont think it's fair for him to generalize and say "You called me" that word
White people have no idea of what it's like to be a person of color in this country. They never have and they never will, period. They don't know what it's like to be followed around like a criminal at a store, racially profiled, looked over for a promotion or denied a job because of the color of their skin (even if they meet the criteria for employment). They will never know what it's like to be turned away from a rental unit being told that "the place has already been rented out" even though the sign remains on the window and you see it weeks after inquiring about that rental unit.
All of these things I've experienced while living in the US of A. And all of these horrible acts committed by a white person against me, a polite, educated and harmless person of color - because of the color of my skin.
If I am in history class and that word is used to explain past events such as slavery and racism particularily in the mid 20th century, it is fine to describe what people went thourgh and ferrogatory words used. But mind you and everyone….that was all in the past. That word is as old as calling people withes. The sad this about this is that history…..why do we teach it.. sure you can learn dates andd strategies but who ever learns values and lessons from it. Until war ends…mabye I'll change my thoughts. Using this word and not letting others use is is ballistic. It shouldn't be used at all, you are jsut creating tension….ohh hollywood….american history. Sometimes I enjoy learning canadian history more becasue ther is less crap and violence then American History…not saying our hands are clean here up north though.
We now exist in a time where slavery is not an issue in modern america. Yes, yes people will argue that there are other racecentric hypothetical "shackles", but when it comes down to it, really the torture and oppression can never truly be forgiven. That being said, I am of the opinion that african americans have had just treatment and are prominent in modern society (and rightly so!). I mean, even 30 years ago, a concept like BET was unheard of. Great strides have been made. However, I think sometimes the race card is played to a double standard. I mean, certainly NO ONE would be happy if someone pitched White Entertainment Television. In years to come though, caucasions will become a minority in themselves. I also think that the majority of modern society is sensitive to terms such as the n-word, and that african americans sometimes only perpetuate the hate they fight so ardently to abolish. I mean, I think I would be disappointed if I found out Martin Luther King or Rosa Parks would refer to their friends and family using the n-word. If it is a word derived from hate, then why not abolish it? Will it really harm african americans to abolish a word that was used to oppress them?
I've never used that word, or any other racial slur, and I don't have any intention to. But I wont have anyone tell that there's so much as a word I can't use because of the color of my skin. Putting an end to racism means ending it on all counts - as long as people are excluding other people based on the color of their skin this issue isn't going to be resolved (and this includes refusing to let a race use a word). That the N-word is still being used at all is a massive back-step, and is holding back further progress in resolving racial issues. How people don't see that this stance, that black people can use this word but white people can't, is causing further racial tension is beyond me.