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.]
OBVIOUSLY EVERYONE WHO RESPONDED DID NOT EVEN READ WHAT TAYE WROTE. HE SAID IN CLEAR WORDS DONT UNDERSTAND AND DONT KNOW WHAT ITS LIKE TO BE BLACK. i dont think anyone actually READ and took into mind what hes sayingf!
Okay this guy is an idiot. We live in a society where not everything is so black and white. Many people come from a mixed background. So why should only african americans be allowed to use the word?? no one should say it. look at halle berry she is half black. but on the outside she looks like a black woman. look at mariah carey she ia half black as well but looks white. but if she said the word she would likely be ridiculed. so i just think no one should use the word. it is idiotic to say only african americans can use it because you don't know if someone is or is not african american just by looking at them.
Live and let live I say, but I don't think african americans should chide anyone for attempting to be politically correct or simply just polite, because it's just being done to prevent further hate. Perhaps less energy should be wasted on a word and more energy dedicated to helping billions of people being subjected to such ill treatment right now.
As a black female..this word should not be used by anyone! I am so sick of black people thinking the world owes us something because of the color of our skin and history. History is just that..history!Black people are constantly talking about being united and equal rights when they are constantly looking for ways to divide. I am married to a white male and I am discriminated against by more of my own so called people then the so called whitey. The world owes us nothing more than the oppts to succeed. It's up to us to quit looking for the payback and start working those oppts.
NOBODY and I mean NOBODY should use that word. I'm black and I get offended when anyone uses it…its especially ignorant when black people to use it.
Dear Mr. Diggs, I did not create the N word, nor have I ever called you that. You must have me confused with someone about 150 years ago.
If black people (or really, any minority group…but we're talking about black-community-related-things right now) want this whole issue of racism/white superiority to die, then why the hell do people like Taye and Whoopi insist on bringing it into the spotlight?
This "YOU created that word" bullshit is…well, exactly that: bullshit. I didn't create it, nor did my parents, my parents' parents, or the parents before them…just as black people living today aren't slaves, nor were their parents, or the several generations before them.
If people *TRULY* want racism and prejudices to die out, then people (like Whoopi, Taye, and anyone else who continues to cry "victim" for things that have happened to other people in other lifetimes), need to stop blaming the people of TODAY for the sins of those who came LONG before us!
ok im white and i would never in amiilon years say the n word
Re: LizCH –
I disagree… I dont like the word, frankly…. I find it demeaning. But it DOES have its place within the vocabulary of african americans. Anglo americans (and I am one) have absolutely no reference point of the lineage of slavery and racism leveraged against blacks……
it's time to just be a kinder civilization…. before we blow ourselves to smithereens……
Re: Holei –
I agree with you as a black person myself, I agree with Hasselbeck (sp) that the N word should not be used by blacks or whites. We are in this world as one, Whatever I can say a white person can say. We all should just shut the hell up about the N word we black want to freaking hold on this for what reason? we need get over this shit. We hold on this word as if it's a life line. Come on black people I am tired of you and this N WORD CRAP you'll are starting to piss me off.
Make up your minds people…if it is cool for one group to say it…then so be it….WE ALL SAY IT! move on.
no one should ever use that word. if black people want to not be called that word by white people they shouldnt use it either, or it is never going to go away. its just ridiculous. and as far as i know, that word was used to describe slaves, black people arent slaves anymore, it is not YOUR word taye diggs, its your ancestors… so let it die.
It is so stupid for a black man to say that all black men now "own" that word. No one owns words. I thought I liked Taye Diggs until he said this stupid stuff. Trust me, I hate Elizabeth Hasselback but I have to say I agree with her. I dont understand what it is like to be black. What else dont I understand? What its like living in a wheelchair? Living blind? Duh you idiot - all you understand is what you are dealt with, so don't act like you have some great insight to life because you're black. You dont know what its like to be anything else either. Call yourself whatever you want. I seriously dont care if you and Whoopi get the N-word tattooed on your faces. But dont for second think that just cuz some black people choose to use that word that its not a negative thing. Personally, I know everytime I hear someone say it - regardless of race, I know to walk away - because 9 times out of 10, that person has nothing to say that I want to hear.
I think he is just MMMPH
Re: IRITE – Please be real. 90% of television is white entertainment tv. But I understand some of your points. The goal is diversity and no group should segregate themselves, but on the other hand it shouldn't be about quotas. Equality should be organic.
I totally agree with Jen..im black and seriously black people need to get over it.
So what if someone calls you the N word? Grown up.
If we could all act like human beings, and not let things like that bother us this world would be awesome.
who gives a shit?, who gives a fuck?
It is just and opinion. Freedom of speech and all that fun stuff. Narrowmindedness must be fun!
Freedom of speech! What is wrong with all these whiners complaining everytime someone uses a controversial word? What about 'slut' and 'Bitch"? those are just as demeaning - except they are demeaning to women. Yet no-one is up in arms when these words are used.
If someone calls you something you don't like - then walk away and don't receive it! Just because someone calls you a shitty name doesn't mean you have to receive that name, and whine and make a big fuss about it. Name calling sucks. But to try to police what WORDS people are *allowed* to say these days is just beyond ridiculous. My opinion is - Say and think what you want, but be prepared to accept that people might not like you afterwards. But I hate these forced apologies. It's so, so LAME!
THIS WHOLE SUBJECT ANNOYS THE SHIT OUT OF ME! GET OVER IT IF THEY CAN SAY IT I CAN SAY IT. AND I'M NOT EVEN WHITE!
I don't think people should "allow" or not "allow" someone else to use the word. Freedom of speech! Everyone has a right to decide for themselves whether they want to use that word and how they want to use it. I, personally, find the word offensive in all it's uses but I don't believe in banning words.
I didn't create the word. I didn't use the word. Black people alive today were not on the receiving end of the word the way this quote suggests.
By saying that its ok for "black" people to do something and its not ok for "white" people to do something only creates further separation. We are all the same people and it's either ok or its not ok.
What about bi-racial people? if your half black is it ok or is it not ok? what about a quarter black? what If you just tan really well? Why the hell does skin pigmentation justify your use of a specific vulgarity?
If black people want to be equals, how is it equal for them to have their own word that they exclusively can use?
What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
If crackers' can't use it then neither should ANYONE ELSE.
Fine, Black people can use the words… but there is no way in HELL that I'm going to let a black person tell me what to do, so I'll just add it to my vocabulary also! Fuckin niggas
It's hypocritical to say white people cannot say the N word, but it's ok for blacks to call each other the same word. Tayte Diggs has not suffered from slavery and should get over the "poor black me" mind set. More than likely he lives in Beverly Hills in a huge mansion and employs servants like maids, nannies, etc. I do not give any credence to what he says.
Webster's dictionary defines racism as : "A thought or belief that one race is better than another race." If it's okay for one race to say something that is not appropriate for another race to say, then that makes them racist. Enough said. I don't care for Elizabeth Hasslebeck, but I think she's right.
Re: SO WH – YOU HAVE SAID IT THE BEST
THEY ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO PUT THEM SELF DOWN AND THATS A SHAME
Re: Holei – Exactly!! I am so sick of being told we, in the 21st century, are responsible for this. It is so rediculous. Taye diggs is ignorant. Thank God for Elizabeth. I don't always agree with what she says, but she is so right. And that smart response that came back from the women who was sitting next to her was even more rediculous. We, as white folks, can't do anything right. We can't have "a white college fund", even thought there are millions of poor ignorant white folks who could use the help. I could write a book.
what does he mean "they dont know what its like to be black" he talks about it like its some kind of disability or something. whats in the past is painful but should be left there in order for us to live as one, regardless of our skin colour. the n word just reminds us and brings back that pain. as a black person myself i feel its hypocritical to use that word. i'd be offended if a black or white person used that word so therefore i choose not to use it at all.
xxxx
Taye Diggs is the N word.
taye diggs… where do i start? there is such a double standard in this country. its sick. black people go to jail and they blaim it on the government, everything has to do with slavery. well guess what. that happened so damn long ago! get over it. im sorry but its not like its gonna happen again! we're not gonna enslave you again and force you to work against your will and yell derogatory things at you. i completely agree with elisabeth on this one. we all say it or no one says it. double standards. and btw taye diggs get over yourself. just cuz your black doesn't mean I oppressed you many many years ago
It's a culture thing, gotta respect the culture thing.
I personally don't use the 'N' word.
If you want to? go ahead…none of my business.
People are too sensitive about this WORD.
I don't see using a WORD to be tantamount to a HATE CRiME.
if white folks offend you so much, why oh why did you marry one taye? surely to goodness you could have married a black lady and then you both could sit around calling each other "ni****s" all day. Wouldnt that be romantic? I can see how ya'll find that a 'term of endearment'.
Taye Diggs is a fine ass man…
in the words of Perez
"Yummy Yummy Screw"
It's not the word but the context. Let me repeat: IT'S NOT THE WORD BUT THE CONTEXT!
No one tells me what I can and can not say. That's some PC bullshit. If you're too weak to handle it, stay home.
Re: LizCH – you couldn't have said it better. wow. makes you think doesn't it?
Re: Lana – You don't see black people getting upset over the use of the "N" word!? What planet are you on? You didn't see how offended Whoopi and Sherri were? Anytime "N" comes out of a white person's mouth - even if it's a half black / half white person using it the same way they use it they are soooo offended! Sherri was so mad when she thought Elizabeth was telling her she couldn't use the word that she about broke her finger poking it on the table. She even told Barbara that she did not want to hear that word come out of her mouth but it was okay from ANY other black person. Black people are HIGHLY offended when a white person uses the "N" word, they are NOT offended if another black uses it. I agree with Holei, I doubt any of the african american ancestors in today's day and age have ever felt the true blunt or harshness of that word that they did in the days of slavery, etc. We ARE NOT and NEVER WILL BE like the people were in that day and age. We live in a different world now and it will continue to change. I don't know why black people always have to look back and blame us today on what happened before we were ever thought about.
What the hell is he and everyone talking about. HE wasn't called anything but sexy in his lifetime. (which now I want to take back) This whole thing is getting on my last nerve. There is a certain number of blacks (because I am not stereotyping all blacks, b/c not all whine about it anymore) who constantly bring this up and I am so sick of it. They think they are the only ones in history who have been hurt and beaten. What about children today who are sexually molested or beaten by family? What about the jews? what about all other people NOW who are being hurt? GET OVER IT. You are not the only peopel in the world who have bad memories. Forget about the N word. No one should use it. The only reason they bring it up is for sympathy and personaly I am over it. My sympathay goes to people being hurt now.
So he ignorant thinking is a voice of reason somehow. A word is a word but the meaning behind such words is what the problem is here. Take away that one word and others will think of just as offensive ones to hurl at each other. We are a vicious culture and will strike with whatever "words" we think will hurt the most. Maybe we should start taking action against the force of hate behind such negative stigmas and stop fighting over the dictionary.
Re: Kionn –
The white man don't owe you a damn thing, you were never a slave so get over it. Bill Cosby said it best when he said that black people need to make their own way and stop blaming the white people for everything and to stop believing that they are owed.
Bullshit…It's a derogitory term so if black people want to put each other down by using it who cares. Obviously if a White person says it they are a racist, unless your German like our governor Schwarzenegger…that last name means nothing good. I had a negger sundae in Hamburg to, it cracked me up. So since I'm white should I claim I'm the only one that can call myself a 'Cracker' or since I'm a jew should I only be able to call myself a 'kyke' and have it acceptable.
I think black people need to fucking stop with these ridiculous double standards. It's completely asinine, YEAH we can use the word, you can't because you don't understand. Yet when they call white people crackers it's definitely ok? It's bullshit, and these double standards need to stop. Along with douchesalads like Whoopi and this guy demanding people not to use it. Fuck all of that noise.
I think that Elizabeth should stfu. She was crying, please. This is not her word, that is not her world. She is not an expert, she is a white rich bitch who was trying to muscle in on attention that shouldn't have been hers. And Yes, I am a white person that totally agrees that the N word belongs to African Americans that we shouldn't use it or tell them how/when to use it. AND this isn't like abortion LizCH.
I hate it when black people get up there and say things like "a word you called ME for many years". White people didn't call YOU that, our ancestors called your ancestors that! YOU are living in the best time ever to be black in this country. Doors are open for you that were not available to your ancestors, so don't take the horrible things that were done to them and said about them as your own. America has a legacy of persecuting people. We started with the American Indians, moved onto blacks and are now chastizing gays. We always eventually see the error of our ways and try to make ammends. It is horrible the way that gays in America still have to deal with a form of racism, albeit based on their sexual orientation and not their ethnic background…but that to will change and we'll try to make it right. If it didn't happen to you personally, I don't think you have the right to get all self-righteous about it. I think affirmative action is past the point of being effective and needs to end. Slavery officially ended in 1865. That is 143 years ago, or nearly FIVE generations ago. Slavery was awful, we screwed up and we've spent the last 143 years trying to fix it. Let's get over it and move forward towards a more productive society. Let's quit whining about what happened to our ancestors and worry about what is happening to us.
I don't want to see any words banned. It is a slippery slope. What gets banned next? Everything? A sanitize, repressed society where no one can express themselves with anything deemed offensive or negative by anyone? Will we be forced to always smile too? We have a freedom of speech, first amendment right given to us by the Constitution of the United States. No one has the right to strip us of that.
"They" can keep their crappy inner city neighborhoods too. There you go Taye, the ghetto's "yours".
Amongst Elizabeth's rants on The View was one good point - what are we supposed to tell our kids? "You can't say that word but he can because he's black and she can because she's a quarter black…" These silly rules of etiquette push us even farther from racial equality.
Here we go again about the "N" word. Nothing that anyone can do or say will make that word go away. "Can't we all just go along" if not now then when? Taye Diggs you are one fine lookin brother and yes he is married to a white broadway actress. Now how ironic is that.
Isn't saying that one certain race can use this word/bathroom/school and you of a different race can not use the same word/bathroom/school cannot the definition of racism?
I think, as a caucasion, that no white person has the right to advise on,judge about, or use that word. It was created out of belittlement and hate by my race. That is what needs to be remembered! Time may have passed, but the message behind using that word must not forgotten.I have no idea what it is to be black in America. I have no idea what is like to be called something that demeans my race. Call me lucky or call me naive. That it has been reinvented by and turned around by the African American community is commendable. That is what should be discussed.
Everyone or no one should be allowed to use the N-word.
No certain race owns a word, and allowing only one race to use it because they feel they are the only ones with the right is, well, racist.
Stop being such sissy whineing babys!!
You call us "devils', 'crackers', 'whitetys'….
Sticks and stones can???
GROW THE FUCK UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Either everyone gets to use it, or no one does- take your pick. One type of community shouldn't be allowed to use the phrase when others cant. That's more racist than the word itself
I am white, I did not create that damn word. My parents did not create that word. My grand parents did not create that word. My great grand parents did not create that word. Get it? Good. Get over it. I didnt own slaves, and no one alive today was a slave, or know anyone who were slaves. This battle will never end. Dont call me a "cracker" or "honkey" or "redneck" and I will never call you a "n***er".
My comment was too long. Had to break it down into two parts!
If he is saying white people can't have an opinion because it has never happened to them then he can't have an opinion because slavery - the true reason that the N word is deemed so horrible - didn't happen to HIM! Quit the "poor me" shit! Racism, sexism, homophobia, anti-semitism - at some point pretty much everyone has been treated badly based on what the look like or what they believe. It isn't only black people. Get some perspective and quit feeling sorry for yourselves!
Okay first of all, it's a word, and the fact that we have to refer to it as the "N" word is ridiculous! I feel like the entire world is stuck in 7th grade. I understand like any other "curse" or "innapropriate slur" in some circumstances it is very offensive. But how offensive and hurtful the word is depends on why it was said and how it was meant to be interpreted. If someone says it purposely hurting the black community, it's horrid. However, if it's used in a joking matter or a non-offensive matter, I think it's fine and should be treated like any other curse. This whole "Whites arn't allowed to say it" is bloody stupid. Give me a break. It's a word, chill the FUCK out.
I guess that means all the Jew-haters like Sharpton, Jackson & Obama better cut the crap with all their anti-semetic rhetoric. furthermore, blacks are not the only ethnic groups that have been subject to prejudice. I'm sick of all the whining. Either is a bad word or not. The double standard just doesn't fly.
What an idiotic thing to say Taye… The people who created that word are long dead and you were not a slave. Get over it. If the word is so offensive to you then you should not use it yourself. You only make yourself look ignorant.
I dont think anyone should have the right to use the word. I am a black person myself and the use of the word bears no meaning in my vocabulary so why then would i use it! i think all of the debate is ridiculous. just stop using the word. point blank. it has no merit in today's society. there is no place for it. it has meant something ugly for a very long time. in my opinion when people say, its a term of endearment now, thats stupid. because if it were then when white people say it then we wouldnt get offended. i thinks if everyone cant use it, then no one should use it! we want equality then we need to stand up to the plate and be equal. that's just that. no more N word. Iwont use it, nor will i allow my children to use it. its just like one white person calling another one white trash, or honkey, for what? its dumb. stop with the racially motivated slurs.
check out more on this issue and weigh in at www.thoughts.com/beast22/blog
i think we should just get rid of the word altogether. there's just too much confusion on the use of the word, and when it's okay and when it's not okay. black people feel they have the right to throw that word around in such a casual way, and then the white man hears him use it. then to make things even more confusing, black people who are friends with white people will use that word in a friendly way toward them… and then when the white man says it to his friends.. its okay, and it's 'cool'. but of course, being a white man, you have to be careful which black people it's okay to use the word with. then because the white man may get comfortable using the word, and says it around someone who isn't a friend… that man gets offended, when the white man meant no offense at all. so wait.. is it okay? or is it not okay to use the word? just get rid of the word altogether. it was bad in the beginning.. so what makes it okay now?
It's all a matter of perspective. My grandmother thinks that being called a "bitch" is worse than being called the dreaded "N" word. But YEAH, it is high time to MOVE ON, PEOPLE! Quit blaming the past for any present condition. Go forward, move ahead!
HEY TAYE, I'M PRETTY FUCKING SURE I NOR MY PARENTS, OR GRANDPARENTS DIDN'T CREATE THAT WORD. AND I'M ALSO PRETTY FUCKING SURE THAT IN TODAYS 2008, ME NOR MINE USE THAT WORD. LUMPING ALL WHITE PEOPLE INTO THAT CATEGORY IS JUST AS IGNORANT AS USING THE N WORD TO BEGIN WITH. QUIT TRYING TO DEEM IS ALL RACISTS AND START TRYING TO BETTER EDUCATE 'YOUR' BLACK YOUTH THAT IT IS DISRESPECTFUL ALL THOSE WHO FOUGHT DURING THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT.
Seriously…….AGAIN…………..Who F***ing cares, blacks are called Ni–ers, hispanics are called spics, mexicans are wetbacks, whites are either with the KKK, or honky's…………..My Point……..Every culture has endured racism of some kind in their life or their ancestors lives…………..Let it Go…………..
One I dont think I have called anyone that word for many many years. 2 I doubt he has been called that word for many many years by any white person. He is on the same level as I am when using that word because neither of us lived through slavery, civil rights etc. The word is obviously not an appropriate word no matter who uses it I thought it was buried according to the NAACP.
yeah, i agree with Elizabeth. it shouldnt be used at all.
I agree with Holei, the beginnings of the word and slavery and all that were a looong time ago, and our generation did not do that to the black people. So why are we still paying for what someone else did? The black people saying they are the only ones allowed to use it just continues the division between the races, either we all use it or nobody uses it. End the fucking division already. Its out of hand.
I am so tired of the prejudice bullshit…every single black celebrity has all this animosity toward white people saying "we don't know what it's like to be black." Who cares…nobody knows what is like to be anyone…despite your race. The constant dwelling on prejudice shit that took place sooo many years ago, has to be done. You don't see the Chinese Entertainment television, or White Entertainment, etc….you are causing the segregation to continue…why can't we just all get over it, forget about it? We are a new generation of people!! Everyone is equal…so quite arguing about it and dwelling on it!!!!!!!
Uhh!!! It makes me so mad to hear that! Some black people can be so stuck in the past and that is what ruins our society! Just because their ancestors were mistreated and called names, they still have to blame it on every white person in America. I am a white woman and have never called anybody the 'n' word and I think it's safe to say that any black person I know has never been mistreated by our society (such as slavery). After all these years, if we STILL need to give black people special treatment, give it to everybody! My ancestors had a hard time years ago but you don't see me blaming that one today's people. It's just so stupid!
PART 2:
. She, like most whites, still have no clue about the history or affects of the use of this word (except that it is a VERY bad one), and felt like she was being politically correct and on the right track—when she is then made to feel demonized as a result, I believe she became so frustrated and aggravated, like most whites do, because there are clearly mixed messages going on. So, please, give us a chance. Many of us are trying to make the world a better place for all races, in the best way that we know how, with our best intentions, but we only know what we know—and need continuous education. Do not take offense, because clearly, that is not what many of us intend. We just don't know any better. Thanks for listening.
I just don't understand how blacks, and not just them but often members of any "minority group" can want (rightfully so) to be equal in every way, demand special privileges too. If you want to be truly EQUAL, you can't single yourself out as having special rights BECAUSE you are a minority. You can have it one way or the other, but not both. If one group gets to use words others don't, that is not equality, no matter what the reason. White people who are alive today are not the ones that created that term as a term of hatred, nor the ones who subjected black people to slavery, and while unfortunately some people are racist, black people ignoring the opinions of white people and telling them they have no right to an opinion on a topic is the same kind of belittling that they are fighting against. Quite frankly, as a white person, its not offending me either way if a black person uses that word, but as a community, if you want to be seen as truly equal, the very thing you are fighting is white people being allowed to do things that blacks can't. Well blacks being able to do things that whites can't is not equality either. You are equal, or you aren't, you can't demand to be both and expect "outsiders" to respect that.
this is so ridiculous….everyone should just stop saying it in general!! no offense but get over it…. people called you the n word years and years ago, and it wasn't even directed to the people of today! if you don't want white people saying it or you want to be picky about what black person says it then just stop using it in general and people will stop! what meaning does it have to black people that makes it so sacred??? the white people used to belittle you, and you now and to use it but sorta change the meaning, i'm sorry im not racist but thats fucken ridiclous you!! i'd get my ass kicked if i went up to a black person and called them the n word, but the black people use it as a noun i'm sorry but if you don't want people saying it set an example and the drop the word all together. like i said im not racist, but the black people are holding on to something so they can still use it against the white people who originated the word. GET OVER IT, because guess what we dont' care if you black,blue,purple or yellow your a human and we should all be treated equally whether you like it or not. because soon enough with the way this world is going it's going to get bigger and explode and the tears will be falling again.
If we want equailty for furture generations STOP USING THIS WORD!!!
STOP!
I don't think that the word should be used but we as the white people didn't create that word, at least not us white people who are alive today! Yes it might have been created by white people but that doesn't mean that it should still be in use. Like I said that white people today didn't create it!
I get so offended when people say these things! "I" did not call you anything!!! why are they blaming us for what our great great grandparents one day did because they didn't know any better! of course I feel bad for what happenend to them years ago, just like how my grandparents and family went through shit during world war two and barely made it alive (and some didn't), but I'm not blaming the germans for the rest of my life? Accept the past and move on!
Nigga Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeze
First off, it's a fucking word. White people need to band together and stand up the 'The Race Card'. It's ridiculous! Black people need to stand up on their own two feet and make a path of their own in life without handouts and always crying 'Boo hoo, I'm black'. When will it end??? Perhaps I should cry a river because I had relatives that were persecuted by the Romans! This is exactly why silly negroes will never achieve happiness…. they're always crying! Raise your kids the right way, educate them so they can 'own a piece of the rock'. What wonderful role models!!!!
Biggest bullshit in the world. Either NO ONE can use it or EVERYONE can use it! It is racist to say WHITE people can't use it. These people are such hypocritical asses. And FYI, I say NO ONE should use it! And by the way, if it is so offensive, stop using it in your own culture, you are so full of shit Taye, Whoopi, JJ and Sherry! I used to agree with you, but now see the hypocrisy in it! This is why white people will continue to say it. Your community is giving the word longevity. LOOK AT YOURSELVES!!!
Re: Liber – We don't call each other spics, but I might call my sister a beaner or my dad a beaner. It's funny. And I don't mind if someone calls me a beaner. I like beans.
Ok - I am white but would never use the n word.. however, saying a word can only be used by certain people or a certain race is ridiculous. Taye if you want to distance different races from each other even more then keep thinking like that. B/c it sounds like to me if only black people can say the n word then how easy would it be to go back to the days when only black people could go to a certain school or only white people could drink out of a certain fountain. Ignorance kills me!
I hate the word because of the ignorance it represented in my generation. I won't use it, my parents never used it and my kids better NOT use it. I'm white. If black 'folk want at it, go ahead. I think it's gross and no matter who's mouth it comes out of, I don't like it.
I feel that as long as that word is used in our society, be it by black people or white people, our country will never be able to move forward in the area of civil rights. Yes, times are much different and much better than they were in 1963, but words like that will only hold us back.
Re: McCau – Great comment! Seriously. I wish more black people felt like you.
Re: Martic –
That really has nothing to do with the arguement. Even if he is married to a white person, that doesn't mean she can use the w ord just because shes married to a black person.
Anyways, this is all just dumb bullshit. Elizabeth H. is annoying, team Whoopi.
& this matter should apply to all races. There's more than just black and white.
Re: Jen – Oooohhh, you have no idea how much I like this comment, of yours. My family did not come to the States (from Ireland and Norway), until slavery and the Civil War was OVER. I am so damn tired of hearing about 'reparations'….that the present day African-Americans feel they are owed…..wages (when they refuse to work), healthcare, SS benefits, etc.
My people were not treated well, upon entering the US (check the history channel, that will tell you)…but, I'll be damned if I am going to ask/beg for money and pity, because of it. My ancestors have started dying, in the US, about 100 years ago….but, to extort, blackmail or beg in their name, would be wrong on so many levels.
If the African-Americans (and any other race of people) want so-called 'reparations'…then, they need to get educated, get a job and get an honest days wage. Even then, it's not called 'reparations'…it's called being a responsible adult.
The word should not be used, by anyone… its caused enough hate and drama… lets be done with it… I don't get "taking it back" I don't see other races using derogatory words amongst each other as words of affection…
its bad, throw it away
Black should be able to get into college with lower test scores, get jobs as inferior applicants, have there own TV stations, clothing line, pay less taxes, get more social services and use the N word exclusively. After all they are one of about 1,000 other group of people that have been enslaved at one time or another on this planet.
Given the history, I can't understand why black people would want to use the word. They say it is o.k. for blacks to use the word, but not white people. So the blacks are now discriminating against the whites?? If they want to stop racism, etc., EVERYONE needs to stop using the word. You can't say, it's o.k. for us to use it, but not o.k. for you to use it! WTF is that?
Heres a damn word for you. HYPOCRITES. HYPOCRITES HIPOCRITES HIPOCRITES.
H I P O C R I T E S.
allowing only black people to use the term just alienates white people because of their race this is otherwise known as racism!!
Did white people do something to black people once or something? I mean, I never hear black people complain about it or anything, or use it as an excuse.
The N word wasn't created for black people. If you look it up in the dictionary, it means ignorant. It was used by whites towards blacks because they weren't educated (not by any choice of their own, of course) I'm all for not using it, or using it to describe any of the ignorant people that walk this earth, it shouldn't be directed towards any certain race or religion. However, for him to say it was created and used against him for years, is a pretty ignorant thing to say. Nuff said.
Umm….I didn't create that word, just cause i'm white…..fucking racist black people…….and no, i don't know how it feels, just like they don't know how it feels to be called honkey or red neck…..get the fuck over it…..this is why we will never have a black president, the blacks keep living in the past.
i think that is an absolutely ignorant thing for him to say. It is a derogatory word that no one should say regardless of one's race. It is rude and hurtful and just because you are black doesn't give you the right to say it. Frankly I agree with Elizabeth on this one.
EVERYONE should stop using this word, it is not a color thing!
Typical…
he states "…dont take a word that you created and called me", that is ignorant. No offense to anyone, but this is an issue of the past. No one called you the N word, they called your ancestors the N word 1 thousand years ago. It is 2008. Man up, move on. It is people like Taye who are part of the problem. On a lighter note i met Taye a coupel years ago on a TV set, and he did seem like a genuinely nice guy, stop playing the "N" card.
I'm white, I shouldn't have any opinions. AND if I do, I'm a fucking racist.
Agree with Elizabeth…
Rappers have caused the word to become so mainstream nowadays. I don't think that the word has the same meaning today. I just don't understand how young black Americans can use the word so easily. The historical meaning of the word is certainly offensive and horrible… isn't it offensive to black Americans who lived through Civil Rights.. Do they even think about that?