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.]
alright well, as far as i know. i never owned a black person. i don't think there's a black person alive in america today that has ever been owned. i think we can drop that shit now. seriously. i refuse to keep apologizing for what my ancestors did to theirs, because i didn't do it and they didn't go through it. i think we should all stop bitching. as far as the n-word goes, i don't think it sounds good coming out of anyone's mouth, black or white. it's ignorant either way you look at it. i mean, if black people run around calling each other the n-word, they they have a lot of nerve not to expect a white person to do the same thing. i don't understand what it is to be black, and they don't understand how it is to be white, to be fucking stereotyped. the end.
Re: Lana –
Black people DO get upset about the N word Lana…..but when it is said by a white person. I agree completely with Holei….you said it perfectly.
They can't have it both ways. Either the word is appropriate or it isn't. Black people like Whoopi do more to keep their own race down and segregated. Racism is never going away especially if blacks have their way.
I try to love everyone. It's easy to love the naive, but, I'd rather be crucified again than to love the black freakshow of stupidity! Just when you think they are making some headway, they go opening up their ignorant mouths and say something obtuse!
Idiots. Blacks wonder why they can't get any respect when they refer to each other with the N-word and refuse to allow it mentioned by others as if it was a word of respect. They do this as they wear their pants hanging below their asses, children with no fathers, etc. They continue to use every derogatory word for other races but no one can use the N-word. Grow up, get a life (or a job) and try to better yourself rather than whining all day.
He is absolutely right! Excellent point he made.
I agree with Taye, I saw the episode with Elizabeth and I cringed the whole time begging her through the TV to please drop it, she was acting like she understood, but no one white can understand the feel of the sting and hurt from hateful words or images
We should NEVER forget what this word originally meant to do. Degrade and enslave a group of people. It is irresponsible on the part of african americans to pretend that you can take it back and have it mean something else. Slavery was a period of the human race that we should never forget…that way…history will not repeat itself in the future. Take it back…absurd!!
I agree with whoopi and taye on this idea that they are able to use the word any way they want. This n word brings out more debate than other racial slurs is the history of the word. The history about the original meaning and especially how it came about by the whites.
I find this issue similar to affirmative action. I feel that whites have had approx a 230 year head start from the beginning of the pilgrims to the Emancipation Proclamation, and yet still after that times were hard.
I used to think Taye Diggs was HOT until he opened his mouth. It is ignorance with the words that he spoke that keeps this country from moving forward. I DIDN'T create the word in question, nobody alive on this earth today created the word, so we shouldn't be lumped into one big group. I personally think the word shouldn't be used AT ALL, by ANYONE, but that is MY opinion. My problem is, I teach 3rd grade at an inner city school. My students are from all racial backgrounds. Some of my African American students will use THAT word towards other students at school, and then get angry if another student says it back to them. This causes a fight and the African American parent will be at school demanding to know why a Hispanic or White child called their child the N word. This same parent will not accept ownership of the problem when it comes out that their child had used the word first. The problem with the WHOOPI LOGIC is this…..there are many "black" people who use this word around their children but don't explain the "RULES" behind it. If you are going to use that word in your home, fine, but teach your children it is not acceptable to say in school!!!!
Why are white people so fixated on what black people say? All because they say it doesn't mean you have to just to be "equal." Sometimes on these comments, it seems like white people with jump on anything to talk down about blacks.
This is why there will always be racism, why are world will never change. You know black people aren't the only ones to be called the N word. I personally am as white as a friggin egg shell, but because i am middle eastern, i have been called a sand N more then once. I don't go around calling other middle easterners sand N. You would think that everyone would stop using a word that was used in such a negative way for so many years. I mean i have never nor will i ever refer to someone as the N word… I just don't understand why the world can't be peaceful damnit!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Re: Alex – nor does a black person understand a white person's world. nor does a man really understand a woman's world. nor do I truly understand your world. … or can people kind of understand generalities of society and leave space for individual differences? Can we stop riding the racial hobbyhorse and just get on with it? Race doesn't matter, anyway. CLASS does.
That is such BS.
I'm not white or black.
TECHNICALLY.
I'm a Latina with some french in me.
YES, slaves went through disgusting times.
but this is the 21st century.
(most)Black people now were never slaves.
If we want equality……WHY THE FUCK SHOULD WE HAVE EVEN MOOORE DIFFERENCES?!?!
NO ONE SAYS THE WORD!
ugh.
Pisses me off.
White people need to get over this. I am white. I have been friends with many black people throughout my whole life. Sometimes I was one of the only white people in a whole classroom at school, and I was often the only white person at a party, club, whatever. Many of my friends will refer to me with the n-word as a term of endearment, or jokingly, but because they felt like saying it. I know I am not going to say it back. I don't think it is unfair. I don't have to make sense of this. It is just the way things are. White people are mad because they don't want to have to watch what they say all the time. They don't want to be labeled a racist if they slip and say something that they are really thinking, or something that they grew up hearing their white family say. So they want to try to turn the tables on black people, and label them as hypocrites if they use the word. Personally, I can see how it would be confusing for kids. But as adults, white people need to stop whining. They need to realize they are not supposed to "get it", they don't have to "like it", and it is really not their concern if black people want to say it all day, every day. My message to white people everywhere - Let it go. Get over it. It doesn't have to make sense to you. Don't say it with the -er or with the -a on the end. It's not for your use. If black people use it in either form, it's none of your business. Shut up about it already and get over yourselves.
Re: SPK – Get your history facts straight. Abraham Licoln did not go to war because of us (slaves). He went to war because the South broke away from the union. Pres. Licoln himself said that if he could find a solution without freeing one slave he would. The civil war was about money. The North was upset because the South was getting free labor and had more representation in the House or Senate because they were counting 3/5 of their slavea as people. You know the 3/5 Compromise. Please refrain from speaking on subjects you know NOTHING about!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good to see black people continuing to focus on the real problems, who and how you can say the n-bomb. All of that more young black kids in jail than school, literacy rates in the shitter, thug mentality more prevelant than every before, those are not real issues…….
carlton part deux can go back to peddling bad tv shows
Re: kim – ain't nothing wrong with sounding like a "redneck"
For once I agree with Elisabeth. I don't think anyone should use that word. If black people have no problem with it then they better not have a problem when white people use it. I personally don't like it when make rap stars call women bitches and hos. As a female, I would like them to stop but even the black rappers don't care.
As far a Taye Diggs goes, what a dumb ass. My ancestors came from Ireland and never owned slaves. I don't "owe" anyone anything.
A word that breeds such hate and hostility shouldn't be used by anyone. They want to get rid of the confederate flag and let NO ONE use it because of what they said it represented years ago. It's a do as I say not as I do mentality and honestly I think it's ridiculous.
My whole family has bright red hair and when i was growning up the neighbors would call us bozo-head. After a number of years we finally got them to stop. Now we all walk around our house yelling bozo-head at each other….such fun!!!!
Taye Diggs' opinion does make sense to me; at the same time, as a person who would be described as 'white' by most people, i have wondered why, or how, the word could be used within the black community, since the word has such negative baggage. i wonder now, if others in the black community would totally agree with Taye, when he says that they turned around the meaning of the word, so that now it has a positive meaning in their culture. is this the case? because to my white ears, it's always sounded as if they were continuing a cycle of repression and prejudice by using that word. i never did get that, and thought that if the word were no longer used, more positive change would begin within the black community. as well as within our country.
So? What do mixed people get to / not get to say? Everyone here with an opinion needs to remember the little thing called Freedom of Speech!
UGHHH
WHEN will people just GIVE IT UP already?? Who the hell is Taye Diggs even talking about? This word wasn't created for him in particular. He wasn't even alive when the word was created. What happened in the past had an effect on THE PEOPLE IT HAPPENED TO. Not their ancestors born years upon years later. I'm so fucking tired of certain members of the black community acting like they're so oppressed & that their lives are SO COMPLICATED and SO MUCH OF A STRUGGLE. Last I checked, slavery has been abolished for quite some time now and EVERYONE IS CREATED EQUAL. Get the fuck over it already & stop trying to make excuses to make yourself out to be the victim or like this world OWES you something. It's people like THAT who can take partial responsibility for the fact that the black community has a reputation of being angry, lazy, etc.
Oh, and incase you're wondering? The person writing this? Is BLACK.
So get over it already!
correction - I meant "will," not "with."
the word is offensive to everyone. its a word of the past and shouldnt be used anymore. if all races cant say it then no race should say it. end of story.
fuck
They want equality? Well, if black people can use it, so can we.
I just don't get it. Let's be honest here.. african-americans went through slavery but yet if you are white–its assumed it was your ancestors. I'm not sure about you guys, but my ancestors are european and native american, the ones who were here then we're minding their damn business on reservations that "white" men put them on, but I don't go around bitching to every "white" person I see that they put them there because it is impossible to know and assume. The "N" word, why would you want to be called something that someone named you in a bad way by other people? It doesn't make ANY sense at all! Don't get me wrong Elizabeth can be "stupid" sometimes because she really gets into what she is saying, but I can agree with her on this..
If we could all agree that it's a hateful word and that no one should use it, then those who used it anyway would be clear cut assholes.
I'm not Black, nor am I White. But I agree with the Black community when they decide to take this word and use it themselves, and only amongst themselves. Those who are NOT Black, will never understand or feel what its like, so please stop trying to speak on their behalf of what is right or wrong.
It may sicken some that racism still exists in 2008, but that is the reality. So until it fully disappears, I suggest White people get over the fact of trying to understand what its like being a minority, period. I find it funny that White people hate the race card being played, when they've never and can never fathom what its like being someone of color in America. It is still hard to be a minority, even in 2008. I still deal with it everyday by some moron who wants to judge me by the color of my skin.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but don't let your opinions try to tell others what they can, do, or will feel about a certain word or any other matter.
Re: IRITE – OKAY, IM GOING TO EXPLAIN THIS TO YOU AS A BLACK PERSON. WHITE ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION HAS AND DOES EXIST. ITS CALLED ABC, NBC, ETC. THE WHITE/BLACK RATIO ON TV SHOW ISNOT EQUAL AT ALL. YOURE DAMN SKIPPY WE SHOULD HAVE A FUCKING CHANNEL. SHUT YOU MOUTH FOR EVEN SUGGESTING ANYTHING ELSE. IF YOU DON'T KNOW, THERE WAS A TIME WHEN BLACK PEOPLE WERE NOT IN THE MEDIA AT ALL. YOU ARE TRUELY IGNORANT IF YOU THINK RACISM IS NOT IN FULL FORCE.. HELLO? OBAMA? ARE YOU LIVING UNDER A ROCK? AND IF HE IS ELECTED, YOU WILL REALLY SEE IT IF YOU A TOO BLIND NOW.
How ignorant does that make a whole race of people look? I believe I could choose a better word to call my fellow man. I don't even think they know why they use it, and want to make excuses for themselves. If they think it's empowering so be it, but don't cry foul when you hear others use it. Why not set and example for yourself and others? I think Elizabeth explained herself just fine. I'm glad she took a subject many white people try and avoid b/c it can become a heated topic. I guarantee you, the majority of society see the ignorance in this mindset–blacks and whites.
what an idiot. no one own a racial slur. further he acts as though hasselbeck uses the word herself.
if gays can get married, white people can have an opinion on the n worde
Hmmm.. this is very interesting. I'm very confused because I, being white, call some of my white friends the "n" word but in a loving way. I think that Mr. Diggs take on it, suggests that "white" people, from hundreds of years ago, are still around today in the form of Ms. Hasslebeck, and are trying to take the word back. I find it a very convenient way of thinking — ensuring the word is meant as a racial negative bad thing. I think its all about context and intent. I also find it amusing how lil Hasselbeck takes such a stand on something totally foreign to her. I think Whoopie might have the best reasoning…. let the black people say it without consequence because they can best sort it out. Being white we will never know.
Re: Ratta –
I totally agree! I am wondering - if freedom of speech is a right, why on earth have so many celebrities been basically forced to apologize for saying an inappropriate word on their own time? It's insane. I get so mad when I hear someone is being forced to apologize for saying a 'word'. It's their right to say whatever hell they want to say if it's on their own clock.
Re: Chris –
"she doesn't know what it's like to be black"
well, diggs doesn't know what it's like to be white.
So fucking what.
FOCUSING ON DIFFERENCES WILL NOT RESULT IN SEAMLESS INTEGRATION.
IT WILL RESULT IN SEGREGATION.
Fucking jerkoff.
How can you say some type of people can say a word and other people can't? Isn't that a direct representation of discrimination and segregation of race? I don't use that word because it's disrespectful to EVERYONE. How can a word that was created out of hate, and used as a hateful word, also be one of endearment? Isn't there something wrong with this picture?
Re: Kionn –
Actually it is a perfect comparison. Yes, a man can have an opinion but it is not left up 100% to the woman to choose; it is a legal issue that is at risk of being revoked every day. The people who are making that decision? Men AND women since we are all citizens of the SAME nation, the SAME humanity. If blacks continue to make divisions between the races, like saying certain words are okay for certain races and only those certain races, we are perpetuating racism. We are saying that we aren't the same as Americans or as human beings. We need to unite as one, that is the only way to survive. This on going racism discussion is doing nothing but adding fuel to the fire and making sure this is an issue that will never die.
Please don't presume to tell me what I do and do not know about.
I've never used that word and will never use that word. I'm sick and tired of double standards…no one should use the "N word" no matter what color their skin is. I don't understand why having respect for a person…not using the "N word" or "cracker" for that matter….is some how a flawed itea. Lets all stop using it, have respect for each other…end of story! Hasselbeck has it right!!
I didn't enslave anybody….if my ancestors did im sorry for that…but im not going to feel guilty about, nor is anybody going to try to make me feel guilty about it…cuz I didn't DO IT…tied of hearing about it…..if it happened to YOUR ancestors, that really suks…..but it obviously didn't happen to YOU…..Let it go! And I as a HUMAN BEING reserve the right to use any fuk'n word i so choose!
No one person/race/gender can "own" the use of words. They are just that: words. If someone chooses to use controversial language, we as individuals should consider the source. I work around soldiers all day, and hear every curse word in the book along with the N word. I CHOOSE not to use that type of language, as I consider myself educated enough, mature enough, and professional enough to convey my thoughts with unoffensive words. I also know that generally these types of expressions happen for one of two reasons: They truly don't know better/realize it out of habit of use, OR they want the type of reaction those words seem to elicit. I don't have the time or energy to address either situation every day. LET IT GO!
hmm just as offensive as being called a cracker! Thats the term they used in the old days. The "slave owner" will be "cracking the whip" thus the term cracker! Both words are stupid and should be taken out of the english language. We are all humans!
I cannot imagine why anyone would want to keep this kind of ugly, hateful language alive. Mr. Diggs explanation for it seems to come from a place of anger, which is certainly understandable given this country's abhorrent history in regards to slavery and civil rights in general. But while I certainly can't understand what it's like to be black, I do know that the word is ugly, no matter who is saying it. Furthermore, to say that anyone who is white can't have an opinion on the matter just perpetuates a never-ending division between races, which is where this kind of hate begins. Let this word die the death it deserves.
Re: Feist –
You are stupid, you self-righteous fuck!
Take any city's history class, and find out that white people put black people in the ghettos.
And you are getting all superior about it, as if the advent of ghettos was because black people wanted them?
You give white people a bad name. You are embarrassing.
it's just a fucken word, get over it people. if you want to cause trouble or get your ass kicked call someone that if not just shut the fuck up.
I don't use that word…I hate that word. I think it's terrible. Even hearing black people use it among themselves it makes me cringe. I don't think you can rehabilitate such an ugly word. And for me this isn't about being black or white, it's about freedom of speech. I'll be damned if anyone will tell me I can't say a certain word. Not that I desire to…I don't and I never will. But nobody owns the word. I can say anything I want. I don't like the word Cracker…I never use it, but I hear black people use it around here a lot. It's a free world, they can say it……..I don't like it, but it's freedom of speech people. There will always be ugly racial words…..
I'm black and I hate that word. I think its ignorant for us to use it, just because our ancestors have been called it for many years. What would they think if they looked at us now? I'm guessing disgusted. O and for the people who say everyone should use it just because ppl dont say it to offend anymore. Well thats bullshit I've been called that word by white ppl before and it still stings and means the same as it does during slavery!!!
C'mon do they honestly think that you can forbid a word from being used by anoyone. Thats the dumbest thing ever.
I'm sorry, did Hasselback create that word?
i'm black and dont like the word either but i know the use of it will probabl continue. its ingrained, its called self-hatred. many blacks in this country deep down hate themselves. its obvious many black women hate the way they look-they straighten their hair. its obvious many black men hate themselves and their women-look at who they marry when they get more affluent. look at all the shit usher has to deal with from black people because she married a real black woman and not a beyonce look alike. people who are not black will never understand the deep rooted issues affecting black people. and most importantly its not up to the mass to decide when blacks should get over their hurt. healing takes a long time. look at the record companies who flood the airwaves and minds of our children with music that uses this words plentifully. looks at the movies and comics who use it, we should start there. i see chris rock, the kings of comedy, kat williams, dafe chapelle all on comedy central getting financially enriched by white businessmen for using this word. rappers are enriched by white businessmen for using this word. there is a segmenr of our society that wants this word used because they are getting paid off of the word and these people are WHITE AND BLACK!
Blacks want to be treated completely equally when it is to their benefit, and then turn around and want to be treated differently when that is to their benefit. EQUAL TREATMENT: no job descrimination, equal rights under the constituion, equal rights under housing laws, equal rights for acceptance into schools. SPECIAL TREATMENT: affirmative action, black only schools, black history month, BET channel, now "We can say certain things, but you can't". Blacks have very, very successfully descriminated and segragated themselves. There is going to be a bad backlash if they don't knock it off.
A WHITE PERSON JUST DONT LOOK RIGHT SAYING "THATS MY NIGGA!" SO THEY SHOULDNT SAY IT!!! ESPECIALLY IF HE ADDS THE LETTERS E AND R AT THE END.
ANYONE THATS NOT WHITE CAN SAY NIGGA, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, IF THEY WITH THEIR FRIENDS.
SPANISH PEOPLE DONT CALL EACH OTHER SPICS WE SAY "THATS MY NIGGA!!!" OR "THATS MY BITCH" AND IT DOESNT MEAN SOMETHING BAD TO US.
THATS JUST HOW IT IS IN THE HOOD!
WHAT IN THE SWEET FANCY MOSES IS HE YAPPING ABOUT? HE ALSO DOESNT KNOW WHAT ITS LIKE TO BE WHITE IN AMERICA AND HAVE OTHER RACES ALWAYS POINT THE FINGER AND CALL YOU A RACIST EVEN WHEN YOU DID NOTHING WRONG. TAYE, MY BEING WHITE DOESNT MEAN I USE THAT WORD. IN FACT, MY ANCESTORS BOAT DIDNT EVEN FLOAT OVER HERE UNTIL THE EARLY 1900s. I'M PRETTY SURE SLAVERY WAS ABOLISHED BEFORE THAT. WE WERE JUST CLUELESS ENGLISH, DUTCH, AND GERMANS WHO SOMEHOW GOT INVOLVED WITH THIS MESS. OUR BAD. BUT WE'RE STILL RACISTS RIGHT?
LizCH you hit the nail on the head!!
I don't understand why on The View Whoopi and the other lady got so pissed and upset at Elizabeth for trying to understand. If someone genunily wants to know about why this upsets the African Americans then they should respect that and try to help. At least she was asking and trying to understand, not just going out and saying the N word. People should not be shut down for trying to understand. I dont think the word should be used by anyone, but we should all be about teaching the other people.
I don't think anybody that is scrutinized in public (like celebrities) should use the N word whether they are white or black. Whether people use it in their daily lives is their own choice, but it doesn't make sense to say a black person could say it but a white person could not, well what about other races or ethnicities? What if an asian person wanted to use the word as a way of endearment? Is that acceptable?
Re: Kionn –
We bulit america free of charge.
Maybe that's why this country is in the state it is.
This remark by Mr. Diggs is OBSURD! Stop playing the victim, its a sad argument at this point. I think the comment posted by Holei says it the best!
I absolutely KNOW that EVERYONE should NEVER use that word!!!!! It is demeaning and no matter how it is used it ALWAYS comes back to exactly what Tae is saying. I myself DO NOT have anything to do with my ancestors and what went on back then and i'm most sure neither did he!!! What do people want???…. Racism to diminish as much as possible or to keep bringing up the "race card"????? My 3 children are half black and white and they were always raised that no matter what that word should NEVER come out of their mouths!!!! So as for their reasoning on why they should be able to use the word is a cop out… And I totslly agree with Elizabeth!!!!
I am white as can be and know exactly what it is like to hear such harsh words directed at you. On my visit to Africa I was called the equivalent of the "n" word, so all of you fuckers who say white people don't understand better hold their tounge, times are changing and it doesn't matter what color you care, we've all heard things and been called things. its time to drop it and quit creating differences when there is no need to create more than there already are.
No probs. Now, about the words 'honky', 'cracker', 'whitey'… from now on, no black person is to use those words. M'kay?
Unfortuntely for Whoopi and Taye, we are living in a mixed community and are constantly trying to find new and better ways to live together as one.
To say that white people shouldn't even weigh in on the issue os rediculous. Should white people keep their hands off of all non-white race-related issues? Because I'm pretty sure it was a bunch of old white dudes who passed the affirmative action into effect. I'm pretty sure that the US Department, full of white people at the time, deployed the National Guard to insure safe passage of the Little Rock Nine through the halls of a forceably segregating school in the 1950's. I also think it might have been a white guy, maybe by the name of Abe Lincoln, who freed the slaves in the 1860's.
I dunno. Maybe it's best of we work together to see issues from all sides.
Re: Holei – How can you say he probably hasn't been called that word? Just because YOU have never called a black person that you think all white people are just like you and would never do that? Please. Just because he was never subjected to slavery is not to say his ancestors weren't. Reading all these comments just justifies Taye's point of view. White people will NEVER understand things such as the "N" word use and how it means something totally different when someone, who is NOT black, uses it. Im not black, but I am a minority and completely understand where he is coming from. White people think they are so superior (Which they are so NOT) and look down on people of color. Racisim will never end.
No, I agree with E.H. no one should use that word. White people shouldn't have used it on black people on the first place but there's nothing to do about that now. Since the word has such negative impact on the first place why do black people want to use it in their own culture? Does that not bring back hurt and sadness? Ask any of the elderly black people what they think of this word. I doubt that they will agree with Whoopy or Taye Diggs. Because only they know what that word carries and how it feels like to be called that and socially outcast, looked down on and physically threatened.
im white and i say nigggggerrr all the time. get over it. they call me cracker whats the difference?
Re: DEP – couldnt have said it better myself!!!!!!
Re: kionn – #417- A Fuckin'men!!! Not too many people know true history. I'm sure that almost every person you ask about why the Civil War was started, they will say slavery. How ignorant!!!!!!!!!! The majority of people are content to be a member of the herd of sheep that society has told them to be. Such a shame!
But it's ok for blacks to call us honky's right???? what ever!!! these people need to get over them selves !! and that slave thing is so old it's not even funny!!!!
Everyone should read Mandy's post - AMEN!!
I loathe the argument that people who are white can’t use the word because they are the ones who created it… did it ever occur to people that maybe not ALL white people have the same heritage?? The people of my heritage were occupied fighting their own battles against wrongful enslavement during the era of the American colonies slave trade … so I had nothing to do with enslaving anyone! and neither did many other white people's families… almost every culture in the world has been wronged in one way or another! Back in the day people of western Europe used to be kidnapped and sold into slavery in the middle eastern and Asian countries! All I’m trying to say is that the black community is striving to get people not to generalize about them when some of them are making an grossly broad generalized statement about all people with pale skin. It is an ill educated and ignorant argument. If you’re going to have something to say at least have the decency to know what you’re talking about and the graciousness not to insult the innocent.
It is what it is.
First of all the word was created some 50 years ago and not by us. It was created before we were born so don't fucking tell me that after years of calling you the N word you have decided to make it your own. The only people that use and keep it going but still manage to blame the white people for everything bad thing in their life is the black community. Practice what you preach. Don't be a fucking hypocrite. If the word is bad, and it is, make no mistake about that, no one should use it. Creating fucking drama where no drama is. Same old fucking story.
Re: Jen –
I completely agree.
Taye Diggs says that white people don't know what its like to be black, but if a white person were to say that, it would be taken as an offense. I am all for racial equality, but when things that this come up, it saddens me. When a white person says the N word, black people flip out, but if a black person calls another black person that, it's okay. How does that fit into equality? It doesn't. There is black history month and black pride, but if there were to be white history month and people went around talking about white pride, there would be serious issues. It is clearly a double standard that really needs to be addressed.
I don't think any word should be banned. That being said, there are words in every culture that mean cruel and derogatory things, and no matter what kind of "spin" you put on it, using those words are unnecessary in most contexts.
And I hope people who use this logic realize it makes no sense. LizCH had it right!
I think the second quote is from Donald Faison from Scrubs. If you read the MSNBC references it shows that Donald Faison says the second comment not Taye Digs.
Re: Lana – Re: Lana –
Because it is a complete double standard….if I said that word at work among co-workers I would be fired…but if (or I should say when) my black friends at work say it…its no big deal, everyone looks the other way out of fear of creating racial tension. Its ridiculus, we are all people, plain and simple….everyone should have equal rights reguardless of thier race. We are supposed to move past any kind of separation between races….these double standards do nothing but hold things back.
Re: Apoll – You are ignorant, don't you see? You just admonished all of the caucasions posting on this site. It's anonymous so people can't judge, yet you choose to anyway. Who do you think YOU are? If YOU want respect than learn to give it. Oh and by the way, Obama searches for equality, not african american gratification. His ideals are his campaign not the color of his skin. I guess ignorance is bliss. People are just trying to understand and ignorance just perpetuates ignorance. Congratulations, I hope you continue to pay forward your charming, narrow minded, and ignorant views on the world.
Re: LizCH – BEST POST EVER!
I never thought of it that way, but it's EXACTLY right!
So my question to everyone is when Obama becomes President is he going to address black people as niggas? GROW UP AND STOP BEING SO PROUD! It is disgusting when we are going backwards on this issue instead of forward!
What's the difference between the N word and Jew. Neither have great histories and both should be limited to the past vernacular. Negative is negative. Far be it from me to agree with that Elizabeth chick or any Republican for that matter, but knowing what my mother survived in the concentration camps and the negative connotation with the word Jew, I think it is high time for everyone to be sensitive to name calling of any diverse background. And what's with being all militant about having the "right" to use negative terms and using idioms that are frankly, better left unsaid.
Peace…
Re: Nat – that is the most ignorant statment posted today. Bravo, you dumbass
Re: Holei – I say I word only has meaning if you give it meaning.. slavery has been over for many years now… so why african american people are so ofended by that.. come on people get OVER IT!!!
(i'm part of a minority so don't be hating)
am i the only one that thinks this is ridiculous? since when can we "own" words in the first place? the fact of the matter is, the word is one of the foulest, most hurtful words that you can call an individual. As long as someone out there says its ok to use, (even if its just for one group of people); as long as someone deems it acceptable everyone who chooses to use it negatively will never see reason to stop. every time i hear the word i cringe, same as i feel when someone uses the f word towards a gay person. if one day the gay community decides that they now own that word is it still going to be ok to use? BOTTOM LINE IS: if you don't want it used in a negative way, dont use it at all. giving one person permission to use it in a positive manner is giving a hundred others permission to use it negatively.
Re: bill –
Absolutely right!!!
"Black people need to stop acting like white people owe them something"."It sickens me that racism still exists in 2008."
Amen Jen
having read through most of the comments i find it quite incredible the pervasiveness in which racism still exists in our everyday subtext. the point is simple. no race other than african-americans can never say the N word, period. while it seems hypocritical for african-americans to use the word it is their choice. other races do not have to necessarily understand the underlying logic for using the word, but they should be culturally sensitive enough to know not to say it.
I think everyone should use the word….it can be a source of comedic value in the right context. Everyone needs to stop being so sensitive. It's all about the word's intent. It should only be a matter of public dispute if the word is used to define or defame an African American or the culture in a malicious manner. Jesse used it to defame, so he needs to stand trial on the court of public opion by the people he claims to rep.
if the N word is so damn offensive and was so hurtful to your race of people… why do you continue to use it to call amongst yourselves? obviously the word isnt so hurtful if you can call your best friends your Nigga's… what is the big fucking difference. black people can call white people everything under the sun and if we say something about it we are Racists… BULL SHIT!!! i would like to see a white man say on national t.v. "i am a strong white man" and not get any backlash from it… because black people can say I am a strong black man or my natural black ass or whatever and we just have to deal with it. black people are just as great at being predjudice as white people are… and as far as getting over stuff… if jewish people, and other people that have been repressed in their time can come through the smoke clean than why cant the black people and the white people of this nation push past the past and redirect the future… i mean damn… people need to get over themselves… they werent the ones picking cotton or getting sold or beaten… but they act like it is being done to them now… no the government is just handing it over to you these days. you are better than that… grow the fuck up
First i want to say to everyone who has such a strong opinion on the subject to lower their own pride and stop blaming white people for what that word has become. My children and husband are black and i can not stand for that word to be used in my home or around my kids. I will not allow my children or my family to use that word in any way. And for individuals that say it is ok to use such a hurtful word like that or any other are hipcorites and do not whom GOD is or where he is in their lives.
what I don't understand is if 'you' want to move forward as a 'people' then why call each other a name that brings you down? Makes no sense. Call each other the 'n' word all you want but don't be surprised if you get treated badly, I mean if you don't respect yourselfs and your culture then why should anyone else?
If people of African American desent do not think they are being treated equally or are treated differently because of their culture, color, or race… It would make more since to obliderate the word instead of sitting it aside for one type of person to use. If you want to be treated the same then don't set youself apart from society or from people that aren't the same color, race, religion, or from the same culture as you. Treat everyone else the same and practice tolerance.
Well, if that's what they think they are- then use it - but it's ridiculous- does it mean something different if they use it? double standard, reverse discrimination - white people always apologizing for something they had nothing to do it. No one in my family's ancestry owned slaves ever…give it up.
Re: lafet – Uuuum excuse me but America was NOT built free of charge. Read a book, Native Americans were here first and fought and Died defending what was rightfully theirs. So, No America was not built "free of charge".
Denve, man up dude, you would use the word regardless. Holei, you need to refresh your memory about what using the race card means. And even if Taye didn't create the word, or was subjected to slavery, that doesn't mean that he hasn't been called the N word in a derogatory manner. I know I have…many times.
Nearly 100% of the crap that comes out of Elizabeth Hasselbeck's mouth should be fed back to her with a pitchfork. So I agree with what anyone else says about it.
As a white woman, that's right, I can't completely understand. I do somewhat equate it though to the word "bitch". It's a word men have called women, women who are being bold or outspoken, which are qualities often admired in men. Personally, I only want to hear women call other women "bitch", or gays call other gays "bitch". If I hear a man call a woman bitch, that's a man I don't want to be around at all. So, I get the idea of taking the word back and making it your own.
What is difficult though is for young kids to hear it on the playground. Kids who aren't yet tainted by society have a hard time understanding why it's okay for some, and not for others. It then separates the races that way, only leading to the beginning of being tainted.
Re: Lana – Are you fucking retarded….you don't think black people get upset about the word. What the fuck planet are you living on, please go inform Big FAT al sharpton of this.