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 absolutely really hate when black people blame white people in THIS generation for using the n word. As some people said in other comments, people's ANCESTORS made that word up. That was SOOO long ago. I'm Colombian and back in the day Native Colombian Indians were made slaves by the spaniards but you know what I don't see a spaniard and instantly "remember all the torture they have put me through for all the years of slavery" I mean come on. I understand that that's history, that Black people were once slaves of whites but I don't see anyone now having any black slaves. I have alot of black friends, and you know what sometimes they even say it's okay for me to use the N word but I tell them I don't like using the word. It's that simple. The past is the past. And as far as the N words definition now used between black people, that's fine but then other people can use it too right? Cause if it doesn't mean what it does when it first began then it shouldn't matter. I think that honestly like Whoopi or whoever said "Black people are living in another world" and so are whites. But that doesn't make it a good thing. People should start putting some base to make a new world where both black and whites can met up at. LOL that sounded funny but I can't say it any other way haha.
Re: kjc –
kjc -
I know - I was quoting what kionn said in their post. (RE - built it for free)
What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
Then white people need to take "crackers" back from the black folk.
Dumb; how do you "own" a word?????
I don't believe anyone should use this work no mater what your skin tone is. It doesn't make sense to say that only one group of people is allowed to say a word and everyone else cannot, that is pure hypocrisy. Especially since people have been fighting for years against segregation. If its wrong to have bathrooms and water fountains that are segregated than its wrong to have a word that is segregated.
I, a white person, did not create the word, nor do I use the word. We in the 21st century cannot change what happened in the past. We cannot change the fact that there was slavery, but we can move on. We will never forget that it happened. But, we were not a part of that. Our ancestors might have been, but don't blame us and for things we did not do. Just because we are white does not mean we have the same mind set as some of our ancestors might have had.
I am a white person and I do not know what it is like to black…just like a black person doesn't know what it is like to be white. We can only imagine. Just because I am white does not mean I created the n-word or used it negatively in anyway for many, many years.
I am a black person. I agree with Taye Diggs and Whoopi, people of any other ethnicity will never understand what it is to be black, whether you hangout with people of color or think that racism is still not as clear as day TODAY. I believe if you truly don't understand the reason why we(people of color) say the word and feel the way we feel, and get treated the way we get treated TODAY then please do not use the word. You may use it around your friends and think you're cool for being able to say it freely infront of people that you trust but its not cool and you dont understand the Black culture please keep your mouth shut. Thanks
According to people like Whoopi and Taye, I'm supposed to forever be punished for something my ancestors did? People of african american descent are supposed to have free reign and use a word, that according to them has two meanings, through their freedom of speech, but I'm not supposed to use it because before I was even sperm, something bad happened in this country, that I was by no means a part of?
There is a reason this country is still very bigoted and it's because people keep dredging up old, old, old shit and making it new.
Dumbass's!
I do not use that word. I never have and I never will. It is derogatory and hurtful. I find the use of it disgusting no matter who says it.
If people want to change the meaning of the word and make it have a positive meaning, it needs to be that way for everyone, not just a particular group of people because then it will still have that negative meaning.
We are not our ancestors. We are different. We are different people. We cannot help where we came from, what race we are, but we can help who we are today. We can choose how we want to be to a certain extent. We can make a change. We can make an effort to make a difference.
Nothing personal, Taye, but I'm pretty sure YOU weren't called that word regularly. You weren't born when it was in common usage in that sense, and YOU are most certainly not responsible for "changing" its meaning. And if the meaning has been changed, why the hell are you sweating it to start with? If you still consider it hate speech, why do you think it's okay to call a friend that? Get your story straight, man, and remember that you were never a slave, you were never oppressed… you happen to be insanely successful, a lot more successful than I am as a white chick. So take the "poor, poor black me" act somewhere else.
No one owns any word. You did not buy it. We did not buy it. You have a right to have your opinion. Everyone does. But you can't tell people what words they can and can't use. There is no law for that.
Lead by example. If you don't want people to use it, you shouldn't say it yourself. That is what I do at least.
White people are often accused of as being racist. So if we want to get past racism, why can't we make an effort together to change things? To unite us a HUMAN BEINGS and not one race vs another? If we keep a word like this and allow one race to say it and not another it will keep us segregated. We will not be united as human beings. We will still be the whites and the blacks, and the reds and the yellows.
I personally feel that the n-word is a segregating word. We will NEVER move on if we don't get rid of it completely, if we don't allow everyone to use it with a POSITIVE meaning, or if we allow one culture say it and not another.
Everyone should be ABLE to use the word. It is a free country. However, I dont think that anyone SHOULD use the word. But, if someone chooses to use the word, the negative reaction of the people around them should be punishment enough. If the anger of their peers isnt enough to deter them from using the word…then let them be assholes with no friends…it's their choice. The rest of us can be good people and not use such hateful speech
Yes, I agree, I did not create that word, thank you very much. That really irritates me. That is a completely not fair thing for him to say. And it was aimed at white people, obviously, and it keeps things heated between the races. I thought peace was the goal??? NO ONE should use that word. There is no way to "own" a word like that, or change it's meaning, or have some use it and some not. It's full of hate - PERIOD!!!! I am getting very tired of all of this. And yes, Mr. Diggs IS MARRIED TO A WHITE WOMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Girl, take him in hand!!!!!!!!!
Re: Linds – OKAY, LINDSAY, HAVE YOU EVER SEEN AN EPISODE OF SEX AND THE CITY, FRIENDS, WILL AND GRACE, GOSSIP GIRL? JUST TO NAME A FEW. I REST MY CASE. I UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO SAY, BUT YOU GOTTA DIG DEEPER. ARE YOU WHITE? MAYBE YOU DON'T NOTICE BC YOU SEE WHITE PEOPLE JUST LIKE YOU AND YOU ARENT LOOKING FOR A BLACK TO MATCH YOURS. SO, I CAN SEE WHY YOU WOULD NT REALLY NOTICE, BUT ITS TRUE. FIGURE IT THIS WAY. WE GET ONE CAHNNEL, AND PEOPLE BITCH ABOUT THAT! DOES ANYONE BITCH ABOUT THE GAY NETWORK? SEE WHAT IM SAYING HERE? GAYS NEED A NETWORK THAT THEY CAN RELATE TO AND SEE PEOPLE LIKE THEN BC ARENT MANY GAY SHOWS ON TV. THERE ARENT MAY BLACK SHOWS ON TV THAT ARE VERY POSITIVE FOR BLACKS.
They need to get real. "their people" in this day and age did not pick cotton or were slaves. That was decades ago. Get over it. Im tired of being blamed for what happened sooo many years ago that my generation had no control over. Get back to reality.
I just don't think anyone is realizing how ignorant they sound. First off, maybe some white person did create the word, or maybe not because white people did not create slavery black people did, it is a proven fact. Black people in Africa sold other black people into slavery. Slavery is completely wrong and it is horrible and awful as is the N word, but I am so sick of everyone turning it into white people use it and black people taking it back. If you want to call yourself such an ugly name have at it I could care less, you sound ignorant and stupid, and uneducated, I guess you sound exactly like what the word means so go ahead and use it. I would never call myself any of those things. I am just saying from the outside looking in, it sounds like black people must have a lot of self hatred, really sad.
Slavery ended along time ago and yes discrimination still exists but it affects everyone. What would Taye Diggs know about being discriminated against? It must be hard living in that big house and driving all those nice cars and pretty much buying anything he desires. People are being faced with REAL discrimination everyday and not all of them are black. Asian, Hispanic, Russian, etc. (all whites included) cultures face discrimination as well. Not every person faces it but every culture does!! The life choices people make are also discriminated against at times. So whether your black, gay, single dad, whatever, if you are being discriminated against the biggest mistake you can make is discriminate against someone else. I as a Hispanic would never want to be called spik even if it was by someone who is the same race as me. So I agree with Hasselback, no one should use the word. If it's wrong for me to say it it should be wrong for a black person too. One more thing, just because a person has more pigmentation than someone else does not mean they are not racist. If I was black and used the word it would be ok BUT what if I secretly hated black people, then I would be a racist who was allowed to say the word and mean it in a negative context!!! I guarantee there are people out there who do that exact thing.
I agree with this comment:
If any group wants to be accepted by everyone, then they should stop excluding themselves by saying things like "us" or "our people" or "our word".
if you want to be treated equal, then why are you allowed to do things that others aren't.
–
I agree with this comment:
If any group wants to be accepted by everyone, then they should stop excluding themselves by saying things like "us" or "our people" or "our word".
if you want to be treated equal, then why are you allowed to do things that others aren't.
–
I agree with this comment:
If any group wants to be accepted by everyone, then they should stop excluding themselves by saying things like "us" or "our people" or "our word".
if you want to be treated equal, then why are you allowed to do things that others aren't.
–
I agree with this comment:
If any group wants to be accepted by everyone, then they should stop excluding themselves by saying things like "us" or "our people" or "our word".
if you want to be treated equal, then why are you allowed to do things that others aren't.
ummm…its interesting when black people say…white people dont know what it feels like being black….they say it like its a curse or something. I mean get over ittttttttttttttt!!! your black im white shes red hes purple….wutever!!
It happened a long time ago and white people today have nothing to do with it…i think it was our fathers fathers fathers….
So i say we allll get OVER it!
Elizabeth is totally right. It's like black people WANT to be seperated. We don't give a fuck if you're black, but YOU do.
I agree with this comment:
If any group wants to be accepted by everyone, then they should stop excluding themselves by saying things like "us" or "our people" or "our word".
if you want to be treated equal, then why are you allowed to do things that others aren't.
–
I agree with this comment:
If any group wants to be accepted by everyone, then they should stop excluding themselves by saying things like "us" or "our people" or "our word".
if you want to be treated equal, then why are you allowed to do things that others aren't.
–
I agree with this comment:
If any group wants to be accepted by everyone, then they should stop excluding themselves by saying things like "us" or "our people" or "our word".
if you want to be treated equal, then why are you allowed to do things that others aren't.
–
I agree with this comment:
If any group wants to be accepted by everyone, then they should stop excluding themselves by saying things like "us" or "our people" or "our word".
if you want to be treated equal, then why are you allowed to do things that others aren't.
I agree with Hassleback 100%
The N word should be dead by EVERYONE.. Why did they have a funeral for the word if they keep using it???
Re: okay – God, you people are just STUPID! Yes, the word originated during slavery, but that has nothing to do with it. No one is saying they were slaves, or that they feel oppressed. If the word is used by a white person today, it is used in a derogatory way, and this has been consistent throughout the years. However, if a black person uses the word, it has a different meaning–whether you want to admit it or not.
I thought E. Hasselbeck was stupid for not getting it, but I see a lot of you people are just as ignorant!
Re: openm – Then black people shouldn't care what white peple say.
For the record now only people like me can use white trash, or redneck! If anyone else says it I have the right to be mortally offended and hate you and accuse you of hating me even though you probably don't even know me
Fuck that - this is AMERICA! EVERYONE has a right to use whatever fucking word they want. This "political correctness" shit has got to stop! The days of right wing, conservative, oppression of the traitor George Bush are OVER! Freedom means freedom for ALL CITIZENS!
Oh god, are we still doing this??? Since when is any group of people allowed to "claim" a freakin' word?? But hey, if that's the way you want it, go ahead. I will just find something else to call you. Or I will use the word even more just to spite you. I'm so sick of this nation of pissers and moaners and cry-babies!!!!! Everyone needs to grow the fuck up and get a life. You want something to cry about? Try being an abused child, or a terminal cancer patient, something like that.
Diggs is a racist for saying: "YOU created and called me for many, many years." What a racist ass for saying all white people are to blame!
Tsk, tsk - smell double standard. If the word should not be used it should apply to everybody.
I don't think the "n" word should be used by anyone, anywhere at any time. It is such an offensive word, I don't see why any race would want to continue to use it.
I think it's wrong. You don't want others to say it but it's okay for you to say it. Screw that! I'm with Elizabeth.
Re: EricW –
Ummmm, last i checked its not "my" hurtful word. Someone, created it….centuries ago when africans sold africans into slavery, because they had too many slaves of their own. And not just to america but all over the world. I WILL NOT BE LUMPED TOGETHER WITH THEM! My "people" didn't come to the united states until the potato famine hit Irleand and the english landlords put them onto coffin ships and sent them, hoping for their deaths, to the united states. Ever here of "no irish need apply".
i agree with whoopi and taye…
its the same as the f word
if a gay boy wats to call another gay boy the f word fine
but when a straight person uses it, it sux
The black community cannot both embrace and condemn that word. I agree that it should not be in use in any way, and as long as someone somewhere is using it - what their intention - it will continue to be used by many, many, many more in negative ways. Sorry, but we all knwo it's the truth!
OMG…get over that word already. That word was used long long time ago to people who were slaves. Its a nasty word, its a disrespectful word. If blck pple feel the need to flip it, and use it towards there own race, then watever.Who cares. We are no longer in the slave days. Black pple need to let it go and stop holding a grudge. White pple have stopped saying that word for YEARS! Let it go. And be grateful that we are not living in those days.
I resent that he says "You" called us that word…That implies me personally and personally, I don't use it. I'm white and I hate the word. I hate what it represents for ALL of us - black and white - that's why I don't use it and I ask my students not to use it.
I am neither white nor black, and I don't really care if black people use it or not. However, if they are going to use it, they are perpetuating the issue because the term becomes watered down as it is part of pop culture. It doesn't matter whether that was the initial intent or not, the fact of the matter is, whether or not we live in the same "world" as hasselbeck said, we do inhabit the same physical world and our cultures interact with each other(which should be a good thing) so if they claim to have taken the power away, then they can't act like it still has the same power. it's either one or the other. Also, I have to call bullshit on this so-called empowerment strategy. Has anyone actually traced it back to the first black person who took this term as their "own"? I would wager to say that there wasn't some big discussion about how the word was going to be used, it was more of a habit thing that probably just stuck, as it still does today. All the more reason why you shouldn't use it if it doesn't offend you. If they wanted to take the power of that word away, truly, they should have buried it back in the civil rights era. I guarantee you, had they done that, we would be totally shocked if we heard someone, anyone, use it today. As it stands, true racists can get away with using it here and there, and that's sad.
EVERYONE should STOP using the damn word! "We" didn't call Taye Diggs anything; "whites" called POSSIBLY some of his ancestors that. Well guess what! You want this race shit to be over??? Then STOP promoting one of the worst terms your GRANDFATHERS bore so long ago! Does that give you the right to call me white trash or beaner (I'm mixed) just because??
….the word would have long disappeared if it hadnt been re-popularized by the rap/hip-hop community
I am sick and tired of black people thinking that white people owe them something. The thing that annoys me most of all is allowing black people to have a "black scholarship". If I came up with a "white scholarship" the world would be flipped upside down. People would be having a cow. Get the over it. Slavery was a billion years ago. I'm not the one that had a slave. Cry me a river, build me a bridge and get the HELL over it. And this is coming from someone who is not racist. It's just that lately things have gotten a lot worse.
The context in which African Americans use the N word is completely different then when a White person uses it. It also carries different implications. Diggs is absolutely correct when he says that no White person has the right to even weigh in on the subject!
freedom of speak!!!!!!!!!! i just love it!
ps.
can whites have their own tv station then like BET but WET?
No wait then that'd be biased.
Let me start by saying taye diggs is some sexy black chocalte well anyways i dont think white or black people should use the N word to me its ignorant for any race to use it nobody understands that when your black and some one white calls you the n word you can see how efensive black peole can people be im black i no some on called me the n word once and I took that in affense
freedom of speak!!!!!!!!!! i just love it!
ps. blame whitey
point 1…..as a white person y in the 1st place would u want to have to right to use a derogatory term against someone….in no way can that term be used or said for anything positive or endearing…so why is Hasselback crying?
Think !
In my humble opinion the word is degrading, and black people degrade themselves when they use it. I don't see the reason why they have to have that word. Just let the word go.
It is racist for a black person to tell me, a white person, that I can't say a word because I am white!
Does that mean that no man has the right to weigh in on abortion?
I think everyone deserves an opinion, and has the right to it as well. But if black people get to use the word, everyone else can use it too!! If you don't want white people to use the word… then don't use the word yourself!!
So if white people use that word in terms of endearment. Is that okay?
If a white person is singing a long to a rap song is it okay to say it then?
If I put an "a" at the end of it, does that make it cool?
The African American community has brought this work back into our societies everyday vocabulary.
Last fucking time I checked this is an integrated society/country. ESPECIALLY hollywood. So fuck Taye Diggs and his stupid comment. "She doesnt know what its like to be black." Wow…HE doesnt know what its like to be white. How is it okay for him to fucking say that and it wouldnt be okay for a white person to say "You dont know what its like to be white" black people arent treated any differently on a regular basis and should shut the fuck up about it. Your ANCESTORS were slaves NOT YOU so YOU DON'T DESERVE ANY SPECIAL TREATMENT. Black people like him can go fuck themselves. And I would say the same to any white person complaining about their unfair treatment of being white in a dominantly black community so dont you dare try and call me racist.
First of all… I don't think the "N" word should be used either… and I'm white. You'd think that the Black people of America would appreciate that there are white people who feel that way. I hate that there are some black people that think "they" have a right to say that "we" called them the "n" word for "years and years" when "we" didn't!! Our ancestors did, yes, but they didn't say it to Taye or any other young African American. It was YEARS AGO so LET IT GO!!!!
I don't understand why every white person in this country is judged when my family, if I go back to generations did nothing to black people. White people do not owe them anything because we didn't do sh*t to them. We are being punished for what those fucks did to them YEARS AGO! Those people are dead and we are being blamed for it because we are alive. Well if black people take offense to the N word then why in the hell is it okay to say it with the same race? Is it a racist word that shouldn't be used in any way. And to his comment "White people do not know what it is to be black" Listen fucker, I'm white. I was born that way don't hold it against us because we are a different race.
But its okay to be call us cracker and marshmellow? You call white people that you are on the same level as the racists.
It is funny this came up now. My 9 and 12 year old recently asked me about this. They have several black and latino friends and have heard the "n" word. My daughter (white) is confused. She says if it is a naughty word then no one should say it. I'd like Whoopie to explain this to my 9 year old. I just couldn't seem to come up with the right words. A few of her friends are bi-racial and this further complicates the matter. I would like Whoopi to sit in a classroom of 9 year olds and explain why it is an appropriate word for some of the children in her class to say. It is interesting that I had to point out to my daughter which children were black/bi-racial for the sake of this argument. They have been her friends for years and their skin color is somewhat of blur to her.
Gratefully, they haven't brought the matter up again and continue to play with their friends of all colors. This is not a solution though.
Hey perez Honey Boo…
I AGREE 100% with Taye Diggs and everyone else, They try to take away something they DONT UNDERSTAND!!! which is why it's so easy for white people to say Oh! Just get rid of the word…NOOOO WHY??? We will ALWAYS REMEMBER!!! Even if it was ages ago, thats what we are seen as in this society..Even still to this day! Dont take away something, that Negative that WE as a people turned positive….It's Disrespectful..White people have NO Say in this argument.
Thank you
One Love
I think its funny when black people now adays still talk about how "they" were treated, noone called you the n work taye, not to your face anyways, I can understand how older black people can say that but younger black people didn't go throught what the older generation went through, and I highly doubt anyone one that did would be using the n word.I hate it when some 15 year old plays the poor us card. you didn't go through shit. black people started selling there own people first and white people caught on.. Im sick of the stupid racist card, black people are some of the most racist people I know.Oh its cause im black, no its cause your stupid, has nothing to do with the color of your skin.
Re: CS – Anyone home? WTF??? White people DON'T know what it's like to be Black. Just like Black people don't know what it's like to be white. I'm sure that they both have their own thoughts about it, but they (each perspective race) could not possibly know unless they lived as the other race. Stupid comment.
It's common sense. If your black you can say it and it's fine. (Not a bad word).
…If your white and you use it, you are a racist. Some things are complicated to explain and this is one of those things. It's just the way it is, and that's it.
Everybody knows the rules! We just have trouble talking about the rules. Especially jerks like that view girl.
Black people need to get over themselves.
I am so sick of this! How long ago was this? Let's move on!
I think that no one should use this word if it's that hurtful. I think Taye should reconsider what he's saying by putting all white people in the category of U and saying U created it. No, a white person many years back did but not any of the white people in this day and age have Which person is he talking about by saying U anyways? Either way I'm Mexican my bf is half black. I'm not racist but I think that word is very negative and I hate it.
N ='s Trash in dictionary just FYI
Re: star – May I just say how much I respect your post? You're a refreshing, intelligent voice in this argument, and I admire that, a LOT!
I think that Taye explained the veiws that Whoopie and Shari had better. I am white and understand what Taye is saying in that it is now "their" word and not ours. Im cool with that.
I think that Taye explained the veiws that Whoopie and Shari had better. I am white and understand what Taye is saying in that it is now "their" word and not ours. Im cool with that.
I think that Taye explained the veiws that Whoopie and Shari had better. I am white and understand what Taye is saying in that it is now "their" word and not ours. Im cool with that.
I think that this is a subject no white person and black person are ever going to fully agree on. I don't think anyone should use it. However, I think it's really unfair and almost racist that black people have a "right" to use the word but white people don't. It's just dumb. Blacks are equals with everyone else. It isn't 1960 anymore. I know that it must have been horrible to live through a time like that and be called something so awful, but honestly a lot of blacks who like to talk about how white people called them names like that, have never actually lived through it. However, if it is offensive, why say it in any context? Black people always say that it isn't okay for whites to use it and that is basically giving them(blacks) an extra right to a word, that is not equality. The entire thing is just annoying….
Re: Poste – Just another shining example of why black people will not rise above and join the other minorities in achieving progress in our society. Want a job? No? Want to go to school? No? Want to put a condom on? No? Want to be a father? No? Want to emulate rappers and basketball players? Yeah?
Black people can bitch and moan all they want, but every oppurtunity exists for them to come up in our society and make a name for themselves. But their "culture" basically demonizes it. If black people actually had the first clue about their "culture" they wouldn't dare use the N-Word either.
This is VERY VERY true!!!!!!!!!!
they are being ignorant. how does the african american community expect not to be called the n***** word by other other people if they are running around calling themsleves that. what's good for the duck is good for the goose, no?
WHAT the FUCK?!!
"I" didnt own slaves, nor did "I" use this word referring to "them" for many many years as D suggests. Yes slavery and everything associated with the practice is archaic and a huge dark spot on our history as a country. Oh, I', sorry, I didnt realize -they- "took" this word and made it their own. With this idiotic logic on the N-word transfer, Diggs is deluding himself and further separating people: US vs THEM, WE can use the Nword but YOU CANT!! ….??
Doesnt he see this only creates FURTHER racial divide and gives the N word an even stronger and more offensive meaning?
"Jew" is considered offensive to jews. "Fag" to homosexuals. ""Wop" to italians. I cannot remember hearing any of these groups "taking" these offensive words and making them their own, i.e. italians greeting each other, whats up WOP??? Jews, "good morning, JEW!"
diggs logic is absolutely ridiculous. what whoopi meant, i think was that elizbeth didnt understand the pain of black history; obviously, b/c she snt black, which is true, but what whoopi and diggs and many others are doing is taking that history, fronting it in the form of the Nword, thereby allowing them to "rightly" use it, because they are somehow allowed and even justified in doing so. and in elizab. trying to understand this, she becomes an ignorant white girl. PLEASE!!!! STOP with all this us vs them. fucking idiotic.
Ugh…Elizabeth was not trying to "take the 'N word back". She was taking the position that the word is wrong and should not be used because it is inappropriate, racist, and offensive.
I thought Taye Diggs had more smarts than this…seems like he's not above playing the racial victimization card either.
Re: susan –
Finally, someone who made sense and kept it short and sweet! great post Susan!
What I say is this: Fine, keep your word, I never say it anyways. BUT, it is not okay for black men and women to stereotype and make fun of/call white men and women names. The movie White Chicks, for example…WTF? Ok, white people, you can say it's funny, but just IMAGINE the uproar there would be if two WHITE brothers make BLACK CHICKS??
Just a little something to chew on…
I think we should be able to differentiate between calling someone that word and using it as Jesse Jackson did. You'd expect someone in Jackson's position to watch his mouth, but I don't think that particular word choice was the worst thing about what he said. And really, is that how it works? Since black people use the "n" word in a certain way, white people should weave it into their vernacular to prove a point? Shut up, douches.
Stupid stupid stupid. For the first time ever (and probably the last time), I agree with Hasselback. I'm black and never have been and never will be a "n—-r" or "n—a". There is no way that black people can re-write history and change the fact that this word was used as whites watched African-Americans hanging from trees, burnt at the stake, and dismembered, only to have their body parts sold as "souvenirs." No one should use the word. It doesn't give us power–it only makes us look even more ignorant to everyone else who is not black. I don't see Jewish people going around calling each other kikes or Asians referring to one another as "chinks" or "oriental" or any other derogatory terms. And last time I checked, these other ethnic groups as a whole are still much further along in society when it comes to education, finances, etc. than blacks are.
After reading a lot of these comments…I'm convinced…it's not about free speech, nor equality, nor the ugliness of the word…it's about white entitlement. White people cannot fathom there being something in America they aren't ALLOWED TO DO? "We can't use the N-word? But, but that just doesn't make any sense. We're white…we can do whatever we want. It's always been that way!"
To the white people commenting on this blog…please just leave it alone. I don't get why you're more angry about the word than black people are. I mean, there are so many other things to obsess over. Poverty. Gas Prices. War. Celebrity divorces. Really…black people don't need a white person's opinion on the N-word.
Re: Poste – You think you know what's up, but you are just as stupid as the next white person.
I have kids, they have a father. I have a college education, but I still can't get a job that I couldn't have got before I had it. Why is that? Gee, if I tell you you wouldnt believe me. Forget it. Waste of time.
When will people learn that if a word is used in such a way as the n word is today it becomes comon place for people to use it. This word no matter if you use a "r", or an "a" the word still means the same thing. And if the black culture wants to use it as a common word for friend then dont get mad when others use it. You dont see mexicans going around and saying, "That's my spic" or other races useing racial terms for friend.
I am black, and I feel that the "N" word should not be used by anyone. You can not turn the word around and make it Ok for one race to say and not another race. When Rev Jackson used the "N" word he used it in a hateful and mean way. Cut the bull and get rid of the word.
I don't understand why it's OK now in the 21st century for black americans to rip on whites as much as they want to, but you can't even say anything at all (even in a joking manner) about a black person with out being branded a racist. I detest the N word; i think it's hideous and i have never used it. some of my friends do, and i always yell at them for it.
i don't have ancestors that were enslaved, and i feel very saddened by those that were enslaved, but I WAS BORN IN 1984…I HAD NO PART IN ANY OF THAT AND NEITHER DID MY FAMILY! Why should I be made to guilty for something I didn't do, and would never have stood for?
Racism works both ways–why will no one acknowledge that? This country will never be healed from this problem.
"have the strength to change what it means in my own culture" are you kidding me?? why would anyone want to take the N word or any other horrible word for that matter and try to change it into something positive? That word was used so long ago and these people act like white people use it today like they did back then. Taye, Whoopi and Sherri need to realize that they make themselves look bad when they try to back their opinion up. White people don't stereotype you black people, you do! I support Elizabeth 100%
This crap really irritates me. I am white, but I have never owned slaves nor has anyone in my family, so do not tell me that I owe anyone anything. No one in any generation of my family has ever been handed anything..they have all worked their asses off to get where they are today. Many white people are passed over in jobs in which they are more qualified because companies have to have a certain amount of minorities working for them. Come on people, this is the 21st century and everyone has equal rights in everything they do, stop whining, get off your ass and actually make something of yourself. If everyone stops using the N word all together, then it will never be mentioned, children will not learn it to pass on to their generations and then no one will be offended anymore.
I'm with Elizabeth on this one…. if you don't want it used against you, don't use it at all. It's 2008 for God's sakes.
OMG you are so right, great point there!
Well, you certainly don't hear white people calling each other "Cracker" as a pet name. Anyone who calls another person a "nig***" is a racist. If you're black and use it, you're racist against white people because their ancestors may have treated your ancestors poorly (and just remember that most of us weren't even alive during slavery and strongly disagree with it). If you're a white person and you use it, you're racist for obvious reasons or are just saying it to try to be "cool". Let people use it whenever they want … all it is doing is contributing to their ignorance and projecting an image of hatred toward other races.
DOUBLE STANDARDS. That is why they will not get any respect and they will stay right where they are in society!!!!! So let them use the word all they want. Who really cares??
I feel the word wrong and should not be used by ANYONE black or white. For what
purpose should it be used in a "good" way? I dont see it as a term of endearment.If its "breeded hate " for many years how can it ever be said in a
good way?……. My vote is to eliminate it .
It all depends on how you use it and who uses it…For instance im white and I say it all the time but im not your average white dude, my friends are black and I can relate to the black community in many ways…Out here in DC you have all types of people that say it but like I said it all depends on how you use the word nigga…
If they want equality then they should treat us as equals. I do not owe black people anything…I can't use that word but then can…sorry, not going to happen…stop crying about it and move on.
I am so sick of the race card. I was raised that this word is a bad word and I would never use it - but I absolutely do not think black people should use it either. Talk about a double standard. White people are called "honky" and "cracker" and if we were to say anything about them using that about us - it certainly would not make the news OR this site.
I think if someone wants to say it..unless its meant to hurt someone..then go ahead n say it! i dont get offended when im called a "CRACKER" so there for if someone i know is offended by the word "NIGGA" then i wont say it around them..THAT'S THAT!
for some its kind of a term of indearment..an adjective of sorts..so cant we all just let people be people and live our own FUCKING LIVES!!!
Jesus Christ people..learn to get along and if you cant..stay away from other people!!
He has a point, and so do any other black person that says it. I don't understand why people find it weird or something that black people can say it and others can't. It was used as a very bad thing BACK IN THE DAY, and yeah it still can be today. Depending on how it's used and said. The thing is when black people say it to each other they'll say something like "my nigga" etc they don't say it with the "er" at the end as other people do. That's what's not good. If you call a black person that no matter what it's not right. Calling someone honky, whitey or cracker (to me, is not offensive) I didn't realize until this year how MANY people make racist comments and say that they aren't. If you call someone a "nigg-er" then I consider you racist. No matter what.
The only thing is, a lot of blacks like to think people will be rude to them or whatever because they are black. No it's just because they're being ignorant like anyone else. And when they say you called me a "N word" for years (sayng we created it) like they went through the slavery. They didn't. They experienced bad times. Just like any other ethnicity goes through. It's just realized more.
I'll say it if it's in a song, or i'll use it ending with an 'a' not otherwise. And I won't say it to anyone because you don't know how someone will react.
First of all, I DIDN'T CREATE THE WORD, some long dead ignorant people did. Don't try and take it back now?? The word is YOURS now? I thought Taye Diggs was more intelligent than that. I would hope any SELF RESPECTING black person would want that word to have a proper funeral - OK, perhaps not a proper funeral - we should take the word and bury it, piss on its grave and vow never to say it again.
I didn't created the N word. I don't think any of us were alive when that word began being used in a negative way. So, don't blame me for a word that was created before I was around. Stop blaming us, we can't control our ancestors, in fact, we haven't ever met our ancestors, so blame them, stop taking it out on us. We didn't start this! Those dumbass ancestors did, so go spit on their graves…..you have my permission to do so!
Re: ann2 – And you are VERY, VERY STUPID TOO!!! Do you think you can you possibly come up with an original thought? One that hasn't been shot down perhaps?
Re: klott – Yeah, sure. That's fine. Because if I do call you those names, I probably do hate you.
I'm sorry, but the "N word" would be dead if "black people" stopped using it.
sorry - no one can own a word… they exist and often change meaning with time and usage regardless of race, class, religion etc….
I just think it lacks class no matter who says it. Even Jesse Jackson
Excuse me?! Black people can use that word about themselves but white people can't?? They like calling themselves a derogatory term? Diggs is saying they now OWN it? Because the white man is the one who created it for them anyhow??? What the hell kind of logical argument is THAT???? What a bunch of dummies.
WTF!?
All that word does is separate our society, our world. We all were created equal, but in this country, "the Land of the Free", where we have fought so hard for freedom, why are people squandering it? We can be better than this if we just agree to move forward. I am white, Irish and part Cherokee Indian on one side and Spanish French and possibly have African American family ( though you wouldn't know it as the Irish in me makes me pales as a ghost!) but I will tall every honestly that I literally CRINGE when I hear that word. No matter how its used. I don't know how to erase a word but as long as we continue to throw around such a hateful racist word, we cannot move forward, we will either stay stagnant here, or worse, we will go back words.
I don't think anyone should tell someone else they cannot use that word. It's anticonstitutional.
I actually saw both E and W's points: E and anyone who isn't black should refrain from using the word and teach children and those who unwisely choose to use it that it is hurtful to use it, and W and S and anyone who chooses to use the word should understand that they are perceived as wanting to have it both ways.
The N-word, the F-word, heck, even "cougar" - they're not nice words, they're not respectful words. How are we ever going to live as one if we keep separating ourselves?
Re: Nat –
so we should call white people "cracka's"? how stupid is that? term of endearment? what about "brotha"? was it necassary to change that to "nigga"?
dumb. just plain dumb.