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.]
people need to get the hell over it. he's not putting white people down. people who commented to this post are acting like he said it to YOU directly.. and he's just stating his opinion. so let him. damn.
I think everyone should say it as often as they can. I don't see what the big deal is. Who the hell cares. I say it often and to everyone. Oh..and I'm white
So Taye can say that word…and his wife can't? Interesting.
EVERYONE should be allowed to use it, not only that i know plenty of white ppl that use it all the time aight niggah! see just used it!
How will we ever end racism if we keep using derogatory remarks towards one another. Its a hate filled word no matter who uses it. Those people in history that were referred to in this matter I'm sure would be appalled by the fact that we have freedom in the world today and the word is still used. If I don't want to be called fat I'm certainly not going to use it myself! There's absolutely no sense in his argument.
i totally agree with him.
I highly doubt that Taye Diggs was subjected to being called the N word in a derogatory manner. Let's face it that word hasn't been used in a derogatory way since about the 60s. Anyways if you look that word up in the dictionary the primary definition is that it means that someone is ignorant, not black. So if a group of people want to continue calling themselves ignorant and dwelling on the fact that there distant relatives were slaves than go for it. If anyones going to complain about how there distant relatives were treated it should be the Native Americans not the African Americans.
If a black person is allowed to say it, and a white isn't, doesn't that continue racism? Simply another black man attempting to show a bias against black people that is no longer real. Slavery ended. Affirmative action started. Your black not oppressed. Shut up Taye Diggs.
Alright….honestly, I've had enough of this!
I am not racist by any means, but here's the scoop… Black people need to stop acting all high and mighty just because of the history of racism and slavery in our country… Really. Get over it. Let's just talk about the holocaust for a second: Do you see Jewish people retaining hate towards the Germans? Granted, that was a single man responsible for the uprise, but really… a majority of Germany was at some point against all Jews, Gays, even blacks, etc.
So…black americans really don't deserve a trademark on the word… If they don't want it used, then fine. They shouldn't use it. They aren't part of some exclusive club where only the members can use the word… do you realize how many other groups of people in this world have at some point had to resist persecution of a much worse type? The Holocaust, Darfur, Tibet, etc. It's time to move on with your lives, and get over the fact that it is a word, and some people will use it and others won't…regardless of race.
Now, I agree that some words, like the N word should not be said if it is used in a derrogatory manner…as in, some southern hick using it to curse out a black person that cut him off…then the finger would suffice, but of course, history lives on in culture…and sometimes it is unfortunate that there are people that use the word. But really…so many other people have had it sooo much worse, so stop being so defensive.
I, AN AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN FEELS AS THOUGH THERE IS A DOUBLE STANDARD WHEN USING THE WORD BUT IT KILLS ME BECAUSE EVERYONE WANTS TO ACT NONCHALANT LIKE RACISM STILL DOESNT EXIST AND IT CLEERLT DOES. WE TOOK A WORD THAT WAS MEANT TO DEMEAN OUR LOVELY SKIN TONE (BECAUSE ITS NOT ABOUT RACE, THERE IS ONLY ONE RACE=HUMAN RACE) AND USED IT AS A TERM OF ENDEARMENT. SO YALL CAN COMMENT, BECAUSE THATS YOUR NATURAL BORN RIGHT, AS THOSE LACKING MELANIN (OR CAUCASIANS-LOOK IT UP) BUT NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS WILL YOU UNDERSTAND HOW WE FEEL SO PLEASE DONT TRY AND UNDERSTAND BECAUSE YOU NEVER EVER WILL. WHEN RACISM STOPS THEN THAT WORD WILL LIKELY CEASE, BUT THATS NOT HAPPENING ANY TIME SOON. YOU ALL (THOSE WHO ARENT BLACK) DONT KNOW HOW IT FEELS TO BE LOOKED AT OR FOLLOWED WHEN YOU ENTER A BANANA REPUBLIC OR GAP (BECAUSE WE ARENT SUPPOSED TO SHOP THERE). SO WITH THAT BEING SAID, I DONT THINK WE SHOULD USE IT EITHER…….BUT PLEASE DONT ACT LIKE YOU KNOW OR EVEN CARE TO UNDERSTAND OUR FEELING.
I have never met Mr. Diggs, therefore, I have never called him the "N" word.
Here's my deal for him, I will give you back the "N" Word, if you give me back the follwoing words:
Honky
Whitey
And
Cracker
Think on it for a few days and let me know what your decision is.
I will continue to use that word and any other word I feel. It is called FREDOM OF SPEECH.
I will be waiting to here from you.
Sincerely
Tammy
First of all, no white person living today created that word. Second, no one is trying to take away that history-rather all of us are trying to move forward, in order to do so, the word needs to stop being used in any context.
What kind of idiot are you Perez? White people will never understand this issue because they are white. Maybe you will understand the issue if we put it into pink perspective. Some gays I know use the word FAG as a term of endearment with each other. However, when a straight person uses the word, it takes on a different meaning doesnt it? If you can't see that, then you're more ignorant than I thought.
I think everyone including the women on the view have all missed the point that has brought all this nonsence up Jesse Jackson is a hypocrite he has in the past stated that he thinks even black people need to stop using this word but then he himself goes and uses HA I am sooo glad that his campaign for presidency didnt go very far men like him make me sick!
what black people arent understanding is that it's not SPECIAL that you get to use it among yourself. Racists are laughing at you basically. You are continuing to use a negative word and "think" it's ok now for you to use it with each other when in reality it is a negative word and they are laughing at you cuz your so dumb you don't realize ITS NOT YOUR WORD you did not create it. It's belittling you and you guys enjoy using it. IDIOTS
BLACKS are such idiots they are "honored" its "their" word. MORONS, it's a foul word that has negative connotations you should not want it. The fact you do shows you are a total idiot that is carrying on the traditions of the exact men that hated and repressed you years ago .
THERE IS NOTHING SPECIAL ABOUT THE WORD
Two what you don't get is that if you use it so freely among yourselfs then your children's while/ asian friends hear you say it and they become loose with the word too. They don't get it cuz they are too young. When that same kid says it in school the next day its bad bad bad.
Honestly if blacks want to continue calling themselves that and bring to attention that there use to be segregation you will never move forward as equals .
I am not black nor white , I am south asian so I have an unbiased opinion on it
Am I the only on who feels like we are holding on to a race card here. I agree with a couple others by saying "I" did not create the word nor did I use it on you. "YOU" were not subjected to slavery and are now given equal opportunity today, even more opportunity than any other race. legal opportunities, College benefit programs etc, etc. Things that I don't get and have to pay in full. If a race is going to be mad at any other race, make it your own. Don't get pissed at me because people in your culture make the stereotype what it is. I didn't do it. Accept the programs that are available for everyone get educated and speak an understandable and appropriate language and show everyone including yourself your above it, in the long run jesse jackson is holding on to a dieing fight, his generation is almost over and he wants to keep us seperated so let's all let it go!!!! I feel we are almost there.
Re: INTEL –
wah i'm black. waaaah. life is so hard. waaaah. get real. life is rough for everyone and you are racist for not seeing that.
that's what bugs me: it's either right or wrong. either everyone can use it or no one can use it. everyone loses when you change up those rules. why should black people or white people make up rules that the other doesn't understand?
i think its stupid that of all people, Oprah, once said the same exact thing and held the same position on this work as Elizabeth does, but Elizabeth is getting all the heat for it just because she is white.
no noone should be aloud to use the n word , and as far as taye diggs goes yah hes right white people dont know what its like to be called the n word but we have all been called something that hurts at some point in our life and in that aspect we know how it feels. and besides just because white people started the word means nothing cause it wasnt me and i havent at any point and or time called anyone the n word
The DOUBLE STANDARD RULE is BS
Re: GinGi –
I'm gonna speak for myself:
I'm more hurt than angry. I myself have grown up to be a person is not racist, and i don't think this current argument is going to do anything for equality amongst americans. quite the opposite.
i don't feel that i'm entitled to squat for being born white. as a matter of fact, i have a really fucking difficult life, and i realize that life can suck for everyone, no matter who you are.
i think white people are confused on how to make racism a thing of the past if blacks insist on using this ugly N word. I am truly confused. I'd love to see a day when we all just live together in something resembling happiness. sometimes it feels like blacks might be trying to segregate themselves still. and a white person who wants everyone to be fucking equal, it saddens me.
i went to a college where there were very, very few black students (mostly whites and a lot of Asians) and the black students seriously would not talk to anyone who wasn't black. they were athletes who all stuck together in a tight group and refused to branch out or let anyone else in. when i tried to start a conversation with them, they just ignored me. and that hurt, too. HURT affects everyone in this situation. please realize that.
I think that the same people who want "EQUAL RIGHTS" need to stop perpetuating the stereotype that they claim to hate so much. If you want EQUAL, then you are EQUALLY wrong for using the word.
Being African American, I do not agree with such a lame ass excuse, that by
taking such a vile, ignorant word away from those that have oppressed you
for decades and using it the way you want, makes the meaning or the
history of the way it was used less demeaning!!! On the contrary it's worst!!!
No other race uses such a derogatory term to describe themsleves, especially by their oppressor!! It amazes me that Whoopi, Sheri and Taye and
many more like them have such low self-esteem, that they persist on continuing this illusion that the word dosen't have the same meaning because
we've taken it back and it belongs to us!!! So we get mad at others who aren't
African American, when they use the word!!! No one should use this word, black,brown, white, yellow, etc. It only continues to create division in our
community, as well as in society as a whole!!! Dr. King and all of our ancestor
must be rolling over in their graves!!!!!!!
Saying that only black people can say the n word is like making sure us whites know that we're not the same and will never be the same. I'm sick of being treated like a bigot because I'm white when all these other races walk around saying black pride, native pride. etc. We live in the same fucking country we have the same culture! We're all equals so what you can say we can say and vice versa. If you don't dig it then get the fuck out of my country.
That's like homosexuals saying only they can say "fag" or "gay." A racist remark is a racist remark, regardless of the race. STOP USING THE DAMN WORD.
Until black people stop separating themselves from everyone else we can never truly be a united and equal country.
The idea of having a word that only black people can use is ignorant and it sets black people back more than they know.
If a word was used to spew hate then it shouldn't be used… PERIOD. I know 'they've re claimed it and made it something else" blah blah blah blah and I know I'll "never understand because I'm white" *rolls eyes*
I understand the concept. It's the same reason women will call another woman the B word or a gay man will say what's up F to his gay friend. But it doesn't make it right.
I know most people here can help but hate Elizabeth because she's a republican but this isn't a political issue it's a human issue and what Sherry and Whoopi said was wrong…. we don't live in 2 worlds.
I love being white. White is better. We are more evolved.
Women have been deflecting negative names for centuries. Elizabeth has every right to comment on this. That's like saying that Taye Diggs, and any male for that matter doesn't have a place in the conversation of women's rights, etc.
It's a WORD people, A WORD!!! What ever happened to "sticks and stones, will break my bones, but names can never hurt me?"
How can anyone be told by anyone else that they cannot say something. This is just out of control.
It feels like he is perpetuating the exact thing he's complaining about. Racism. "he" has been attacked by "white people" so the black community now owns a word that "white people" can't use. Isn't that a form of racism? Some can, some can't use it, do it, etc? When does it end?
"and called me for many, many years" Really Taye Elizabeth, myself and EVERY OTHER person who isn't black has called you for many many years-you just sound ridiculous!
If it is SO hurtful to you then why would you even want to change the word and use it EVER again-DOUBLE STANDARD big time!!!!
Why do white people want to use the word in the first place? Next, this is coming from a man married to a white woman.
The "N" word was often the last word a black person heard right before they were lynched. Bill Cosby was right–it's not a good word for anybody.
nigg*rs need to chill with all this omg that white person is racial… not everyone is racist. and blacks are more racist than whites cause they (yes i said they meaning Nig*ers) are the ones who turn everything a white person says to be racist. and personally i'm tired of my tax dollars going to nigge*s when all they (again) do is sit around eat and watch t.v. i handle bankruptcys in ms and i know all of what i said is true for a Fu*kin fact
deffinatly argee with LizCH i know for myself i was brought up in a more understanding generation. i think racism still exist for sure but for u to say its part of ur culture and u should have ot right to say it is wrong there is thousands of year of negative history surrounding the n word…no one ever wins ur either mad we use it or ur mad when we want people to STOP using it all together…
i think that no one should say words that have discriminatory or hateful meanings. honestly i think that what whoopi was saying is totally stupid and she was contradicting herself. she said that we do not live in the same world, and that black people can only use the N word.
so wait, everyone is trying to move together and live in "the same world" and the black people have always said how hard its been for them that they are treated differently becuase of their skin. . . but ONLY the black people can use this word. but dont they want everyone to be equal?
honestly black people who call eachother the N word only worsen the use of that word. i dont go around calling my family wops and calling white people cakers. how do people think were supposed to grow as a nation and "be as one" if only certain people can say certain things beucase of their colour or race.
Uh…hello…I wasn't around when that word was created…gettin' a little personal about white folk there Diggs…
Re: jamie – totally agree
i dont agree with elizabitch on alot of things, me being a democrat. but i do agree with her on this subject….if african americans get so upset that people of other races still use the "n"word for very very negative purposes, then why are they still keeping that word alive….its still a fresh word because people in the black community keep it alive to refer to eachother by it. that word should have been left back along with slavery, when slavery died so should have that word…but no, every rapper uses it and just like female friends refer to eacker as bitch hey bitch or hi bitch or you look hot bitch…men and others will use it too….so whoopi u should be ashamed for you are apart of the reason why this "n" word still has a shelf life.
I think it's absolutely ludicrous that people are trying to say that it's ok for one group to say a word, but not ok for another. Isn't that was segregation is? Isn't that what we are now trying to rise above? It's either offensive or it's not. Either everyone can say it or no one can. You can't have your cake and eat it too.
I don't think any black person has any business telling me what to think or say. They don't know what it is like being white and called a cracker all the time!
give me a break, just shows you why the black community continues to hold itself down. Stop the blame game and take some responsiblity for your community proliferating the use of the N word and children with absentee fathers and filling the jail cells. Nobody makes anyone commit a crime. They do it on their own!
FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!!
hey taye. I did not create that word.
I think people need to practise equality for all and I don't see many people doing that. Either love everybody equally or hate them equally. In this day and age we should all come together as people … gay, religious, ethnic, what ever … how much longer are we going to continue to look back and try to fix the past … when we can move together into the future as a collective…
THE WORD THAT "YOU" CREATED, I HAVE YET TO MEET ONE WHITE PERSON ALIVE TODAY THAT HAD A PLANTATION or HAS OWNED SLAVES. I HAVE YET TO MEET A BLACK PERSON THAT WAS A SLAVE. FUCK YOU! SO WHERE DID YOU PICK COTTON TOBY ?
Re: Jen –
totally agree. black people build their own racial stereotypes. we don't owe you shit we are EQUAL. oh and YOUR OWN PEOPLE sold you into slavery. Slavery was horrible BUT WHO FOUGHT FOR IT TO END WHO DIED.? …WHITE PEOPLE. think about it if you weren't a slave hundreds of years ago you would all be dying of a HIV/ADS but now instead you can collect welfare and yummy food stamps.
IT'S THE FIRST TIME I'M ON HER SIDE: THAT WORD IS DEGRADING AND SHE ALONG WITH THOSE OF US THAT AGREE ARE DEFENDING THE AFRICAN AMERICAN RACE AND HATE TO SEE THAT WORD STILL BEING USED. IT IS LIKE WHEN WOMEN CALL EACH OTHER SLUTS AND WHORES AND EXPECT MEN TO NEVER USE THAT WORD. IT'S NOT A JOKE AND THOSE WORDS SHOULD NEVER BE USED!!! ANY AFRICAN AMERICAN THAT USES THAT WORD IS NOT RESPECTING THEMSELF OR THEIR OWN RACE. STOP USING IT AND FIND A NEW SLANG WORD TO CALL YOURSELVES. & GROW UP TAYE DIGGS!!!!!! STOP BLAMING MODERN DAY WHITE PEOPLE FOR SOMETHING THEY HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH!! & STOP ACTING LIKE YOU WERE THE ONE ENSLAVED!!!! IT'S IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED AND LEARN FROM HISTORY - BUT STOP BLAMING MODERN DAY PEOPLE! THAT ONLY SHOWS YOUR IGNORANCE!!!
Since Taye Diggs thinks white people are incapable of understanding the black experience, we might as well stop trying to understand the experiences of other cultures, genders and faiths.
Nobody needs to use it. Not a soul. I am Black and if another Black person called me a "nigga", I would be offended. It will always have a negative connotation, no matter what, because it really means "ignorant and shiftless". Now why would I want anybody calling me that, and why would I call anybody else something so negative?
I agree with LizCH 100% on this one.
I think the bigger the deal we make of that word, the more it can be used against people. It is a just a word.. let it go! African Americans are giving people ammo with that word by making such a big fuss about it. I dont cry when people call me names. Its the way some people are. Accept it. If anything we know that people are cruel in this world, why are we giving them ways to be that way?
I'm sorry but isn't Taye Diggs married to a white woman? I would love to hear him tell his wife she is not allowed to speak on racial issues because she is not black. He is a complete moron! Someone should point out that nobody has called HIM the N word for many many years…. ancestors yes, him no. I am so over the black community thinking they are intitled to things and mouthing off because of what people they have never met went through many many many years ago. Black people that want to refer to themselves as the N word deserve to be called just that. I'm pretty sure white people didn't come up with the term cracker or honkey and if some idiot wants to "take the word back and make it theirs" deserves to be called derogitory names as well.
Hey asshole. I didn't call you anything. I didn't give you the name. Fuck off. Don't try to claim the injustice as your own. And don't blame them on me.
I find the word very offensive. I am white, and I would never ever call anyone by the N word. I think that the black community using it and then saying "you can only use this word if you're black" if very hurtful and divisive. I am of the mind that we are all one people, and just different shades of the same color. Being told that I cannot say a word by someone who can say that word, based on the color of my skin, is pure racism. I think we need to do away with the N word, as well as all other racial slurs. It doesn't matter how much you "embrace" a word, if you take offense at someone of another race using it, then obviously you still consider it a slur.
You can call anyone you want whatever you want.
So can I.
If you don't like it, find another country to live in. It is what makes us great.
I am half black n half puerto rican….and I totally agree with Hasselbeck! If blacks can call each other that without it offending them….then they shouldn't be upset if other ppl were to call them that! If they don't like it….get rid of the freakin word, stop using it! Taye Diggs needs to shut up! Wat is he tlkin about they don't know wat its liked to be called that word when they use it towards each other all time! Just get rid of the word…!!
ANYONE ON HERE WHO IS NOT BLACK!!!!!! CAN'T SAY SHIT ON THIS SUBJECT. SO KEEP YOU RETARDED ASS COMMENTS AND OPINIONS TO YOUR DAHUM SELVES….
Oh my goodness. Seriously people. It's just like someone calling me (a person of Hispanic decent) a "wetback". I might laugh it off, but if they are trying to be crude in any way–with ANYword for that matter–I'd be pissed. Now, there are just some words and phrases used by certain cultures and someone of a diff culture might not understand, so I agree w/Diggs on that one. It's not that non-blacks "can't" or "shouldn't" use the word, but who would want to? Like he said, it's not part of your culture, it's not a big deal to you–why use it?
So because of the way Elizabeth looks SHE called people that name? Way to point fingers… People try to promote positive changes based on their own beliefs, but are then told that because of the amount of pigment in their skin, that they have no say in the matter. We are all human, regardless of the past. We need to work together, not let the variations in skin color divide us.
Well lets see if they use it I use it.. they call me cracker…. its a dumb word yes.. i call my white friends it when they are being stupid hence the meaning of the word
nigga please,
Re: Kionn –
YOUR OWN FUCKING PEOPLE SOLD YOU INTO SLAVERY. LEARN ABOUT IT BITCH
I'm white and I do not, and never will, use that word; I will also never sit on my high horse and tell someone of the black community that they can't use it…they can do what they want with it and it doesn't bother me, but I do not choose to use it.
dude. WHITES DONT OWE BLACKS SHIT. BLACKS SERIOUSLY NEED TO STOP DWELLING ON THE PAST. MOVE THE FUCK ON. WHATS DONE IS DONE.. like seriously if anything bad happens the common excuse is "because their black".. damn yall are more racist then the whites! geez can we get a WHITE IN AMERICA cnn special please???
I think the whole fight was about how come black people can say it and we cant…. yanno what… NO ONE is going to tell me what to say… I have a ton of black friends who don't find it offensive if i would say it… so stick that UP the ass of the racist people who whine and find it offensive when white people say it. fuck you.
Re: fredd – totally agree if u dont want to be called something dont use it on other people…it just doesnt make any sense
As a white person, I do NOT use this word. I have no use for it, and get offended if I hear others use it in a derogatory manner. I assume black people using the "n word" is similar to women calling each other "bitches"? Taye is right in that respect, I don't necessarily understand it, and if he claims black people "have taken the word back", then whatever - not my place to criticize. However, he should not be generalizing the use of the word saying "You (white people) created it", and "called me (black people) it". I (along with others in my generation) did NOT create this word, do not own slaves, do not promote segregation - nor has he (or anyone in his generation)ever been a slave (not to say that he's never faced discrimination). That's an ignorant remark, and the type of shit I get tired of hearing. It's not ok for anyone to stereotype or generalize in this way - it just perpetuates racism (which by the way goes both ways!).
Re: kim – i totally agree.
I think the whole fight was about how come black people can say it and we cant…. yanno what… NO ONE is going to tell me what to say… I have a ton of black friends who don't find it offensive if i would say it… so stick that UP the ass of the racist people who whine and find it offensive when white people say it. fuck you.
Slavery happened hundreds of years ago, we are the people today…. if everyone of us let something that happened to "our race" hundreds of years ago this country would be a bigger fucking rat race then what it is now. Let it go, move on, be more worried about the economy, gas prices and how your going to feed your families!!!!
Peace Bitches.
What about Indians, Chinese, Mexicans, Koreans, etc….are they aloud to use the word? I just want to make sure I'm PC!
Then isnt it sad that black people are some of the most homophobic people out there. Just shows how people are sensitive about things that effect their own kind only
Believe it or not I finally agree with Elisabitch! And one of the other poster's on this wall, we in the 21st century did not create that word nor has anyone had to endure the humiliation of a white person calling them this word these days, I think this is just another way for the african americans to shit on white people, we all strive for equality, white woman want equal pay, homosexuals want gay marriages, blacks want to be accepted and yet they use a term like that between them and say a white person cannot nor can we have an opinion on the matter, that's bullshit Taye and I think you should straighten out your comment ASAP! For all of us who want to be equal it would be contradictory to be ignorant to our own kind…so I say that word needs to go, from everyone's vocab, sorry Whoppi, i love you but your wrong!
La'K says – reply to this
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ANYONE ON HERE WHO IS NOT BLACK!!!!!! CAN'T SAY SHIT ON THIS SUBJECT. SO KEEP YOU RETARDED ASS COMMENTS AND OPINIONS TO YOUR DAHUM SELVES….
——- oh sorry La'K didn't know that damn was spelled that way..thanks for enlightening me………. get a fucking education
What about Indians, Chinese, Mexicans, Koreans, etc….are they allowed to use the word? I just want to make sure I'm PC!
The bottomline is, the N word is a nasty word. Why do they wanna call themselves that? I am not black, but that word is offensive and degrading. No one should say that. It's not right!
you know, this kind of crap makes me want to leave america out of sadness and defeatism, because we will still be having this ugly debate in 2050. unless the appocalypse really does happen in 2012…that's probably the only thing that could stop this argument. maybe.
this is probably the first and maybe the ONLY time I've ever agreed with Hasselback.
I would LOVE to hear a white person say, "no black person can understand…" bla bla bla.
Further, I'm pretty sure that EVERY person that "invented" the 'N' word has been dead for at least 400 years. Even fucking Elisabeth Hasselbeck didn't create the 'N' word.
Further, I disagree with Whoopi. This younger generation generally gets to CHOOSE what "world" they live in. If you decide in your head that all white people are out to get you, or that all black people are out to kill you, then you're a fool.
I'm not white or black, but i AM sick of this bullshit.
Re: LizCH – that is exactly the logic. Those men you talking about are usually Pastors and priest preaching that bullshizz. You know when slavery went on for so many years the blacks didnt own even their name. WHat right does a white person who has never walked a day in the life of a black, or any other culture for that matter, be weighing in on the word used in a different culture? The white American slave owners and their families were the ones who abused the word. Now they want to use it when it is considered a term of endearment? The answer is HEll to the Nizzaw!! You could try? I wouldnt suggest it.
it pisses me off when people say you don't know what it's like to be black.
especially the people that are in their teens, or twenties, because they aren't the ones who had to deal with slavery. it was their elders. and i understand they show respect to them, but you're not the ones it happened to.
in today's society, black people treat white people like shit,
and then complain about how it's not equal. it makes no sense. YOU have no idea what it's like to be WHITE.
I get offended when someone says that just because I'm white I don't understand. Neither do you. Just because my skin is white does not mean that I don't understand how it feels to be called a degrading crude word. The N word which I have never used is just the same as being called the F word or any other name or cruel words. I think people need to stop blaming others because a bunch of dead people years ago performed unconscionable acts hundreds of years ago. I didn't do it, I wouldn't do it, DON'T BLAME ME!
i think the only mistake elizabeth made is in defending this ignorant race of ingreats. whoopy goldberg is an idiot and former welfare recipient and it shows. as for this idiot with all due respect don't tell me what words I can or cannot use, where the hell do you people get off. you can't even govern yourselves all you know is cheating ,stealing ,violence, and ofcourse blaming whites for all of it.
If you don't like what actors/actresses have to say or the position they take - just boycott their films, projects etc. It's the people that make or break a celebrity. It's gets tiresome when some of them get on their soapbox and preach. They should just stick to their day job.
I am Hispanic, and i am called spic, alien, immigrant( even though i am none of those!) by all. Yet most Hispanics don't call each other those words, just cause its silly. I would never call ANYONE that because it is just rude. It's similar to the N word. If African Americans only use the word, then they're not going to make racism any better, even if you were called it before it does not make a difference. Not all caucasions said that word years ago, don't be too quick to assume.
I just don't see why you would want to take a derogatory term back and make it your own. If black people are so offended by it, then why are they so offended by white people trying to rid it from our vocabulary?
first of all, this word was not created by my generation. I do not use it and do not want to be blamed for it. It's 2008, let's try and get past the racist bullsh*t. For the record, I think she was just trying to be respectful and not use a word she felt others would feel was demeaning. Maybe there is still miscommunication with it, but it's a start at least right? I feel like if she had USED the word, he would have more of the right to be pissed off.
Also- he says it is only right for it to be used in his culture. Well, the way I'm hearing it used certainly isn't helping to improve things
So if it's such an offensive word that brings back so much pain and sorrow, why do rappers use it in their songs so much?
And why are we being blamed for something that we didn't even do? Slavery happened so long ago, it's time to forget the past and look toward the future. If you let a word, not an action, nothing that physically harms you hold you back then it's your own fault.
What year is this? I am sorry but yes white America created it 200 years ago when there was slavery. However, a certain man by the name of Lincoln stopped slavery. Yes, the ignorance in America still uses it…black, white, whatever race you are IGNORANT to use that word. Blacks should not get offended if the word is used since they like to still use it themselves…if you don't want to be offended STOP USING THE WORD. If you think its okay to use it within the race you are just breeding ignorance….stay classy.
I am so over this black thing. Blacks have colleges that are for blacks only. Black have award shows for blacks only. Why is it so important to them to enter the white world? Whites dont seem to be forcing into black places. And just wondering why are they calling themselves African Americans? How many were born in Africa or have even been there? Stop all the complaining.
It's their word, just as gays have taken ownership of "fag" and "queer." Leave it alone.
why doesn't a respected black civil rights leader be that, a leader, and give respect to his fellow black people, and the heartache of his ancestors, by not using a word that was once said out of hate? way to go reverand!
what happened to freedom of speech?…Honkey!
I think that you can't have it both ways…you can't ask for the word to stop being used and then continue to use it within your own circles. If it continues to be used, it will never truly go away, right? I, being a white person, havn't used the word and don't ever plan on using the word. I don't relate to the comments made regarding slavery either. My family, personally, has never owned any slaves so I don't really like when comments are made about whites owning slaves. Should I take offense to those comments?
Re: Kelly – OMG. Where have you been? I'm sure that Taye has been called that word at some time or another during his life, because I have, and we are about the same age. Also, the dictionary used to specify that this was a slur against Blacks (or at the time, it said Negroes) before they changed it.
America needs a new slogan "Get Over It!!!!!" I'm sooooo tired of hearing someone else being offended about something else…will it ever end?!!! Americans overall are so acutely aware of trying to be politically correct and this therefore takes away from the important issues going on in the world! Enough already!
nope its just taking ignorance of the past and bringing it forward in the present day i dont get it
bullshit bullshit bullshit…especially coming from a guy that's married to a white jewish girl…it must be so had to be black, huh Taye?
GET OVER IT BLACK FOLKS!!!! Stop walking around with a chip on your shoulders!
Re: alyss – Being Black and being a Slave or TWO DIFFERENT THINGS! And you don't know what it's like to be Black, I do. However, I can only presume what it was like to be a slave.
this is ridiculous, NO ONE should say "the n word". it's a terrible thing to say and black people saying it doesn't make it any better.