the "n" bomb, nigga and nigger Options

[fameONE]

I'm not angry, so please keep that in mind while reading this...

Due to the recent trend of people using the "n" word in such a nonchalant manner and due to my recent discontent with letting it slide, I'm making this known.

Don't use the word... at all. I don't care if you're joking, I don't care if you're serious, don't say it.

To my fellow Afro-Americans; we, as a people, have fought long and hard in this country to make it known that a) that word is an unacceptable insult and b) its a sign of blatant racism. The more and more we perpetuate such a word, the more people of other cultures will begin to use it in such a playful manner. Saying, "thats OUR word," is just as bad as saying it in a derogatory manner. Don't say it. Wonder why there's a white kid from Iowa sitting on his computer calling people, "my nigga," well, more than likely, its because you keep saying it. Or does it strike you as odd that a welloff asian kid who thinks he's a 'kangsta' uses "nigga" in his rhymes? 9 times out of 10, its because you keep saying it. Solution: don't say it.

To my humanoid brothers and sisters; you're not cool by dropping the N bomb. Furthermore, as much as you think you can say it without it being a big deal, you are offending someone. And by offense, I'm not talking about being 'rubbed the wrong way,' I'm talking about being reminded that racism still exists and by using the N word in such a glorified context, you're mocking a history of hardships. Just because you hear 50 Cent or Ludacris say it in their rhymes doesn't it make it any more acceptable. If you hear one of your black friends say it, that still doesn't give you the right to. Even if they say, "I don't care if you say it," that doesn't make it ok. Take into consideration that they're probably just as ignorant as you are. Bottom line; don't say it.

To the racists (believe me, I know they're here); Instead of threatening to take your life by going the Malcolm X route [AK-47s and Sawed Offs], I'm going to simpley and politely ask that you not use the word. If you're a close-minded racist and you can't get over the fact that times have changed and society is evolving, then keep your goddamned mouths shut. If you really feel so compelled to call someone a "nigger," do so... but do it in a group of gang members in the Traps of Atlanta.

To everyone; this isn't just an issue within the black community. Don't stand for words like chink, spic, wetback, ginny, etc. Its wrong. The more these words are used, the more racial slurs are encouraged and the more we digress as a society.

Thanks,
The Don

[MrElsewhere]

Its called self-racism, i believe. I hate it when people try to differentiate(sp?) between "nigga" and "nigger". Same thing.

I see black people say it all the time. But all of a sudden when a white person says "nigga", it's go time. Wtf?

[fameONE]

Exactly. Allow me to quote myself (I've always wanted to do this, hehe)

Saying, "thats OUR word," is just as bad as saying it in a derogatory manner.

[racoons > you]

i agree with brandon

even when it is not use din a particualry racial way, for example (im NOT picking on you, i just wanted and example) the mini-drama which started over elba using the word, wher eno offense of ANY kind was intended, it still promotes negative association

for further information, see any of my rants about missuse of the word gay. its the same theory

[me1issaaaa]

Hey you posted this on Myspace. Wheee ilu.

Anyway, yeah I agree with you. People are just ignorant. It's sad, really. And I agree with what DaToNeViEtBoI916 said, as well. If a white person were to say it, very commonly it's blown out of proportion more than in a black person were to say it.

I've witnessed many times where two black kids joke around calling them "my nigga" or whatever and just play along, but if they overhear a white kid saying it, whether it was meant as racial descrimination or not, they are extremely offended and, in all honesty, are about ready to jump the white kid.

[haostar]

i agree with the don


just dont use it! im not black and i get offended when someone says it

its just a hurtfull word and should not be used no matter what ur intend be hind the word is

[CrazayChristian]

Well, It's odd how this generation works. Racisim seems to be almost a toy to other people . I never use that word, I just don't, but I'm Mexican and I know a guy who "pretends to be racist".

He talks about mexicans and he is one. But not necessarily in a bad way. He says "O c'mon, I'm mexican I can't afford blah or I can't get this as fast." It's not that he's racist he just feels confortable with himself. If there were a serious issue about it, he wouldn't do it.

I think this is what people think when they say things like that.

I am in firm belife of "Your rights end where anothers begin". And this was a mature way to approach the matter. Thank you for that,

and I hope things go well.

Joshua

[Teesa]

I agree with every word that you said. I seriously hate that word, and it makes me cringe and makes me really uncomfortable when others say it in front of me or if I see it. And I absolutely hate it when people say things like, "Oh, it's okay if he says it, because he's black." No, it's not okay. It makes it even worse.

I also hate it how people treat it as a joke, like you said brandon, because it is not. It makes the person saying it, sound ignorant.

Sheesh, everyone stop saying this word. Or typing it.

[Im So Vain]

To my fellow Afro-Americans; we, as a people, have fought long and hard in this country to make it known that a) that word is an unacceptable insult and b) its a sign of blatant racism. The more and more we perpetuate such a word, the more people of other cultures will begin to use it in such a playful manner. Saying, "thats OUR word," is just as bad as saying it in a derogatory manner. Don't say it. Wonder why there's a white kid from Iowa sitting on his computer calling people, "my nigga," well, more than likely, its because you keep saying it. Or does it strike you as odd that a welloff asian kid who thinks he's a 'kangsta' uses "nigga" in his rhymes? 9 times out of 10, its because you keep saying it. Solution: don't say it.

Thanx Brandon so much for making this thread, because I feel you so much with what you are saying.

Hey you posted this on Myspace. Wheee ilu.

Anyway, yeah I agree with you. People are just ignorant. It's sad, really. And I agree with what DaToNeViEtBoI916 said, as well. If a white person were to say it, very commonly it's blown out of proportion more than in a black person were to say it.

I've witnessed many times where two black kids joke around calling them "my nigga" or whatever and just play along, but if they overhear a white kid saying it, whether it was meant as racial descrimination or not, they are extremely offended and, in all honesty, are about ready to jump the white kid.

Just because an African-American uses the word loosely dosen't mean it should be right for someone non-African-American to use it too. The reasons why you see other African-Americans get mad is probably because they are offended. I know I would be being, African-American myself. I take it as an insult when a person of anotther race uses that word around me. The reason why is because, I personally do not use that word when Im talking to others, because the word NIGGA is disrespectful. Think about it would you call your mom a nigga(??), probably not. And also there are many degrading names for other races out there but I dont go around saying that to them. So people on CB should really think about some of the stuff they say before saying it. But if an African-American friend of mind called me that word I would not be offended, because we are of the same race and I know that it would not be taken in as a racial slur or nothing.

[bellpepper]

THANK YOU for making this thread. So many people through the word around like its nothing. And I cant stand it when people use the word, no matter what color they are. Nothing good ever comes out of it.

[*basick*]

Heres my take on the n-word. I'm chinese by the way.

The word nigger carries with it much of the hatred and repulsion directed toward Africans and African Americans. Historically, nigger defined, limited, and mocked African Americans. It was a term of exclusion, a verbal justification for discrimination. Whether used as a noun, verb, or adjective, it reinforced the stereotype of the lazy, stupid, dirty, worthless parasite. No other American ethnophaulism carried so much purposeful venom.

I know lots of people who throw around the n-word loosely and I don't agree with that. I remember Dave Chapelle, yes the same guy who did the Rick James Skit, said in the October 2004 issue of XXL with Kanye, Common, Talib, and Dead Prez, "I think it was Mos Def that I was talking to - he made a point that "Nigga" used to be such an exclusive word. And Then it became cool to be that, and it's now as exclusive the other way. Now you hear white people say like, "Why can't we say it?" So all these things to me are symptomatic...".

So I agree with you brownsugar08, and that's why I never say the word. Also I am not mad at you if you aren't black and you do use the word because so many people do, but I still don't think it's necessary.

[esharp]

this is a good thread... a lot of my friends need to see this...

one thing i hate more than that is when people complain about how they anscestors were oppressed during slavery and all that... first of all, that's loooooooooooooooooong gone. about 50+ years ago... move on. and why bring up those times by calling each other "niggas?" i guess because 2pac said it all the time means everyone else could say it

[*kryogenix*]

Heres my take on the n-word. I'm chinese by the way.

The word nigger carries with it much of the hatred and repulsion directed toward Africans and African Americans. Historically, nigger defined, limited, and mocked African Americans. It was a term of exclusion, a verbal justification for discrimination. Whether used as a noun, verb, or adjective, it reinforced the stereotype of the lazy, stupid, dirty, worthless parasite. No other American ethnophaulism carried so much purposeful venom.

That's... ummm... on this page : http://www.ferris.edu/news/jimcrow/caricature/

Scroll down to the fourth paragraph.

And yes, I agree with Brandon "The Don" Saunders (I love how you added that in when you quoted yourself). It's a double standard if African Americans use that term, while other races cannot. I find it offensive no matter who says it.

[*basick*]

yeah i did take it from there sorry i should i cited it just forgot my bad.. i did write the rest tho lol

[mocassinsx29]

I agree. In addition, people think they're so hilarious in my school when they add n*gger to the end of something and they expect me to laugh.

[wayne]

i use it.. all the time...

i see it as taking something that was used against you, and throwing it back in he face of the world.

ok so call me stupid or whatever you want, but i really could care less. being raised in the environment i am in, i have become used to using the word.


its wrong to use.. dont get me wrong... but ive used it, and im not promising that ill never use it again either...

[Paradox of Life]

^Well yeah. It's your right and no one can force you to do something you don't want to do. Doesn't mean it's right though.

Ugh, racial slurs. I hate what people are doing about races right now. It just isn't very mature.. I've been called a chink by caucasian people as an insult. And I'm not chinese, might I add, but that still really gets on my nerves. I deal with a lot of racism at school too.

SO NO USING THE "N" BOMB AND OTHER ETHNIC SLURS, YOU HEAR?

It hurts other people.

[wayne]

^Well yeah. It's your right and no one can force you to do something you don't want to do. Doesn't mean it's right though.

Ugh, racial slurs. I hate what people are doing about races right now. It just isn't very mature.. I've been called a chink by caucasian people as an insult. And I'm not chinese, might I add, but that still really gets on my nerves. I deal with a lot of racism at school too.

SO NO USING THE "N" BOMB AND OTHER ETHNIC SLURS, YOU HEAR?

It hurts other people. 

oh i dont call other races racial slurs. im respectful to one's race. tis just, when i call someone else a nigga, they dont take it into offense, so im not being racist towards them.

[*nightmare4taki*]

I feel exactly what you are saying Brandon. I also agree with Wayne on the issue as well. The African American community itself stands divided on the use of the "N" word. There was a special on BET a while back on the "Chronicles of Cousin Jeff" in which people diccussed their takes on the N word. Me personally I say it occaisionlly when Im out mostly with my Black friends. I've even let a few white boys call me "nigga" just because they had the personality that society sees as a black man. Basically as long as they didn't say it in a racist way I was cool with it.

The N word in my oppinion no longer has the one specific meaning it had years ago but separate definitions which was turned around into another meaning by African Americans. When I think of the N word I see how the African American race turned the word from something so negative into something that was in a since like a cultural sacred word turned into an advantage to use as a way to say "Look what we have overcomed".

I didn't know the word nigga was so widely used with different races until I was hanging out with a group of mexicans. I was shocked at the fact that they to identified each other as niggas. So from then on I had to accept the fact that the world is constantly changing and adapt to these changes as well.

Although I personally feel no pain when someone of another race calls me nigga, the only thing I have trouble understanding is when people of another race say "How come we can't use that word?". I mean although you may see a African American use this word what makes it right for you to say

"Whats up my Nigga".

To those people who have this outlook would you think it was okay if I came up to you and said one of these derogatory terms to you:

"Whats up my Cracka"
"Hows it going my Peckerwood friend"
"Hello honkey"

Now I am in no way a racist just simply trying to understand why people bitch about how they cant use the N word without getting some form of backlash.

Brandon I realize in your post how you say although rappers say it it still doesn't make it okay, but what about the intelligent rappers who use the word such as Common and Nas? Do you think they use it only when it is necessary or do you think the N word should cease to exist from Rap music as well. Also do you think there are some circumstances in which the "N" word is permissable?

After reading this post I will work on using the N word less until it is eradicated from my vocabulary. Yes people Change rarely happens immediately but its more of a gradual process that I will have to overcome.

[fameONE]

Post 998, damn.

Let me start from the bottom of the reply and go to the top....

As far as intelligent hiphop is concerned, I have analyzed the contexts in which 'nigga' was used. Most of the time, it has been used to identify that dumbass brotha who just can't get himself together. Other times, I've heard it used as a term of endearment. So, thats a give or take sort of thing. As for the 50s and Ja Rules that just say it to say it, thats what I have a problem with. Then again, K-OS has never said it in either one of his albums. Yea, I bump Common and I believe in a lot of his rhymes (see: Faithful), but that doesn't mean I grow a bit concerned when bumping with my friends of other races and they rap along to his lyrics and say it so apathetically.

Don't get me wrong. I've said it. I say it and I'll slip up in the future. But I catch myself and I just reflect on how I'm representing myself and my people by being in a group of upper middle class white kids and saying 'nigga' in whatever context. When I post, its more or less a reflexive post that I'd like to bring to everyone's attention.

[madchenallein]

Mr. Saunders brings up some of the best points and presents them in a well thought out manner. I am very intrigued to see an intelligent black man's view on this word.

I am white, just so anyone knows right from the get-go. I don't like hearing the word. I don't use it. To me it makes me think of the times when white people were generally inhumane towards black people, not just the concept of black people being oppressed.

However, this is what I think about the *whole* name calling issue. I think if you have to resort to calling someone a name that you feel will shock them, or offend them, then not only have you given them power over you in revealing a weakness of your own, but you lack the intelligence to do something proactive rather than reactive about your situation.

There are many better ways of getting a point across than name calling, and people need to learn how to control their mouths. Cursing and swearing and name calling show a huge lack of self discipline and 'un'creativity, not 'self-expression' as popular society would have us believe.

I think that word is horrible and no self respecting *person* should use it, regardless of their color. I wouldn't want my white friends calling me 'honky' or 'cracker'.

As far as rappers using that word, to me that falls into the category of art, whose purpose is to cause a reaction. I'm not saying I like it, I don't like abstract painting either, but sometimes an artist creates not for the audience to like, but to react. However, as popular as many of these rappers are, they ought to use their power and influence to edify their fans.

Mr. Saunders reminds me a bit of Larry Elder, a black libertarian talk radio host. I find several of his ideas amazing. He asks why a black person pursuing education and speaking with good grammar is considered 'acting white'. I would be very interested in hearing more black people's impression of his ideas. I believe I read in his book that he is villified by many blacks for his views, which I think is a shame.

I was brought up not to swear and when I moved out of the house, I started swearing. I basically had to make myself do it at first it was so unnatural to me, but soon enough it came as second nature. After a few years, I started to see women in films swearing in a different light. They don't look cool, they look ignorant and coarse and unladylike. Now, I make a conscious effort not to swear at all and if I feel someone says or does something stupid or mean, if I can't tell them in an intelligent fashion how annoying it is and that I'd like them to stop doing it around me, then I don't say anything.

My two cents.

[demolished]

You're right but i think you should provide more info. why we shouldnt use "n" even though its a joke.

Is that your persuasive essay ?

Anyways, thats why its good to be individuality.

I agree. In addition, people think they're so hilarious in my school when they add n*gger to the end of something and they expect me to laugh. 

same here.

[madchenallein]

Yes, it is my persuasive essay. Allow me to distill it for you: edification and self value/respect and peer value/respect.

[*RockizLife*]

Agreed Brandon. I wish racist people like a few of my uncles could meet you. I hate the word as well and if I hear anyone say it I usually confront it. Including some people in my family that hate blacks. I don't respect anyone who doesn't have enough respect not to use racial slurs such as "nigger." It really is pathetic how this nation has become accustom to such hateful words. It makes no sense to me why someone would want to put them selves down by using such language. And that's exactly what they're doing. They're just making themselves look like trash. Most people are too ignorant to even know what the word stands for, beside something 50 cent used in one of his songs.

I admit it, I have used the word in a joking manner. That was way back before I knew what strong hatred was attached to it. I was stupid. I'm sure I'll probably slip up and say it in the future too. Everyone makes mistakes. I'll try my hardest not to.

And to blacks who read this, why don't you take a look at this quote:

“You can only be destroyed by believing that you really are what the white world calls a nigger”-James Baldwin.

So just because you call each other that, does that make it right? No. You're just slapping yourself in the face. Bottom line, to everyone who reads this, Don't use the word.

[jnukes]

EVERYONE says it where I live .. no one cares .. no one cares when a white guy says it .. no one cares when a black guy says it .. no one cares when a white guy calls a white guy it .. no one cares if ANYONE calls a black guy it ..


well, majority of everyone


edit \\ " everyone " as in tha people in tha town, not just as around my friends ..