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 ..

[xquizit]

I had a debate over this with my ex-boyfriend/best friend in the past. I told him how it made me feel uncomfortable with people used that word and I felt that it was only encouraging racism and ignorance. He himself never uses the word but he says he had no problem with other black folks using the word and that it was part of black culture. He said that because they're not using it in a hateful or racist manner, it isn't a problem. I couldn't comprehend why a word that was once used to insult their race would be part of their culture? It's never going to make sense to me and I guess it'll only continue to bother me since this "trend" doesn't seem like its going to die anytime soon.

[miss barnes]

i know that just because i'm black and i use the word "nigga" doesnt make it any better but, i use it all the time and pretty much ever black person i know does too. its just me. i've always said it. i wouldnt let no white person say it though...

[ryfitaDF]

i think the word "nigger" is a terrible word. but you know how when you say "f**k you", it doesn't have as much effect as it did 30 years ago? it's so played out. i think the more people use "nigga", it' definition will change from somthing incredibly negative to somthing eather meaningless or positive.

[Paradox of Life]

i think  the word "nigger" is a terrible word. but you know how when you say "f**k you", it doesn't have as much effect as it did 30 years ago? it's so played out. i think the more people use "nigga", it' definition will change from somthing incredibly negative to somthing eather meaningless or positive.

Not positive. It'll never be positive.

Right now even, it seems meaningless, but it is an ethnic slur that brings up something that shouldn't be brought up in the first place. How about not saying it at all? That would be ideal. There's no reason to use it. It's not absolutely necessary and people insist on using it just for their own amusement. If the word were to cease to exist, this topic wouldn't exist and a lot of people wouldn't be mad about this.

[ryfitaDF]

Not positive. It'll never be positive.

would you feel better if a gangsta came up to you and said "yo, bitch" or "yo, nigga"? i know i prefer the ladder. that's a way for it to be posative.

Right now even, it seems meaningless, but it is an ethnic slur that brings up something that shouldn't be brought up in the first place. How about not saying it at all? That would be ideal. There's no reason to use it. It's not absolutely necessary and people insist on using it just for their own amusement. If the word were to cease to exist, this topic wouldn't exist and a lot of people wouldn't be mad about this.

but is it not the meaning of the word that causes the contreversy? the word not having that meaning would be ideal, and the word will lose the meaning the more it's being used as a word for "friend" rather than a derogitory word for "black person"

[Paradox of Life]

would you feel better if a gangsta came up to you and said "yo, bitch" or "yo, nigga"? i know i prefer the ladder. that's a way for it to be posative.

It's not positive. If it's meaningless, it's a neutral word. You can call someone a "name" if he's your friend, but some people are offended regardless of what the word nigger means.

but is it not the meaning of the word that causes the contreversy? the word not having that meaning would be ideal, and the word will lose the meaning the more it's being used as a word for "friend" rather than a derogitory word for "black person"

Yes, the meaning of the word does cause controversy. Which is why this topic was created because Brandon doesn't want people saying it! I suppose it's alright if you have consent from the person you're saying it to, but is it really necessary? There are other words you can use for 'friend' and if saying nigger offends others overhearing the conversation, just say 'dog' or 'bro' or something else. The meaning and origin of the word will always be remembered even if it has changed over time and that's what upsets people. Don't use the word and there won't be debates on whether or not we should use it. It's just a word and if it offends others, drop it.

[*lolita kitty*]

black people can call anyone a nigga. to them, its their right. their privelege. they even call white people nigga's sometimes. how weird.

[amhso]

Whatever you do, if yu chink gook jap..asian...don't call a black a nigger. I got a Sat school for that, almost got 2 day suspension cuz it's my second harassment offense.

[Paradox of Life]

^I didn't understand a word that you said

black people can call anyone a nigga. its their right. their privelege. they even call white people nigga's sometimes. how weird.

Why would they? It's the black people that get offended by the word. If they don't care, good for them, but it's bad overall to make it into a habit (black or not). It's a controversial word and if you use it infront of someone who's sensitive about it, they can easily get offended and wouldn't you rather avoid it all together?

Don't think it's right to use the word if you're black because no one really has the right to use a word that aggravates other people.

Edit//

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

A majority of everyone in your town says the word and is okay with it? Just because everyone else is doing it doesn't make it right. Just because "everyone" smokes, doesn't make it right.

[sikdragon]

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

That's the biggest issue you can come up with to debate about. If you wanted to discuss things that affect black people why dont you argue about what to do with the crips and the bloods? The crime rate? Why so many black people are in jail. AIDS. Fatherless children. Welfare. Try arguing about a real issue. A nigger is just a dark skinned person. Like saying black person. No more, no less. It's not that big a deal.

Slavery isnt that big a deal either. Every race, except rich, has undergone some sort of hardship along those lines. Black people just whine the most. Yeah that's a big label to put on a large group, how many get offended when you say the word nigger? Quite a few. I'm not belittling all that your ancestors went through. I'm just putting it back into perspective. I believe, many of you, (white people too.) have blown this way out of proportion. It's not like you were just whipped yesterday. Slavery only lasted 93 of our 229 years. Less than half our history involved the use of slaves in our young country. That isn't that long. I still dont understand why you so despise racism.. there is no race. We're all american. People are divided by political and geographical boundaries not imaginary lines. Quit dividing the nation with your color coded eyeballs and allow people to get on with their lives. Good day.

P.S. If you ask me they should make a snack food called niggers. They could have sour cream and onion, regular and cheese flavored, but no bbq niggers. It just wouldn't sound right.

[sikdragon]

So you can read the minds of dead people now??? WOW! Every race has words that are used to degrade them. Nigger is just the worst because you whine the most.

[Paradox of Life]

That's the biggest issue you can come up with to debate about. If you wanted to discuss things that affect black people why dont you argue about what to do with the crips and the bloods? The crime rate? Why so many black people are in jail. AIDS. Fatherless children. Welfare. Try arguing about a real issue. A nigger is just a dark skinned person. Like saying black person. No more, no less.  It's not that big a deal.

We're not saying those other problems aren't issues, Brandon's just pointing out one of them to debate about. So are you saying that it's okay to say it because it means it's a black person? It is a degrading word, deny it or not and it still hurts people whether people whine about it or not. I know what you mean about people blowing it out of proportion. It's probably the most controversial word of all ethnic slurs and why is it? Because african americans have the most traumatic history and they have had to deal with a lot of racism. Why bring it up again with this word that reminds them of their past?

Slavery isnt that big a deal either. Every race, except rich, has undergone some sort of hardship along those lines. Black people just whine the most. Yeah that's a big label to put on a large group, how many get offended when you say the word nigger? Quite a few. I'm not belittling all that your ancestors went through. I'm just putting it back into perspective. I believe, many of you, (white people too.) have blown this way out of proportion. It's not like you were just whipped yesterday. Slavery only lasted 93 of our 229 years. Less than half our history involved the use of slaves in our young country. That isn't that long. I still dont understand why you so despise racism.. there is no race. We're all american. People are divided by political and geographical boundaries not imaginary lines. Quit dividing the nation with your color coded eyeballs and allow people to get on with their lives. Good day.

"We're all american". Um, we're not all american. Was that a typo

Yeah, so slavery's over, but if you ever took the time to really read into it, read into apartheid and all the other harships African Americans had to face, you'll think, why use the word nigger if it's so controversial? Why use the word nigger, a degrading ethnic slur?
I agree, people need to stop generalizing races and we all need to realize there's only one race. The HUMAN RACE. But prejudice will never cease to exist and using ethnic slurs is just bringing up this problem again and again.

P.S. If you ask me they should make a snack food called niggers. They could have sour cream and onion, regular and cheese flavored, but no bbq niggers. It just wouldn't sound right.

[sikdragon]

We're not saying those other problems aren't issues, Brandon's just pointing out one of them to debate about. So are you saying that it's okay to say it because it means it's a black person? It is a degrading word, deny it or not and it still hurts people whether people whine about it or not. I know what you mean about people blowing it out of proportion. It's probably the most controversial word of all ethnic slurs and why is it? Because african americans have the most traumatic history and they have had to deal with a lot of racism. Why bring it up again with this word that reminds them of their past?
"We're all american". Um, we're not all american. Was that a typo

Yeah, so slavery's over, but if you ever took the time to really read into it, read into apartheid and all the other harships African Americans had to face, you'll think, why use the word nigger if it's so controversial? Why use the word nigger, a degrading ethnic slur?
I agree, people need to stop generalizing races and we all need to realize there's only one race. The HUMAN RACE. But prejudice will never cease to exist and using ethnic slurs is just bringing up this problem again and again.

Black Americans didn't have it easy, but they're hardships were just like every other hardship of every other poor community in the history of man. Look at the jews, the irish, and the indians. They all faced hardships that far surpass all of what most of that dark period in our history could possibly dish out.

These people were sold by their own people to the spaniards. They were betrayed by themselves. Black people were inferior. They were inferior not to white men, but to rich men. Every poor person is considered inferior to a rich person. Is the word nigger degrading? No. It's uplifting. It's inspiring. Look what my ancestors lived through. Look how they survived. Look at all they went through. If it indeed is a reminder, why does it not remind one of the fact that it is over. You people act like it was some big war you all participated in. Like you still have nightmares of getting whipped. Like you still have a seperate water fountain. (That complaint kills me. Two water fountains just meant shorter lines for everyone.) By taking offense to such remarks makes you weak. Makes you look fragile. Like you're greedy for sympathy. Everyone's out to get theres and you play the pity card. That is pathetic beyond pathetic. You take the original meaning of the word and make it true. Black people in the united states are statistically lazy, stupid, poor, and a parasite to society. It's your fault that word means so much. Help yourselves overcome the opression and discrimination. Do like tupac and help your neighbors. Take a note from rich people and go to college. Educate yourselves. Change. Live the American dream rather than exploiting it. Right now, your ancestors would be ashamed of all of you. Ashamed of all of those who are addicted to crack and ashamed of those who are living clean lives, in mansions, for not helping their brothers addicted to crack.

This was directed toward american black people. I'm not saying black people are the sole problem in society either, they were the subject and I wrote about the part of society that is affected by them. If you take offense PM me, because you must have misunderstood my meaning.


The Deep South "Isn't that the place where the black guys are really lazy and the white guys are just as lazy, but they're mad at the black guys for beings so lazy?" -Peter Griffin

[Paradox of Life]

^ That's true. It would've been wonderful if the word nigger had a positive connotation like how you said, but that's not the case, is it? Blacks take offense because of reasons I probably don't know considering I'm not black. Just stop saying it if they're all weak and all taking it the wrong way.

People can take any insult the "wrong" or "right". Call someone a dumb blonde and they'll get offended, but then you could say in defense, "But blondes have more fun!" It's entirely the person's choice to take offense or not, but if taking offense means they're weak, so be it.

[waitwaitwait]

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?

Yeah? Wtf?

Maybe it's sort of like with gay people, they get mad if you call them gay, you know, but if "their own kind" says it, they won't get mad.

I don't know.
It depends on who you're saying the words around, I guess..

I'm sure some black people don't give a f**k if you say Nigger, Nigga, Nikka, ect.

[*nightmare4taki*]

Nigga is a word which evolved from the derogative term "nigger". Tupac best defined the distinction between the two.

NIGGA
Never Ignorant Getting Goals Accomplished - TUPAC's definition

NIGGER- a black man with a slavery chain around his neck.

NIGGA- a black man with a gold chain on his neck.
Tupac defined the word

Thats the definition im sticking with. Many words in the english language sound the same but have different meaning.

Like Bear and Bare, both are spelled differently so they take on different meanings. Thats my take on the difference between Nigga and Nigger.

[ryfitaDF]

^now THIS nigga's got the idea.

i don't know if you know of this place, but where i live (in Pittsburgh PA) theres a place called the Hill District. A.K.A. the Kill District. it's the worst place in the city. i've never been there because i know i will get shot for being white. my best friend, Jeff, goes to the same school as kids from the hill. he gets along with them. he doesn't act all scared or anything. he will walk up to his boy, Pounds (a HUGE, black guy), and say "whutup, nigga?" and Pounds does not get mad. i've seen it. he plays basketball with them and does all sorts of trash talkin. my point is the word "nigga" is not the racist term it once was. hell, people call me nigga. am i black? no. it's clear that with it's spelled with an A it means friend. if it's with an ER, then it's time to get pissed.

[*disco infiltrator*]

sikdragon...no. it is not an uplifting word whatsoever. it is used as an insult. let's go over some insults, shall we?

nigger - black people
cracker - white people
dirty jew - jewish people (not really a name, but still equally as offensive)
spic - hispanic people
faggot - gay people

that's just a crop of all the stupid insults we have in this world for a certain group of people. all of them are just as equally offensive. absolutely none of them are at all uplifting.

[Paradox of Life]

sikdragon...no. it is not an uplifting word whatsoever. it is used as an insult. let's go over some insults, shall we?

nigger - black people
cracker - white people
dirty jew - jewish people (not really a name, but still equally as offensive)
spic - hispanic people
faggot - gay people

that's just a crop of all the stupid insults we have in this world for a certain group of people. all of them are just as equally offensive. absolutely none of them are at all uplifting.

Exactly. Nigger and nigga are negative words, deny it or not. If some people don't mind, good for them, but there are people who do mind. So keep ethnic slurs to your self.

If a white person goes up to a black and calls him a nigger and the black person gets offended, does that mean the white person can say "No, I called you a NIGGA, not a NIGGER." And the black guy will be like, "Oh, that's no problem then"? I don't think so.

[illumineering]

You people act like it was some big war you all participated in.

Yes, it was the Civil War.

What are your views on the Holocaust? I guess that wasn't "real" either.

[enyceXaddiction]

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.

^agreed well a said

[squeegizzle]

i just have a problem with the people who use the word too much.......no matter what color you are.......if you use the word nigga more than 3 times in one sentence.....you deserve to get shot

[fameONE]

So you can read the minds of dead people now??? WOW! Every race has words that are used to degrade them. Nigger is just the worst because you whine the most.

You condescending douchebag, lets go over a few things, shall we?

I'd like to begin by asking you a few questions;

1) What is your ethnicity?
2) Where do you live?
3) Do you even have a clue as to what goes on in our society?

I've read quite a few of your posts and they're generally biased and close-minded. And when they aren't biased and close-minded, they're obnoxious and patronizing. (How dare you muster the nerve to criticize someone's poetry because you believe there's a template for expression). I've had about enough of you and your shit. Before I bid you adieu by suggestion that you take a bath while drying your hair, I'll address this debate.

This debate isn't a matter of the n word being the worst racial slur. You've missed the point entirely. Who said it was the worst? And by 'you' what exactly is your implication?

Regarding historical hardships, I said nothing to discredit any other races. Was this topic 'the compare and contrast of the trials and tribulations of various races?' No. Its a topic addressing the n-word and why I find it to be offensive.

Thanks for being the lone opposition in the debate in an effort to keep it going (thats what you were doing, right? You aren't really that ignorant, are you?), but keep in mind that if all you know is what you read or what has been fed to you by way of the media, then you don't know shit. Spare me the history lesson.

If you're going to contribute to an argument, be sure you're actually contributing instead of making yourself look like an ignorant jackass.

Is the hairdryer still on? Ok, now drop it into the water.

[*disco infiltrator*]

come back for good, we miss you.

[*Azarel*]

come back for good, we miss you.

I wasn't going to post because I thought it'd be spam.. but you did it, and I'm following.

Brandon, you're great.

[Paradox of Life]

come back for good, we miss you.

TRUE THAT. STAY BRANDY BEAR (can I call you that?). YOU KICK ARSE.

[MrElsewhere]

NIGGA
Never Ignorant Getting Goals Accomplished - TUPAC's definition

NIGGER- a black man with a slavery chain around his neck.

NIGGA- a black man with a gold chain on his neck.
Tupac defined the word

Thats the definition im sticking with. Many words in the english language sound the same but have different meaning.

Like Bear and Bare, both are spelled differently so they take on different meanings. Thats my take on the difference between Nigga and Nigger.

Ahhheemm.

There's Black People and there's Niggas.  And Niggas have got to go.  Everytime Black People wanna have a good time, ig'nant ass Niggas f**k it up.  Can't do shit without some ig'nant ass Niggas f**kin it up.  ...Can't go to a movie the first week it come out.  Why?  Cuz Niggas are shootin' at the screen.  What kind of ignorant shit is that? "man this a good movie.  This so good, i gotta bust a cap up in here." I love black people, but I hate Niggas.  ...Niggas will live next door to you, break into your house, come over the next day and go "I heard you got robbed"

-Chris Rock, Bring The Pain 1996

[*nightmare4taki*]

^ You do realize I was only kidding right and I realize I was foolish for putting it there.

And how could you counter that quote with Chris Rock of all people. I personally have nothing against him but we all know he uses the N-word just for gratification.
He is one of many stand up comedians who uses the word religiously and also one of the many people I feel has marketed the word to become famous. This is why I don' t really give a damn if someone calls me the N-word because I realize its not their fault when the word is so widely commercialized and proliferated in today's society. Lets just face it no matter how much you approve or disapprove of how the N-word is used I really do believe that individuals will never stop using this word especially seeing how the word Nigga has been mainstreamed through mostly Hip Hop music.

Anyway Im not even going to front about the N-word.

Do I use it?
Of course I do

Do I use it often?
Very Seldom

Where do I stand on the situation?
I personally have mixed feelings about the word. I feel that the word can be used in both good and bad way.

[bfleenor]

besides what the point of calling soneone nigga? use their names..

[*lolita kitty*]

pinch.gif I disagree with that statement Cassie.

It is pretty hypocritical when a black person will call another black person a "nigga" , and then turn around and want to shoot another person of another race for using it.

Like Nightmare4taki said, I'm not going to front about the N word. I have used it. But it's only been in repeating words of a song. I have never called anyone a "nigga/nigger", and I don't plan on doing so.

How can we cripe about how we don't want the word to be used, and use it like 50 times in one sentence? I don't think the word is so popular because of other races being racist to black people. It's because the word is in so many popular songs, that all races can listen too, and it's said so much in the black culture. Monkey see monkey do.

So who are we to complain? If black people really want people to stop using that word, they'll stop using it themselves.

I've had this argument with so many of my black friends before, and they say, "You've been hanging out with too many white people" or "What kind of black person are you to NOT use the word"...things like that. They say it's their privelege, like Cassie said. They say it's representing the hardships they overcame in the past, and making light of it.

I partly agree with that last statement, except for the fact that: Many black people talk about slavery as if, they themselves picked the cotton, used the underground railroad system, and walked thousands of miles. Me? I would complain about someone bringing something up in say, last august, and complaining about it. It's old, tired, shit by now. All the way in the 1700's is a long time to be holding a grudge.

Me? Both my parents were born in Nigeria, Africa. And I am 1/4 Dutch as well. So my ancestors were not in fact, slaves. It's not looked upon that way. I'm black..I've "been through slavery" so, I should say the word right? Not right.


Nigga/Nigger. I see no difference but spelling. They both mean the same thing to me.

Before/BFore/B4/Be4/ I see no difference but spelling either. I spell it a different way, but you still no what I'm saying, right?

So don't try to make "Nigger" better, by taking off the "er" and adding, an A.

In my opinion, I don't think the N word will ever stop being used--there are just too many black people who use it. But in the future, I'm not going to be one of those people.

*sighs* how do i put this... i didnt mean that. i mean, i did, but- er....

ok... i was speaking in terms of a black person that uses the word. i was speaking as if i were them.

to them, its their right. its their privlege. its the word they can use whenever they want, whereever they want. its like their own little thing. and this makes them feel special.

not that i agree with them using it and such, but yes >.>;;

[PiGo]

  I disagree with that statement Cassie.

It is pretty hypocritical when a black person will call another black person a "nigga" , and then turn around and want to shoot another person of another race for using it.

Like Nightmare4taki said, I'm not going to front about the N word. I have used it. But it's only been in repeating words of a song. I have never called anyone a "nigga/nigger", and I don't plan on doing so.

How can we cripe about how we don't want the word to be used, and use it like 50 times in one sentence? I don't think the word is so popular because of other races being racist to black people.  It's because the word is in so many popular songs, that all races can listen too, and it's said so much in the black culture.  Monkey see monkey do.

So who are we to complain? If black people really want people to stop using that word, they'll stop using it themselves.

I've had this argument with so many of my black friends before, and they say, "You've been hanging out with too many white people" or "What kind of black person are you to NOT use the word"...things like that. They say it's their privelege, like Cassie said. They say it's representing the hardships they overcame in the past, and making light of it.

I partly agree with that last statement, except for the fact that: Many black people talk about slavery as if, they themselves picked the cotton, used the underground railroad system, and walked thousands of miles. Me? I would complain about someone bringing something up in say, last august, and complaining about it. It's old, tired, shit by now. All the way in the 1700's is a long time to be holding a grudge.

Me? Both my parents were born in Nigeria, Africa. And I am 1/4 Dutch as well. So my ancestors were not in fact, slaves. It's not looked upon that way. I'm black..I've "been through slavery" so, I should say the word right? Not right.
Nigga/Nigger. I see no difference but spelling. They both mean the same thing to me.





Before/BFore/B4/Be4/ I see no difference but spelling either. I spell it a different way, but you still know what I'm saying, right?

So don't try to make "Nigger" better, by taking off the "er" and adding, an A.

In my opinion, I don't think the N word will ever stop being used--there are just too many black people who use it. But in the future, I'm not going to be one of those people.

I agree with everything you said times like %110.
It's so disrespectful to our anscestors to use it like it's no big deal. When my Great-grandparents came here from Cape Verde, they were bombarded with the word, and shunned from the Portuguese communities because of it. That's why I personally NEVER use the word, not when I'm talking with my black friends, or with my friends of other races. I could not even begin to imagine how my father would react if I said that word in front of him, because of how horrible the connatation of the word was when and where he grew up.

I also don't see how we can promote a word so much, and still get so angry when other people use it. It wasn't our generation (notice that's the one that uses it so much) who wasn't allowed to sit in the front of the bus because of it, and it wasn't our generation who had to work in the fields because of it. So have the respect for the people who would actually experienced what the word ment first hand, and and just don't say it, it's not that hard.

Like you still have a seperate water fountain. (That complaint kills me. Two water fountains just meant shorter lines for everyone.)

I also felt some sort of need to correct this argument.

just shorter lines I suppose...

[sikdragon]

Yes, it was the Civil War.

What are your views on the Holocaust?  I guess that wasn't "real" either.

the civil war had almost nothing to do with slavery. It was about money and how the country should be runned. Slavery was just a foot note.

[fameONE]

sikdragon

Please read through the thread. I replied to your outlandish claims and I'm awaiting your response.

Please back up what you say.

[*wind&fire*]

^or maybe he realises youre right and refuses to accept it

[wayne]

ok ok ok ok ok ok wayne has something to say...


this thread is entertaining...

now.. i know alot of races and i hang with them.. but the one i seem to notice that uses racial slurs against thier own race is asians. what is this word you ask? FOB. for those who dont know.. go find out..

i know alot of asian people who have called each other fob's when they are playing around. just the same as black people using hte word nigga. now im not saying that all asians use that word, just the same as all black's dont use the word nigger/nigga/whatever you wana say..


just sopmething i wanted ot bring up (if someone else has already spoken about this srry..) seeing how we are on the racial slurs topic.

[*disco infiltrator*]

the civil war had almost nothing to do with slavery. It was about money and how the country should be runned. Slavery was just a foot note.

LOL Are you kidding me?! First off, "how the country should be runned" is incredibly bad grammar. You might need to go back to school before summer's over.

Second of all, the Civil War was completely about slavery. The south receded because Abraham Lincoln was elected and they knew he was an abolishonist. They wanted slavery to stay in tact. What in it was about money at all?

Back to school for you, bucko.

[Paradox of Life]

LOL Are you kidding me?! First off, "how the country should be runned" is incredibly bad grammar. You might need to go back to school before summer's over.

Second of all, the Civil War was completely about slavery. The south receded because Abraham Lincoln was elected and they knew he was an abolishonist. They wanted slavery to stay in tact. What in it was about money at all?

Back to school for you, bucko.

There are Civil War books . . . and then there are Civil War books. Among the many books about the Civil War on the market today, only one addresses a little-known reason why that great conflict was fought. International book reviewer Danny Yee has stated, "One of the things that has always puzzled me about the history of the United States is how a civil war could be fought and won to end slavery, but full civil rights not be granted to blacks until a century later." An explanation is to be found in The Forgotten Cause of the Civil War by Dr. Lawrence R. Tenzer whose 21 years of research show that many in the North perceived slavery as a personal threat to their free Northern way of life.

Tenzer explains that in the antebellum South, the children of slave mothers were slaves from the moment of birth. Even though miscegenation lightened skin color, virtually white slave children were still considered mulattoes and remained slaves nonetheless, even after an endless number of generations went by and all discernible Negroid traits were long gone. A good example is a case he reports in which a slave woman who was one sixty-fourth black was on the auction block. One of her great-great-great-great grandparents was black. Not all slaves in the South were black, and this phenomenon of white slaves, whites with a distant black ancestor, was to have unexpected political consequences.

A large number of white slaves escaped to the Northern states hoping to pass into free white society, and slave catchers went North looking for them. This posed a direct threat to white people living in the North because under the provisions of the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, runaway slaves could be reclaimed without due process, which in effect allowed for free whites to be mistakenly seized. Furthermore, as Chapter 6 goes on to prove, such Southern political power opened up the potential for slavery being nationalized, and as such the very real possibility existed that enslavement could be extended to the lower class of white laborers as well. Lincoln himself made reference to slavery "regardless of color" during a speech he gave in Chicago on December 10, 1856. Lincoln also spoke of white slavery in other speeches, all of which Tenzer has fully documented. PLATE 9 is his book shows an 1856 Republican party handbill which clearly states in capital letters, "SLAVERY IS RIGHT, NATURAL, AND NECESSARY, AND DOES NOT DEPEND UPON DIFFERENCE OF COMPLEXION. THE LAWS OF THE SLAVE STATES JUSTIFY THE HOLDING OF WHITE MEN IN BONDAGE." Illustrations which depict actual white slaves and other historical documents having to do with white slavery provide enough proof to convince even the most skeptical reader that white people were slaves in the American South and that white slavery was indeed a cause of the Civil War. It is very important to point out that white slavery was merely a by-product of black slavery since there were certainly a great many more black slaves than white. It was the idea — not the reality — of white slavery and the threat to freedom it posed which concerned the North

http://scholarspublishing.com/

[jam4eva]

i agree i'm in ATL and it isnt even funny how many people use this word for know reason. But for some its a habbit. My freinds use it but when some one calls me it i look them in the face and say no that isnt my name and then i get into it

[sikdragon]

You condescending douchebag, lets go over a few things, shall we?

I'd like to begin by asking you a few questions;

1) What is your ethnicity?
2) Where do you live?
3) Do you even have a clue as to what goes on in our society?

I've read quite a few of your posts and they're generally biased and close-minded. And when they aren't biased and close-minded, they're obnoxious and patronizing. (How dare you muster the nerve to criticize someone's poetry because you believe there's a template for expression). I've had about enough of you and your shit. Before I bid you adieu by suggestion that you take a bath while drying your hair, I'll address this debate.

This debate isn't a matter of the n word being the worst racial slur. You've missed the point entirely. Who said it was the worst? And by 'you' what exactly is your implication?

Regarding historical hardships, I said nothing to discredit any other races. Was this topic 'the compare and contrast of the trials and tribulations of various races?' No. Its a topic addressing the n-word and why I find it to be offensive.

Thanks for being the lone opposition in the debate in an effort to keep it going (thats what you were doing, right? You aren't really that ignorant, are you?), but keep in mind that if all you know is what you read or what has been fed to you by way of the media, then you don't know shit. Spare me the history lesson.

If you're going to contribute to an argument, be sure you're actually contributing instead of making yourself look like an ignorant jackass.

Is the hairdryer still on? Ok, now drop it into the water.

1.irish
2.i live in the middle of flint michigan. A predominately black hell hole.
3.yes i have a good idea of what goes on in our society. Im not an expert but there are some facets of american life that i am proud to say, I am knowledgable of.

Of course my posts are biased and closed-minded. This is the debate section. You have to present your case closed-minded and biased. Because it's your case. If you waiver in what your saying you give the rebuttle places to tear apart your statement.

Poetry is an art. There is a good deal of difference between good art and bad art depending upon the audience. There is a reason why emily dickinson is considered to be way better than joe nobody. I was probably criticizing you the same way i criticize myself. You can't get better if nobody challenges you. I hold myself to the same standard as will shakespeare and rob frost. It's my craft. It's what im passionate for. If you dont share that passion disregard what i say about poetry. I take it extremely seriously. If you put it out there just to get a pat on the back and to be patronized by your fellow celebraters of mediocrity then say that when you post your thread. My mistake was that i thought a lot of you were serious about poetry. I apologize for over estimating you.

According to dictionary.msn.com it is the worst racial slur. In this society wet back is much more acceptable than nigger.

OK? so we're supposed to argue about what goes on in your mind rather than the real issue of racism manifest in a single word?

The media is the only source of any information. Regardless of your opinion. books are media. Music is media. The internet is media. Newspapers are media. Historical documents are media. TV is media. Movies are media. By discrediting all of these things there is nothing left for one to learn from.

I was using the socratic method to teach myself and others why we believe such things. Yeah i deviated from it and added information in my questioning, but i believed this to be a special case.

I forgive you your prejudices, it was just a big misunderstanding. I know you really dont mean those things. Ill try harder not to stir up confrontation. That does not mean, however, that i'll not keep to the path that i know is right. Someone has to support my side of all these issues. If I don't, what's the point of debating? It seems everyone else agrees. i'm going to continue playing devil's advocate. FYI.

[wayne]

2.i live in the middle of flint michigan. A predominately black hell hole.

lmao... black people in michigan... never thought that even existed...


but seriously.. you sound like a red neck the way you call it a black hell hole

[sikdragon]

dude detroit is in michigan. Everyone who lives here knows flint sucks.

[Paradox of Life]

Of course my posts are biased and closed-minded. This is the debate section. You have to present your case closed-minded and biased. Because it's your case. If you waiver in what your saying you give the rebuttle places to tear apart your statement.

Why the hell are you even debating if you're going to be close-minded about the whole subject? People don't debate to just argue, people debate to try and convince others that their opinions are better. But if both refuse to compromise, how is debate going to get anything done? Apparently, you're close-minded in a negative way because you're not even taking in consideration other peoples' opinions. The other party may bring up points, where you do want to change your mind for your own good. If you'd stop being so hard-headed, so many people wouldn't be so damn annoyed by you.

[*Azarel*]

Second of all, the Civil War was completely about slavery. The south receded because Abraham Lincoln was elected and they knew he was an abolishonist. They wanted slavery to stay in tact. What in it was about money at all?

... Sorry to burst your bubble, Sammi, but Lincoln led the Union into the Civil War against the Confederacy to "preserve the Union," and as sikdragon said, slavery was just a footnote. After all, as far as I can recall from my AP US class, Lincoln didn't say anything about ending slavery in the North. You'll learn about it when you take US History in high school.

[Paradox of Life]

... Sorry to burst your bubble, Sammi, but Lincoln led the Union into the Civil War against the Confederacy to "preserve the Union," and as sikdragon said, slavery was just a footnote. After all, as far as I can recall from my AP US class, Lincoln didn't say anything about ending slavery in the North. You'll learn about it when you take US History in high school.

I already burst her bubble. Why doesn't anyone pay attention to my posts?

[*Azarel*]

I already burst her bubble. Why doesn't anyone pay attention to my posts? 

I saw it, but who wants to read through four long paragraphs that the poster didn't even write? A few sentences sufficed in place of what you posted.

[[Mediocre]Artist]

Eh, I'm white. I grew up with black kids. To me its just another word. Before I knew about racism everyone around me used that word. I didn't use it then because my lovely redneck father wanted me to say it and I knew it wouldn't be in a neutral way. I don't use it often unless its privately among friends who don't mind. I'd use it publicly, but too many people want to jump my case because of my skin color. I figure if you don't want me to use that word around you because you find it offensive no matter who is saying it, then I'll respect that. But don't try to tell me that JUST because I'm not black I can't say a stupid word, but you can. I believe they're calling that back-racism.

[Paradox of Life]

I saw it, but who wants to read through four long paragraphs that the poster didn't even write? A few sentences sufficed in place of what you posted.

In debate, it's better if you have solid facts. The first paragraph pretty much summed it up, but I decided to put the 4 paragraphs on there anyway. Whatever

[be-my-escape]

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?

So true! I was talking to a friend of mine the other day about this.

[*disco infiltrator*]

Er, didn't he want to preserve the Union because the South seceded..due to wanting slavery? Lincoln was an abolishonist and they knew this. If that was not the reason they seceded, what was?

If none of this is true, then y'all might wanna talk to Mr. Thomas who taught me all this..

[[Mediocre]Artist]

Eh slavery was a small reason, the real reason had something to do with money. Slavery is just the nice thing to talk about. Everyone likes a good sad story about struggles and risks that use the word Freedom a lot.

[Spirited Away]

Artist,Jul 12 2005, 11:40 PM]Eh slavery was a small reason, the real reason had something to do with money.  Slavery is just the nice thing to talk about.  Everyone likes a good sad story about struggles and risks that use the word Freedom a lot.

Err, what? I thought the topic was about the wrongness of the-n-word.

Never mind, I guess.

This post has been edited by uninspiredfae: Jul 12 2005, 11:44 PM

[*disco infiltrator*]

The money was because cotton production was the South's major export. It made them a lot of money. With the loss of slavery, cotton production would go down A LOT.

[*Azarel*]

Er, didn't he want to preserve the Union because the South seceded..due to wanting slavery? Lincoln was an abolishonist and they knew this. If that was not the reason they seceded, what was?
If none of this is true, then y'all might wanna talk to Mr. Thomas who taught me all this..

After Lincoln succeeded in his campaign for presidency, Southern states seceded from the Union because, if I recall correctly, they were alarmed at the Republican dominance over the House, Senate, and also presidency. While fear that southern states' rights as slaveholding minorities were threatened may also have been part of the cause for the southern secession, Lincoln entered the Civil War not to end slavery, but to preserve the Union, as I'd stated before.

[*mipadi*]

Lincoln entered the Civil War not to end slavery, but to preserve the Union, as I'd stated before.

Exactly. But you're sticking too much to the surface. Look deeper: why was the Union breaking up? Why did the southern states want to secede? I think that the underlying factors are what headphones is getting at.

[*Azarel*]

Exactly. But you're sticking too much to the surface. Look deeper: why was the Union breaking up? Why did the southern states want to secede? I think that the underlying factors are what headphones is getting at.

I do believe that slavery is part of the cause of the American Civil War, but I was responding to Sammi's claim that it was the sole, main reason of the war.

[Paradox of Life]

I think we're getting sidetracked, but here are a few queries that were brought up in one of my past posts.

The Civil War was about MONEY. They did not view slaves as humans, they viewed them as tools to make money. If you think that the Civil War was solely over African American rights, you're wrong. Because it wasn't until nearly a century later before African Americans had the same priveleges as everyone else. This debate isn't about how the Civil War started though. It's about whether one should or should not use the n word. And my position still stands at not saying the word at all.

[fameONE]

Sidetracked indeed.

Stop dropping the 'n' bomb.

I don't care what rapper you've heard use it in an endearing manner, I don't care what definition Wikipedia gives you and I don't care what you see everyday between african americans in your area.

Stop dropping the 'n' bomb.

It doesn't require a history lesson or a presented argument about the abolition of slavery, the Civil Rights movement or the trials and tribulations of other oppressed peoples.

Stop dropping the 'n' bomb.

Honestly, I don't get whats so hard about not saying it. How do you justify saying 'fcuk' to your mother? How do you justify saying 'bitch' to a child? Ok then, how do you justify perpetuating a racial slur, no matter how its used? Exactly.

Stop dropping the 'n' bomb.

Have I made my point?

[*Weird addiction*]

Oh god! i'm sooo going to make a confession:

I HATE THE 'N' WORD. Have i used it? Absolutely. Here's the thread http://www.createblog.com/forums/index.php...ic=85138&st=375.

I've been dissed alot. Even at school, people call me "white", obviously i'm not white...well not fully. The word "nigger" is called "negre" in french. I've been forced to say "negre", and when i refused, i got insulted, laughed at...it's torturing. To the blacks at my school "negre" is like a rank/title, a high rank/title that makes you feel good or something, but to me it's degrading. It's insane and stupid.

My dad is a racist to blacks (he's f**king black ). One time he called a cab and saw that the driver was black...he said "je ne veux pas un negre" meaning "i don't want a nigger"...the driver gave him a blow on his left cheek and said "that was for calling me a nigger"...he deserved it.

I've used the "n" word when talking to yula. Only on few occasions. I felt guilty afterwards (i hope yula doesn't see this). I hate that word. Just call them/us africans or blacks...
Tell you the truth, i've only used the "n" word online, never in real life...it's just something i'll never do...

The "n" word is a racial slur...deny it if you want to but it is. Nigger, nigga, neegaa, niiigaa, niega, it's the same f**king thing...just spelled differently...

[WinterNights2]

Like wayne I use the word nigger alot because it's a habit. If someone dosen't want me to say it and I respect them I won't say it around them but I always say nigger in every 3 sentances. But I'm black and I will always say nigger, or "Nigga."

What I really hate about it is that black people freak out when a white person, asian or latino/a person says it. Honestly in my eye, it isn't such a big deal if we can say it then why can't they?

The way people talk is basically generalized on what people see,hear, or hang around with. Like I know white people who hang around blacks end up saying "nigga", or they see that "dope" 50 cent commercial and start saying nigga.
To brandon- Glad you brought this up dude, good job.

[maia_dc]

...I just always learned that it was wrong for people to use the "N" word. Actually, I didn't know it was a word until about the sixth grade.

[MrElsewhere]

^ You do realize I was only kidding right and I realize I was foolish for putting it there.

And how could you counter that quote with Chris Rock of all people. I personally have nothing against him but we all know he uses the N-word just for gratification.
He is one of  many stand up comedians who uses the word religiously and also one of the many people I feel has marketed the word to become famous.

And of course Tupac didn't advertise the word much.

[jackizzle]

its only ok when black people call it to each other because they don't wuiet mean it in the same way.. just like if a gangsta( lol) calls one of his fellow ganstas a gansta( lol) then its ok because there just buddies but if like some cop or w/e calls em a gansta they flip out because they think of it as an insult( for some reason).

haha sorry if that didnt make sense to you.. it made sense in my head before i typed it lol

[fameONE]

its only ok when black people call it to each other because they don't wuiet mean it in the same way..  just like if a gangsta( lol) calls one of his fellow ganstas a gansta( lol) then its ok because there just buddies but if like some cop or w/e calls em a gansta they flip out because they think of it as an insult( for some reason).

haha sorry if that didnt make sense to you.. it made sense in my head before i typed it lol

Feel free to reread the thread and my responses to everyone else. If you did that and this is still your rebuttal, then you're a dumbass.

[sikdragon]

honestly it's become one of those vulgar uneducated words. When speaking you must first take into consideration your audience. If you're speaking to educated people or just want to be polite there is a whole list of words you don't say. That is called formality. When you're hanging out with your friends and just talking the list is shortened to the limitations of your friends. Everything is case by case. You can't just put a big label on everything. That's what i've learned after reading this thread. There are different cultures even within the same city. That just begs the quotation. "When in Rome do as the Romans do." That doesn't mean that we should all become racists when in the company of one. It means that to fit in you'll have to make some compromises as to make friends and be accepted. Everyone has their own sets of morals and im not saying we should stray from them. It's just something we have to take into consideration when we socialize with our fellow human beings.

Personally i agree with Tupac. Nigga and nigger are different. Nigga means homie, nigger refers to a black man about to get hanged. Just because I know the difference doesn't mean i use the word outside of the group of friends that accepts and expects it. Nigga is a term that is a sign of respect and honor among certain people. There are those who i know who utterly despise the word. The thing is that i have to know the audience before i go and start spouting things.

[Paradox of Life]

honestly it's become one of those vulgar uneducated words. When speaking you must first take into consideration your audience. If you're speaking to educated people or just want to be polite there is a whole list of words you don't say. That is called formality. When you're hanging out with your friends and just talking the list is shortened to the limitations of your friends. Everything is case by case. You can't just put a big label on everything. That's what i've learned after reading this thread. There are different cultures even within the same city. That just begs the quotation. "When in Rome do as the Romans do." That doesn't mean that we should all become racists when in the company of one. It means that to fit in you'll have to make some compromises as to make friends and be accepted. Everyone has their own sets of morals and im not saying we should stray from them. It's just something we have to take into consideration when we socialize with our fellow human beings.

For the first time, I agree with you. It's always better not to say the word at all, but if it's acceptable if the meaning of the word means 'friend' or something of that sort and you keep it only to the party that is comfortable with the word. I don't think people should use it too loosely though, because if it were used at the wrong time, it could really stir up some controversy. Don't use it so much that it becomes a habit. There's no way to completely eliminate the word and its original meaning, but people can say them with the consent of others and with caution if anywhere else.

[ComradeRed]

I don't use the word, but if I did, I also don't see why it's anyone else's business what words I use in my social circle.

Different words have different acceptability in different circles. Just accept that. Live and let live is the basis of our free country.

[jEllyBeaNs]

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?

nigga and nigger is not the same thing. nigger is the term that the white ppl used to blacks to be offending. yes you are right black people do say "nigga" to each other, i personally do not like it. to be honest i really do not know why we use it towards each other. but why does a white person need to say "nigga"? if they said it, it would be weird. we would get offended by it. but even if your not saying it to be mean or hateful, we could take it as being offensive.

[AngryBaby]

i personally hate it when black people call each other "nigga". its unnecessary and stupid. the way i see it white folks dont need to stoop to that level either. a white person calling eachother nigga is like black people calling eachother "spicks" or "chinks". and i dont necessarily see the why some white people would want to say it. I dont say it, and im black

[Levy2k6]

man i dont care who i am. ill say any of those. i use it in comedic ways tho. not racist. im sure ya all seen that Chapelle Show "The Nigger Family" episode. that was the best..

ohh and i love the season 1 episode w/ the KKK and stuff.. lol.

i also hate ignorant ppl..

[Joss-eh-lime]

i dont say it even tho these days i could becuase im black >.<
but i just dont like the word. ive never been called that[ to my face anyway] but its relaly not supposed to be a name we call ppl whenever.