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

[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.