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

[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.