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I don't have a problem with the word b/c at its core, it's a meaningless expression of something that depends on the user. When it's used offensively it means "I'm trying to say something to make you angry." When it's used generically or congenially, it's just another way of describing someone. This idea that b/c it was used offensively in the past, it can't be used positively today is not something I follow.
It's a bit weird to me, especially when non-blacks use it. Not that I think blacks "own" the word but it's just strange. I wouldn't go up to my white friends and say "What's up, slant?"
IDK, I generally don't like it. I prefer to good old fashioned "dude" or "bro" or "man."
It's like the dreaded "F" word. Some people act like if their children hear it, the word is over. Again, get over it. They are mere words.
I agree with this.
Though I did not grow up in a family that used the N word often, I have heard it used over the course of my whole life by different people, mostly black people (I am black as well). I have never been called one to my face by a white person, just on the phone when they could call me a N*gger b*tch and hang up the phone LOL! That happened often when I worked for a bank and didn't give people a refund for overdraft fees. I just thought it was funny and was out of frustration, them trying to make me as mad as they were, but it didn't work. I'd laugh about it because stuff like that is funny to me.
I have used it before. Not a whole lot, but for me it is just a word. No matter who says it to me, it really doesn't bother me at all. Like above, I see it as "just a word."
I am in my black woman in my early-30s. Growing up the n-word went from a racial slur, to something that is used by certain types of people as almost a term of endearment.
I just thought it was completely silly. I don't use it in any context. But as I am getting older, I find it to be more commonly used by a wide range of people. It used to be a "lower class" word. And these days it has moved up the food chain to middle class kids. And non-blacks!
I about had a heart attack when I friended my coworker on facebook and found out that he and his other south asian and Filipino friends called each other the n-word. (He is Indian).
My sister had a similar experience with a Puerto Rican co-worker and called her on it (it was a different situation, since she was one of the authorized posters on her company's facebook account, and it could have been seen as offensive in the broader community). She was later un-friended by that woman.
This for me causes a huge generation gap with the 20-somethings. I guess their parents are a little too far removed from it being a racial slur. I have no idea. I cringe when I hear anyone say it. I find it offensive whether it ends with "er", "a" or is remixed into "w*gga" or "w*gger"
What do you guys think?
....we have a choice....forget about it or automatically play it over and over in our heads. I find that somethings for me I don't think about, especially things that are not nice.
NICE works like this if a word offends you, I will not use it. Those who want to be offensive will use it.
When someone is offensive I ignore them....If they break the law I try to help lock them up.
Last edited by bluescityleon; 08-31-2012 at 12:59 PM..
Reason: forgot some thin'
It will always be a big deal for me. I am not into this trend of "reclaiming" offensive terms and slurs.
Most of my friends are in my camp.
I agree with you. Words are only words and nothing else but all the same............
Words can't be used as you note, terms of endearment and not be picked up by others. IMO if it's acceptable to call people this then it's acceptable to call people this.
I won't argue that it doesn't come across as more offensive from some but you can't just toss it around and get upset when others do the same.
It reads to me like you are taking a principled position here that it is wrong, no matter what and I always respect a principled position.
The thing about that word - it is extremely useful for liberals.
On the one hand it's safe - friends use it among among themselves - no big deal.
On the other hand - if the wrong person uses it - BAM - it becomes a weapon of mass destruction for liberals when they want to bring down a political enemy.
It's typical word reclamation is all. My friends and i will call each other b*tches or hoes as a joke, but the word means something different in the context of us using it rather then someone saying it to offend.
It's just a word to me and I've used it before(not much) when with certain friends(not calling them that word in particular but referring to someone else). But I understand why it upsets you.
It's typical word reclamation is all. My friends and i will call each other b*tches or hoes as a joke, but the word means something different in the context of us using it rather then someone saying it to offend.
Yeah my friends and I do the same things. We don't do as much anymore, but in high school and college we did.
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This is still America.....
