Sui Generis Posted February 26, 2002 Share Posted February 26, 2002 Please don't close this immediatly, this is not ment to be descrimitory! I just want to know what your opinions are.... I will show you both sides of the issue then I will tell you my position I am currently watching Boston Public and the episode is over this....I wanna know your opinion....It seems that people mainly whites, are forbidden to say "******" because it is a racial slur and is degrading to the black society, however two black people who are friends can go around and call eachother "Niggers" all day long without causing a second thought. Blacks: At the time this word was orriginated it WAS ment as degrading and it was a way of telling slaves apart. Marking them with the name ment hate. People (particulary whites) would call them niggers and then beat them and think of them lower than dirt. Two blacks can call eachother niggers for the simple fact that they know what happened most if not all had their families go through it, and they can call eachother niggers out of respect. Whites: Denying whites from saying "******" is just another form of discrimintation. Many whites believe that the blacks have used this word more as a card to play for their success than anything else. If a white person dares to say "******" to a black person he will most likely be beaten up EVEN if the person is his best friend. Blacks automatically assume that it is ment in a dirogatory way, and not as a friend. Its true that some still used it dirogatory but living in the past is wrong, whites are called many things (ex: white trash, gringo, wigger..) whites are called it without a thought. But if a black is called a ****** its a whole different story. Sure they were abused back then but no human race should be handicaped. If someone like Chris Rock would walk around the stage and talk about blacks and Niggers the audience would laugh. But say if Robin Willaims did the samething, there is a possibility that he would be shot or even attacked. Some people: Certain people believe that this word has too much power. How could one single word in the English language have SO much control over people. The word ****** is associated with so much hate that the meaning is truly lost. They believe that if one race can say a word another should be able too. They believe that this word should be translated into a different meaning, not the driving hatred it is associated with. People now adays don't care how you say it, coaches, bosses and other employees have been fired EVEN when the kid/person said they were allowed to call them that BUT they were still fired. People automatically assume that it is ment in dirogatory.... I believe that the word has too much power.....simple as that... Whats your opinion.... (My hands hurt now) Edit: I did not realize that the word N I G G E R would be bleaped...so that is what it is....everyone censor is N I G G E R....I just want to know what you think..I REPEAT THIS IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE A RACIAL BATTLE JUST STATE YOUR OPINION! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anti Posted February 26, 2002 Share Posted February 26, 2002 ooo deep subject.... ERM first let me say that I agree with Bryan on the word has to much power and that living in the past is wrong...it's stuff like this that causes our race to repeat it's mistakes instead of learning from them...and if you ask me, which I was *points to Bryans asking*... This is so stupid...first off one thing alot of people don't relize is that to br truely equal, you can't have bullsh*t like this...as long as ittle things like that happen then their isn't true equality. Also because of that...like a "white" person can't say N igg er....thats the same thing as being racist, exactly, it is saying "because your this colored skin you can't do this"... racism in it's truest form... the word USED to be used dementory...now it can be used howveer you want...words only have as much power as you give them...so again people are fighting, killing and being racist over what?...a single stupid word.... Also since this is related I will broach another subject, IMHO The whole idea of "races" is stupid...We arn't "balck" "asian" "white" we are one race...HUMAN...sure we have a lot of subcultures...but almost all the basics...almost everything in these culutres is the exact same...they sometimes are showen differently, but essiantily it's the same....why?....because we are all human...erm I guess I am just saying that if people would stop being stupid, and look beyond the "cover" they would relize these things :| ... So to recap for those who don't like to read my long speaches 1.Nig ger has to much power... 2.saying certin colored skin people who plan to use the word as it's meaning, in this case black, and not putting em down, is being racist 3. the whole idea we are even different racist is like saying we are not all human, which is not the truth, just different cultures...that are all the same except in the way things are shown... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkey Posted February 26, 2002 Share Posted February 26, 2002 Most people take the bad meaning of a word instantly. For example, gay means happy, but ask anyone on the street the meaning of gay and they'll say: Homosexuality. I have to admit that I'm one of those persons, and if someone calls me a *Insert insult commonly used for Latins*, I'll take it negatively. So, unless people (including me) learn to take things the way they are meant (if you listen to the way a word is pronounced you can know if it's an insult or a praise), things aren't going uphill anytime soon... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heaven's Cloud Posted February 26, 2002 Share Posted February 26, 2002 [color=indigo] Well I lost my huge opinion because AOL cut out on me but I'll try writing it as logically again. I find the "n" word to be the ugliest word in the English language. I don't think that any white person, myself included, should be able to use it, even in the slang sense. It is too clouded by hate and is too easily mistaken for hate when it is used, no matter the context. I do believe, however, that blacks should have the right to use it as slang if they wish, especially if they find comfort in taking the power away from it. In a way, it is good that the "n" word has resurfaced. It is a good reminder of the prejudice that occured on a massive scale in America just a few years ago. And by talking about the word and trying to understand its history, prehaps we will be able to better understand how to avoid such a horrible incident from ever happening again.[/color] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Matt Posted February 26, 2002 Share Posted February 26, 2002 i was just about to post the same topic. i think that that word has a lot of power, too much power. if african-american people use it, it's ok. but if a white person says it, it's automatically considered a extreamly bad insult. i think that if african-american people want to call themselves that, it's ok. they have a right to. you don't get yelled at in school(if ur white) if u walk up to your friend and in a friendly manner say he's white trash. if it's all ok, then i see no problem. but white people saying it is a different thing. it was used negatively thru-out histroy by white people. having them say it again just brings the hatred back. it doesn't matter what the person ment if he said it. it matters what the person he said it to thinks it ment, or what the people around him interpret it to mean. you just don't go up to a very happy person and say" gee, u look gay(meaning happy) today." the person and everyone around them will think you just called him a homosexual. it is [b]not[/b] right for white people to say it. it may be descrimination, but i think we have earned the right to not be allowed to say the n-word after all the torture we put the african-americans threw duing slavery, and after that. everytime an african-american person says it, it reminds me of what we put them thru and makes me regret what our ansesters(sp?) did. it's there way of reminding us what we did, and in the hope that anyone will [b]never[/b] do anything like this again. here's my thoughts in a wrap up. If you want to talk about your race/nationality in any way, you have the right to do so. it's your race/nationality. but you don't have the right to say a world that could be interpreted as a slur about another person's race/nationality. it's wrong. i think that talking about this is good. it lets up open up and lets our feelings out about a conterversial issue. i just hope people don't get childish and get this topic closed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin Posted February 26, 2002 Share Posted February 26, 2002 YIKES! Well, being from the South(which is infamous for its racist problems)I think I have a special view on the subject. Firstly, it isn't so one-sided. All races participate in it one way or another. Blacks call whites 'crackers', whites call blacks 'niggers' and any other racist slurs you can imagine are traded back and forth between the various races. Whites wear the Confederate Flag(we prefer to call it the Rebel Flag down here)and blacks wear FUBU(both of which are considered racist by many). Its really all very stupid. The South has many 'tolerated' problems. Racism and everything that results from it is only one of those problems. Also, I think you could have come up a better name for this topic... -Justin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sui Generis Posted February 26, 2002 Author Share Posted February 26, 2002 Yes I agree with you justin ecspecially about the titled couldn't think of anything... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Matt Posted February 26, 2002 Share Posted February 26, 2002 [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Justin [/i] [B]YIKES! Well, being from the South(which is infamous for its racist problems)I think I have a special view on the subject. Firstly, it isn't so one-sided. All races participate in it one way or another. Blacks call whites 'crackers', whites call blacks 'niggers' and any other racist slurs you can imagine are traded back and forth between the various races. Whites wear the Confederate Flag(we prefer to call it the Rebel Flag down here)and blacks wear FUBU(both of which are considered racist by many). Its really all very stupid. The South has many 'tolerated' problems. Racism and everything that results from it is only one of those problems. Also, I think you could have come up a better name for this topic... -Justin [/B][/QUOTE] i don't consider FUBU racsit at all, but i consider the confederate flag a symbol of racisim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heaven's Cloud Posted February 26, 2002 Share Posted February 26, 2002 [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Son Goten [/i] [B] i don't consider FUBU racsit at all, but i consider the confederate flag a symbol of racisim. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=indigo] The confederate flag should not be considered a symbol of racism for one reason. The Civil War had nothing to do with racism. It had everything to do with politics, lifestyle, and slavery. Don't confuse salvery for racism there is a big difference. While the north wanted to abolish slavery they did not want equal rights for blacks. Therefore I wouldn't consider the confederate flag a symbol of racism as much as I would a symbol of defiance of the union.[/color] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sui Generis Posted February 26, 2002 Author Share Posted February 26, 2002 I agree the confederate flag is not racist...People expecially southeners are very proud of their history and the flag is part of their history..The Civil War was NOT about slavery for almst a year or two...Abe just thought it would be a good way to get more supporters....The flag is just southern heritage not racism Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mornigndew Posted February 26, 2002 Share Posted February 26, 2002 [color=blue][size=1]there're many interesting threads lately. Words and other things such as flag have different meaning to differenc people based on their background. It may mean difference to you than the other. For example : One event happened couple years ago in the Vietnamese community in CA. A vietnamese man hanged a Vietnamese Communist flag, and there're many Vietnamese people from around the world (except in Vietnam) protest. I don't know the exact detail. The point is, may be certain words or things that mean nothing to you, but to other is like evoking one of their painful memory. [/color][/size] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeathKnight Posted February 26, 2002 Share Posted February 26, 2002 [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Son Goten [/i] [B] but i consider the confederate flag a symbol of racisim. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=crimson]Lies. Living in Texas, I wear the Confederate flag because I am full of pride for the south.. And I am part Black. Mainly white, but part black none the less. The confederate flag mearely shows the spirit southerners have. [/color] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k9* Posted February 26, 2002 Share Posted February 26, 2002 my first thought - we will never b truely equal until we have one set of standards over the behavior of all groups, at least in public that said, i find most slang words for any group insulting, even if it isn't of my own heritage, to me, such words, and the feelings that birth them are only signs of closed minds and hateful attitudes... umm....that's i have for now. :babble: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Transtic Nerve Posted February 26, 2002 Share Posted February 26, 2002 Ok, well I will come from a minority point of view.... My minority however isn't my race... but still we come from the same sort of view. Oh yeah, I also changed the subject title thingy... First subject: Confederate Flag I used to think it was a symbol of supporting slavery, thus supporting hate and discrimination... however the other day I was driving to school or some place and I saw this bumper sticker that had a pic of the confederate flag and it said "Heritage NOT hate".... and I was like... you know, thats right... and since then I don't think that way about the flag... at least those who see it that way. There will however be people who use the confederate flag as a sign of hate (KKK for example) Second subject: Racial Slurs I will be the first to admit that being a minority and using a racial slur when identifying with ones of the same, is acceptable. I will say "***" and whatnot when talking about other gay people or even myself, but I don't like it when anyone else uses it. Actually I don't mind if people use it, as long as it's not meant as some type of insult, like it's used 99% of the time. I guess the same goes for African Americans... or anyone for that matter. I don't think many people know exactly how people think as a whole in a group on the subject of racism... I mean, not every single African American calls each other a "nigga" or whatever. It's just something they can relate to, I guess. I'm not black, I don't know... but thats how I feel when it comes to the same situation, different word. I think it all boils down into how the word is used.... if it's used in a discriminatory way, then obviously it shouldn't be used at all.... the world has become very politically correct which has lead us to both pros and cons.... which is just a total head ache for people and society sometimes... but we are people... and people are flawed and with those flaws comes everything else... including not thinking before speaking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted February 26, 2002 Share Posted February 26, 2002 [color=royalblue]Hm, interesting topic (though a bad choice of title). I think that the "N word" is one which has always been designed to make someone else feel bad. It's always been a negative, inflammatory and derogatory word. In Australia, there are also racist words. Greeks/Italians get called "wogs", Asians get called "gooks" and Whites get called "skips". The whole thing is utterly ridiculous. Most of the time, the three above words I mentioned tend to be used in a slang way in this country. I mean, 50 years ago, the word "***" was very offensive. Nowdays, it's offensive if used in a negative context...but often, it's merely a slang term. The same can also be said for the word "queer" or "fa ggot" to describe gay people. Particularly the latter: these words are often used to discriminate, but sometimes among the gay community, they are used as slang (perhaps the first word moreso than the latter word). One thing I take issue with in particular (which isn't really related specifically to the "n word"), is the use of the word "gay" by a lot of kids. Kids often say "Oh that's gay" or "don't act so gay". They don't necessarily realize it, but by talking in this way, they're using the term "gay" as an insult. And why should being gay be an insult to someone? It'd be like saying "Oh that's black...don't act so black". See what I mean? It's actually pretty prejudice to say something like that. Having said all of that...if a black person wants to use the word ****** about themselves...then that is their own choice. That'd be like me saying "I'm a stupid idiot" -- if I want to say it, then it's my business. But I don't really think others have the right to use these words against each other...because often, they are designed to be hurtful.[/color] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Jabroni3:16 Posted February 26, 2002 Share Posted February 26, 2002 My post isn't really about racist slurs but about Racism in general, also my hyde will most likely become chared after this is all over. I find it extreamly annoying how when a Black comedian goes out with his gig and basically degrades the White people, like "See White guys can't handle this, what they do is they...." But yet if some White guy went out and started saying stuff about Black people he'd probable be found Dead in the ally the next day, i mean the Black Community needs to stop acting like the victum, no one is proud of what happened in the past, but yet it is our past and we must come to terms with it, not relive it day to day and always act like the White man is the devil. If white people got all up set over things said about us, then there'd surely be a drop in the African-American population, mainly because racism shown to white people runs more rampent in our streets than vise versa. I for one am tired of all this "oh thats fine because they are black" comments thats just BS, the color of your skin shouldn't change what you can and can't say or what you can do and can't do. I just want to know where the Asian History Month is along with the Latino(sp) History Month. Mainly what i am trying to say is "Get over It". Ok now on to slurs, i myself wouldn't use the word but i know my brother does. To understand why i am includeing the following that i looked up at Dictonary.com nig·ger Pronunciation Key (ngr) n. Offensive Slang Used as a disparaging term for a Black person: ?You can only be destroyed by believing that you really are what the white world calls a ******? (James Baldwin). Used as a disparaging term for a member of any socially, economically, or politically deprived group of people: ?Gun owners are the new niggers... of society? (John Aquilino). My brother uses the term the way the last part said. I have asked an opinion of an Asian friend of mine and he doesn't seem to think the word "*****" is derogatory, infact his friends (i don't though) use the word all the time and he doesn't care, i don't know why Black People have to feel the need to punch somewhite guy's lights out for saying the word. I would like to know someones opinion on the word "***," mainl;y would like to hear from a Japanese person but hey whatever responce is a good responce. Also i don't think this thread should be closed because it is just a friendly discussionand no one is being called these slurs, also if you are offended by the topic, don't read it. Any way thats the way i and other feel about the sunject. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted February 26, 2002 Share Posted February 26, 2002 [color=royalblue]Hm, perhaps the thread in Zelda is more understandable following that post. :rolleyes: I think you have to find an analogy here. I mean, it's like when someone might say stuff about their family...about how they hate their mother or father etc etc...but you as an outsider have no right to say such things about someone [i]else's[/i] family. Hm, it's hard to explain. But basically, it's like I said before...I can call myself a stupid idiot or something, but it's rude for you to call me that. The same is true for the word ******...it's something which is rude to call others. But if you want to say it about yourself; go ahead. As for the "white man" jokes...I have to say, sometimes I agree with that. I mean, sometimes it seems "okay" to joke about white men yet forbidden to joke about black men. In any case, I don't find racial jokes funny...so for me, it's kind of a moot point. :)[/color] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Jabroni3:16 Posted February 26, 2002 Share Posted February 26, 2002 I know what you are trying to say, but if the word is going to be hurtful is used by the other non family member (going with your example here) then the other person shouldn't have used it in the first place, in other words, "things are better left unsaid". EDIT: what were you meaning by the first part? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted February 26, 2002 Share Posted February 26, 2002 [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Jabroni3:16 [/i] [B]I know what you are trying to say, but if the word is going to be hurtful is used by the other non family member (going with your example here) then the other person shouldn't have used it in the first place, in other words, "things are better left unsaid". [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Well yeah...of course it's better to say nothing bad at all. But you have to accept that people are going to use this language in some cases. So if people want to call themselves something...there's nothing anyone else can do about it. But if you go round calling others really derogatory words...well, it's a bit different to them using it on themselves.[/color] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anti Posted February 26, 2002 Share Posted February 26, 2002 James, the family thing dosn't hold up for one reason though...saying someone can't do this BECAUSE of the color of their skin is nothing like saying you can't talk about someone else mom, why? because no one let anyone talk about your family in a negitive way...regardless of skin color...another thing proving my point that when it all boils down to it...we are exactly the same... and another question...what the guys in the past did, that was their choice, not mine, Why the hell am I having certin things like "oh you can't say that" or "say that and your expeled", I mean I understand we should learn from the past, but if you carry around the past and always base everything on it insteaad of trying to change for the better, in the case of this subject, true equality, It's about time the black community did stop acting like white man is the devil...they have their chance right now to step up and become equal, and some do, but as long as they act like victims and run off screaming racist everything somthing they don't like, like a measly word, comes along...then they arn't equal...then they are just acting like kids...and I know the whole community dosn't do that...but it also goes for wanting to kill someone or knock them out everytime they say a word you don't like...thats no better then acting like a kid...so I guess in my opinion to truely be equal you gotta act equal, meaning you gotta step up and grasp for whats yours, without running and yelling racist everytime somthing you don't like happens, without the excuse well I am this race so it is ok,true equality will come when that happens...not before... And about the confederate flag...what was really bad about that was I wore it to school...and almost every kid there came up to me and said, "by wearing that your supporting slavery" or "your racist by wearing that arn't you" none of them relized the confederate flag stood for the souther defience, or th southern heritage and so much more then slavery did...slavery was just their lifestyle...it coulda been any other thing...anyway enough rambling for now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sephiroth Posted February 26, 2002 Share Posted February 26, 2002 I think its stupid placing names on races, like wogs, n***ers, etc. especially the N word, I hate it, even when two black people say it to each other, its one of the few words I just don't like at all, but then, humans are stupid, so they do stupid things, bah.... though here in the uk, the n word isn't said much, its just said between two black people every now and then.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sui Generis Posted February 26, 2002 Author Share Posted February 26, 2002 I agree with Travis on what he is saying. I mean them saying we are not allowed to say "N" is just another form of discrimination. Them playing all the cards of victim is another form of discrimintation. So in a way they are now discriminating the whites, just on a much less physical and much more emotional. I mean at my school a black kids best friend (white) would always call the kid a Nigga...but the black kid called it back..it was fine with them...BUT another black kid heard it, and first kicked the white guys butt...then took him to the principle the white kid was expelled. The next day the principle walks by two black kids and right while he does this they great eachother with "Whats up my nigga" and he doesn't give a second thought to it. I mean I understand that ****** used to be a symbol of hate, but that was the past. Whites are also called stuff but I mean its not that big of deal and we don't go out and shoot someone for it. I mean heck we even have our own form of ******...wigger...A hblack man can just waltz up and call us a wigger and its nothign..Its really stupid to have one race controlling what we can and can't say. And the mother anology by James, I also agree with Travis. Noone is allowed to talk about your family in a dirogatory way, this includes all races not just one or two different races. Saying that a certain race can't say it is just denying us the the first ammendment... freedom of speech(depends on how you translate the ammendment of course). I mean sure the blacks went to hell andw back in the first 150 some odd years, but we arn't in the past anymore...we need to stop dwelling on the past and put our eyes on the future. I mean if a word has that much power for over 200 years don't you think its going to have that power for atleast another 200 years. I mean whites are almost becoming a minority in this country compared to the blacks. If we live in the past its gonna be ugly in the future. I mean do you what say your son's daughter to be living as a slave to the blacks? To anyone for that matter? IF we LIVE in the past, the past is gonna regenrerate itself. I think first and foremst either allow ALL races to say the dang word or rip the word out of the English language. We pride our selves on "political correctness" how correct is it for one body to be able to say one thing and the other body not to? Not very correct is it?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(<AA>) Posted February 26, 2002 Share Posted February 26, 2002 When people say black, they're refering to African-americans.I'm just african...so am I "black"?And that reminds me of the movie [i]The animal[/i].Ok so I might sound like a dumb-$hit but the movie kinda dealt with the same problem...And The music industry...Rap to be exact...In rap you can say nigg*r ,even white people Like eminem....Any way I'm sure I'm not making sense so I'll shut up... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin Posted February 26, 2002 Share Posted February 26, 2002 I've seen a few comments I'd like to comment on myself... 1) FUBU: aka For-Us-By-Us. What do you think they mean by that? 2)Confederate Flag: I think if you wear it to symbolize your hate for other races you're guilty of a hate crime. If you wear it to show pride for your heritage then you're ok. I was raised in a home by parents who tried to teach me to "Keep the Stars and Bars a'flyin'!" And "Rebel Pride" is the motto most of my friends live by. It isn't for racism; its for pride. I'm not big on it. I prefer to wear other clothes than to wear Dixie Outfitters(a brand which puts the Rebel Flag on all its merchandise) but I ask you: Don't judge people as racist and bad because they wear the Confederate Flag. My friends and family are those people. If you criticize them for that, make sure that they do it simply to show racism. If you're not from the South, you probably wouldn't understand the South. -Justin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anti Posted February 26, 2002 Share Posted February 26, 2002 Making perfect Sense AA...anyway Bryan has another valid point... I know this is off subject, but all through out history one culture has been the slave of another...Roman Empire, Anyone could become a slave, Eurpean Empires, had slaves, but they didn't start the slave trade, in Africa the tripes have long enslaved each other through war and such...also in American Indeans they would gain slaves through warfare....So I guess I am saying that if we don't learn, then when the next Empire rises, you can count on one culture to become anothers slaves...unless their is true equilty, which means relizing we are all humans, and no more discrimation on any front, be it sexualty, culture, sex, or stupid words...and to achieve that , people gotta stop running around screaming "racist" or "sexist" whenever something you don't like happens...you just gotta stand up and deal with it...that is, and no offense ment, the difference between alot of white people and alot of "colored" people... Also I am gonna broach another subject...again...WE ARE ALL THE SAME RACE...saying "races" is stupid because we are all the same race...we have [B]CULTURES[/B], but we are all essentilly "Africans" where we evoled from the monkeys, the reason for the different skin color is merely once your ancestors left Africa did they live in caves or out in the open?...and don't believe in the theory of evolution...then look in the bible, all man was born from Adam and Eve...and once they bit into the apple they were forced out of the garden...which many believe to be where the Sahara Desert is....and afterwards all Man was born from them...so yet again we are all the same race born from the same ancestors...I am not sure about Muslim or Budist story of creations...but I know the Ancient Civilizations, such as Sumar, considered to be the first civilization until recently, has a Story of creation where all men came from one place...so this whole racist and discrimation thing is stupid, your welcome to be a "color" but me, I am Human, or Homo sapian, The only Race their is for humans.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now