Jul 19, 2008 10:58PM GMT
Question
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Religion - Christianity
The rev. Jesse Jackson used the "N" word in regards to Barack Obama , he since has apologized , Is the "N" word really that big a deal in this day and age?
What's all the fuss over the "N" word ??--is it really that big a deal in this day and age? If the world would just embrace the word it would no longer have any meaning or hateful innuendos . The gay community embraced the word "QUEER" and it no longer means hate or can cause anyone harm or any ill or misunderstood meanings. being Queer is great now !!
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Answered yes
Any hateful words that denigrate or in any way humiliate a race, culture, sexual orientation, handicap, etc. are offensive, and really have no place in a civilized (and televised) world. (Big Brother?) Like religion, hateful names can ignite a fire that may not be quenched with a simple apology. That's probably because the world is filled with overly dramatic people who take things to the enth degree.
Still, I feel it's best to keep the offensive name calling and stereotyping under wraps, at least in public. As far as the gay community embracing the word queer, well, it merely means odd, anyway. I tend to be quite queer, in both senses of the word ;)
Namasté. -
Answered yes
I do not believe it is a word that should be used by anyone, anywhere for any reason. I was raised never ever to use that word - my family did not think we should use lousy grammar or call the n word. My father taught us self respect and considered those who used street talk as uneducated and unworthy of serious attention. I will not try to be part of the 'in' crowd; I will not be sold some stupid line about power in using this word. Likewise, I do not use other euphemisms that denigrate other people. These usages of words is just one more way to seek to harm others not like ourselves. Sorry, I may not be 'in' but nope, not me! -
Answered No
I clicked the wrong button: Meant to vote YES.
I've seen your comments about black people - many of them are quite ignorant and bigoted - if it is because you wish to use the term to reflect your biased views, then the answer flat out is "No". -
Answered yes
The differences between "Queer" and "Nigger" are so vast and so clear, that any comparison as to the pain that each has caused to a certain group of people, is impossible to make.
"Queer" is simply a word that has always been used to describe something "different" or "unusual." When people started using "queer" to describe someone who is gay, it was actually meant as a kinder, or more acceptable way of saying "gay" as opposed to "fag" or "faggot" or some other harsher sounding epithets. Back in the day, saying "He's a bit queer, perhaps?" sounded a lot better than, "What a flaming faggot".
"Nigger, on the otherhand, was never meant to be a kinder, less offensive word, it was, and is in my opinion, a word with a lot more baggage tied to it than "queer" has ever had. Nigger = Hate, plain and simple. -
Answered No
It is only a big deal if some one uses it in a way that some one else may find offensive. Must urban inner city music and conversation you can here it on a constent baisis. It is these who are under educated that helps keep racism alive and well -
Answered yes
That word is still racist and unacceptable whatever your ethnicity. Jesse Jackson would create a huge outcry if anyone used that word on or about him. JJ is a two faced racist and a bigot and he ought to know better by now. I saw his comments on T.V. and I think he is a sad and sorry little old man with nothing left but bitterness and a bad attitude.
Obama was his usual gracious self in handling the matter. -
Answered yes
With my not being African American, I can only speak from my experience and I think that the "N" word is still a huge deal.
The only way I can comment on it is to equate it with the word "faggot." I can call myself a faggot, my friends can call me faggot, but let someone on the street call me a faggot and there's going to be a fight. Just like this word should only be used inside the gay community, the N word should only be used inside the Af-Am community and we need to let them sort it's use out. In the wrong hands, that word still packs a lot of hate. -
Answered Undecided
I don't like the word because it offends people. I also don't like the f word because it offends me. It bothers me that people say you can't say this or that but I can say it. People say don't say N but then they use the F word, so excuse me.
On the View the other day Whoopi Goldgerg and Sherri Shepard, both black said that black people can say N but white people can't. Isn't that discrimation. If you don't want to hear it don't use it.
Is there any word that only whites are allowed to use, or any award that only whites are allowed to win? There are black words and black awards. -
Answered yes
It is a big deal. We've been told time and again (and just through common sense and respect for our fellow man/woman) not to use that word as it has negative conotations.
Jesse used the term, not in the way I've heard supporters of the word (here on SH) say it should be used (as greeting or term of endearment), but in a derogatory way. He is a self-involved, selfish, racist. -
Answered Undecided
If Jesse Jackson was a white guy, he would be be-headed by now. I agree words are words and nothing more, but if you want the word "nigger" to not be used a harmful word, maybe start by setting an example. Just because I'm white, I dont go around calling President Bush a dumb cracker -
Answered yes
Well, it makes sense to err on the side of caution. It's probably a little early for the Black community to be accepting of the word "nigger," at least when spoken by whites.
It has to do with years of oppression based on race in which that word was often used perjoratively.
So yes, it's still kind of a big deal. -
Answered Undecided
Yes, the N word is still big... just look at the recent Whoopi episode and you will see how alive and well the raw feelings that many blacks have.. and yes, I am certain to be dr'ed for being so open. But I find it particularly queer that only blacks can refer to one another as N, and find some sort of acceptance in their ethnic group, whereas, anyone else is not allowed. Self-depreciating humour is often appreciated, but this seems deeper. Most whites I know would not feel the need to use the n word.. and don't seem to harbour racism, though I am not denying it exists.