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Forums - Politics Discussion - Do you think it's ok for African Americans to use the word "nigger" but...



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Soonerman said:

Stephen A. Smith said it best

Stephen A; didn't read.



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While I don't think the word the should be forbidden from ever being spoken, even in reference, or for historical accuracys sake, it shouldn't be used as an insult or a casual greeting in my opinion.
Wether a black person uses it among their circle of friends, where it's agreed upon that no one means any harm by it, is up to the individual. But under no circumstances should you just use it to refer to a stranger, no matter your- or their skincolor.
It is commonly associated to be an insult and as such should be treated with care. I don't go aroung calling strangers dick wart and just assume no one should be offended either.

The outrage at the Obama quote baffles me though. Yes, it's a word that is laden with a lot of pain and misery, injustice and racism, but we should be allowed to talk about it and at least explain why it's use can be problematic. Yes, our use of words shapes our thinking to a degree, but what also shapes it is open dialog. Just pushing certain words in their dirty little corners and stopping to talk about them isn't helping anyone.



I think we need not be so sticky about hard, fast rules concerning language. It's just a word. I choose not to use it, because I don't wish to unduly cause others harm. I don't think anyone should lose their job over using it in a situation that is clearly not meant to be racist. As a personal rule, I choose to avoid the word altogether unless I'm certain that the person I'm talking to won't be offended, and won't misconstrue my usage of the word as agreeing with any racist sentiment they might harbor (i.e. I hardly ever use it).



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Its a word. Never ever ever ban WORDS. A problem will never be solved by censorship, ever.

Do, however, use it with care. Like everything else. If you're unsure, either ask or simply refrain from using it. If you're among friends and everyone is fine with it, go for it.



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I'm black and I don't use it. It's not a real word to me.



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I think it's okay for everyone to use the word nigger.

Provided the context calls for it.



I don't think anyone should be allowed to use it. And if black people want to continue using that word, then they should allow everyone else to use it too.



    

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I have been referred to a nigger once or twice in my life...beaner, spic, wet back, and etc...

Ignorant people will use these words to project their fears and insecurities.

There is only one race the human race.

We have different ethnic backgrounds.

The word nigger is control mechanism that is being used to keep a certain group in a lower class.

Words should never be banned.



If a group of people don't want a word to be used, I figured they would be the first ones to stop using it.
I am not american and here many ppl use nigga to call a black person in non formal situations, it has no bad connotation. I don't really know why that word is even used since we speak spanish but I guess music had some influence.