Can a white person sing along to the word "n i g g a"?

[Alpha]

I don't care if it's acceptable or not. I just want it one way or the other -- if it's alright for one race, it should be the same for the other.

It's used both as a racial slur and as a greeting, etc. today, depending on who uses it. The issue is that when it's used, it's rarely as a racial slur, and still there is an obvious racial double-standard on who is allowed and who is not allowed by society to use one simple word.

You don't support free speech, if you believe one race can use certain language that another can't, or that certain words are racist if one race says them but not if another does.

So what you're saying is: The two races don't use it the same way, so its use should be accepted if it's by one group, but the other group should not use it.

Damn kid, do you know what a double-standard is? EXACTLY THAT.

So black people see it as a racist word, but only when it doesn't come from black people. How many flashing "DOUBLE-STANDARD" lights do you need in front of your face?

Because people like you will assume that one word is racist, and hold a double-standard with it, where certain races using it will be considered bad while other races using it will be considered acceptable.

Maybe not racist ... ignorant racial double-standard, sure, but I'll leave the accusations of racism to kids like you.

Firstly, I ask that you please stop referring to me as 'kid'. It's condescending, irritating and a little offensive. It's clear that you hold yourself in very high esteem, but you don't have to be a jerk about it. This is ID, so try debating without resorting to belittling.

Secondly, I have lumped all these together because you are just repeating the same thing. I hoped you had fun writing them all out, but no one here needs to hear the same thing ten times to understand your argument.

The word is not acceptable by any standard. I do not like it being used by anyone, of any race. Perhaps it is a double standard, but I also think that black people have a slightly greater right to it than do white people. I will attempt to justify this.

When did black people ever refer to themselves as n*****s in a negative manner? When did white people refer to black people as n*****s in a negative manner? If a white person was to use this word today, what would it draw strength from? If a black person was to use the word today, where would it's context lie?

For a white person, to use this word is to refer to a period where they oppressed fellow human beings based on the colour of their skin. For a black person, this word carries deep hurt, and I think it's use should be avoided. But if a black person was to use it, would they be referring to their own race negatively? Of course not, how can they? They are using it in a context of a mutual, historical feeling of oppression. It is a contentious word, but black people are largely unable to use it offensively, whereas white people are able to.

It's usage has widened, and I propose no theory as to why. This may lessen it's impact on many ears, but my above comments, I believe, still stand. It is far less offensive for a black person to use it, than for a white person. In all contexts, it is still offensive, and we are clearly cautious with who we use it around.

I don't see why if it's OK for (some) black people, it automatically makes it OK for white people, when there are clear differences in the use of the word over time, with regard to the particular races.

Sounds like you're quick to call me racist without knowing anything about me, kid. Maybe next time you should keep your ignorant comments to yourself ... but then what would be left to post?

Big man. Insulting my intelligence. Ouch. Maybe next time you should keep all use of racial slurs to yourself. I never use the n-word, or any other racial slur, but you admit that sometimes you do. We all know it is a racial slur, but you use it (very rarely). That suggests to me that you're somewhat more racist then I am.

False. "nigger" comes from niger and nigar[/], both derived from the Spanish and Portuguese negro. Both of [those were originate with the Latin word, nigrum, the accusative form of "black". "Nigger" did NOT originate with the intention of being a racial insult, it was simply a term used to describe dark-skinned people. I suggest you find whoever told you that it was developed as a racial insult and smack them -- they either told you wrong because they were ignorant, or they told you wrong because they wanted to see if you were gullible enough to buy it, but either way, even if common knowledge is somewhat uncommon in your situation, a simple internet search should help you inform yourself.

Good work quoting Wikipedia, but I'll admit, you did more research than I did on this topic. I'll also admit that I did not know that. Maybe living in a country with very few people of African descent has meant that this word is very rarely discussed, and my knowledge of it is primarily based on a very poor quality history teacher when I was 15-16. So thanks. But the point still stands that it quickly became a word that was used to offend, correct? Or am I wrong in this too?

So when black people say, "nigger", they're using it in an attempt to create offense? The rare occasions that I use the word "nigger", I'm always using it in an attempt to create offense? Damn kid, for being so ignorant on so many other subjects, you're apparently psychic enough to know what everybody's thinking whenever they say the word "nigger".

While, as I learnt from you, there was a period where this word was simply descriptive, it became offensive to call black people this term. Is there anyone who doesn't know that it is a word that was used to create offense? So when anybody uses it, then, yes, they know they are liable to offend. Many use it in a humourous manner, but they would be very cautious to use it in an appropriate context. You wouldn't go to the NAACP and start calling someone a "nigger" in jest. Thus, we know it is offensive. I'm not psychic, just logical.

Well, since apparently "black" has now become improper and "African-American" has replaced it, and since there is a Jewish religion AND a Jewish ethnicity, why not refer to them as "People of Jewish ethnicity", "People of the Jewish religion", or "People of Jewish ethnicity and faith"? Why not "God's Chosen People", since they refer to their own ethnicity/religion as that as well?

Is a white person white, or are they "European-American" or "Caucasian"? And if they call themselves "Caucasian", can we all look down on black people for using the term "Caucasian"?

When did "black" become offensive? It's always more proper to refer to someone's nationality/ethnicity if known, so African American is probably less offensive than "black", but I don't see how it is offensive. I'm sure you don't mind being called "white"? I get labelled a "New Zealand European", which just means "white", though I'd prefer "New Zealander". None of those are offensive as they aren't used in such a way. Look at history and see what type of people have used the n-word, and which have said "black" in a respectful tone. Which do you want to be lumped with?

The word "Jew" I would use to refer to someone of the Jewish faith and/or 'ethnicity'. For someone who lives in Israel, they would be an "Israelite", and for someone of "Jewish ancestry", either that term itself, or a person of "Israeli descent". What exactly is your point here?

Please describe how "Korean muthaf***as was crooked, so niggas had to burn an' loot 'em" is in reference to a common history of subjugation. I'd like to hear this.

My point is that it is not directed at black people at large, and it is not used negatively, and in a context of racial supremacy. Think of a Klansman saying the n-word, and in what context it is in. The Klansman uses it to assert racial dominance. This rapper you quote is not using the word to suggest racial supremacy of any form. They are using it to refer to their own race, who has faced this word and everything it represents, but they are not using it negatively. I think that is something that only a person who comes from that background (i.e. black people) have a right to, as in the past other races have used that word in such a negative manner as to entirely forfeit their right to it. I don't want to advocate the use of the word by black people either, but I can tolerate it more, especially in music.

[Sasquatch]

Firstly, I ask that you please stop referring to me as 'kid'. It's condescending, irritating and a little offensive.

Gain enough maturity and intellect, and you'll be treated like an adult.

Secondly, I have lumped all these together because you are just repeating the same thing. I hoped you had fun writing them all out, but no one here needs to hear the same thing ten times to understand your argument.

Apparently, you do. See, what I figured was that if I kept repeating a simple fact, you might finally understand it. Apparently, I was mistaken.

The word is not acceptable by any standard. I do not like it being used by anyone, of any race.

So it's not acceptable for anybody to use? Sounds fine.

Perhaps it is a double standard, but I also think that black people have a slightly greater right to it than do white people.

So it's not acceptable by any race, but black people have a right to do it while white people don't. Make up your mind, kid.

When did black people ever refer to themselves as n*****s in a negative manner? When did white people refer to black people as n*****s in a negative manner? If a white person was to use this word today, what would it draw strength from? If a black person was to use the word today, where would it's context lie?

It depends on the context of the original quote. Why does it matter what some people of specific colors do? It's extremely ignorant to take specific instances and apply them to an entire race, or take words in one context and assume that it's used in the same context every time.

Is your argument that some white people use it as an insult, so no white people should ever use it? Honestly?

For a white person, to use this word is to refer to a period where they oppressed fellow human beings based on the colour of their skin.

I never oppressed a fellow human being based on the color of their skin. What would I be referring to?

For a black person, this word carries deep hurt, and I think it's use should be avoided.

Yes, of course -- the word "nigger carries deep, deep hurt. Which is why it's in half the rap songs and black-culture movies. Deep hurt.

But if a black person was to use it, would they be referring to their own race negatively? Of course not, how can they?

It depends on the context. See: Chris Rock.

They are using it in a context of a mutual, historical feeling of oppression.

I'm still waiting for rap lyrics to be interpreted as "in a context of a mutual, historical feeling of oppression".

It is a contentious word, but black people are largely unable to use it offensively, whereas white people are able to.

And because some people MIGHT be ABLE to use it to hurt somebody's feelings, it shouldn't be used at all by those people (but it's alright for others).

You know what, you might be able to stab me. You should be made to walk around in handcuffs.

More applicably, you might be able to write a nasty letter that hurts my feelings, so you shouldn't be allowed to write.

It is far less offensive for a black person to use it, than for a white person.

Depending on how it's used in each specific scenario.

In all contexts, it is still offensive, and we are clearly cautious with who we use it around.

The word "nigger" is offensive in all contexts? Context would include where the word is coming from, you know. You just got through trying to say that "black people are largely unable to use it offensively", and now you're trying to say that it's offensive in all contexts.

I don't see why if it's OK for (some) black people, it automatically makes it OK for white people, when there are clear differences in the use of the word over time, with regard to the particular races.

You mean to tell me that you don't see why one race should have the right to do the same things and use the same language as another?

Big man. Insulting my intelligence. Ouch.

I said that you don't know anything about me, and that you should keep your ignorant comments to yourself. That would be an insinuation that you lack in knowledge, not intelligence.

But go ahead and keep calling me racist for wanting the same standards for multiple races.

Maybe next time you should keep all use of racial slurs to yourself. I never use the n-word, or any other racial slur, but you admit that sometimes you do. We all know it is a racial slur, but you use it (very rarely).

And are you going to tell me that I always use it in the context of it being a racial insult? What else can you tell me, Miss Cleo?

That suggests to me that you're somewhat more racist then I am.

Because anybody that ever mutters a word considered to be a racial slur is racist? Oh wait, no, that's only if they're white, right?

Good work quoting Wikipedia, but I'll admit, you did more research than I did on this topic.

Wikipedia has a nigger entry? It's pretty common knowledge -- the "romance languages" are derivatives of Latin, Portuguese and Spanish are similar, Negro is the word for "black" (describing the darker skin), the Spanish and Portuguese were first to start colonization and slave trade in North America, niger and nigar were both used in their respective languages to refer to the people as opposed to the color, "nigger" developed from those. It's pretty simple. You'll learn about it in high school.

And if you don't know something, you look it up. It's called research. This way, you learn about it, and you don't look like a fool when you're called out and corrected after spouting some crap that you claim is factual.

Maybe living in a country with very few people of African descent has meant that this word is very rarely discussed, and my knowledge of it is primarily based on a very poor quality history teacher when I was 15-16.

Hey, it happens. We just have to get out and learn things for ourselves. If we all relied on what we're taught in high school and nothing more, we would have a very, very narrow scope of knowledge.

The trick is to know what you know, and to know what you don't know. I don't get into discussions about cars, because I don't know my ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to automobiles. I know enough to get by, but I'd have a hard time even changing my oil. I've picked up knowledge here and there, but I would never be arrogant enough to claim that something I think is "fact", when I don't know it.

But the point still stands that it quickly became a word that was used to offend, correct? Or am I wrong in this too?

Somewhat. It's probably been within the last century, maybe the last century and a half that "nigger" has been used as a racial slur. Before that, it was just a label, like "black" or "white" is now.

While, as I learnt from you, there was a period where this word was simply descriptive, it became offensive to call black people this term. Is there anyone who doesn't know that it is a word that was used to create offense? So when anybody uses it, then, yes, they know they are liable to offend.

First, words change meaning. Phantom (I believe it was him) created a thread a while ago concerning the use of the word "gay" to be synonymous with "stupid". Languages evolve, words evolve, and what may be offensive in one time may not be in another, or used the same way.

And of course, many things are liable to create offense nowdays. Way, way too many things. But that doesn't mean they should be banned, especially when they're not intended to create offense.

Many use it in a humourous manner, but they would be very cautious to use it in an appropriate context. You wouldn't go to the NAACP and start calling someone a "nigger" in jest. Thus, we know it is offensive. I'm not psychic, just logical.

Try walking into an NAACP meeting and referring to blacks as "coloreds" or "colored people" and see how they respond. They wouldn't like that, either.

Besides, the NAACP has become an outdated organization that uses its racial influence for legal thuggery, I have no respect for that group.

When did "black" become offensive?

Hell if I know, I just know I've heard that it's "improper" to refer to somebody as "black", and instead we should use "African-American".

It's always more proper to refer to someone's nationality/ethnicity if known, so African American is probably less offensive than "black", but I don't see how it is offensive.

I don't care for hyphenated-Americanism, anyway. If you were African (as in, lived in Africa), and you moved to America, THEN "African-American" would fit. I don't refer to myself as a "Welsh-American" or "English-American", and nobody else does either.

Look at history and see what type of people have used the n-word, and which have said "black" in a respectful tone. Which do you want to be lumped with?

I honestly don't care. If somebody is petty enough to judge me by something that simple, I have no regard for their judgment.

What exactly is your point here?

That "Jew" is sometimes used as a slur as well, but nobody's arguing whether or not non-Jews can say that word.

I brought up "witch" before as well, which would be more applicable, but I don't believe I got a specific response to it.

My point is that it is not directed at black people at large, and it is not used negatively, and in a context of racial supremacy.

It's not when most white people say it either.

Think of a Klansman saying the n-word, and in what context it is in. The Klansman uses it to assert racial dominance.

Except I'm not a Klansman.

This rapper you quote is not using the word to suggest racial supremacy of any form. They are using it to refer to their own race, who has faced this word and everything it represents, but they are not using it negatively.

That line -- about burning and looting Koreans -- is in reference to the Los Angeles race riots, where blacks attacked, looted, and burned Korean shops in protest to the "not guilty" verdict of the white police officers that gave Rodney King the beating he deserved. (Sorry buddy, you lead police on a half-hour long high-speed chase through residential areas, then get out and attack them, you deserve to get your ass beat. And when you're so doped up that a tazer doesn't affect you, you leave them with no other choice.)

I think that is something that only a person who comes from that background (i.e. black people) have a right to ...

Why?

I'm just asking for one answer. It's either right for everybody to do or it's wrong for everybody to do.

I'm saying if a bunch of white people were in a room with a bunch of black people, and not anonymous on the internet, the way they'd express their opinions on saying the N word would be vastly different. That whole tough-guy-I-say-what-I-want attitude would be less prevalent, I imagine. Or perhaps everyone would be completely insensitive, I don't know.

You should know enough about me to know that I'm pretty straight-forward. I don't pretend to be something I'm not because I'm on the internet. I would hold this discussion with black people, and have before, and have said the same things I've posted here.