[Nedusa]

Originally Posted by Niamh.

Who are white people to decide that though? We weren't the ones it was used against in such a disgusting way. Personally, I think white people should have no say in it at all. I think maybe white people want it to disappear because they don't want to be reminded of what was done to black people at the hands of white people

I agree white people cannot rule on this and black people can use the word if they feel they can move beyond the offensive meaning it has.

Keeping this word alive or "reclaiming" it might be seen as a solution but ultimately the offensive meaning of the word would still be there and I feel black people would never be truly comfortable using it regardless of what meaning or context it now has.

[Kizzy]

I feel that way too zee, it appears it's still rubbing salt into so many wounds and the 'reclaiming' of the word isn't about positivity or strength but highlighting the division that generationally no longer exists.

[Headie]

All you people generalising 'black people say it all the time'... well I never say it and if I ever hear someone else say it I get really annoyed tbh. Don't like the word, although if someone used it to me in a non-hostile way (providing they were black) I wouldn't be too offended, I'd just tell them that I don't use that word.

[Ninastar]

^ i dont think anyone has said that... but i'm glad to hear that you hate the word too

[Livia]

I wouldn't dream of using the word and don't know any white person who would, even in jest to a black person who was a good friend. If black people want to say it, it's up to them. I figure they've earned the right.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Its best to just avoid it, its an American problem mainly. America still have a lot to work out that in this country we settled long ago (like abortion).

[Z]

And if the word selfie can enter the dictionary in 2014, I think the n word can have its other definition added to the dictionary too. It's been used in that way for a number of years now. Maybe you think that's cringe worthy but it's how some people use the word, that it hasn't been recognised is proof enough that people are too nervous about the n word to dare mutter it under their breath, which to me shows that there is still a problem there.

[Niall]

No. It's not my place to use that word, and when I do it just perpetuates the privilege I have and further entrenches the inherently racist qualities of that word.

It's just like straight people shouldn't dare use the words 'faggot' or 'dyke'.

They're all words of oppression, and the respective groups of oppressors have no place in using those words if they wish to wish to move on from what's happened in the past.

[Marsh.]

Is this like gay people being allowed to call themselves fags but if a straight person says it they are homophobes?

[Niall]

Originally Posted by 08marsh

Is this like gay people being allowed to call themselves fags but if a straight person says it they are homophobes?

Well kinda, yeah. When a straight person says those words, those words take on a new, oppressive context. They become slurs when the historically oppressive group uses them.

It doesn't necessarily mean that the person is homophobic, but that behaviour is sort of homophobic if you follow me.

[Marsh.]

Originally Posted by Niall

Well kinda, yeah. When a straight person says those words, those words take on a new, oppressive context. They become slurs when the historically oppressive group uses them.

It doesn't necessarily mean that the person is homophobic, but that behaviour is sort of homophobic if you follow me.

I follow perfectly, it's that old thing called... what was it.... double standards.

If a word brings with it negative connotations and memories of a less pleasant time for a certain group of people then why on earth would they want to bring it into their vocabulary.

[GiRTh]

Originally Posted by 08marsh

I follow perfectly, it's that old thing called... what was it.... double standards.

If a word brings with it negative connotations and memories of a less pleasant time for a certain group of people then why on earth would they want to bring it into their vocabulary.

Its also the same as women calling themselves bitches but if a man uses that word then he's be labelled sexist.

As a man I completely understand why some would find it offensive if I used the word bitch to describe a woman, I understand the offensive nature of the word and I frankly dont want to use. If women want to call each other bitches then I have no issue with that and I wont be complaining about any perceived injustice. What I dont understand is why so many people dont apply this same principle to the n word and so many people simply want to claim some kind of right they feel they have to use the word because say rappers use it or they've heard black people using it.

[Vicky.]

Originally Posted by GiRTh

Its also the same as women calling themselves bitches but if a man uses that word then he's be labelled sexist.

As a man I completely understand why some would find it offensive if I used the word bitch to describe a woman, I understand the offensive nature of the word and I frankly dont want to use. If women want to call each other bitches then I have no issue with that and I wont be complaining about any perceived injustice. What I dont understand is why so many people dont apply this same principle to the n word and so many people simply want to claim some kind of right they feel they have to use the word because say rappers use it or they've heard black people using it.

Really? Never heard of that one at all. I am quite often called a bitch by males, as are most women I know. I never realised it was meant to be a really offensive thing

[Niall]

Originally Posted by 08marsh

I follow perfectly, it's that old thing called... what was it.... double standards.

If a word brings with it negative connotations and memories of a less pleasant time for a certain group of people then why on earth would they want to bring it into their vocabulary.

Nah. Not double standards at all really.

Ameliorating a slur is a long process that's kind of integral to elevating a minority out of oppression. The word has to be reclaimed by that minority and its meaning redefined by them to properly break down its last entrenched vestiges of linguistic oppression.

[Vicky.]

Originally Posted by Niall

Nah. Not double standards at all really.

Ameliorating a slur is a long process that's kind of integral to elevating a minority oppression. The word has to be reclaimed by that minority and its meaning redefined by them to properly break down its last entrenched vestiges of linguistic oppression.

Write this out again once you have vomited the thesaurus back up please

[Vicky.]

I use fag got and queer. To friends mind, who call themselves it, not to randomers

[Gstar]

Why am I only just seeing this thread? :s

I try not to say it around non-black people (without a sense of humor), other than that I say it all the time

[Headie]

Why has this thread about black people turned into a discussion about gay friends

[Gstar]

[GypsyGoth]

It doesn't bother me, it's often used as a term of endearment, like my brother or something.

[user104658]

I don't have a problem with any person using any word.

[Gstar]

just remembered that i've actually got the word in my location

[Mystic Mock]

Yes as the word is offensive whoever uses it, it's the same if a white person called another white person a "honkey" it's racist and shouldn't really be tolerated if other ethnicities can't use the words as well.

[user104658]

Originally Posted by The Mockinator

Yes as the word is offensive whoever uses it, it's the same if a white person called another white person a "honkey" it's racist and shouldn't really be tolerated if other ethnicities can't use the words as well.

Anyone of any ethnicity can call me anything they want to call me. Does that mean I can use the fabled Enn Word?

[Mystic Mock]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

Anyone of any ethnicity can call me anything they want to call me. Does that mean I can use the fabled Enn Word?

If the law says that you can use any word you want then go for it, but as it is at the minute I don't think it's fair that non-white people can't call us "honkeys" but other white people can, and that black people can call each other the n word while non-black people can't.