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TheTVObserver: The N Word

Written by TheObserver from the blog TheTVObserver on 04 Feb 2009
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This two-syllable expression is arguably the most divisive word in society. Dr. Phil tackled this touchy topic with help from a panel of outspoken luminaries: civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton; legendary comedian and writer Paul Mooney; CSI actor and author Hill Harper; comedian Sheryl Underwood and conservative radio talk show host Michael Graham.

I though the whole program was interesting but failed to address the issue. I personally find it offensive to use the word no matter your race. It’s a BAD word, a HATEFUL word and I don’t understand why a black person can continue to use it as part of conversation either in kind or not. If you listen to rap music, television shows, and movies, Its N@#$ this N@#$ that and always from the mouths of black people.



I often ask myself do black people use the word to belittle each other? Or do they just use it because it’s a fashionable statement, like calling women bitches?

I don’t get it and like I mentioned earlier, I find it to be very offensive despite your race. When you look at the history of the name and the people who suffered its continued use and association, I find it very alarming that a black person can find it amusing or fun to continue to throw the name around.



Is there a double standard that allows black people to use this sensitive word, while non-blacks are forbidden?

I want to know, because if a white person used the name. All black people would be up in arms. That to me reeks of a double standard.



The debate heated up when Rachel, a white guest, said she calls her husband the N-word all the time. Then, should hip-hop artists be censored or fined for using the N-word in their songs? Becky says rappers promote negative stereotypes with their lyrics, but find out who Rev. Al Sharpton thinks should face the music.

Plus, does tone or intent make a difference when using the N-word?

Some say the N-word is a term of endearment, while others believe nothing can improve an epithet historically used to oppress African-Americans. Endearment or not I say NEVER use the word. Because the very fact that the world in discussing how it could be used is a perfect example that it should be used.



What is the point of calling someone the N-word?

The debate heats up when Rachel, a white guest, says she freely utters this incendiary term. Then Becky, another guest, said that she clutches her purse when some black people walk by, because the blacks in her town are “gangsta.” She also feels that blacks cry racism too often and believes Black Entertainment Television promotes separatism. Hill Harper critiqued her logic since BET is owned by a white conglomerate.



I find that people who did not suffer from the use of the word from history, will continue to find it exciting and use it without thinking about it.

Also some use it because they just want to make money out of the ignorance of the public.



Do you use the N-word? And do you think white people should use the word as well?

When faced with increasing criticism for his "nappy-headed hos" commentary, Don Imus deftly flipped the conversation, suggesting that he found inspiration from the world of hip-hop. The conversation quickly and disingenuously turned into a debate about the role of hip-hop in spreading sexist and vulgar language, as if scripted by the folks at CBS Radio and NBC. Central to this discussion was the sense that a double standard exists where black male rappers are permitted to call women "bitches" and "hos" and are subject to little scrutiny while old white men like Imus face a public crucifixion for what some deem a bad joke.



Author and longtime Washington Post Book World editor Jabari Asim had heard all of these arguments before in relation to the use of the word "nigger" in American popular culture. In his book, "The N Word: Who Can Say It, Who Shouldn't, and Why," he places the focus squarely on American society and the undercurrents of white supremacy in our culture.



On the other side of TheTVObserver landscape is The View which offered another perspective on the matter. It all started when Barbara Walters asked Sherri Shepherd if it is okay, essentially, for black people, (particularly black comedians) to use the n-word. Shepherd responded “Yeah I have no problem with them using it. It’s something that means something way different to me than it does to you.” Then Barbara started to ask so, “If I used it” and Sherri cut her off saying, “I don’t wanna hear it come out of your mouth.”



Then ultra-conservative co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck chimed in, and all hell broke loose. She and Whoopi Goldberg got into a tense discussion that left Hasselbeck crying at the end. After using the word n**** at least 8 times, Whoopi then gave Elisabeth an explanation of how the world isn’t peachy keen for black people and how it is acceptable for blacks to use the n-word and not whites.

On the other side of the coin we have Hip Hop moguls who’ve made million from the use of the word. Some of hip hop’s biggest names like Jay-Z, Ashanti, Chuck D and Pharoahe Monch use the word, but their white counterpart s are not ALLOWED to use the workd.

Opinions on The Matter
*Warning : Some of the comments featured may be offensive.*



I'm half black half white, a huge hip hop fan and feel the word has no real use I'm in agreement that it can only serve to divide the races. The "empowerment" of the word doesn't apply it's usage is unnecessary in hip hop AND life, if it's being used by black people as a word of unification then why not use the term brother ? Some people need to realise that it is not a reference to our people it's a reference to our colour and we are more than that.
Complex Shun

I think that the 'n' word is ok used between two black people... if you listen to some of Jay-Z's songs he uses the term non-racially therefore its ok. around where i live a lot of people use this term, i personally dont take it seriously. (my dad is half afro-american) so really i should take offence but sometimes people use it as a joke. it should not be used as a "joke" and as Paul says: "Like the n word, "Paddy" when used by the English against the Irish has connotations of centuries of brutal repression" i agree it "paddy" and the 'N' word should only be used between the appropriate people.
Ben, Manchester




am mixed race n i live ina white village n all i hear is that word thrown to ma family by white youths its a harsh word no race shud use it, but white youths are wanting 2 b black n acting black so they use that word i think its stupid to be honest
natalie

I think that using the 'N' word is completely un-acceptable among the black community and people really need to education themselves as they are disrespecting firstly themselves, their ancestors and the millions of black people that died because of that racist name! I have no respect for any so-called artist that chose to use that degrading word and promote it around the world this is one of the reasons why no-one takes the people seriously! Anyone, either black or white who calls another person that has a real problem and needs to understand that it VERY OFFENSIVE!
Aaliyah, London



Yes, I do use the word I use it very frequently but only when I greet in people I know the way we say it now it is not use in a negative manner but it can be I don't really think its cool for white people to use the word cause what if you have a incident where a white person gets mad and he uses the word at a black person we all know the outcome of that story but I was just stating my opinion.
Chris

I think you can see the N Word as turning what the white oppressors said to black slaves into a positive thing, as a word that binds together people. (note: you cant class all white people together like some of you do). But with a word with such a harsh past, should we promote it? I think not.
Roberto, Nottingham

The question remains:

Do you use the N-word? And do you think white people should use the word as well?



There is also a website called niggermania which I found to be disgusting. I can only imagine how proud the people who came up with this name must be that years after its birth. It is still alive and used by its victims amongst each other in a lively fashion. 

By The TV Observer
International Blog: http://www.thetvobserver.blogspot.com/
© 2009. TheTVObserver. All Rights Reserved. Pictures used on TheTVObserver graphics are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. The Dr. Phil Show © Peteski Productions and Harpo Productions, Inc. All rights reserved.

Read more entries DAILY, visit http://www.thetvobserver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer
The information provided here is not journalistic but simply observations and the opinions expressed by TheTVObserver and guests, which are strictly their own. TheTVObserver does not claim credit of any kind for any images shown on this blog unless otherwise noted. Usually we try to give credit when and where we can. The rights or copyrights to content, copy and images on TheTVObserver belong to the respective owner(s). If you own rights to an image and do not wish it to appear here, you may contact this blog at mailtheobserver (at) yahoo.com and it will be removed. The TV Observer is not responsible for, and does not have control over, the content of any external Web site links shown on this site. Written text on this site is copyrighted by The TV Observer, except as clearly noted and duly sourced. Information featured on TheTVObserver can contain errors or inaccuracies, although we try all in our power to avoid this. We do however not make warranty as to the correctness or reliability of the blog’s sourced content. Material copyrighted to TheTVObserver may not be used elsewhere without written permission. TheTVObserver invites your comments, this blog was created to inspire thoughtful dialogue and conversations with one another for shared experiences and insights. While TheTVObserver encourages debate, the comment portion of the blog is not intended as a forum for personal attacks and destructive postings. If that is your intention in commenting, we ask that you go elsewhere.



5 Comments

tha - bang
04 Feb 2009 08:31

obsever my friend im looking forward toseeing tomorrow night on Fringe lol,anyhow back to the topic I honestly believe words have as much a currency as we give them. There was a point in my life when people would call me a kaffir or nigger i would get all angry and stuff.these days i walk on by,cause people who say stuff like that are ignorant.I'm tired of having emotional outbursts because of ignorant people.
As for is it okay for people to call each others kaffirs and niggers for me no,cause i think its in bad taste. I dont care if its a term of endearment or trying to reappropriate the word.Whats next we are going to reappropriate words such as bitch, ho, *bleep!* you etc...im sorry for my french but i just want to illustrate how vulgar it is in my book to use such word.
anyhow im a firm believer in "if you give a dog a bad name.....' so for me its a no.
no even if you are quinton tarantino, mos def or even my cousin

Segololo
04 Feb 2009 22:05

I don't use the K word and will be highly offended if anyone even calls me with that... I believe that if you respect yourself, you will demand that people do the same - and often allowing people to call you in deragotory words allows you to invite being disrespected and devalued... so I cant stomach hearing the N or K word...

mjj
06 Feb 2009 13:24

I just came here to wave like a loony to Observer.....let me read the article....

Msoe
06 Feb 2009 15:30

Yes, the 'k' word and the 'n' word were used to degrade blacks in the past but i do not think that these words should be given the same standard taking into account that these words are used in defferent countries by people who live a totally different lifestyles and have diff religions. As far as i know here in S.A the 'k' word is taboo, in any race. I would personally take offense if a person or even a close friend calls me a kaffir, but in the U.S i think they used this word to lighten it up, like make it a joke within themselves so for them its ok.

Segololo
06 Feb 2009 16:25

Msoe, It is still wrong
It doesn't make it right - lightening or not! It is just not on!


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