Is It OK To Use The N Word Yet?

[stilicho]

I work with a guy who's Sikh and he's heard the word "Paki" so much that it doesn't even worry him that it's the wrong term. We know that Caucasians are called, variously, crackers, honkies, whiteys, gringos, and so forth, and it's not considered offensive.

So now is it OK to use the N word?

This question is mainly to Americans, since it appears to be more of an issue there than elsewhere. If it isn't OK, yet, when will it be?

(I can ask to fellow Canadians whether "frog" is still pejorative. I know someone who I greet habitually as "grenouille blanc" and he hasn't hit me yet.)

 

[Dunstan]

We know that Caucasians are called, variously, crackers, honkies, whiteys, gringos, and so forth, and it's not considered offensive.

So now is it OK to use the N word?

This question is mainly to Americans, since it appears to be more of an issue there than elsewhere. If it isn't OK, yet, when will it be?

Are you anxious to start using it?

You can use any word you like. Just don't expect people not to draw inferences from the words you choose to use, along with the context, tone of voice, etc.

 

[332nd]

If you want to, go ahead. You'll just have to deal with whatever comes out of said use.

 

[stilicho]

If you want to, go ahead. You'll just have to deal with whatever comes out of said use.

So everyone is cool with it?

 

[stilicho]

Are you anxious to start using it?

You can use any word you like. Just don't expect people not to draw inferences from the words you choose to use, along with the context, tone of voice, etc.

I am not anxious to use any slur.

Is it OK to use it now though? I'm not saying you should at a dinner with the Queen, but otherwise.

 

[Lonewulf]

The Daily Show did this joke.

They were far better at it.

 

[332nd]

So everyone is cool with it?

No, hence having to deal with whatever comes out of said use.

 

[MattusMaximus]

Watch this...

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=84493&title=n-word

 

[Thunder]

i really don't like that word.

 

[Lonewulf]

Watch this...

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=84493&title=n-word

John Oliver did another one, when interviewing people at Obama's Inauguration (I.E., the Time we All Blow Up from EEEVIL).

He interviewed a couple of black men, and said, "Can I call a niiii yet...?"

'No.'

"When can I call you that, then?"

'I don't think you ever will be able to.'

"Oh, well, it's nice to see we have a boundary that we can't cross..."

'It's like calling your wife a biii. I mean, you can do that, but I can't.'

 

[Marquis de Carabas]

You mean it wasn't OK before? My bad.

 

[slingblade]

Be scientific. Conduct an experiment. See what happens.


What on earth makes you think that because the new President is a black man, that it would be all right to walk up to his wife and call her a n*****?

What makes you think that because Obama is president now that this word has utterly lost its abusive cachet?

http://www.aaregistry.com/african_american_history/2420/******_the_word_a_brief_history

******, like the false impressions it incorporates and means, puts down Blacks, and rationalizes their abuse. The use of the word or its alternatives by Blacks has not lessened its hurt. This is not surprising in a racial hierarchy four centuries old, shaping the historical relationship between European Americans and African Americans. Anti-Black attitudes, motives, values, and behavior continue. Historically, ******, more than any other word, captures the personal hatred and institutionalized racism directed toward Blacks. It still does.

I don't want to use the word.

Why are you so eager?

 

[stilicho]

What makes you think that because Obama is president now that this word has utterly lost its abusive cachet?

Does it really have an abusive cachet? Does the word "Paki"? Even when applied incorrectly?

 

[stilicho]

He interviewed a couple of black men, and said, "Can I call a niiii yet...?"

Yeah, I'm derivative, so sue me.

 

[Drudgewire]

"Nookie?" No, Limp Bizkit rendered it uncool until the end of time. Sorry.

 

[tyr_13]

If you have to ask....

 

[Zeuzzz]

******.

Doh! Auto-blanking sucks.

Obviously, no, its not OK to use the N word.

 

[stilicho]

******.

Doh! Auto-blanking sucks.

Obviously, no, its not OK to use the N word.

Paki.

Hmm. That one works. Now why is that?

 

[stilicho]

Paki.

Hmm. That one works. Now why is that?

Kike.

 

[stilicho]

Kike.

OK, that one works too, and that is definitely offensive.