[Satch]

i don't want anybody calling me their "nigga" and i don't care that you think you can do so because you're black

if you can't call me by my name, then you don't respect me.

[SoulPlaya]

sanda nigga? I've never seen or heard that. It's always sand nigger. what about guido? little known fact: several people were banned for using this word back in the day on gaf. I guess Jersey Shore's changed things.

Fine, Sand Nigger. I always felt bad that we couldn't get our own insults. All of ours are just cheap knockoffs of other ones. I mean, at least call us Sniggers!

[Alligatorjandro]

Going to school I would hear the word everyday so I kind of became used to it but I wont say it.

[Devolution]

If I have any problem with the word, its this kind of mentality associated with it. I can understand former black slaves and black people before the civil rights movement using the word and making it there own, but what claim do modern black people have to the word other than evoking the struggle of our ancestors? And by being so adamantly against white people using the word, you are essentially equating them to the slave owners of the past. Most modern white people aren't slave owners, probably aren't racist, and hold no animosity towards blacks yet when they use the word, they're somehow evoking the will of their (possible) slave owning ancestors. I just feel that this type of thinking has no place in modern society. Yes we still have racial issue to deal with today but this kind of needless segregation of "its ours and you people can't use it" isn't helping.

One doesn't have to be racist to partake in discrimination or marginalization. And yes words are a big part of that.

[DY_nasty]

If I have any problem with the word, its this kind of mentality associated with it. I can understand former black slaves and black people before the civil rights movement using the word and making it there own, but what claim do modern black people have to the word other than evoking the struggle of our ancestors? And by being so adamantly against white people using the word, you are essentially equating them to the slave owners of the past. Most modern white people aren't slave owners, probably aren't racist, and hold no animosity towards blacks yet when they use the word, they're somehow evoking the will of their (possible) slave owning ancestors. I just feel that this type of thinking has no place in modern society. Yes we still have racial issue to deal with today but this kind of needless segregation of "its ours and you people can't use it" isn't helping.

You make it sound like racism ended or something.

Did it? That'd be nice...

[Riggs]

no but seriously within my group of friends it would be fine to say but I wouldn't go saying it randomly.

Just saw this gif with the kid, had T-bone in his hair, KFC floating in back ground, spits out watermelon juice when he says thats racist, water melon in 1 hand, and basketball in his other. Was going to post but uhmm, that's racist !

[OpinionatedCyborg]

Fine, Sand Nigger. I always felt bad that we couldn't get our own insults. All of ours are just cheap knockoffs of other ones. I mean, at least call us Sniggers!

towelhead not good enough for you?

[Ripclawe]

Does anyone feel uncomfortable when they hear anyone saying Nigga? I just shake my head every time it seems. Even when I hear black folks saying it I just mentally reconstruct the star trek facepalm.jpg

i get pissed especially when people just yell it at each other as a greeting in public. Have a little bit of common sense and class

[Gila]

Don't like it at all, people are throwing it out there as if it has completely lost it's meaning. It's become too socially accepted nowadays.

What an influence we are to the younger generations...

[soultron]

sanda nigga? I've never seen or heard that. It's always sand nigger. what about guido? little known fact: several people were banned for using this word back in the day on gaf. I guess Jersey Shore's changed things.

I don't really feel like the Italians were subject of such great oppression that it's a super taboo word. I'm Italian. Even if I'm supposed to find it offensive, I've never been the subject of persecution for being Italian. And no, I don't use it. It just feels weird and very faux-Ital. Like, I feel people who aren't Italian use that more than we do.

[edornob]

WOULD

[ShdwDrake]

Words to me are about context so I say meh. I have white friends that call me nigga and or cracka. I love making other black people feel racist for calling my friends racist because they called me "the n word".

[SoulPlaya]

towelhead not good enough for you?

That's too narrow. You don't have to be from the Middle East to wear a turban, and Christians generally don't wear them. Most Arabs in this country are Christians. We need something general. Sniggers sounds fine to me, and it actually sounds sort of cheery!

[Riggs]

You make it sound like racism ended or something. Did it? That'd be nice...

No, but black people using the word nigga probably doesn't sound to intelligent to your normal age 50 yr + baby boomer. I am 27 and white, I understand why black people say it. At least I think I understand. Definitely understand more then my dad does.

But I am sure most people don't give a fuck what others think, even though deep down most people do care to some level.

Again I just find the usage ironic as fuck, everyone want's to move past the old days of slavery and most good people want to get to a point where racism is not a problem in society. Yet you see black people using this horrible word, but since it has an A on the end it's ok. Any defense for using this word usually is poorly constructed to say the least.

I remember one Gaffer said "When I am chilling with my boys, drinking having fun, we are going to talk the way we want". Ok .... go for it, I don't give a shit. Still facepalm everytime I hear it.

[marathonfool]

If I have any problem with the word, its this kind of mentality associated with it. I can understand former black slaves and black people before the civil rights movement using the word and making it there own, but what claim do modern black people have to the word other than evoking the struggle of our ancestors? And by being so adamantly against white people using the word, you are essentially equating them to the slave owners of the past. Most modern white people aren't slave owners, probably aren't racist, and hold no animosity towards blacks yet when they use the word, they're somehow evoking the will of their (possible) slave owning ancestors. I just feel that this type of thinking has no place in modern society. Yes we still have racial issue to deal with today but this kind of needless segregation of "its ours and you people can't use it" isn't helping.

Exhibit A on how not to engage in racial dialogue.

#1 Disregard context
#2 Accuse the offended
#3 Surmise on minorities of sabotaging their own interests

[galvatron]

It's all about context... I really don't use it. I'm black and the last time I did, I was greeting a white friend I hadn't seen in forever just to get a laugh. Where I grew up in NYC everyone used the word and applied it to anyone (Asians included in both saying it and having it applied to them). It was like just saying m-fer: it was profane, but not racist. I think Triforce said something similar about a youtube clip where Justin Wong drops the n-word with no trepidation.

Now that I'm older, out of the ghetto, and typically in the company of other college grads, it never even occurs to me to use the word and it's never used around me. I also only find it offensive if its delivery is intended to offend...and even then its more of a "what a jerk" type of reaction and not some deep seated invocation of generations of oppression of my people. Oddly, it's just about as offensive to me for some stranger to refer to me as "bro" or "brother" just because I'm black as it would be if they used a slur. It's still treating me differently based on my race.

[Professor Beef]

Working in the back area of Circuit City with damn near every black dude employed in the building, it was hard to NOT hear someone say it. I never used it (and don't plan on using it), even if one of my boys thought it was ok for me to.

[speculawyer]

Fine, Sand Nigger. I always felt bad that we couldn't get our own insults. All of ours are just cheap knockoffs of other ones. I mean, at least call us Sniggers!

That cracked me up. Sniggers.

[Riggs]

It's all about context... I really don't use it (think the last time I did, I was greeting a white friend I hadn't seen in forever and I'm black). Where I grew up in NYC everyone used the word and applied it to anyone (asians included in both saying it and having it applied to them). It was like just saying m-fer: it was profane, but not racist. Now that I'm older, out of the ghetto, and typically in the company of other college grads, it never even occurs to me to use the word and it's never used around me. I also only find it offensive if its delivery is intended to offend...and even then its more of a "what a jerk" type of reaction and not some deep seated invocation of generations of oppression of my people. Oddly, it's just about as offensive to me for some stranger to refer to me as "bro" or "brother" just because I'm black as it would be if they used a slur. Its still treating me differently based on my race.

I call everyone bro. A horrible habit that should stop. But never once have I thought oh I shouldn't call this black guy bro because he might be offended. Should I not say that?

[~Devil Trigger~]

I really dont know how i feel about. Its all Historical, and Cultural Context to me.

When i first came to the US from Haiti i thought all those black people saying "nigga" was ok and proper, cuz in Haiti the equivalent word "nègre" is used in proper speech (Both Creole and French).

The difference maker was American History. That word became so poisonous in the United States through the years, so it almost has a different meaning.

As for myself and the use of the word "nigga", I use it mostly went im joking, cuz i think its a funny word really

[DY_nasty]

No, but black people using the word nigga probably doesn't sound to intelligent to your normal age 50 yr + baby boomer. I am 27 and white, I understand why black people say it. At least I think I understand. Definitely understand more then my dad does. But I am sure most people don't give a fuck what others think, even though deep down most people do care to some level. Again I just find the usage ironic as fuck, everyone want's to move past the old days of slavery and most good people want to get to a point where racism is not a problem in society. Yet you see black people using this horrible word, but since it has an A on the end it's ok. Any defense for using this word usually is poorly constructed to say the least. I remember one Gaffer said "When I am chilling with my boys, drinking having fun, we are going to talk the way we want". Ok .... go for it, I don't give a shit. Still facepalm everytime I hear it.

There's this huge gap in understanding that most people are simply oblivious to. Slavery > Fucked up shit > Civil Rights Movement >>>> Stuff? >> Rap Music

That's not the entire story. Its good to know that its a fucked up word and that you've got more of an understanding for the social environment than your parents, but there's still a ways to go - especially when your argument is centered around "well, slavery is over. move on already"

There's never a good time to use the word. I described it as best I could earlier - people on the receiving end speaking sarcastically about their circumstances. And that spreads to forms of expression (music, art, comedy, etc.) and unfortunately younger generations don't get the entire context either.

Exhibit A on how not to engage in racial dialogue. #1 Disregard context #2 Accuse the offended #3 Surmise on minorities of sabotaging their own interests

This is great too.

[OpinionatedCyborg]

That's too narrow. You don't have to be from the Middle East to wear a turban, and Christians generally don't wear them. Most Arabs in this country are Christians. We need something general. Sniggers sounds fine to me, and it actually sounds sort of cheery!

sniggers sounds like a pokemon. it could definitley catch on. from now on you my snigga.

[crazy monkey]

Everyone should stop using it. Black people included. It is so glorified in lyrics it is has lost its value and history for teens.

[cacophony]

Everyone should stop using it. Black people included. It is so glorified in lyrics it is has lost its value and history for teens.

I see that as a good thing though, since it's such a negative history

[marathonfool]

I call everyone bro. A horrible habit that should stop. But never once have I thought oh I shouldn't call this black guy bro because he might be offended. Should I not say that?

Why is hard to understand the word nigger/nigga is offensive to black people spoken by non-blacks?

Whether black people should say it is a conversation within the black community.

[DY_nasty]

Everyone should stop using it. Black people included. It is so glorified in lyrics it is has lost its value and history for teens.

We'll consider your suggestion at the next Black Council meeting at the African Americenter.

[Riggs]

There's this huge gap in understanding that most people are simply oblivious to. Slavery > Fucked up shit > Civil Rights Movement >>>> Stuff? >> Rap Music That's not the entire story. Its good to know that its a fucked up word and that you've got more of an understanding for the social environment than your parents, but there's still a ways to go - especially when your argument is centered around "well, slavery is over. move on already" There's never a good time to use the word. I described it as best I could earlier - people on the receiving end speaking sarcastically about their circumstances. And that spreads to forms of expression (music, art, comedy, etc.) and unfortunately younger generations don't get the entire context either. This is great too.

Assuming that bolded part was talking about certain white folks in general, and not me. That is certainly not my counter argument.

It just so happens that the word is an extension of one of the most vulgar pieces of language we have. So to me I'd think people would want to choose a different word to use. I really don't know all the history, and I don't think people using the word is detrimental to society or hurting anyone really. It just seems like a stupid thing to say, but I say a lot of stupid shit so whatever.

[Riggs]

Why is hard to understand the word nigger/nigga is offensive to black people spoken by non-blacks? Whether black people should say it is a conversation within the black community.

What? I totally 100% understand why black folks would be offended by a white person saying this. I never said otherwise, you are making an argument out of nothing.

I said saying the word "bro" by the way, you may want to re read what you quoted me on. Literally has nothing to do with your reply.

As for "Whether black people should say it is a conversation within the black community."

Actually no.

This is a topic, in OT, on GAF. It's up for discussion by all races, if you have a problem with that then I suggest you contact OP.

[Reversed]

Given the heat of discussion, I'll never use it here. It would be tiresome to be dealing with "omg did you say nigga how dare you." Sheesh, I'll pass.

Saying "my nigga" sounds okay in my book.

[Ducarmel]

A black person using it in the same way a person uses "dude" or "Bro" doesn't make him a racist. You could argue ignorant/detestable but not racist. The context is what matters.

Sorry for the late reply.

I did not mean to come across that only racist people use the word but, those who use it in a friendly way like dude can use other words to express themselves. I am black but I don't care how good of friends we are or we grew up in the same hood, I wont respond to anybody that call me nigga even if they don't mean it in a derogatory way.

the racist bit in my comment was aiming for people who use it because they are racist or in denial when they say they use it to mean stupid/dumb.

[DY_nasty]

What? I totally 100% understand why black folks would be offended by a white person saying this. I never said otherwise, you are making an argument out of nothing. As for "Whether black people should say it is a conversation within the black community." Actually no. This is a topic, in OT, on GAF. It's up for discussion, if you have a problem with that then I suggest you contact OP.

lol

I love how you're trying to tell us how we should feel about our own shit.

And no, you don't understand. Its okay that you don't, but stop trying to act like you're a subject matter expert over people that have been black for longer than you.

[galvatron]

I call everyone bro. A horrible habit that should stop. But never once have I thought oh I shouldn't call this black guy bro because he might be offended. Should I not say that?

Again, context...

If you're the type that drops bro all the time, that's fine and it'll likely be reflected in your delivery. If I see 10 dudes served at a bar before me and when I get to order my drink, I get an overly confidential "bro" I might be offended. If you're a surfer or Hawaiian and you call everyone "brah", no problem...honestly, I feel like I'm often the dissenting opinion on these issues. There isn't one authority on the proper behavior towards minorities no matter what Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton would have you believe Gotta keep them away from the Afro-Americenter

[sn00zer]

Are you black?
No? Then no.

[Moppet13]

You're not racists though, right?

Not at all.

[Topher]

I don't use the word. Never really been apart of my personal lexicon. I don't like being called it by persons of any ethnicity.

[Riggs]

lol I love how you're trying to tell us how we should feel about our own shit. And no, you don't understand. Its okay that you don't, but stop trying to act like you're a subject matter expert over people that have been black for longer than you.

Wow. I am not trying to tell black people how to feel. The dude fucking totally mis quoted me dude.

And sorry this was posted in the OT. I have a right to discuss it as much as you do. If there was a BLACK OT and a WHITE OT, well that would be segregation now wouldn't it? OP posts topic, everyone is allowed to reply DY_nasty. If you don't like that then I am sorry. Been nothing but respectful in this thread, and I don't appreciate your misinterpretin me. (Almost borderline trolling) Or that other guy putting words in my mouth.

And yes I 100% understand why blacks would be offended by a white person saying Nigga. I don't need to be black to understand this. It's called common fucking sense. Hence why I personally do not use the word nigga, as I am white. It would be offensive as fuck. How do I need to be black to understand this? Man GAF on fire tonight!

[Andiie]

I can't even say it. I think I've only heard it said about a dozen times and every time I don't like hearing it. There are plenty of other words to use why use something most people find offensive?

[Riggs]

Again, context... If you're the type that drops bro all the time, that's fine and it'll likely be reflected in your delivery. If I see 10 dudes served at a bar before me and when I get to order my drink, I get an overly confidential "bro" I might be offended. If you're a surfer or Hawaiian and you call everyone "brah", no problem...honestly, I feel like I'm often the dissenting opinion on these issues. There isn't one authority on the proper behavior towards minorities no matter what Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton would have you believe Gotta keep them away from the Afro-Americenter

Nah perfect reply. I am the type to say bro, way to fucking much. Again a horrid habit that must be purged from my limited vocabulary hah. I just wanted your opinion since you brought it up. Thanks.

[marathonfool]

What? I totally 100% understand why black folks would be offended by a white person saying this. I never said otherwise, you are making an argument out of nothing. I said saying the word "bro" by the way, you may want to re read what you quoted me on. Literally has nothing to do with your reply. As for "Whether black people should say it is a conversation within the black community." Actually no. This is a topic, in OT, on GAF. It's up for discussion by all races, if you have a problem with that then I suggest you contact OP.

I was wrong and misread your reply about asking bro. I apologize. The word bro has no historical derogatory meaning so there isn't a common usage appropriation.

"Whether black people should say it is a conversation within the black community" is true. Non-blacks should not have influence on how the black community chooses its appropriate usage for themselves.

[Riggs]

I was wrong and misread your reply about asking bro. I apologize. The word bro has no historical derogatory meaning so there isn't a common usage appropriation. "Whether black people should say it is a conversation within the black community" is true. Non-blacks should not have influence on how the black community chooses its appropriate usage for themselves.

That's fine, no problem. But this is a discussion on a forum. No one is saying white people should have a vote , or a right to determine weather African Americans can use the word nigga. But this is a thread about "What do you feel about the word nigga", in OT on GAF. So I mean you have to expect that at least some whites are going to post in here and give their opinions. So far all I've seen done is exactly that.

No one is telling anyone they cannot use the word in here. Nor is anyone telling black posters how they should feel (As I was just accused of doing). So much fukin tension gawd, where is the D3 OT already?!

[Mangotron]

I'm of the "nigga and nigger are two different words" camp. I also feel like nigga falls in the same category as fuck, shit, bitch, etc. where they're not words you use with people you don't know well.

Some outtakes from Oprah's interview with Jay-Z where they address this.

Winfrey is staunchly against the use of the racial epithet. "When I hear the N-word, I still think about every black man who was lynched--and the N-word was the last thing he heard. So we'll just have to disagree about this," she told Jay-Z. the rapper, on the other hand, acknowledged that use of the N-word in rap lyrics wasn't necessary but argued that the slur no longer stings as it once did. "Nothing is necessary," he explained to Winfrey. "It's just become part of the way we communicate. My generation hasn't had the same experience with that word that generations of people before us had. We weren't so close to the pain. So in our way, we disarmed the word. We took the fire pin out of the grenade." During her interview with Jay-Z, Winfrey brought up another reason why use of the N-word is problematic. If blacks use the word casually, so will whites. "I was once at a Jay-Z concert, and there was a moment when everybody--including white people--was screaming the N-word," she recalled. "I gotta tell you, it didn't make me feel good." When Winfrey noted that Jay-Z seemed undisturbed by this phenomenon, he pointed out how much good hip-hop has done for race relations. "It's difficult to teach racism in the home when your kid loves Jay-Z," he said. "It's hard to say, 'That guy is beneath you' when your kid idolizes that guy." To this, Winfrey said, "I'll give you that."

Point is, everyone's got a right to feel how they do about the word, people that use it aren't racists or "trashy" and people that don't aren't prudes.

[ConradCervantes]

I say "nigga" exclusively when I'm singing along to any song that features the word. No reason to censor myself when the artist didn't, plus it's really stupid to stop over one word and start again.

[DY_nasty]

Wow. I am not trying to tell black people how to feel. The dude fucking totally mis quoted me dude. And sorry this was posted in the OT. I have a right to discuss it as much as you do. If there was a BLACK OT and a WHITE OT, well that would be segregation now wouldn't it? OP posts topic, everyone is allowed to reply DY_nasty. If you don't like that then I am sorry. Been nothing but respectful in this thread, and I don't appreciate your misinterpretin me. (Almost borderline trolling) Or that other guy putting words in my mouth. And yes I 100% understand why blacks would be offended by a white person saying Nigga. I don't need to be black to understand this. It's called common fucking sense. Hence why I personally do not use the word nigga, as I am white. It would be offensive as fuck. How do I need to be black to understand this? Man GAF on fire tonight!

?

The OP says how you feel about the words use. It doesn't say anything about GAF's verdict or anything like that. Most blacks feel that its use within the black community should be something decided *gasp* within the black community.

And most non-blacks don't even know why its derogatory aside from it being a slur formed pre-slavery. Its just "a bad word that we shouldn't say" well, yeah, duh, that's your common sense part.

Again, we'll discuss at the Black Council meeting after settling this fried chicken matter.

[Riggs]

I say "nigga" exclusively when I'm singing along to any song that features the word. No reason to censor myself when the artist didn't, plus it's really stupid to stop over one word and start again.

Ya I uses to rap (poorly) with my friend in his studio. Be was black and used it on his songs. I just never did I would feel so fake as I am white and never use it in real life.

[Az]

I've said it when reciting rap songs or repeating movie quotes. The black guys I hang with (see how I avoided calling it my black friends) say it's okay for me to say nigga since I am not American white. Being Bosnian I found that weird and still never used it.

[.GqueB.]

I don't see why anyone would use it general. White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, anyone. Why say it? There are so many other words in the english language the convey what you are trying to say so why not use those? Why go out of your way to use the one that is a little touchy.

Whenever someone uses it around me, I feel like I'm being challenged on some level. As if I'm either supposed to say something or go along with it. I hate that.

My brotha
My man
My friend

Use those instead. There's no reason NOT to.

[HiResDes]

It's how I keep my teeth white.

Paul Mooney as misguided and sensationalist as he can often be, has sporadic fleeting moments of genius.

[Riggs]

? The OP says how you feel about the words use. It doesn't say anything about GAF's verdict or anything like that. Most blacks feel that its use within the black community should be something decided *gasp* within the black community. And most non-blacks don't even know why its derogatory aside from it being a slur formed pre-slavery. Its just "a bad word that we shouldn't say" well, yeah, duh, that's your common sense part. Again, we'll discuss at the Black Council meeting after settling this fried chicken matter.

The OP says how do you feel about the words use. So me, and others give our opinions on the matter. You basically come in and say we have no say because we are not black. Again there is not a black and white section of GAF. If you post something like this everyone should expect opinions from all sorts of races.

Your closing line about black council meeting just wreaks of passive aggressive posting. No one is being racist in here, or telling black people they cannot say this word. We are just giving our opinions. It seems at this point you are just looking for someone to argue with man. I usually like your posts, but your previous misinterpretation that I was telling blacks how to feel is worrisome at the least dude. I said nothing like that at all.

[marathonfool]

That's fine, no problem. But this is a discussion on a forum. No one is saying white people should have a vote , or a right to determine weather African Americans can use the word nigga. But this is a thread about "What do you feel about the word nigga", in OT on GAF. So I mean you have to expect that at least some whites are going to post in here and give their opinions. So far all I've seen done is exactly that. No one is telling anyone they cannot use the word in here. Nor is anyone telling black posters how they should feel (As I was just accused of doing). So much fukin tension gawd, where is the D3 OT already?!

Don't worry bro. My original statement was directed at the misread, but it applies to the replies in this thread about a double standard.

[Fusebox]

if you can't call me by my name, then you don't respect me.

Don't be like that mate.