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[Cagey]

I have no idea how it would hold up in a court, but it just shows he didn't learn a damn thing despite how apologetic he claims he was.

The claim is discrimination based on differential treatment for the same action (saying nigger or nigga) based on race. In other words, he was reprimanded for the act and for being white, while black colleagues weren't reprimanded for the same act.

U.S. District Judge R. Barclay Surrick allowed the suit to go to trial. In a Dec. 23 memo, he said that "there is evidence in this case to suggest that at least two African Americans said the word in the workplace with no consequences." He continued:

"When viewed in its historical context, one can see how people in general, and African Americans in particular, might react differently when a white person uses the word than if an African American uses it. Nevertheless, we are unable to conclude that this is a justifiable reason for permitting the Station to draw race-based distinctions between employees."

But he said it was not clear that Burlington's firing constituted a violation of federal equal opportunity statutes.

It's an instance of legal formalism. Which is a means of making colorblind arguments against laws such as affirmative action: "no discrimination means no discrimination, there's no room under the Constitution for lawful discrimination." It's unfortunately been a bit of a plague on jurisprudence.

 

[luxarific]

If all the people that get upset over not being able to use a word felt as strongly about ending actually harmful systemic racism, I dont think this would even be an issue. By getting very upset about an issue like this, you betray a lack of understanding of history and its implications on modern society, a lack empathy, and a lack of respect.

The average black person looks around and says: "I live in poverty, the vast vast majority of other people I see that look like me do too. Our schools are way underfunded, we are locked up based on skin color, the ones that manage to rise to the top and get an education still have a much harder time finding jobs, getting loans, housing and are still profiled looked down upon, and held to a much higher standard in order to be thought of as " normal". The magical negroes which pass testing are the anecdoctal examples that many whites use to tell themselves that they're not really racist, while ignoring everything else that might shakeup their worldview or disrupt privilege in any way. I see a populace who obviously doesn't give a fuck about us, which is overwhelmingly evident by simply walking out of my front door and looking around. And its been like that for as far back as my familial lineage can be traced. I don't need fancy arguments, I don't need the volumes upon volumes of statistics, I don't need an impassioned speech to tell me what reality is like. I walk out the front door and I can see how well regarded black people truly are. Its as plain as day."

Its entirely inappropriate to complain about how that person has extra privilege of being able to say a word that you cannot say. Like I said, it betrays a fundamental lack of empathy--which is really the crux of the problem. Try not to be part of the problem.

This is the most insightful comment I've ever seen posted here.

 

[gutter_trash]

a lesson to teach white kids who love to listen to rap music

 

[Random Painted HIghway]

putting everything else aside, you have to give props to the anchor mate who apparently kept her loathing of Burlington on the dl until it was time for the kill shot. Have to respect that level of dedication. Truly keep your friends close but your enemies closer in action.

 

[wildfire]

Plus the basis for his lawsuit is just pathetic. I have no idea how it would hold up in a court, but it just shows he didn't learn a damn thing despite how apologetic he claims he was.

Come on. Whether or not he was apologetic he dedicated his entire life out of being a journalist for 20 years. Accepting such a loss is incredibly hard and it's easier to blame others for your losses when you have been so successful in the past.

 

[andycapps]

If all the people that get upset over not being able to use a word felt as strongly about ending actually harmful systemic racism, I dont think this would even be an issue. By getting very upset about an issue like this, you betray a lack of understanding of history and its implications on modern society, a lack empathy, and a lack of respect.

The average black person looks around and says: "I live in poverty, the vast vast majority of other people I see that look like me do too. Our schools are way underfunded, we are locked up based on skin color, the ones that manage to rise to the top and get an education still have a much harder time finding jobs, getting loans, housing and are still profiled looked down upon, and held to a much higher standard in order to be thought of as " normal". The magical negroes which pass testing are the anecdoctal examples that many whites use to tell themselves that they're not really racist, while ignoring everything else that might shakeup their worldview or disrupt privilege in any way. I see a populace who obviously doesn't give a fuck about us, which is overwhelmingly evident by simply walking out of my front door and looking around. And its been like that for as far back as my familial lineage can be traced. I don't need fancy arguments, I don't need the volumes upon volumes of statistics, I don't need an impassioned speech to tell me what reality is like. I walk out the front door and I can see how well regarded black people truly are. Its as plain as day."

Its entirely inappropriate to complain about how that person has extra privilege of being able to say a word that you cannot say. Like I said, it betrays a fundamental lack of empathy--which is really the crux of the problem. Try not to be part of the problem.

Well said.

 

[Takuan]

“Does this mean we can finally say the word n-----?” Burlington asked. One of the show’s producers, who is black, exclaimed, “I can’t believe you just said that!”

The discussion proceeded. The word was not used on the broadcast that night.

I wish there were more details on the preceding eulogy and discussion that followed, because I'd like to understand why he felt the need to ask that. All we know is that he asked the question following some mock eulogy over the use of the word.

Either way, at best it's a case of not knowing your audience. I do sympathize with him, but how can he sue his employer for not renewing his contract when none of his associates wanted to work with him, regardless of their rationale?

 

[Slayven]

It is weird because it shows how obsessed Americans are with race and racial issues, at least in comparison to other developed countries. Just see how the article mentions everyone's race.

About saying or not this particular word, I'd say it should entirely depend on the intention someone has when saying it, and not by the race of the interlocutor. If the word is being used "clinically" (with no intention to cause harm or offence), I can't see why there should be an issue with it, no matter who says it. If the word is deemed to be always offensive, then no one should be able get away with saying it, not even black people.

There are lots of words that are exclusive (or better suited) to certain scenarios,but hardly any of them have anything to do with race.

That's why I think it's ridiculous. This plus the "cultural appropiation" thing, when apparently you cannot celebrate aspects that are not part of your culture. That's really US-exclusive I think, and I believe it is also ridiculous.

America's enitre history is build on race, and oppression. Shit that is still effecting it today. Folks that don't realize that and begin with "why are Americans so obessed with race?" automatically start from a place of ignorance.

Dude, I tried explaining this to Anericans before and was branded a racist on this very board.

They don't understand. Like really don't understand.



See?



Wat?

Seriously.

No, more like other people refuse to understand.

 

[Sephzilla]

Nobody should use this word whether you're white, black, etc.

 

[Anton Sugar]

It is weird because it shows how obsessed Americans are with race and racial issues, at least in comparison to other developed countries. Just see how the article mentions everyone's race.

About saying or not this particular word, I'd say it should entirely depend on the intention someone has when saying it, and not by the race of the interlocutor. If the word is being used "clinically" (with no intention to cause harm or offence), I can't see why there should be an issue with it, no matter who says it. If the word is deemed to be always offensive, then no one should be able get away with saying it, not even black people.

There are lots of words that are exclusive (or better suited) to certain scenarios,but hardly any of them have anything to do with race.

That's why I think it's ridiculous. This plus the "cultural appropiation" thing, when apparently you cannot celebrate aspects that are not part of your culture. That's really US-exclusive I think, and I believe it is also ridiculous.

I was going to respond but I feel like:

America's enitre history is build on race, and oppression. Shit that is still effecting it today. Folks that don't realize that and begin with "why are Americans so obessed with race?" automatically start from a place of ignorance.

If all the people that get upset over not being able to use a word felt as strongly about ending actually harmful systemic racism, I dont think this would even be an issue. By getting very upset about an issue like this, you betray a lack of understanding of history and its implications on modern society, a lack empathy, and a lack of respect.

The average black person looks around and says: "I live in poverty, the vast vast majority of other people I see that look like me do too. Our schools are way underfunded, we are locked up based on skin color, the ones that manage to rise to the top and get an education still have a much harder time finding jobs, getting loans, housing and are still profiled looked down upon, and held to a much higher standard in order to be thought of as " normal". The magical negroes which pass testing are the anecdoctal examples that many whites use to tell themselves that they're not really racist, while ignoring everything else that might shakeup their worldview or disrupt privilege in any way. I see a populace who obviously doesn't give a fuck about us, which is overwhelmingly evident by simply walking out of my front door and looking around. And its been like that for as far back as my familial lineage can be traced. I don't need fancy arguments, I don't need the volumes upon volumes of statistics, I don't need an impassioned speech to tell me what reality is like. I walk out the front door and I can see how well regarded black people truly are. Its as plain as day."

Its entirely inappropriate to complain about how that person has extra privilege of being able to say a word that you cannot say. Like I said, it betrays a fundamental lack of empathy--which is really the crux of the problem. Try not to be part of the problem.

Just about covers it.

I can hear that.

Many "Not really African" Americans seem to feel they can say whatever they want in regards to those who don't have enough negro in em. Why, because the history of nigger out weighs any other slur. Thus giving them the right to spit cracker here, kike there and so on. You know, because apparently since they're black they can't be racist, bigoted and all those other words thrown about in these conversations.

Based on what I've read, I'm hoping this guy gets some money.

I have no idea what the fuck you're talking about. It's okay for black guys to say "kike" and other slurs? No. No one EVER said that. We're discussing how the difference between the black community's and white community's relationship with the word and what is appropriate and what isn't.

Also, a big LOL at "cracker" being anywhere NEAR other racial slurs. GAF cracks me up sometimes.

 

[Trojita]

This guy was an idiot for saying this and culturally insensitive.

Knowing broadcasting politics, Evans likely did this so she could get rid of her coanchor and become the main anchor of the evening news. It worked.

 

[Metroxed]

This comment reeks of ignorance of racial history in the US.

America's enitre history is build on race, and oppression. Shit that is still effecting it today. Folks that don't realize that and begin with "why are Americans so obessed with race?" automatically start from a place of ignorance.

You know, America is not the only place with past racial issues. Not the only place to have had slaves (African or otherwise), not the only racially diverse country, not the only country where there have historically been any sort of tensions (racial and religious) between different groups. There are comparable situations in other developed countries and developing countries (like Brazil).

And even if it were the only place, it still doesn't explain why some groups of people cannot use a word, even mention it without using acronyms, in a non-hostile manner. I'm not saying white people (or any other group) should go around referring to black people as niggers, negroes or whatever, that would be offensive. But quite another thing is to use the word clinically, in a serious or semi-serious discussion, when you have no intention to use the word as an insult or slur.

It is one thing to say: "Hey you, nigger!" referring to random black man. That's highly offensive, we all get that.

But it's quite another to mention the word in different contexts or in discussions, for example "The word nigger is..." or "Nigger referred to..." or similar. It is utterly ridiculous that you have to resort to saying the "n-word" instead. Unless you're black, then it is somehow alright.

He's lucky to be still walking with its own leg, because i would've beaten him like the little shit he is.

Wow. You come off as a very violent person, if you would react like that. Not someone I'd like to be near of, that's certain.

 

[Zoe]

From what I understand...

He said what he said. And someone complained to HR by saying "omg he said nigga" in an email, probably cc'ing him.

Then they call him in and he was like "so I said nigga, bla bla bla" and they are like, you know you can't say that... and he's like "they said it too, they say nigga, so why can't we say nigga?"

And from the article it mentions that they said "you're still saying it" or something and decided to fire him. Like that Boondocks video.

I don't see how firing him for that is the same as firing his colleague for saying it in that email. I really don't see it. I would personally give them both a serious warning to not type or say it, and if he was adamant in trying to explain his use of the word instead of shutting up about it, considering he has a history of racial insensitivity, it sounds within a sort of reason to put him in some sort of diciplinary line.

That's not how the meeting with HR went according to the article.

Burlington was summoned to speak with the station’s Department of Human Resources, Ameena Ali, who is black, and was asked to give his side of the story. Burlington repeated the conversation from the staff meeting, including the epithet he had used.

“Tom, you’re still saying the word; why are you doing that?” Ali responded, according to court papers. This brought the meeting to an immediate end, and Burlington was suspended.

If this is accurate, all he did was quote himself. Where are you getting that he kept saying it to HR?

If another employee is allowed to quote him verbatim but he is not, that is a problem.

 

[TacticalFox88]

I've said ti before and I'll say it again. Any white person who gets seriously upset at the fact that they can't use "Nigga" in any context they want is pretty telling about their internalized racist beliefs, even if they are't aware of it

 

[andycapps]

You know, America is not the only place with past racial issues. Not the only place to have had slaves (African or otherwise), not the only racially diverse country, not the only country where there have historically been any sort of tensions (racial and religious) between different groups. There are comparable situations in other developed countries and developing countries (like Brazil).

And even if it were the only place, it still doesn't explain why some groups of people cannot use a word, even mention it without using acronyms, in a non-hostile manner. I'm not saying white people (or any other group) should go around referring to black people as niggers, negroes or whatever, that would be offensive. But quite another thing is to use the word clinically, in a serious or semi-serious discussion, when you have no intention to use the word as an insult or slur.

It is one thing to say: "Hey you, nigger!" referring to random black man. That's highly offensive, we all get that.

But it's quite another to mention the word in different contexts or in discussions, for example "The word nigger is..." or "Nigger referred to..." or similar. It is utterly ridiculous that you have to resort to saying the "n-word" instead. Unless you're black, then it is somehow alright.

I don't understand what value a clinical discussion gains by using the n-word in full rather than abbreviating it by saying "the n-word." Everyone here knows what you're talking about. Clearly it is offensive to some people regardless of context given who is speaking it.

Who are we to tell other people what they should be offended by? They're the ones that have likely had that word used disparagingly towards them by people of my color. They're the ones that have to watch how they walk around stores for fear of authorities thinking they're shoplifting. They have to watch how closely they walk behind a white woman for fear that she'll call the cops on a "suspicious black male" following her, just because they happen to be walking the same direction on the same street. The list goes on and on.

I'm just saying that for someone else to tell a black person how they should feel when someone says the n-word, even not in a derogatory context, is not their place. Especially if said person is not an American and doesn't understand racial dynamics here. We can say how things "should be" but that's not productive.

 

[CrazyDogg77]

Nobody should use this word whether you're white, black, etc.

Why do you say that?

 

[poppabk]

I wish there were more details on the preceding eulogy and discussion that followed, because I'd like to understand why he felt the need to ask that. All we know is that he asked the question following some mock eulogy over the use of the word.

Either way, at best it's a case of not knowing your audience. I do sympathize with him, but how can he sue his employer for not renewing his contract when none of his associates wanted to work with him, regardless of their rationale?

If they don't want to work with him based on his race then that would be discrimination. It's an interesting question though - legally is it possible for someone to do something that is only objectionable because of the race or sex of the person commiting the act. Socially it is obviously true, but legally it sounds like a minefield.

 

[Sephzilla]

Why do you say that?

Because it's a horrible word

 

[CrazyDogg77]

Because it's a horrible word

This is a pretty reductionist and close minded way of looking at the word

 

[Sephzilla]

This is a pretty reductionist and close minded way of looking at the word

Sorry, I'm legitimately confused by this

 

[Bladenic]

Joyce Evans sounds like a straight up bitch who pounced on this minor incident and manipulated people to get this man fired so she could rule the roost. Awful. Poor guy.

 

[CrazyDogg77]

Sorry, I'm legitimately confused by this

I just thing think it's strange to make a blanket statement about what words other people should and shouldn't use

 

[The Lamonster]

I agree that the rules should be across the board.

No one should be saying that shit in a professional environment.

Because it's a horrible word

.

 

[studyguy]

“Does this mean we can finally say the word n-----?”

I can't tell if what the dude said was meant to be a joke or if he was literally just oblivious. I mean how do you follow up a question like that without it meaning to be a joke? It sounds completely out of place in regards to what was just discussed, I suppose I could understand if it was asked out of boldfaced ignorance but still seems incredibly stupid.

 

[theWB27]

Joyce Evans sounds like a straight up bitch who pounced on this minor incident and manipulated people to get this man fired so she could rule the roost. Awful. Poor guy.

Poor guy...I wonder if Joyce also manipulated him into saying it too. C'mon with this.

 

[Rocket Scientist]

From what I understand...

He said what he said. And someone complained to HR by saying "omg he said nigga" in an email, probably cc'ing him.

Then they call him in and he was like "so I said nigga, bla bla bla" and they are like, you know you can't say that... and he's like "they said it too, they say nigga, so why can't we say nigga?"

And from the article it mentions that they said "you're still saying it" or something and decided to fire him. Like that Boondocks video.

From what I understand this is different from what is in the article. Can you link the article you've read?

 

[Bizazedo]

I wish there were more details on the preceding eulogy and discussion that followed, because I'd like to understand why he felt the need to ask that. All we know is that he asked the question following some mock eulogy over the use of the word.

Either way, at best it's a case of not knowing your audience. I do sympathize with him, but how can he sue his employer for not renewing his contract when none of his associates wanted to work with him, regardless of their rationale?

I remember the news event they're discussing in the article. I think, anyways .

The NAACP was doing this elaborate funeral / memorial, pallbearer, casket, the whole 9-yards, and symbolically burying the N-word. Essentially saying that from here on out, the word would have no power over them.

Given that context, the question "I guess we can say it now?", most likely said as a joke sadly, makes sense because the whole thing was ridiculous. I remember thinking as I saw it, there's no way people don't wake up tomorrow and still not be offended by it or think they shouldn't use the term. There's just no way. Not with the history behind it and the history of the country.

 

[atr0cious]

And by playing silent with the word, you promote it as a word that becomes a weapon. Lenny Bruce covers the point I'm making: words hurt only to the degree you let them, and treating a word as an objectively bad word that should not be uttered is what gives it that so-awful quality. It's not just using it as a put down that makes the word bad, but what we make and do around that word that compounds its uh oh quality.

You're right. White guy comic sure knows what it means to have a word used to denigrate his race and equate them to savages. Words do hurt, especially when used as a societal tool used to keep others from progressing.

 

[Kinyou]

If he had been using it in a professional sentence I might be more understanding, but what he did was making a dumb joke and he got the consequences for it.

 

[Anton Sugar]

If he had been using it in a professional sentence I might be more understanding, but what he did was making a dumb joke and he got the consequences for it.

Yup. At best, he made a bad joke; at worst, he was asking an actual question.

 

[Bladenic]

Poor guy...I wonder if Joyce also manipulated him into saying it too. C'mon with this.

C'mon with what? If the article is true (and it uses "allegedly" a lot so obviously it's to be taken at face value), he apologized. He went to a racial sensitivity meeting where it was determined he had no racial bias, etc. Yet Joyce Evans continued contacting people and seemingly telling others to complain and say they didn't feel safe around him. Really? Okay.

Should he have just said "So we can finally use that word?" Yes. Should she have used this incident as a play to usurp him? No, but she did and won.

Again though, this is assuming the alleged parts of the article were true. Maybe he was way more of an asshole and she was right to campaign, I don't know. If he was really insensitive then yeah, he deserved his firing.

 

[Takuan]

If they don't want to work with him based on his race then that would be discrimination. It's an interesting question though - legally is it possible for someone to do something that is only objectionable because of the race or sex of the person commiting the act. Socially it is obviously true, but legally it sounds like a minefield.

Legally, it would be very difficult to prove. A person could cite all kinds of reasons for not wanting to work with a given individual, and none might necessarily be the truth.

@Bladenic That's a pretty plausible take on the situation. The way the story is framed, Evans lead the charge and gained from his removal.

I remember the news event they're discussing in the article. I think, anyways .

The NAACP was doing this elaborate funeral / memorial, pallbearer, casket, the whole 9-yards, and symbolically burying the N-word. Essentially saying that from here on out, the word would have no power over them.

Given that context, the question "I guess we can say it now?", most likely said as a joke sadly, makes sense because the whole thing was ridiculous. I remember thinking as I saw it, there's no way people don't wake up tomorrow and still not be offended by it or think they shouldn't use the term. There's just no way. Not with the history behind it and the history of the country.

Haha, that's ballsy; totally wrong audience, though. But yeah, I agree that it'll be a trigger-word forever due to its history.

 

[Cagey]

If he had been using it in a professional sentence I might be more understanding, but what he did was making a dumb joke and he got the consequences for it.

That's why this story is absurd.

It starts with the latter: a man who was stupid enough to make a racially insensitive joke in the workplace. Awful. Whether him not getting his contract renewed as a result, ultimately, is appropriate, meh. But punishment of some kind for this stupid racial joke was wholly deserved.

Then it gets into the former: a man who gets asked by HR what happened, and he says what happened by saying the word in a 'professional' sentence, and then gets further reprimanded for reuttering the word in admitting to what had transpired.

 

[GameGuru59]

"without malice." Yup. Sue away! This PC bullshit has got to stop! I hope he wins

 

[atr0cious]

That's why this story is absurd.

It starts with the latter: a man who was stupid enough to make a racially insensitive joke in the workplace. Awful. Whether him not getting renewed as a result, ultimately, is appropriate, meh. But punishment of some kind for this stupid racial joke was wholly deserved.

Then it gets into the former: a man who gets asked by HR what happened, and he says what happened by saying the word in a 'professional' sentence, and then gets further reprimanded for reuttering the word in admitting to what had transpired.

The point of the meeting with HR, is that he was reprimanded for using the word. The fact that he used the word again, allegedly, shows that maybe he doesn't give a shit. I know if I found out a co-worker relishes being able to use the n-word without compromise(allegedly) I'd never want to work with them again.

 

[Bizazedo]

That's why this story is absurd.

It starts with the latter: a man who was stupid enough to make a racially insensitive joke in the workplace. Awful. Whether him not getting his contract renewed as a result, ultimately, is appropriate, meh. But punishment of some kind for this stupid racial joke was wholly deserved.

I really despise myself for this, but given the news story they were discussing...the question / joke kind of makes sense.

He obviously phrased it poorly and should've approached it in another way, like "So this is really going to accomplish nothing, right?"....but he probably felt more relaxed among colleagues than he should have.

 

[Anton Sugar]

"Does this mean we can finally say nigger?" is not a joke I'd make with even my closest black friends.

 

[Bizazedo]

"Does this mean we can finally say nigger?" is not a joke I'd make with even my closest black friends.

Even if they just said they were burying the word and it's no big deal anymore?

 

[Wolfwood0]

If all the people that get upset over not being able to use a word felt as strongly about ending actually harmful systemic racism, I dont think this would even be an issue. By getting very upset about an issue like this, you betray a lack of understanding of history and its implications on modern society, a lack empathy, and a lack of respect.

The average black person looks around and says: "I live in poverty, the vast vast majority of other people I see that look like me do too. Our schools are way underfunded, we are locked up based on skin color, the ones that manage to rise to the top and get an education still have a much harder time finding jobs, getting loans, housing and are still profiled looked down upon, and held to a much higher standard in order to be thought of as " normal". The magical negroes which pass testing are the anecdoctal examples that many whites use to tell themselves that they're not really racist, while ignoring everything else that might shakeup their worldview or disrupt privilege in any way. I see a populace who obviously doesn't give a fuck about us, which is overwhelmingly evident by simply walking out of my front door and looking around. And its been like that for as far back as my familial lineage can be traced. I don't need fancy arguments, I don't need the volumes upon volumes of statistics, I don't need an impassioned speech to tell me what reality is like. I walk out the front door and I can see how well regarded black people truly are. Its as plain as day."

Its entirely inappropriate to complain about how that person has extra privilege of being able to say a word that you cannot say. Like I said, it betrays a fundamental lack of empathy--which is really the crux of the problem. Try not to be part of the problem.

Thread over.

 

[studyguy]

Even if they just said they were burying the word and it's no big deal anymore?

If you just discussed a word and its use being buried, why would you want to repeat it, my man. There's a disconnect there.

 

[theWB27]

C'mon with what? If the article is true (and it uses "allegedly" a lot so obviously it's to be taken at face value), he apologized. He went to a racial sensitivity meeting where it was determined he had no racial bias, etc. Yet Joyce Evans continued contacting people and seemingly telling others to complain and say they didn't feel safe around him. Really? Okay.

Should he have just said "So we can finally use that word?" Yes. Should she have used this incident as a play to usurp him? No, but she did and won.

Again though, this is assuming the alleged parts of the article were true. Maybe he was way more of an asshole and she was right to campaign, I don't know. If he was really insensitive then yeah, he deserved his firing.

You did read the part where, even after he said it in the meeting and people were offended, he said it again while talking to HR?

He doesn't deserve sympathy for being an idiot.

 

[atr0cious]

Even if they just said they were burying the word and it's no big deal anymore?

The point of the burial was to try to remove the word from the black community's vernacular. Had nothing to do with the word no longer being a 'big deal." History won't allow that word to be anything but a big deal. There really isn't any need to say it, brother or brotha would do just fine.

 

[Nephtis]

The point of the burial was to try to remove the word from the black community's vernacular. Had nothing to do with the word no longer being a 'big deal." History won't allow that word to be anything but a big deal. There really isn't any need to say it, brother or brotha would do just fine.

I agree with you there. I honestly believe it should be considered a big deal for everyone equally and the word should hold the same value for everyone. It shouldn't be "ok" for anyone to say it because of the history of the word.

I don't know of any Hispanic that considers it ok to call someone else a wet back or spic. I mean I know I wouldn't use it because, I'd get my ass beat pretty good and deservedly so.

And I'm Mexican.

 

[Anton Sugar]

Even if they just said they were burying the word and it's no big deal anymore?

In addition to what everyone else has stated: why the fuck would I even want or need to use the word?

 

[Bizazedo]

If you just discussed a word and its use being buried, why would you want to repeat it, my man. There's a disconnect there.

The point of the burial was to try to remove the word from the black community's vernacular. Had nothing to do with the word no longer being a 'big deal." History won't allow that word to be anything but a big deal. There really isn't any need to say it, brother or brotha would do just fine.

Yep, you two are right, was finally able to google it. Tom was tone deaf / an idiot.

 

[TheOohChild]

I agree that it is completely ridiculous and inappropriate if he was saying that as a joke, but why is it safe to assume he was saying it as a joke? Maybe he just doesn't believe it is a word that should be censored on television?

 

[Infinite]

The point of the burial was to try to remove the word from the black community's vernacular. Had nothing to do with the word no longer being a 'big deal." History won't allow that word to be anything but a big deal. There really isn't any need to say it, brother or brotha would do just fine.

I'll be sure to inform everyone at the next worldwide black meeting that neogaf poster atr0cious said that we should cease from saying nigga and replace it with brotha.

 

[atr0cious]

I'll be sure to inform everyone at the next worldwide black meeting that neogaf poster atr0cious said that we should cease from saying nigga and replace it with brotha.

Tell em I got it from Richard Pryor, I hear he holds more weight in the black community.

Also http://youtu.be/US0bgNJAGZg?t=1h25m35s

 

[Rocket Scientist]

I know if I found out a co-worker relishes being able to use the n-word without compromise(allegedly) I'd never want to work with them again.

You did read the part where, even after he said it in the meeting and people were offended, he said it again while talking to HR?

He doesn't deserve sympathy for being an idiot.

Where does it say he relishes it? Where does it say he used the word in any way other than to explain what happened? Where does it say he's suing for the right to say the word? He can't even use the word to describe what he said? People literally should never use the word nigger? Not even to say they think nigger is a bad word? Literally, non-black people, should never ever say the word?

 

[Infinite]

Tell em I got it from Richard Pryor, I hear he holds more weight in the black community.

Oh, you didn't hear? He's not our black ambassador anymore. I believe you want Al Sharpton.