How to Discourage People From Using the N-Word

[Rational Agnostic]

It is disheartening and angering to see so many people use the N word so regularly and frequently in casual conversation. It seems that many people frequently use it as an expletive when angry or frustrated, and that in some cases, it is not directly meant to be used in a racist manner. However, I believe that the majority of time, people who use it must be racist whether they admit it or not. I cannot understand why for so many people, this terrible word is the first thing that emerges from their mouth when faced with a frustrating experience. From people frustrated with other drivers on the road, to a reaction to injury, this terrible word (or sentences involving this word) is far too commonplace in common conversation, at least in my experience. I told one of my colleagues the other day, that there has to be some other word that he could have used when he stubbed his toe. Nevertheless, he insisted that he is not racist, but the word just "slips out" from time to time when faced with extreme frustration. He said that he asks Jesus for forgiveness, but he just can't remove the word from his vocabulary completely. This is concerning, and there must be some way that we can encourage people in society to remove the word from their vocabulary so that it does not "slip out" at all.

 

[sooda]

It is disheartening and angering to see so many people use the N word so regularly and frequently in casual conversation. It seems that many people frequently use it as an expletive when angry or frustrated, and that in some cases, it is not directly meant to be used in a racist manner. However, I believe that the majority of time, people who use it must be racist whether they admit it or not. I cannot understand why for so many people, this terrible word is the first thing that emerges from their mouth when faced with a frustrating experience. From people frustrated with other drivers on the road, to a reaction to injury, this terrible word (or sentences involving this word) is far too commonplace in common conversation, at least in my experience. I told one of my colleagues the other day, that there has to be some other word that he could have used when he stubbed his toe. Nevertheless, he insisted that he is not racist, but the word just "slips out" from time to time when faced with extreme frustration. He said that he asks Jesus for forgiveness, but he just can't remove the word from his vocabulary completely. This is concerning, and there must be some way that we can encourage people in society to remove the word from their vocabulary so that it does not "slip out" at all.

I don't know anyone who uses that word.. Never have.

 

[PoetPhilosopher]

I don't know anyone who uses that word.. Never have.

I have seen instances where two friends use it in a conversation, then some stranger walks up to them and starts disturbing the peace over it.

I may not be the person to ask on this subject, though.

 

[We Never Know]

It is disheartening and angering to see so many people use the N word so regularly and frequently in casual conversation. It seems that many people frequently use it as an expletive when angry or frustrated, and that in some cases, it is not directly meant to be used in a racist manner. However, I believe that the majority of time, people who use it must be racist whether they admit it or not. I cannot understand why for so many people, this terrible word is the first thing that emerges from their mouth when faced with a frustrating experience. From people frustrated with other drivers on the road, to a reaction to injury, this terrible word (or sentences involving this word) is far too commonplace in common conversation, at least in my experience. I told one of my colleagues the other day, that there has to be some other word that he could have used when he stubbed his toe. Nevertheless, he insisted that he is not racist, but the word just "slips out" from time to time when faced with extreme frustration. He said that he asks Jesus for forgiveness, but he just can't remove the word from his vocabulary completely. This is concerning, and there must be some way that we can encourage people in society to remove the word from their vocabulary so that it does not "slip out" at all.

They refer to themselves and friends as the "N" word. I don't refer to or call my friends crackers.
Some people not meaning to be racist just throw it out there too not understand it's cool if they use it but uncool if someone else uses it(especially a white person).
If it offensive why use it to refer to friends and buddies.
I think the word should not be used period.

 

[dianaiad]

It is disheartening and angering to see so many people use the N word so regularly and frequently in casual conversation. It seems that many people frequently use it as an expletive when angry or frustrated, and that in some cases, it is not directly meant to be used in a racist manner. However, I believe that the majority of time, people who use it must be racist whether they admit it or not. I cannot understand why for so many people, this terrible word is the first thing that emerges from their mouth when faced with a frustrating experience. From people frustrated with other drivers on the road, to a reaction to injury, this terrible word (or sentences involving this word) is far too commonplace in common conversation, at least in my experience. I told one of my colleagues the other day, that there has to be some other word that he could have used when he stubbed his toe. Nevertheless, he insisted that he is not racist, but the word just "slips out" from time to time when faced with extreme frustration. He said that he asks Jesus for forgiveness, but he just can't remove the word from his vocabulary completely. This is concerning, and there must be some way that we can encourage people in society to remove the word from their vocabulary so that it does not "slip out" at all.

I have never heard anybody use the 'n' word as a result of frustration ...stubbed toe type. I hear them use the "F" bomb a lot, but never the "n" word.

Come to think of it, I've never heard a white person use that word (the 'n' word) for any reason whatsoever unless he...and it's always a he...is deliberately making a point, usually against using that word.

On the other hand, I hear it all the time coming from people of color, specifically 'black' people. When I was teaching, the 'f' bomb was the universal adjective. More than one of my students never said a single sentence without putting it in there somewhere. As for the "N" word, I could tell instantly, without looking, whether a student was 'black' or not, because if s/he was, the "n" word would be used within thirty seconds. White kids never, ever, said it. Doing so would have resulted in fights, usually involving very sharp objects. It was as instantly fight promoting as a Crip wearing a red T-shirt.

(shrug)

I don't know why they do this; it's just as racist and demeaning coming from a 'black' mouth as it is from a 'white' one.

Now I HAVE said the "n" word. One can't read "Huckleberry Finn' without doing so. I have not ever used the 'f' bomb.

On the other hand, unless I die in bed, I expect my last words will be 'Oh Sh....!"

 

[whirlingmerc]

I have never heard anybody use the 'n' word as a result of frustration ...stubbed toe type. I hear them use the "F" bomb a lot, but never the "n" word.

Come to think of it, I've never heard a white person use that word (the 'n' word) for any reason whatsoever unless he...and it's always a he...is deliberately making a point, usually against using that word.

On the other hand, I hear it all the time coming from people of color, specifically 'black' people. When I was teaching, the 'f' bomb was the universal adjective. More than one of my students never said a single sentence without putting it in there somewhere. As for the "N" word, I could tell instantly, without looking, whether a student was 'black' or not, because if s/he was, the "n" word would be used within thirty seconds. White kids never, ever, said it. Doing so would have resulted in fights, usually involving very sharp objects. It was as instantly fight promoting as a Crip wearing a red T-shirt.

(shrug)

I don't know why they do this; it's just as racist and demeaning coming from a 'black' mouth as it is from a 'white' one.

Now I HAVE said the "n" word. One can't read "Huckleberry Finn' without doing so. I have not ever used the 'f' bomb.

On the other hand, unless I die in bed, I expect my last words will be 'Oh Sh....!"

I heard it in the 60s but not much since.
I think in general respecting others goes far in avoiding those kinds of things
I think it is much less popular nowadays

 

[The Hammer]

I have never heard anybody use the 'n' word as a result of frustration ...stubbed toe type. I hear them use the "F" bomb a lot, but never the "n" word.

Come to think of it, I've never heard a white person use that word (the 'n' word) for any reason whatsoever unless he...and it's always a he...is deliberately making a point, usually against using that word.

On the other hand, I hear it all the time coming from people of color, specifically 'black' people. When I was teaching, the 'f' bomb was the universal adjective. More than one of my students never said a single sentence without putting it in there somewhere. As for the "N" word, I could tell instantly, without looking, whether a student was 'black' or not, because if s/he was, the "n" word would be used within thirty seconds. White kids never, ever, said it. Doing so would have resulted in fights, usually involving very sharp objects. It was as instantly fight promoting as a Crip wearing a red T-shirt.

(shrug)

I don't know why they do this; it's just as racist and demeaning coming from a 'black' mouth as it is from a 'white' one.

Now I HAVE said the "n" word. One can't read "Huckleberry Finn' without doing so. I have not ever used the 'f' bomb.

On the other hand, unless I die in bed, I expect my last words will be 'Oh Sh....!"

It hearkens back to an era when that was all they were called N-this, N-that. So the culture took it and flipped it in its head, by referring to themselves as the n-word as a way to regain linguistic control and a semblance of personal autonomy in the face of blatant racism. It may not be needed now, but it is ingrained in black culture as much as AAVE is in some places. Spend some time listening to Rap and Hip Hop lyrics, listen to how and when it's used, and you'll understand a little of the context and intent. The reason you don't hear Italians, Indians, or Muslims calling themselves uncouth names to refer to each other is because that period of discrimination was so short as to not require a language upheaval.

 

[Mindmaster]

I don't know anyone who uses that word.. Never have.

I've used it, but I'm honest. Though, neither frequently, nor preferably to more intelligent words. Though, you know, there is always that perfect occasion for hurling an insult when being in the proximity of the most idiotic person you've ever met.

Also, I don't hate black people either so that has nothing to do with it.

But, I also believe it's completely retarded to believe it's a bad word when black folks sing it in rap songs all day.

 

[Wandering Monk]

It is disheartening and angering to see so many people use the N word so regularly and frequently in casual conversation. It seems that many people frequently use it as an expletive when angry or frustrated, and that in some cases, it is not directly meant to be used in a racist manner. However, I believe that the majority of time, people who use it must be racist whether they admit it or not. I cannot understand why for so many people, this terrible word is the first thing that emerges from their mouth when faced with a frustrating experience. From people frustrated with other drivers on the road, to a reaction to injury, this terrible word (or sentences involving this word) is far too commonplace in common conversation, at least in my experience. I told one of my colleagues the other day, that there has to be some other word that he could have used when he stubbed his toe. Nevertheless, he insisted that he is not racist, but the word just "slips out" from time to time when faced with extreme frustration. He said that he asks Jesus for forgiveness, but he just can't remove the word from his vocabulary completely. This is concerning, and there must be some way that we can encourage people in society to remove the word from their vocabulary so that it does not "slip out" at all.

Blacks use it all the time when they are taking shots at each other. Sauce for the goose...?

 

[SugarOcean]

People in the black community use the N word to describe people they don't care for certain behaviors among their own community that they don't care for at all.
Black Rap when it first started in the market introduced the N word in its music. Changing the consonant to a vowel didn't mean they weren't referring to one another as the actual N word. They were just led to believe that edit allowed them to "reclaim" the N word and have it empower them rather than demean.

What a load of crap. Let them reclaim a pejorative?
No, what it did was enable them to insult themselves. Making the consonant vowel exchange a double entendre.

To answer the OP Q? The N word stereotype is exploited by movie makers like Tyler Perry today and formerly and firstly, Spike Lee. So when will the N word stop being used? When blacks set the example.
Stop using the N word with the vowel attached. And stop making the likes of cross dresser Perry and Lee rich because you approve of the stereotype playing in theaters. Repeatedly!

 

[sooda]

I've used it, but I'm honest. Though, neither frequently, nor preferably to more intelligent words. Though, you know, there is always that perfect occasion for hurling an insult when being in the proximity of the most idiotic person you've ever met.

Also, I don't hate black people either so that has nothing to do with it.

But, I also believe it's completely retarded to believe it's a bad word when black folks sing it in rap songs all day.

I really hate that black people use the N word. Doesn't make any difference though.. In my family its taboo.

 

[Vinayaka]

I don't know anyone who uses that word.. Never have.

Me too.

 

[sooda]

Me too.

In my extended family and circle of friends it would be considered low class.

 

[Rival]

OP needs to move.

 

[Stevicus]

It is disheartening and angering to see so many people use the N word so regularly and frequently in casual conversation. It seems that many people frequently use it as an expletive when angry or frustrated, and that in some cases, it is not directly meant to be used in a racist manner. However, I believe that the majority of time, people who use it must be racist whether they admit it or not. I cannot understand why for so many people, this terrible word is the first thing that emerges from their mouth when faced with a frustrating experience. From people frustrated with other drivers on the road, to a reaction to injury, this terrible word (or sentences involving this word) is far too commonplace in common conversation, at least in my experience. I told one of my colleagues the other day, that there has to be some other word that he could have used when he stubbed his toe. Nevertheless, he insisted that he is not racist, but the word just "slips out" from time to time when faced with extreme frustration. He said that he asks Jesus for forgiveness, but he just can't remove the word from his vocabulary completely. This is concerning, and there must be some way that we can encourage people in society to remove the word from their vocabulary so that it does not "slip out" at all.

I remember hearing it a lot from family members when I was a kid. I had a few uncles who used it a lot, especially my uncles from Louisiana. They would use it just as a matter of course, even if they weren't mad or anything. It was just how it was. One of my aunts chided her husband for using it when around the house and said "One of these days you're gonna say that at the wrong place and the wrong time." That's when it might "slip out," but it reveals a pattern of use while in more private settings.

I had another uncle who often used the "K" word for Jewish people.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

It hearkens back to an era when that was all they were called N-this, N-that. So the culture took it and flipped it in its head, by referring to themselves as the n-word as a way to regain linguistic control and a semblance of personal autonomy in the face of blatant racism. It may not be needed now, but it is ingrained in black culture as much as AAVE is in some places. Spend some time listening to Rap and Hip Hop lyrics, listen to how and when it's used, and you'll understand a little of the context and intent. The reason you don't hear Italians, Indians, or Muslims calling themselves uncouth names to refer to each other is because that period of discrimination was so short as to not require a language upheaval.

Jews don't call themselves "kikes" and Mexicans don't call themselves "wetbacks" or "spics". I do think it makes blacks look bad when they do it and that black culture in the inner cities has declined since the '60s. Rap culture is partially to blame as much of that is effectively a minstrel show that just confirms racist stereotypes of black people.

 

[sooda]

Jews don't call themselves "kikes" and Mexicans don't call themselves "wetbacks" or "spics". I do think it makes blacks look bad when they do it and that black culture in the inner cities has declined since the '60s. Rap culture is partially to blame as much of that is effectively a minstrel show that just confirms racist stereotypes of black people.

Yep.. I remember great black music..

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Yep.. I remember great black music..

There's good rap, too, but the culture surrounding it in the inner city is highly problematic and encourages antisocial behavior.

 

[sooda]

There's good rap, too, but the culture surrounding it in the inner city is highly problematic and encourages antisocial behavior.

No much.. Even "good rap" is not comparable to black music of Motown.. I can't even begin to name the fabulous black artists.

 

[Twilight Hue]

I don't know anyone who uses that word.. Never have.

Plenty of black folks use it, except it has an A in the end instead of the derogatory R.

I figure the logic is if you normalize something, it won't be so bad anymore , it loses its sting.