I've never had a single person in my life ask me if its ok to use a certain word. Chances are, if you feel the need to ask, its probably not appropriate for the situation. I can say it comfortably around people just hanging out without feeling strange about it. Like people have said, its all about the context.
What do you feel about the word Nigga?
- Thread starter Onemic
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Story time.
My friend was a huge pill-popper in high school because his brother was a huge druggie and a terrible influence on him. So he, the younger brother, is rolling on E one night and wants to ride his bike home at midnight -- his house is like... 20km into the country where there are no street lights. And he's high as fuck.
I call the older brother, who's started to go clean. The bigger brother shows up, puts the bike in his trunk, and tells his brother to get in the fucking car so they can go home. My friend refuses over and over and starts yelling. We're all white but he says -- stone-cold, point-blank -- to his brother;
"Andrew, quit being a fucking nigger. I don't even mean anything against black people by saying that. In my opinion, being a nigger means not giving a fuck about anyone but yourself. So cut the shit, stop being a nigger, and get the fuck in the car -- mom's worried sick and this is all my fault."
About the only time I've felt "okay" with it being uttered by a white dude in a negative context. I only feel completely alright with it when it's being used as part of a quote, really.
My friend was a huge pill-popper in high school because his brother was a huge druggie and a terrible influence on him. So he, the younger brother, is rolling on E one night and wants to ride his bike home at midnight -- his house is like... 20km into the country where there are no street lights. And he's high as fuck.
I call the older brother, who's started to go clean. The bigger brother shows up, puts the bike in his trunk, and tells his brother to get in the fucking car so they can go home. My friend refuses over and over and starts yelling. We're all white but he says -- stone-cold, point-blank -- to his brother;
"Andrew, quit being a fucking nigger. I don't even mean anything against black people by saying that. In my opinion, being a nigger means not giving a fuck about anyone but yourself. So cut the shit, stop being a nigger, and get the fuck in the car -- mom's worried sick and this is all my fault."
About the only time I've felt "okay" with it being uttered by a white dude in a negative context. I only feel completely alright with it when it's being used as part of a quote, really.
Alligatorjandro
Banned
idk
Mammoth Jones
Member
Jesus, thank you!!! I don't use it at work though. I put on my "professional" voice.
PhoenixDark
Banned
I've said it to my brothers* in jest before at home, but I've never said it in public. I've been around black people who use it in the presence of white people, and it's always awkward. I'd prefer to avoid that.
*Brothers as in my actual brothers. I am black
*Brothers as in my actual brothers. I am black
lol, what do you think?
Devolution
Member
Yeah no. Some people just go with the flow. I'd rather ask them individually. Some people just don't want to shit up an afternoon by calling you out on your epithets.
Fellow African American who has endured the same trials and tribulation as myself... let us, for the moment, jokingly refer to one another as what our oppressor has labeled us. If for nothing else, than to provide a temporary but adequate reprieve (and a bit of humor) from the bullshit that we witness on a daily basis. Sound good, nigga? Word.
But it depends on what company I'm in. I turn it on and off. Back in my hometown, I'd look odd for not saying it. That's the only time I really do it anymore.
Its always funny seeing a white guy roll in with one of my friends and watching him feel around that minefield in the dark while he tries to figure out if its okay or not to say one his favorite Jay-Z verses though.
But it depends on what company I'm in. I turn it on and off. Back in my hometown, I'd look odd for not saying it. That's the only time I really do it anymore.
Its always funny seeing a white guy roll in with one of my friends and watching him feel around that minefield in the dark while he tries to figure out if its okay or not to say one his favorite Jay-Z verses though.
starchild excalibur
Member
I hate this argument. Reminds me of this time when I was browsing an ex-friend's livejournal (back when people had LJs) and she was talking about how she thought Snoop Dogg was a nigger. But that she didn't mean it in a racist way - but rather because she just thought he was stupid.
There are literally a thousand other words you can use to call someone to get that point across. We aren't walking Webster Dictionaries who only look at the denotative meaning. You can't separate the racial aspect from a word as heavy as "nigger."
-Pyromaniac-
Member
I've been listening to rap music since forever so yeah. There's that. I RAPS THEM LYRICS. Would probably never say it in the presence of a black person though. I know Chris Rock says it's ok if it's in the song, but I'd feel weird!
I don't use the word, and I don't care who uses it in a friendly or derogatory way. But if your the type of person that uses it your not a person I will hang out or chat with often.
I believe in freedom of speech if its civil but I do believe there are better ways to express yourself and if your a racist glad to know so I can avoid you.
I believe in freedom of speech if its civil but I do believe there are better ways to express yourself and if your a racist glad to know so I can avoid you.
Conrad Link
Member
I call my GF vanilla face because of Borat, she hates it lol.
Karsticles
Member
I'll answer all of them:
How I feel depends on the context. A guy giving his black friend a high five while saying "mah nigga" feels very different from someone shouting "burn all the niggas on the cross", or something.
I'm not sure how you restrict words - people say what they want to say, but maybe they don't say them in public. I'm not much for the "should" concept, either.
Like I said, I don't really work in "should". Sometimes it is wise to say it, and other times it is not - that's all there is to it.
Yup.
Generally, I take it that "nigga" = my black friend, and "nigger" = that degenerate creature. To be clear, I'm talking about how the words feel to me, and not what they ought to be used for.
mysticwhip
Banned
I'm starting to say it more often than I used to. That's probably due to my friends more than anything else. I don't like when any other race says nigga because it sounds terrible coming from a non-black's mouth for some reason, just really cringe worthy. I don't like when anybody says nigger.
of course there is a fucking difference between saying nigger rather than nigga.
of course there is a fucking difference between saying nigger rather than nigga.
i'm brown, not black btw.
i never say the word "nigger", ever.
i say "nigga" a bit, if i'm hanging out with friends. like all words, i only use it if it's the best choice for what imm trying to say and how i'm trying to sayit. 80% of the time it's probably variations of "this nigga..."
i DO however make fun of white people all the time. for various white people things like eating egg salad.
i never say the word "nigger", ever.
i say "nigga" a bit, if i'm hanging out with friends. like all words, i only use it if it's the best choice for what imm trying to say and how i'm trying to sayit. 80% of the time it's probably variations of "this nigga..."
i DO however make fun of white people all the time. for various white people things like eating egg salad.
I'm not black (if my username wasn't hint enough)
I've got a complicated relationship with the word. It's something I heard all the time growing up in Queens being used nonchalantly by kids my age and of course the "cooler" older kids, so it wasn't something I ever realized could be seen as a "bad" word. It was basically our equivalent of "bro" or "dude". However, as I've gotten older and moved all over the tri-state area I've been weaning the word out of my vocabulary. It's just too much of a hassle around certain folks and very nearly caused some unesscary issues for me in High School. It's real tough though. Everytime I see my old friends that I grew up with it just naturally comes out in conversation.
I don't think it should be restricted, as a matter of free speech, but I do think people need to be mindful of the words they use, their history, the context, and the possible perceptions of the people around them.
To me there is a huge difference between the words "nigga" and "nigger". One is something all my peers growing up used interchangeably for "guy", "dude", etc. and the other is something only hateful assholes who weren't worth our time would say.
I've got a complicated relationship with the word. It's something I heard all the time growing up in Queens being used nonchalantly by kids my age and of course the "cooler" older kids, so it wasn't something I ever realized could be seen as a "bad" word. It was basically our equivalent of "bro" or "dude". However, as I've gotten older and moved all over the tri-state area I've been weaning the word out of my vocabulary. It's just too much of a hassle around certain folks and very nearly caused some unesscary issues for me in High School. It's real tough though. Everytime I see my old friends that I grew up with it just naturally comes out in conversation.
I don't think it should be restricted, as a matter of free speech, but I do think people need to be mindful of the words they use, their history, the context, and the possible perceptions of the people around them.
To me there is a huge difference between the words "nigga" and "nigger". One is something all my peers growing up used interchangeably for "guy", "dude", etc. and the other is something only hateful assholes who weren't worth our time would say.
welp
la flama blanca
Banned
Saying it every morning keeps my teeth white.
jokerherewego.gif
So the word used by racists to disparage black people is used synonymously with "selfishly short-sighted person" and you are okay with its usage?
Sounds like you hang out with some uptight folk.
And you ask them individually? Can you give me some examples of what words you use and what sort of situations you're using them in? I just cant imagine somebody going around asking each and every person around about using some questionable word. The fact that you're blatantly acknowledging to the people that you're about to use a word that they may feel is offensive again tells me you probably just shouldn't be saying it in that specific situation. People I tend to hang around aren't the sort that will take offense to it so I dont feel any need to be super cautious about it like you. Sounds like you just dont have a good grasp of when something is appropriate or not.
Deified Data
Banned
I never have cause to use the word outside of discussions like this.
So, no.
So, no.
CountAntonius
Member
Stupid word and stupid double standard. There is a big difference in how it's obviously but if one person can use it as "dude" then they should not be offended or judgmental if another race uses it in the same manner. If the word is so offensive it shouldn't be used period by anyone.
LQX
Member
Ugh. will hate visiting the OT for the next few days as I have to see this thread title and know what the outcome of this thread will be like.
That said, I see nothing wrong with it other than the over use of it by some. I give credit to African Americans for partially wrestling the word from being only associated with the negative and in many ways they now own it. It is stark reminder in many ways of many bad things in this country which many try to forget.
Also, I do see the distinctive difference between when the ...ger and ...ga format is said. I really do not trust the intentions of those that say they don't. And that also goes for blacks. Many whites have also embraced that word in the same way as blacks but some blacks try not to differentiate them using it from an outright racist when it is plain as day they are using it in the same endearing way.
That said, I see nothing wrong with it other than the over use of it by some. I give credit to African Americans for partially wrestling the word from being only associated with the negative and in many ways they now own it. It is stark reminder in many ways of many bad things in this country which many try to forget.
Also, I do see the distinctive difference between when the ...ger and ...ga format is said. I really do not trust the intentions of those that say they don't. And that also goes for blacks. Many whites have also embraced that word in the same way as blacks but some blacks try not to differentiate them using it from an outright racist when it is plain as day they are using it in the same endearing way.
I totally agree, but I'm only semi-agreeing with the older brother because he qualified his usage (and semi-disqualified his usage from applying exclusively to blacks) with context. If he had just said, "Dude, quit being such a nigger," I'd have been all, "Dude, what?" You're absolutely right in saying that he could've chosen a better word to express the exact same sentiment though.
I'm not huge on the word myself but I'm aware racism exists. I only really ever use the word if I'm quoting something like a news story where it's explicitly mentioned.
The whole "n-word" thing is silly in my opinion though, especially when it comes to the media. Just say it full-out or don't. I'm fully aware of the fact that it makes some people uncomfortable, however.
Fun fact: I've spelled it out in this topic more than I've uttered it in my life. Hopefully that comforts those who think I'm a closet racist or something.
I don't think its a double standard at all. Some understand the weight behind it, most don't. My definition of why its offensive is not the same as others. Its not just a "bad word". I've always felt that it was a fucked up, but understandable, way that two people of the same struggle laugh through a hard time.
Sup "bomb bait"
Sup "whore"
Sup "statistic"
Sup "nigga" "nigger" (I really don't give a fuck about the "er" at the end.. its still the same word. The tone applied is always going to be a key part of it.)
You throw it around by itself, yeah, its some shit, but between people from the same circumstances? Not so much. Not that simple at least.
Bay Maximus
Banned
I don't think non-blacks should use the word unless they have black friends.
Devolution
Member
You're calling them uptight for not necessarily being cool with me just opening my mouth and saying whatever slur I feel like? I'm cool with all kinds of people but just spouting off slurs is not how I roll. Doing it in a group ensures that they're even less likely "to be that guy" who calls me out. Swallow shit or ruin the afternoon. I'd rather not put someone in that position, since I have been. It's not fun. A lot of people don't like talking about how certain words truly affect them thanks to the idea that they're "oversensitive" or better yet since you said it "uptight."
starchild excalibur
Member
It's probably racist in some way to feel this way, but you have a Parappa The Rapper avatar - I honestly wouldn't expect you to be racist (just joking/kinda/i don't know). But really, it's not like you said the word yourself. And it's not even that I think your friend is a racist - I just think he used a lame argument.
iKeepPlaying
Banned
I finally have the chance to ask this.
But if I say: "My nigga" when I'm agreeing with someone, it's somewhat offensive?
But if I say: "My nigga" when I'm agreeing with someone, it's somewhat offensive?
MWS Natural
Member
I don't say it around white people and I don't want them saying it around me.
OttomanScribe
Member
Going to hip hop gigs here in Aus, people will sing along to it. Like a whole crowd of white people yelling it at the top of their voice.
Soooo messed up.
Soooo messed up.
theignoramus
Member
I had some biker who used to ride with Hells Angels in the deep south try to explain to me that nigger just meant stupid and ignorant and that I should look it up, cause the dictionary says so.
No motherfucker, nigger is a reference to black men. I understand that nowadays, it's mostly used to refer to wild or foul ass brothers but NIGGER is still an anti-black slur, the same way FAGGOT is an anti gay slur, whether you're homophobic or not. I mean, that's why I still get called that at night by random assholes. Nigger.
No motherfucker, nigger is a reference to black men. I understand that nowadays, it's mostly used to refer to wild or foul ass brothers but NIGGER is still an anti-black slur, the same way FAGGOT is an anti gay slur, whether you're homophobic or not. I mean, that's why I still get called that at night by random assholes. Nigger.
Bay Maximus
Banned
Yes, it is offensive.
Mammoth Jones
Member
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.
Just like with any other word. It entirely depends on the context, the inflection behind the word, and your company.
Personally, I only consider the first two variables when the word is said.
I don't care if this is a dumb question, I'm asking it: For those of you who are black, how do you feel about a non-black person saying "nigga" when it's part of singing along to something?
I'll admit that while 99% of the time I never say (or even consider saying) whatever form of the word, I totally say it when I'm singing along to a song and I'm alone. I've always wondered what would happen if I were out singing karaoke with a mixed group of friends, I was singing a song, and that word happened to come up as part of the song. *laughs*
I'll admit that while 99% of the time I never say (or even consider saying) whatever form of the word, I totally say it when I'm singing along to a song and I'm alone. I've always wondered what would happen if I were out singing karaoke with a mixed group of friends, I was singing a song, and that word happened to come up as part of the song. *laughs*
CountAntonius
Member
Alligatorjandro
Banned
I dont like it being said to me.
mysticwhip
Banned
jesus christ I hat that shit. When Chris Rock made a joke about the difference between a nigger and nigga and it became so popular was when I've noticed more people use that argument. It's so fucking stupid.
Mammoth Jones
Member
I can see you know rolling up on some young black male " A A A A A A cuz, this KFC right here, this KFC right here, N- it is the shit. N- drop that Popeyes and get with the real deal son."
I'm white, and these words aren't part of my active vernacular, nor do I seek out entertainment or media that glorify the use of these words. Occasionally the word will unexpectedly pop up in a cop drama or something; but aside from that, they are not a part of my life, and I don't feel particularly affected or influenced enough by them to have any opinion about them other than I find them distasteful and rude -- regardless of context.
Devil Theory
Member
Bro.
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