The discussion on The View got heated when Elisabeth Hasselbeck tried to say that neither an African American person nor a Caucasian person should use the n-word in any context. Whoopi Goldberg and Sherri Shepherd said it was different for them. Now a few more celebrities are weighing in on this heavy topic.
Taye Diggs:
“(Hasselbeck) doesn’t
understand, and, no offense – I don’t think any white person has the
right to tell a black person or to even weigh in on subject matter such
as that,” Diggs told “Access Hollywood” on Thursday. “They don’t know
what it’s like to be called that word; they don’t know what it’s like
to be black.“They
can have an opinion, but… don’t take a word that you created and called
me for many, many years, and then me being in my position, have the
strength to change what it means in my own culture,” he explained.
“Don’t try to take it back now. Now it’s ours. Leave it alone.”
Scrubs star, Donald Faison:
“I don’t think Elisabeth Hasselbeck would ever have to worry being
called the ‘N-word’ … For her to be offended by it, it’s kind of weird.
African-Americans have used it now as a term of endearment, or how to
describe a situation. So for her to say something like that, she has no
idea what power it has over anyone.”
ONTD
I have to agree with most of the posters. It is a complete “double standard”, oh, I can say this word-but don’t you dare let me hear you say it. That is ridiculous and is not going help race relations one bit. Then you know what, I don’t want any ethnic group to call me any name other than white—that is all you have permission as how to refer to me. Yes, that is as stupid as it sounds and so are these people. Whopi and Sherri and others are part of the problem not the solution. If it is not alright for one group to say a word then it is not alright for any one to say it, period!!
I am a 36 Year old black male and I agree with you. I sometimes wonder about my own people. Nigger or Nigga is not okay to describes blacks and Honky is not okay to describe Whites. Our world is slowly but surely going insane.
Honestly I’m tired of different races trying to play the victim against another race. I don’t know how it is to be black, but black people don’t know how it is to be white and so on and so forth when it comes to different races. So stop trying to play the victim because your black. White people are offended by things black people say, and black people get offended by things white people say, it’s a never ending process until people GET OVER THEMSELVES, and stop trying to be so damn self righteous!
Meee, what a typical, stupid white person comment. Ignorance is bliss, right? Idiot.
The N-word is not a word that should be used by white or black people. It’s not about being self righteous but if you know the history of the word, why would a white people want to use it in the first place?
Jess, what a typical, stupid black comment.
The truth hurts, doesn’t it? Like she said, get over yourself dumbass. You’re not that important.
Wow, I can’t believe how ignorant some of the people on here are!!
–”People don’t have the right bring up slavery happening to them! It didn’t happen to them or their parents or their grandparents.”
Are you JOKING?! Slavery was the most disgusting thing this country has ever done. While you’re at it, why don’t you tell Jewish people that they have no right to bring up the Holocaust. And there still is extreme discrimination against black people. Why don’t you crawl out from the rock you live under and try living in the real world? It’s a pretty narrow-minded, sad, view you hold….
I am 51 years old and I am caucasian, my children were brought up to never say such things. I think it is odd that African American have a habit of slinging words and then complain they are victumes. I believe there could be other words used to teach our young that name calling is not cool what ever the word is. My children are grown and have children of thier own and the rule still stands. Thanks
Erm, I’d have to say that the desecration of Native Americans ranks right up there with slavery.
I think it’s worse, personally. No one defends the Native Americans the way they defend black people. I’m tired of them thinking that they’re the only people who have suffered in this world. They’re so self-absorbed it’s ridiculous.
This is total BS! So if black people are so offended by the word then why do they call eachother that and its OK??? This is a double standard!
Taye Diggs saying this is BS!
“”They can have an opinion, but… don’t take a word that you created and called me for many, many years, and then me being in my position..”
~um first of all the people who made up that word are long dead, NO ONE HERE HAS HAD SLAVES IN AMERICA. I am sick of the black people who claim this! The slave owners are long dead and the racist people who had segragation are long dead. No one is being racist. I think the people who are racists are the ones who have “African American scholoarships” and “Latino scholarships.” Are there any “Cacasion scholarships?” NO, that would be “racist.” I am so sick of this double standard! and NO i am NOT racist, if everyone wants to be equal then act like it, dont segragate others by having “Black this, and Latino this.” there is no “white or cacasion only this and that! Why is that ok for their to be Black and Latino only things but not to include cacasions???????????????????????????????????????
You are not only stupid but everything you are saying is absolute farce! being called by the n word by someone that isn’t black is hurtful because 9/10 times there is hate behind the use, black people have turned something that used to be so painful into something positive for them, when they say it to each other it somewhat unifies them. Caucasian scholarships have never been needed to be created because Caucasians have never been turned away from a school due to their colour. Its not right to hold onto the past but the n word was used against them for many years even after slavery was abolished. I don’t say the word because well I don’t see why I should or would ever need to. But to get angry because they want to use it is ridiculous shut the f up!
Really? “Caucasians have never been turned away from a school due to their colour”? Have you heard of Affirmative Action? Affirmative Action means that Caucasians have de facto been turned away from a school due to their colour in order for that school to meet requirements set forth by Affirmative Action.
I think YOU need to shut the f up! If we can’t use it, neither should you. Who the Hell are YOU to take away MY freedom of speech yet keep yours? Talk about ignorance!
It’s very sad when white people make these silly claims about racism being left in the past. My father went to a segrated school, the civil rights amendment did not pass until the 60′s and did not alter the opinion of many people still in power today.
The fact is every white person living in America today has benifited from the results of slavery. Were their parents and grandparents denied access to the means of production to create something to pass to their children. What about the chance to live where they chose and send their children to school without fear that they might be targeted by people meaning to do them harm or worst yet, the police. Grandparents and parents of current generations were denied access to health care, education and so many other basic pillars of society. To claim that can be erased in less than one generation is just foolish!
Wow, you are so ignorant. How can you say, ” racism is dead”? Even if the “old slavery owners are long gone” who the F- are you to say that you’re tired of black people complaining? Racism is not dead becuase listen to yourself. For those of you that can’t be OBJECTIONAL, you all have a little bias/racism in yourself! I am caucasian & I still understand what is being said and where thay are coming from when they say it. Also, to bring up Scholarships just shows how bias you are. The reason why scholarships are now “targeted” towards different ethnic groups is becuase, someone really smart made a decision to give ethnic people an opportunity to go to college and stay in college and not have to worry about the non-ethnic people benefiting from these scholarship funds. If you were to do your homework, they also have scholarships for people that are deaf, Irish decendents, Little People, Tall Club International, Having a strange last name, OH and YES I was able to find scholarships ONLY for whites. So before you make another comment without doing some research, DONT!
Liar. And quit lying about being Caucasian. Set-asides based on race, culture, religion, gender, nationality, etc. are discriminatory. It’s a way of preferential treatment.
This.
As a hispanic person, I feel like blacks(not all, of course) keep on holding on to that word because it allows them to be outraged. I feel like they’ve had their opportunity to rise above and get a great education and be successful, but all some people want to do is call people racist(sharpton) and hold rallys and put whites vs blacks. we need to stop telling people ‘you don’t know what it’s like to be this’ and separate ourselves, because its only hurting us.
Well said Passerby!! As someone white/Native mixed, I can agree with you totally.
The only problem with your statement is that HISPANICS use the word Nigger too.
The person was simply saying that salvery did not happen to anyone born in the United Stats now and has not happened for hundresds of years!!!!!! So dont play that card! We are well beyond slavery and now lots of things has changed. You cant blame white people who are living here now in the country for slavery. How can you sit there and try to blame me or Jane Doe for somehting that happened hundreds of years ago???????? Yes it is ashame and digusting that slavery happened, and were not saying to forget about it, but you have to stop blaming the “white” people of today for it! That is NOT FAIR AND THAT IS DISGUSTING TO DO!
Get over it! Blacks look for any reason to complain. They use the “N” word so by God anyone else can too. Not a one of them were ever slaves and if they’d read a book they’d know it was their own selling each other!!!!!
Please qualify your statements. Not all blacks look to complain and don’t say that blacks don’t read .
Well said , above poster!!! Taye Diggs also said white people cannot tell them not to use that word, but blacks can demand white people not use it. How racist is that????
It amazing that more people don’t understand the definition of racist is. Racism is when discrimination is coupled with a power element. “I don’t like you” is discrimination; “I don’t like you, and therefore I am not going to give the job” is racist. You can say that Taye Diggs is wrong, but he doesn’t have a daily show where he gets to infect us all with his uneducated opinions spoken as if they were fact. The reality is that with most of the comments posted here, she clearly carries some power in her statements that are validated and repeated by other equally unaware viewers. Taye Diggs is just offering an answer to a direct question put to him. Your words prove that Hasselbeck is a racist, and you are a fool! Most ethnic groups have taken power over words that have been used to slur them in the past to deny those words the power to hurt. Paddy, Redneck, Westbrit, Yank, Russki, Mick, Squaw and so many others I won’t mention began as slurs but were co-opted by the people they have been used to oppress.
Wow, you sure have a way of twisting around the definition of a word just to suit one group of people.
WE are all HUMAN, we all bleed the same color blood!
“How does it even make sense to use a word that was once used against them as a term of endearment? I can’t see homosexuals calling each other the F word or the G word as a term of endearment in the future. Can someone explain this to me?”
You mean like how homosexuals have taken back the word queer and use amongst themselves or women call each other bitches as a term for bonding and endearment?
Can’t say I totally agree that the N word is something anyone should use, but blacks have taken it back to take the power from it and so be it.
or women call each other bitches as a term for bonding and endearment?
I only see this done by stupid women who think they look edgy by using such terms.
actually, many homosexuals do use a lot of the derogatory words that refer to their sexuality among themselves as if it were nothing.
Actually, people DON’T bring up the holocaust in the way that you’re talking about unless them or their families were victims. There aren’t any Jews that tell Germans ‘I can call myself a ****, but you can’t”. Even in Armenia, where the Turks did a MASS GENOCIDE, they don’t call themselves hateful names and then forbid anyone else from calling them that. No one’s saying that blacks or any other race don’t face discrimination, because ALL RACES HAVE AT ONE POINT IN TIME. That doesn’t give you a pass to act like a victim for the next 100 years. Do something positive with the freedom that you now have instead of complaining all the time about what you face now. Lots of people face discrimination and hate..you either get over it and rise above or you end up in the slums blaming other people for your poverty.
Okay, first of all it’s “CAUCASIAN” not cacasion.
Second, I can see why people would be annoyed by this discussion if it’s not something that they take personally.
Finally, I think the issue is based on the context in which the word is used. Taye Diggs isn’t saying she or anyone else isn’t allowed to say the word, even though it might sound like he is. I see him saying that this is a word that for many years was used in solely a hurtful way against people in his community. They were able to change the meaning, take control of it, so that it isn’t a hurting word to them now. What right does Elisabeth Hasselbeck, poster child for white yuppies, btw, have to be offended by this word now? It’s not her place to take up the cause after-the-fact.
Lol, that wasn’t nice (what passerby said about Elizabeth)! but yeah, she shouldn’t be OFFENDED. Maybe, understandably slightly PERPLEXED? but not OFFENDED.
Alaska Island Life, I am sure she did not want to offend anyone, like the word DUDE the word Nigger, has many many ways of use, I am Alaska Native, and have dealt with every type of race, and there discriminations, and for real if I do not like what or how someone has said something to me I correct them, so for there sake and mine they do no do it again, and that is the great part of America freedom of speech and the right to your own opinion, are country rocks, everyone of us, and we could not be this awesome with out all of you:-)
Look, it’s like Eve Ensler’s taking back the word c**t in The Vagina Monologues. It’s a way of accepting that you can’t always erase what’s been said in the past, but we can empower ourselves to use as women. Men can’t use it cuz we took it back (or so the play inferred). Let the African Americans take back the word and OWN it for themselves, to diminish where caucasians took that word for YEARS. I think that we all owe it to ourselves to empower ourselves by reclaiming words, not pretending that they never existed!!! HOORAY for Whoopie, Sherrie, Taye…Boo Elizabeth for being closed-minded.
Elizabeth is right on this. If the word is so offensive, then blacks should stop using it too. Period. And for Taye Diggs to say, ‘its ours now’? That has to be the dumbest thing I’ve heard.
I am black and I totally agree with you.
How can they claim they’re taking back the power when they still get so offended if anyone else uses it?
That’s a total WIN there! You said it. lmao
No I am not JOKING at all….and I don’t take slavery lightly (and I think it was ONE of the worst things that happened in this country) but In reference to the comment I think that black people have every right to “bring up slavery” but did it happen to them per se NO!!!! and I don’t hear a bunch of Jewish people running around saying to ET, The Insider or whatever media outlet will listen we can say anything we want BUT YOU CAN”T because we went through the Holocaust!!! Almost every nationality has gone through some pretty horrible things MANY YEARS ago……..
Passerby (not verified) said:
The person was simply saying that salvery did not happen to anyone born in the United Stats now and has not happened for hundresds of years!!!!!! So dont play that card! We are well beyond slavery and now lots of things has changed. You cant blame white people who are living here now in the country for slavery. How can you sit there and try to blame me or Jane Doe for somehting that happened hundreds of years ago???????? Yes it is ashame and digusting that slavery happened, and were not saying to forget about it, but you have to stop blaming the “white” people of today for it! That is NOT FAIR AND THAT IS DISGUSTING TO DO!
YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!!
I feel terrible for Elizabeth- everytime she opens her mouth to express any thought she has she is attacked by everyone else on the show- its sad that being a conservative woman in such a great position on TV has to deal with people who think she is ignorant and not worth listening to just because she has a differing opinion.. Just like when Rosie O would tell her to be quiet and that she was too young to know what she was saying. Let her speak her mind and give conservative women a voice in the midst of the liberal hysteria in the media. She’s allowed to speak on the show, too. Maybe we should all be a little more open-minded about what she has to say and listen to both sides of an argument. Go Elizabeth!
Elizabeth Hasselback is a twit and a reactionary, with no original thoughts of her own. She is for the war in Iraq, she thought Bush was fab, she has tons of money and embodies the US’s Caucasian standard of blonde beauty, and she is terribly obnoxious and snobbish. I take your comment “Go Elizabeth!” to mean “Keep opening your mouth and letting stupidity spew forth from it!”
Why would people who find the word “sooo offesnsive” want to call eachother it???? this makes no fing sense!
Why would people who find the word “sooo offesnsive” want to call eachother it???? this makes no fing sense!
If you think racism doesn’t exist in the country then you’re in denial. No, I am not just talking about racism only against African-Americans but racism in general. It exists, as does discrimination for a variety of reasons, race, sex, sexual preference, etc. And we are all affected by it, whether you’d like to admit it or not. Black people do use the N word as a term of endearment. And you know what, it makes sense in some ways. It’s about taking the hurt and pain out of a word, about giving it less power over you by changing its substance. It’s harder for someone to hurl a word at you in hate and to hurt you with it, when it’s a word you use with affection. It’s not like the N word is the only word that is used that way. People use hateful and/or derogatory terms in affectionate ways to remove the power those words have, not just racist terms. Banning or barring a term entirely only makes it more taboo and gives it more power as being something feared. Changing its meaning takes the power away.
Frankly it’s no one’s place to tell someone it’s time to get over their history or to move past the things done to their ancestors or to them personally. It’s easy to discredit the hurt that people feel over the things visited upon them, but it’s harder to admit that this world is a complicated and complex place where people have divergent experiences and viewpoints and where different rules do apply to different people. Equality doesn’t mean sameness. There are things I would never say, words I would never use, but if someone else uses them to refer to themselves, who am I to judge or to say, “oh no, you can’t use that word because i can’t and we all have to be able to use the same words.” That’s just silly and oversimplifies the world we live in.
“Don’t take a word that you created and called me for many, many years…Don’t try to take it back now.” That is the most heinous generalization. He’s saying “you people” called “my people” this name. To me, that is so ignorant. Most white people refrain from using “N*g*r” at all. I’ve never called someone that. I think what Elizabeth is saying is that she’s offended that he used the word, when she (representing white people) have put so much effort into reforming old ways, repairing the damage, and refraining from using the word at all. It’s offensive because no matter how much effort we’ve put into ridding the world of that word, black people still throw it around like it’s nothing and then pin it on white people for having said it. It’s not the white people who have kept this word lingering for “many, many years”, its the black people.
“After the fact?” what after 200 years?? i dont think Elizabeth Hasselback was alive back then! Why should one racial group be allowed to use a word and it be sooo wrong for another group to say it? why want to use that word in your own language if it is SOOOOO offesnsive??? does that make sense??? NO!
the meaning of that word means “ignorance”
What 2 hundred years are you idiots refering to? Slavery was ended in this country in the 1860′s. The civil right amendment was signed less than 50 years ago. You are showing your lack of understanding of history but it appears you can’t even count. This country was founded just over 200 years ago. The slave trade was made illegal in the UK in 1807 and outlawed throughout the empire in 1833. The US didn’t take those positions until 30 years later! The civil rights amendment was not ratified until 1964 and it was written for a reason, racism was still an issue that required the government to act. 1964 is within the lifetimes of many people living today on both sides of the issue! One can recognize the racial divide (that yes, still exists in this country, just look at any economic data that factors in race) unless you are some close-minded, unaware fool who decided that no one has the right to react to things that happened to them personally. If one was 18 when the amendment was passed they would be 65 today. James Hood, who George Wallace and angry mobs tried to stop from intergrating the University of Alabama is still alive today! I guess he should just get over it since all racism stopped 200 years ago, since math is not your strong suit that would be 1811 and things were so great for black people from 1812 on. Maybe some facts instead of your completely unfounded, foolish opinions. Passerby should keep on walking…maybe to a book store, or a history class!!
I’d just like to raise the point that black people, in this thread, have been accused of getting into college unfairly, ending up in the slums based on their inability to work hard, being totally lazy, and blaming other people for their problems. I’d ALSO like to point out that there are TONS of rednecks — i.e., happily-ignorant WHITE people — who constantly do these SAME EXACT THINGS. Again, I see both sides of the argument, and I totally anticipated this becoming a really heated topic on INO — good job, Vera
— but there’s also a lot of closeted racism running through these comments. Not all black people are lazy freeloaders who hate white people and play the race card. There are a lot of hardworking black folks who simply want the best for their families and want to earn a living in a respectable way. Just sayin’…
You are right…and not all white people are trailer trash, fat, lazy, greasy haired red necks that are missing teeth…..just sayin!
I don’t understand why people are making this so complicated…
It’s IGNORANT people who invented the “N” word because they didn’t understand how beautiful and culturally rich African-Americans are. Like most ignorant people who don’t understand something, they humiliated, degregated, and segregated in order to hide their ignorance and stupidity.
It was IGNORANT people who brought the term to life and it is IGNORANT people today who are keeping the “N” word alive.
who am I to judge or to say, “oh no, you can’t use that word because i can’t and we all have to be able to use the same words.” …..what you just said it racist honey! if you can say the word bc you are black and i cant bc i am white the is RACIST!!!!!!!!!!!!!! such FING DOUBLE STANDARDS! IL USE ANY WORD I WANT!
We have freedom of speech in this country, honey. So use the word, or any word, if you want to, honey. Just be ready to accept the consequences when you do.
Wow. That was excellently articulated– thanks! I think that Jesse Jackson is abhorrent, personally. His comments about Obama revealed him to be a complete idiot, and I just really, really hope that it doesn’t hurt Obama’s campaign. “He doesn’t understand black people.” GOD. SHUT UP, JESSE JACKSON. We have a candidate who DOES want what’s best for blacks, and here’s an elder self-designated spokesman totally trying to bring him down. Great.
“They can have an opinion, but… don’t take a word that you created and called me for many, many years, and then me being in my position,……WE DIDNT CREATE THIS WORD, PEOPLE FROM HUNDREDS OF YEARS AGO DID!
Whoopis needs to shut her fat a$$ mouth up! she is racist!
I really don’t think you read or comprehended what this person was trying to say.
Why does it have to be whats best for blacks?? Why cant it be whats best for all people of AMERICA???? if someone said i want to do what is best for whites, it would be “racist.” this needs to stop, we are all humans, we all have the same bodily functions, we all bleed the same color! its comments like yours that keep this world segragated, and make it look like white people are so racist! i am sick of this double standard!
This nation has said just that since it’s founding! Since that was the major concern from 1776 to 1964, we should talk again in 2152 when everything is even. Jim Crow laws, which again were enforced until the 1960′s and in many cases beyond, were based on all of the ideas you expressed. That non-whites were not fully human, had to be separated when exercising their bodily functions and whose blood was considered different and unclean. YOU ARE SICK OF THIS DOUBLE STANDARD! Not all of the commentors on this board are racist but I am very comfortable saying you “Passerby” are at least as ignorant as any racist that stood in the crowds who showed up to fight the civil rights amendment in the 60′s. Since many of those people are still alive today, I am sure they have completely changed their point of view. I am so glad we have white people like you to tell us how great it is for minorities today. And based on the immoral oppression of generations of your ancestors you most certainly should be the one to proclaim when all is forgiven and it is time to move on! Idiot.
One of the big problems with the N word is when people in Europe use it and do not understand the context. Where I live most of the kids here say “yeah, he’s a n*****”. When they really mean black. I have to continually drive into their heads that if they said that to an African American or any other Black person they could get the crap beaten out of them. They don’t understand the issue or the word. And why should they? This is not just an issue in the U.S. but abroad where the movies, music and television a lot of people watch is from the U.S. I mean, fine, use that word if you want to. Just don’t expect people from other countries or people who who do not know English as a first language or it’s history not to and understand why they should’t. A lot of people mimic their idols. These stars have to realize that their fan base and responsibility does not only like in the U.S.
After-the-fact meaning after his community has found a way to turn the meaning around for themselves. Some of you aren’t understanding what he said.
As a black woman, I HATE the “n” word. I feel like no one, even black people should use it. Unfortunately, other people feel differently
Obama is completely justified in his concern for black culture, and I appreciate the fact that he was stern in his declarations that black men need to be held accountable for the well-being of their families. He wasn’t pandering to anyone — which is what a lot of politicians DO during the four or so months preceding a national election. It was a speech he delivered on Father’s Day to a mostly (if not all) black congregation in a church, and he recieved some mixed responses to it — which garnered that response from Jesse Jackson in which JESSE used the N-word. Like it or not, our feelings about race are something that we need to examine right now. It doesn’t make anyone a racist to question these things. It makes you a thinking, logical, reasonable human being.
Passerby at 2:26, I agree with you 100%. When there is a stigma attached to a word or anything else, the way you get rid of it is by taking control and turning it into a positive thing. It’s sort of like beating them to the punch. I know this is a stretch as an example, but it’s like someone going through chemotherapy who shaves their head before the radiation makes it fall out. Being proactive rather than being a victim has an amazingly positive effect. This word has evolved and is now a term of endearment, sort of, in the black community when it is used the right way. Yes, there are people who will still choose to use it as a derogatory term – THAT is offensive.
BTW, I’m sorry, did I miss the part where either Taye Diggs or Donald Faison said that no one besides black people are allowed to use this word? The discussion is about Elisabeth Hasselbeck being OFFENDED by people who have used the word, as far as I can see.
This is AMERICA, we are all equal! So he should be concerned with everyone! Not just black people!
Ugh. You really, honestly, truly don’t get it, and I know that I’m wasting my energy by even typing a response. So I’ll stop.
He is concerned with everyone. Why are you making a big deal about him making a speech directly towards black people? Since when is that wrong? Im sure Obama will be making many more speeches towards everyone in the coming months. Its people that make a huge stink about one instance or two that continue this segregation. Bush has been talking to rich old white men for the past 8 years. Has he been concerned with everyones well being?
The point is he made a speech directly to balcks.. if a whote person made a specch just for whites hed be “racist.” Thats why!
it was at a church to a black congregation!! period! should he not go and speak to black people at a black church and make a speech that relates to them?
well why do you refer to it as a “black church?” there are NO “white churches.” do you see what I am saying YET????????????
LMFAO at this: “there are NO white churches.” Sweetie, you need to visit Virginia sometime. Or any American town, for that matter.
Um, Elizabeth isn’t being closed-minded. I think the others are. She’s saying that we should be more open and accepting: making no distinction between race about what we can or can’t say.
I think it’s best to remember that you shouldn’t overgeneralize everything. Yes, we know not EVERYONE did this or EVERYONE did that. When I mention that someone was lazy or whatever, I’m not talking about their whole race. That’s why stereotypes pop up..
Yeah, I think it’s funny that he said “don’t take a word that YOU created” also using the words “they”.
Last time I checked white people of this generation aren’t responsible for making that word, and neither are black people.
Words are just that, words. The context of a word is what poeple should be concerned about. And this concept of “word” ownership? Please.
Taye Diggs doesn’t know what it’s like to be white in this day and age and the tremedous guilt STILL being passed down on our generation for people who don’t even exist.
As a women anyway, I find it offensive that anyone, a black man included, has the nerve to get all worked up over discriminatin. Black men had the right to vote before women – and a black man is likely to get into the whitehouse before a woman of any color. Men still hold all the chips in this world, black, white, asian, hispanic…
Again, please.
I’m sick of the “us vs. them” mentality and I’m sick of that “N” word period.
If anything stop using it because people aren’t grown up enough to use it without acting like sniveling babies about it.
I find it interesting that people fail to realize that the n-word was not only used towards slaves, but towards people up until the mid-1950s – on signs in restaurants, bathrooms, stores and on buses – when segregation started to become unlawful – a result of the Supreme Court in Brown v. the Board of Education (1953). So to say that none of the black people alive today were slaves is a understatement. They may have not been slaves in the traditional sense, but to require someone to sit at the back of the bus, not be able to attend a school they wanted to, or to not get married to someone due to a difference in skin color (or be killed for it) does make them a slave. Up until the 1950s many people in the south didn’t have the “freedom of choice” we all do today. And in today’s society, some still don’t (i.e. Mississippi).
As far as continuing the use of the word today, I believe that a lot of AA are still hurt by what happened so recently in our history. It doesn’t make it right that they use the word, but it is the one thing that our society gave to them during that time which they took a spin on (positive or negative) and made their own. Why should anyone take it from them now?
Why is that ok for their to be Black and Latino only things but not to include cacasions???????????????????????????????????????
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Well, how about because you own everything else. As far as there being some very few to none simple little things for Blacks and Latinos, white people are in control of that as well. There is nothing, absolutely nothing that blacks have, that white people don’t have a hand in. This country was built on the backs, blood, sweat, tears of blacks, and for who and what? For you all to reap the benefits, and still call all the shots. Come on, you must go systemically in order to get to the surface. You are so far from right when you say slavery no longer exists, well it exists all over the world, including right here in the U.S.A. You may not be or may not have been a slave owner, but whites are carrying on that mentality. You are born privileged just by the very color of your skin, and guess what you all act just that way. So how do you think we are supposed to feel?
NAACP?? I don’t think “whites” have a hand in that. What about the African American Sororities and Fraternities? I know that if I, as a white woman, tried to walk into Alpha Kappa Alpha I would be turned away, but in the same respect, if an AA woman walked into any sorority and was turned away it would be racist. it’s bs….
You are paranoid, reactionary and racist. Not all whites carry on this mentality, fyi.
I don’t own CRAP! And I’m white. ALL whites are born into privilege as soon as they’re born? Are you living under a rock or what? You’ve never heard of the poor white people living in the Ozarks and trailer parks? Oh, and THEY get made fun of, of course, because they’re white. See the double standard now?
This country was also built on the blood sweat and tears of Mexican, Chinese and European immigrants, among others. So get off your soapbox. And another thing – slavery is going on still to this day all over the world, but not just to black people. Get a clue!
I’m so tired of self-important, stupid people!
Your full of crap!!!!!!!!!!!!! Who says that the ones who started segregation aren’t still alive??????????? There are people who are in their 100s still alive and kicking!!! Go down south and see that there are still separate proms and it is 2008!!! Have your ancesters told you that they had to sit in the back of the bus?? Separate bathrooms and drinking fountains? Or couldn’t eat in a restaurant?? Or couldn’t even check into a hotel?? Do you face discrimination on a daily basis of people staring at you just because your white?? And don’t think that white people don’t use the N word as a racial slur in these days because they still do because that is what they’ve been taught to do all their lives and how their family thinks. You will never understand how it is to be black because you will never live it out and if you had the opportunity you would want to change back to your race in a matter of seconds!!!! It’s amazing how some white people think that black people are complaining or we’re giving a double standard…we have to fight everyday to prove ourselves in so called “America – Land of the Free”. And the Native Indians here…look at what have they and still go through…living on reservations and facing too many hardships and look at what they’re ancesters went through. They had tribes that were completely wiped out when the white settlers came to take the land that belonged to them. Remember the black ancesters were not brought over here by choice, but forced over here with no option to say, NO! Here it will always be about black and white..nothing is going to change that as much as would like to change because we still have racists who refuse to change. And the whole thing with the African American and Latino scholarships…remember this we have to do this because there IS STILL DISCRIMINATION AGAINST OTHERS WHO ARE NON-WHITE…and may not take a person’s application because of the color of their skin or ethinicity. So don’t try to sugar coat the real situation at hand and blame on us like we’re “complaining” because you don’t have a clue. Why don’t you be black for a week and you’ll just get a taste of what we go through…some days are okay and some days are horrible. Not saying all races don’t go through the daily motions of just life, but some have it harder than others that to this day is still not understood and never will be. And one more thing “cacasion” is spelled: Caucasion.
Slavery didn’t just happen to African Americans. If you go back far enough in bloodline you will find a slave because slavery has existed in practically every part of the world. There was actually a country in North Africa (may have been an island) that brought more European slaves to Africa than the amount of Africans originally brought to North America and you don’t hear anyone complaining…
As for the “extreme discrimination against black people” there is also much discrimination against whites because the are deprived of so many thing such as minority scholarship just because of their heritage.
I live in the Heart of Georgia near Atlanta (doesn’t get more “Southern” than that) and I have never heard of a segregated prom on my life but moving on…
By the way Indians lived here for thousands of years and all the built were dirt mounds…. Then came the Europeans and the created the most powerful country in the world…
If Blacks were brought over here by force and don’t want to live here then they can go back to Africa where everyone is in poverty.
As for the scholarship I don’t think that race should even be on the application. Why does it matter anyways?
They’re using it because it takes away the pain? What if a white person wants to help take away the pain and use it in a loving way?
“There are NO white churches” WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? Come to my church… It’s about 1,000 people and at the most 10 people aren’t white…
I agree that there are many hard working black people but something doesn’t become a stereo type for no reason. There is some truth in almost everything…
“the word” is like the word Negro (Spanish for black) so if it is offensive than the word black should also be considered offensive and in that case white is an inaccurate term as well. lastly, if they are referred to as African Americans is it okay for me to be offended when I am called white instead of European American?
I understand what you are saying but that’s still really stupid. (That’s like anyone who has ever been called a bitch trying to change the meaning of the world to mean beautiful lady but you can only use in that sense if you have been called that.) Hopefully you see what I am saying…
Wrong…..wrong….DEAD WRONG……..POINT OF FACT!!
1949 – White women in America got the right to VOTE
1965 – Black men AND women got the right to VOTE…..
LOOK IT UP and get your DAMN FACTS RIGHT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
C’mon people, if you’re gonna quote some one, make sure you get your facts right….
I dont think anyone should use the n word it is degrading and hurtful. And if black people knew the meaning behind the word they wouldnt use it either. This is why we need to educate ourselves on our history and stop being stupid.
Elisabeth Hasselbeck is nothing but a worthless piece of trash. I’m Afro-Cuban and there’s no way in the world I would ever make a racial joke using the “C” word around the present of White people. They’ll definitley get offended if we used that word against them! So you people whining like little bitches need grow the fuck up! Little pussies!
A Elite In Paris, I have wondered the same thing too. Why does this little shit cause so many controversies?
Thank God I’m not the only one who noticed this. I’m willing to bet that she’s a member of the Ku Klux Klan(KKK).
i think we all need to move on and chill – i don’t care who calls who what if u want to call yourself the n-word go for it – i just think if you constantly think things are directed at you because of your color or whatever then you are the worst racist – i am Caucasian and i am from a place that never had slavery nor did i know about it nor my ancestor but just because my skin color is white and i don’t care about all this racist stuff i am called a racist just because i am white so somehow people are just so obsessed with this racist stuff and we all need to moveeeee on – if we all would keep on talking about the past and would try to go back in history and try to blame everyone today for what was done back in the days nobody would love anyone and we all would find a reason to hate each other and the world even more – so people you all need to MOVE ON – and i just don’t understand why some people are so annoyed by black people calling them self the n-word between friends and so on – why do we spend do much time talking and arguing about things that shouldn’t bother anyone – i rather have black people called them self the n-word then some non black people trying to call them self the n-word which when i came to this country and still don’t understand – so people chill and lets try to make this world a great place to live in
You know, it’s a negative word so it shouldn’t be used by anybody. Furthermore, I don’t understand when people start using the word “racist” out of context. It’s like using the line, “How goes the good fight?” Well, last time I checked there really isn’t a “good” fight. So, upon using the word racist, one is saying they hate the human race. What? Well, last time I checked, and I don’t claim to be the smartest person alive, but there is only one race….the human race. I mean, call me an idiot, but we are ONE race of humans separated by different ethnic groups…Right?
For me, when you hear a person speak it says a lot about their intelligence. So if they decide to use a lower form of communication, then they can’t complain when someone doesn’t treat them with respect. Grow up and use your words! Slang isn’t proper. That word has got to go.
When I was a little kid, I used to listen to rap and hip hop (not little, little, but young enough to not know what the N word meant). I used to hear puff daddy and 2Pac say “N- this, N- that, you a N-” and so I would say it too, not knowing what I was saying. Then my parents informed me of the meaning… As a child I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t allowed to say a word that they were using themselves ~ it causes confusion. If it’s a bad word that you don’t want to hear, nobody should say it, whatever color. That’s called ‘double standards’ or ‘hypocrisy’ and most people do not appreciate that.
Also, I believe it’s racist to blame a whole race of people for things that other people of the same race have done… You don’t blame current Germans for Hitler, so don’t blame (currently living) white people for slavery that happened years ago. THAT is racist.
@ Anon –
“1949 – White women in America got the right to VOTE”
Sweetie get YOUR facts right, women had the right to vote well before 1949, a quick google search can tell you that.
I think it’s interesting that a woman who’s greatest accomplishment was birthing children with a football player is even considered to be a signicant enough prescence to even be on the view. She’s made uneducated assumptions before and I am sure she will do so again. How she deigns to try to tell anyone to say or even feel is beyond me. For someone who once campaigned for second ammendment rights, she’s certainly changing her tune.
I am a black woman and I have never used the word, nor do I permitt my black friends to use it around me. For me, it is not a term of endearment. And for the record, black celebrities don’t speak for me or our race as a whole. They are entitled to their opinion as I am to mine. I am in agreement with Elizabeth. It should not be used by anyone, PERIOD.
First of all, to Taye Diggs: Who are YOU to say that “we don’t have the right” to say anything? That’s the problem with people today – trying to take away freedom of speech all the time. You may not like what I have to say, but dammit, I’m going to say it!!!! This America, NOT A COMMUNIST DICTATORSHIP!! And I didn’t invent nor did Hasselback invent the “N” word. It was invented by southern white slave owners as a way to say “Negro”. Like they say “critter”, which actually means creature. It’s their accent and way of talking. It BECAME racist because that is what they called (disrespectfully) their slaves instead of by their names. And then it went on to mean a black person in general thru the decades.
Mr. Diggs, you’re just another black person trying to blame ALL whites for what some did in the past and take away our right to speech. I say you need to keep YOUR mouth closed on the subject if you’re going to think you can tell US the same thing. You’re not God and you have no political power, so stop acting like you do.
To Donald Faison: Black people are always trying to say we need to educate ourselves about racism and realize that the “N” word is bad and shouldn’t be said. So to say that a white person getting offended by it is weird doesn’t make any kind of sense. We don’t know what kind of power it has on you? Please. Let me make this simple….we were brought up thinking the word was bad, so we’re not going to like it. Get it? Now, it’s not OUR fault that some of you in the 60′s decided to change the word and use it as a “term of endearment”. We still don’t like it and we still get offended. You should be happy about that. This just seems like more complaints for the sake of complaining. Are you EVER happy?
Total hypocrisy. Most of you people commenting wouldn’t get upset if it were a Liberal Democrat who said what Elizabeth said. You’d be cheering on Joy or Rosie if one of them had said it. smh
Remarkable issues here. I am very happy to look your post. Thanks a lot and I’m taking a look ahead to contact you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?
Why does this woman start so many controversies?
Because she’s a total attention whore. HOW did this thing START, anyway?!
Oh, yes. Never mind. I just remembered: Jesse freaking Jackson. THANKS, JESSE. Go hop on McCain’s bandwagon and shut your piehole.
“This woman” is on a television program called The View, i.e. her views on the subject of the day. She is not trying to start any controversy, she is merely voicing her opinion.
I don’t care how many ways they try to explain it… bottom line is no society should have ‘words’ only a select group is allowed to use. That is discrimination too you know.
If a yellow person can use one word but an orange person can’t, or a purple person or a green one… get it? Why is one color allowed to use a word but no other? I don’t see any other color or people trying to have a word that is all theirs.
Get over it.
At one point in all our history every color of people has been abused, discriminated against forced into indentured servitude. Yes even WHITES. The Irish were indentured servants as well as several other white skin nationalities.
Allowing blacks to have a word that no one else can use is not right or fair.
I completely agree!!!!
If a word should not be used it then it should not be used AT ALL! No loopholes, no exceptions.
No race or gender or whatever should be above that rule.
I agree… If we keep setting “rules” about what one race can do and the the other can’t than how can we all be considered the “same”?
Well Hogan as Soldier that has gone to war for people to have the right to an opinion, I strongly disagree with the statement you made. White people have never been abused! They have fought with every nationality there is! Fact is they screwed the Native American Indians, whose only flaw by the way was trusting them in the first place, African American people were bought and sold as property and built this very country on the slave labor and unrecognized contributions of African American people, and now you have a new type of slave being the Hispanic race, they are used to do the jobs that nobody wants to do and paid pennies….. As far as the N word it is a racially charged word that reminds people of color of a past that will never die! As for making the word for people of color only that is retarded due to the fact it will never be that way. Why would I want to have this word anyway? There is no way to make it positive nor something to be proud of being called. I have a word that everyone she try on for size and that word is EQUAL!!!! In 2010 as an officer in the military I am still treated different. I am still watched in a store yes even in uniform! I am still treated like a second class citizen lacking even a basic education. EQUAL, EQUALITY are my words but will it ever happen?????
I agree with second comment. This is why we still have division between races. So I have to teach my son that it is OK that his African American friend uses n word and that it is not OK for him to use it because he is white.
I think I am so tired of black people saying to the media or anybody that will listen that it is just so tough for them…….and it’s hard being black. Many many years ago I would probably agree w/ that statement but today we as americans have a black presidental canidate leading in the polls. Slavery is no more! People don’t have the right bring up slavery happening to them! It didn’t happen to them or their parents or their grandparents. in 08 w/ Obama being where he is people just need to understand the whoa is me attitude iis not or should not get you far. Black and white people weren’t from the same world but look at the progress over the years!!
You have to remember ending slavery didn’t put an end to discrimination. Many people who grew up during the Civil Rights Movement are still alive. However, I do believe buying into this mess only slows down the healing process.
Where do you think Obama is I think he is a scapegoat. The one who will take over after the biggest mistake in america leaves. He will not be abe to fix anything, and he will be a one term president. America is good on giving republicans eight years to f*** up and only four years to fix their mistakes.
So again it will be the black mans fault
I actually see where Elizabeth is coming from, and I also see where Whoopi’s coming from. But I’ve heard too many (white) people my own age use the word very flagrantly, so I think its proliferation may be hard to ignore. I automatically bristle when I hear it, just as I loathe hearing people say the F-word — the one that ends with A-G, that is. There are also a LOT of white kids who listen to N-word happy hardcore rap and hiphop, and they may not understand the power of racial slurs. To them, it’s just Nas’ album title or something. They don’t really get our country’s history of lynchings, beatings, riots, etc. It’s a dangerous thing, and I honestly don’t really feel comfortable discussing it, since I can’t relate to a racial struggle. I’m as white as they come, but I’ve got a few black friends — ALL of whom have been victims of racism or other general bigoted human stupidity. It’s 2008. It just makes me really sad.
I have to agree with number 2 and 3. I don’t hear of any other races using impolitically correct words as “terms of endearment.”
How does it even make sense to use a word that was once used against them as a term of endearment? I can’t see homosexuals calling each other the F word or the G word as a term of endearment in the future. Can someone explain this to me?
Then you obviously don’t know any of us.
There comes a point in time when you have to say “Enough is enough.” I have one white/black child and 2 white/middle eastern children. What am I supposed to tell them?
“Ok, now, for you older 2, you’re technically white, but not really, because people are still going to discriminate against you because you’re “darker” than them, but not really white….so while you’re younger brother, who is half black can use the “N” word, you can’t…and neither can I, but hey, maybe someday you 2 can turn the racial slurs for your ethnic group into terms of endearment and you’ll have those words all for your very own.”
WTF? Seriously. How MORONIC does that sound?
I’m with Elisabeth all the way!!! Whoopi and Sherri don’t know everything like they think they do.
I always thought hell would freeze over the day I agreed with EH. But, ummm, i guess that day is today. Being an AA woman it’s really sad that my ppl actually considers a word that was used to tear us down and disgrad us for hundreds of years as a “term of endearment.” Endearment for whom. And I agree with the person above. I really don’t see gay ppl using the F word as a “term of endearment” in the near future. I really don’t know the credentials they use to select the women on the view but they need to re-think it. I’m a little ashamed that it takes a white person (no offense, really) to stand up and speak out about a word that should not be used and then to have two black women turn around and say you are wrong we use this word as a “term of endearment.” Are you f****** kidding me. God. Our AA heros died for us to have so much and it’s a damn shame we take it all for granted.
Exactly!
She stated an opinion! God forbid!! JEez look at fat a$$ whoopi she is a BIT&C on that show to Elizabeth and no one calls her out
Oh, let’s attack fat people, now. That’s cool, too. And Elizabeth is known for saying some VERY DUMB THINGS, and Whoopi is known for being very sharp-tongued. Are you shocked?
oh so “shes known” for that! she has balls and im glad she said what sha did bc its the damn truth! get all that wax out of your ears so you can listen and be more open minded
Why is Whoopie considered a B****? just because she does not kiss that anorexia looking IGNORANT/INSENSITIVE wish I had a real talent scanks flat a$$.
I’m sorry but some of the comments are really ridiculous. Its not right to blame a certain group for keeping the word alive today. I’m a black woman who doesnt use the “n” word but I hear it from both blacks AND whites! We cant sit here and pretend that racism is completely gone from this country. Whites and blacks don’t always have the same opportunites and experiences. Even here in this blog, we have people saying that blacks always play the race card or that all whites are for equal opportunity. I attended a predominantly white institution and have seen several instances of racism, one in particular where white students smeared dog feces on the door of the NAACP and wrote “Hang All The N****rs”. Yes, we all bleed the same color but the reality of the situation is that until we all take the time to understand one another and realize that we don’t all face the same issues in the country, we are going to be arguing about the same mundane topics. This one included.
I work with a girl of African, Cherokee and West Indian descent, and I was HORRIFIED to learn that another one of our coworkers had recently been dropping the N-bomb around her; I was mostly aghast because I honestly didn’t view this other coworker as a racist person. I wanted SO BADLY to run straight to my boss, but the girl just sort of shrugged and said she just pitied the dude who said it, and claimed that tattling on him would be more trouble than it was worth. RACISM STILL EXISTS, PEOPLE. Just because you’d like to think of yourselves as evolved, it doesn’t mean everyone ELSE is! Inequalities still exist, and like the above poster indicated, the ONLY way we’ll get beyond all this crap is to address it head on and realize that there are certain ethnic groups that are still targeted and held back because of their heritage. Oh, and I’m really sorry to hear about the dipsh!ts who attended your college. I hope they were punished for it, and I can only hope that they learned some sort of lesson.
I agree with you.
It’s clearly obvious by now all over the media and the internet that those who claim exclusive rights to the n-word are the overwelmed minority ! This is a Democracy, and majority rules, so we don’t wamt to hear that word come out of your mouth !!!
I’m so excited, if that can be ok during this topic, because other people UNDERSTAND how wrong it is to use the N word in any form. I’ve tried to explain to friends that it doesn’t matter how you use it or in what context you feel is “ok” to use it and none of them really understand. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard it being said that if you say N-er it’s wrong/bad, but if used as N-a, everything is “cool”. Ok, so why then isn’t there an uproar when every other word in rap music is the N word, in BOTH contexts? I agree with so many other posters saying that it is STILL because of this effing word that there is cultural divide within our country. And another thing, Taye Diggs says that Elisabeth (or white people for that matter) don’t know what it’s like to be black…well, from all the publicity this topic brings out, white people are getting an idea. I mean, look at CNN– they’re running a special on what it’s like to be black in America. Yeah, I’d like to see a special called “White in America” and hear the backlash from that. We are, afterall, the MINORITY now. Check it out in the census.
“We are, afterall, the MINORITY now. Check it out in the census.” Alright. So who serves you burgers, collects your tolls on major highways, busses your table, and cleans your hotel rooms? Minorities are usually the ones to hold those super-enviable positions, and they’re definitely not making enough to live comfortably. That argument is just absolutely invalid. Sorry.
“BTW, I’m sorry, did I miss the part where either Taye Diggs or Donald Faison said that no one besides black people are allowed to use this word? The discussion is about Elisabeth Hasselbeck being OFFENDED by people who have used the word, as far as I can see.”
You’re right, none of them did. Pretty sure they were saying that it’s still used by them because it means something different to them. What’s wrong with that?
PS,
All words in All languages have roots and origins and meaning, and nobody has the right to redefine a word or rewrite a language !
Oh, I forgot, they live in a different world.
I am white and I am talking to the ignorant (yes!) white commenters here:
It does this society no good when people who are not Black and have very little contact with any Blacks start talking like they know all about being Black, like they are experts in race issues or something. Suddenly, we’re “all the same”. You even say, what do you mean, Black? We’re suddenly “green or purple” when it comes to White people being told they are not the experts in something (or should I say, the “deciders”).
People — please take a course in racism (yes, such a thing exists) and learn a thing or two before you start spouting off your ignorance. Taye Diggs could not have been any more respectful and clear with his statement.
I couldn’t agree more, and I like your dig at “the deciders.”
The current top “decider” is gonna be gone in less than six months! Are you as excited as I am?
Elizabeth can be offended by the use of a word, if its so offesive it should not be used by anyone….. That is racist if one race can say it but others cant! That is SEGRAGATION! Read up on that closed minded one!
If you say that no one should use the n-word, then why not restrict the f—, a–, h—, etc? It’s just a word. A few years ago blacks would be ticked at whites saying the n-word because it’s offensive to them. Now they don’t want it said because it’s theirs?!?! When did the word switch from being offensive to being owned by the blacks?? I think the blacks need to get over the fact that slavery existed in the past. I think the BLACKS need to stop abusing the WHITES.
“I think the blacks need to get over the fact that slavery existed in the past. I think the BLACKS need to stop abusing the WHITES.”
#1. If slavery didnt exist, the BLACKS wouldnt even be in this country. THAT is a REALITY!! Most blacks didnt come here by CHOICE!
#2. How are blacks abusing whites?! Are you serious?
This is why racism still exists. Because people want to say things like blacks abuse whites or whites abuse blacks, etc etc. The Nword has been around longer than a few years. Try to educate yourself on the topic before you attempt to contribute to a discussion. Blacks dont use the N-er form of the word. They changed to the N-ga and use that as a greeting or a term of endearment. And clearly it is more than “just a word” or this discussion wouldnt be taking place!
For those of you who say that black people should not mention slavery because that time has passed need to get off of the high moral horse. Racism is alive and well. And until you are black or a minority for that matter you have no right to tell black people to get over the slavery thing…..GTFOH!
Yes, I agree that racism exists in this country. But not in my house. I am not racist, and that’s the end of the story. I can’t speak for my white friends.
Hello, WHITE people are now the minority!!! And I for one have been the victim of discrimination from black people on several occasions simply bcs of the color of my skin. I’m sorry I’m white and you are another color, doesn’t mean I deserve to be punished for the color of my skin! I have never treated anyone unfairly or differently based on skin color, race, religion… nor has any member of my immediate family or even my grandparents whom are long dead. So why do I have to be pursecuted. It’s called HISTORY for a reason, it’s in the past. Learn from it and move on. So according to your thoughts since I am a minority I do have the right (and esp since I have been a victim too) to tell black (who are NOT the MINORITY anymore by a long shot) to get over it!?!
Hello, white people are now the minority!!! _________
And I for one have been the victim of discrimination from black people on several occasions simply bcs of the color of my skin. I’m sorry I’m white and you are another color, doesn’t mean I deserve to be punished for the color of my skin! I have never treated anyone unfairly or differently based on skin color, race, religion… nor has any member of my immediate family or even my grandparents whom are long dead. So why do I have to be pursecuted. It’s called HISTORY for a reason, it’s in the past. Learn from it and move on. So according to your thoughts ( Passerby )since I am a minority I do have the right (and esp since I have been a victim too) to tell black people(who are NOT the MINORITY anymore by a long shot) to get over it!?! Right??!!??
Yo, 3:10, what are you talking about? It happens all the time. What do you think a fag is exactly? At least in this case, the people who are redefining a word are trying to do it in a positive way. More power to them.
It’s a disgusting word with terrible conotation, past and present. Why anyone would want to keep this hate filled word circulating, is beyond me!
i think the N word is absolutely degrading and disgusting. i dont care if you’re white, black, asian, mexican.. whatever. anyone who uses this word in ANY context, to me, just sounds ignorant.
i never saw this segment on the view, and dont really care to, but i dont think that word ever Needs to be used or said or even thought of.
I think Elisabeth got to upset because Shari and Whoopi were really going after her.
Dear god, people. Would you read the actual post instead of reacting to the comments. The only person who said that the word is completely, 100% taboo is Elisabeth Hasselbeck.
Oh, and the post at 3:19 is supposed to say “What do you think a f*a*g is exactly.
Ernestine:
YES!!!!!!!!
n*$%a PLEEZE!!!!!!!!!!!
Re:Passerby (not verified) said: For those of you who say that black people should not mention slavery because that time has passed need to get off of the high moral horse. Racism is alive and well. And until you are black or a minority for that matter you have no right to tell black people to get over the slavery thing…..GTFOH!reply Jul 21, 2008 @ 03:18 pm
Um duh WHITE people are now the minority!!! And I for one have been the victim of discrimination from black people on several occasions simply bcs of the color of my skin. I’m sorry I’m white and you are another color, doesn’t mean I deserve to be punished for the color of my skin!
I have never treated anyone unfairly or differently based on skin color, race, religion… nor has any member of my immediate family or even my grandparents whom are long dead. So why do I have to be pursecuted. It’s called HISTORY for a reason, it’s in the past. Learn from it and move on. So according to your thoughts since I am a minority I do have the right (and esp since I have been a victim too) to tell black (who are NOT the MINORITY anymore by a long shot) to get over it!?!
I don’t think the n-word should be used at all! And I don’t understand why the blacks “own” the n-word. It is a word that is utterly disgusting and degrading to them! Maybe they’re just being good sports about it. But then why do they get huffy when someone says they can’t use it?
I’m going to make a t-shirt that says, “GOOD RIDDANCE, YOU HATEMONGERING, ENGLISH LANGUAGE-RUINING, HOMOPHOBIC, PLANET-RAPING, WAR CRIMINAL AS$WIPE!” Do you want one? I’ll totally mail one to you! I’ll make sure it arrives before next January!
I COMPLETELY AGRE WITH WHOOPI.
Most black people in this world are ignorant. Wayyyy behind every other culture in the world in education. So it’s understandable that they do IGNORANT things. Like call each other the N word and think it’s cool.
I mean monkeys throw their poop at each other and think it’s cool and even laugh about it. I don’t see people getting upset over that.
Taye Diggs: so, how is that white wife of yours doing these days, hmmmmm?????
*rolls eyes.* Alright, kiddo. Go back to your video games and comic books or whatever. We all know you’re just being a jackas$.
I’m tired of the whole race issue. i am by no means racist, but being a young person in america today, you feel like you have to walk on egg shells around black people. If you call them black, they get offended, if you call them African American, they get offended, you LOOK at some of them the wrong way and your “being racist”! I’m tired of so many black people (not all of them) acting like the world OWES them something because of bad things that happened in the past. Your life is horrible because YOU made it that way. get over what happened so many years ago. Because if you look at the world today, and the “black” race, history is repeating itself, only this time it’s black vs. black! more and more are out there killing eachother, selling eachother, abusing eachother. You can’t blame the people of today for things that happened so long ago. And anyone who does, should read up on their history! I’m tiredddddd of people playing the race card. It’s done, it’s over. You bring the hatred upon yourselves for continuing to carry on such ridiculous ways. I’ve had people call me, “that white girl” or “move white girl” and yes i am white and i am proud to be, but it seems these days black people are trying use the word “white” against us, as a word of hatred or racism! get over yourselves, the world will never change, and racism will never end of you continue your ignorant ways of thought. ALL RACES HAVE DEALT WITH RACISM, AND YOU DON’T SEE THEM COMPLAINING ABOUT IT, OR BRINGING IT UP EVERY CHANCE THEY GET, OR USING IT FOR ATTENTION. THE WORLD OWES YOU NOTHING IF YOU CONTINUE TO BRING IT UPON YOURSELF.
I don’t believe he ever said he hated white people, and the fact that he married one should pretty much indicate that he’s an evolved person. Have YOU ever dated outside your race?
AMEN! I COULD NOT AGREE MORE!
I personally do not use that word as I think its an ugly thing to come out of anybodys mouth. However at the same time, words only have so much power as we give them. If the african american community has chosen to use the n-word as a term of endearment than I accept that, I don’t understand it, but I’ll go with it. However I don’t think that if it’s going to be glorified in popular culture through music and movies etc… it is not exactly rational to get mad at anybody (no matter what their race) for using the word withing a “positive” context.
True story: I was in college in St. Louis and a black man approached me on the street. We started talking and stuff. (he was older and cool). I told him I was Puerto Rican (even though I am whiter than white) and he said I was alright with him then because I wasn’t really white but latino. I’ve faced racism and sexism and nationalism on more than one occasion.
Unless it’s with cheese.
For all those talking about the race card. Africans are still enslaving Africans on the mother continent. TODAY. Does that mean that you are alright with or a conspirator in the present enslavement? The Egyptians (Africans) enslaved the Jews for thousands of years. I don’t see them bringing that up. There is still child slave labor in parts of South America and Asia. Does that mean that all Asians and South Americans are to blame? Where does it end? If you want to play the race card and replay the past fine. Just remember, Africans were slave owners and still are. If you dish out a little take it all out. You can’t be selective with the past and only choose what seems correct in your mind frame. I know this is gonna sound harsh but I will say it. And hate me for saying it if you wish (although I do not take this subject lightly). All of you who are black who live in the U.S. due to past slave ownership would be stuck in Africa had that not happened. Are you willing to give up your rights, privileges and education (that you might not have had on the mother Continent) if slavery had not happened? Or have you gotten something out of the pain your forefathers bared? Is their a silver lining? And blues, rock, jazz and a lot of salsa music would not have existed without slavery. My point is: out of horrible things good can come. And if you are going to decide to use parts of history for your own benefit be prepared to have to face all of it and not only that which suits you. I apologize for any offense I might cause. It wasn’t meant to cause any. And yes, I am a cracker and you can’t call me one.
ok if white ppl find the word so repulsive etc why are they so worried about having a right to use it in the first place. i personally dont use this word, never have because no one in my family EVER did,and i would like if no one else did, but quite frankly i think this is a discussion the WE in the black community need to have, without interference from anyone else…at least thats the way i see it..
PERFECT.
And I appreciate that you wrote with knowledge and a clear argument rather than attacking specific posters for non-related factors.
the word ‘queer’ was once used as a gay slur, and now is used mainly by gay ppl to refer to themselves. the difference is that they have not publicly outcried the use of that word to ppl that do not find themselves a part of the gay community.
i think this issues has many layers and i think that most ppl on this site are right, even the opposing sides. But i think more relevant than slavery are the crimes against civil rights that many middle aged and older black ppl have felt, including the use of the N word. and maybe some of you should ask your grandparents/parents about the word so you can fully understand the issue.
again, i think there are a lot of undereducated people in the media talking out of their necks. I think the term was used more out of solidarity than out of endearment. but i think its taken a different path in recent years.
but i also understand that whilst it is blatantly a double standard, the same thing from different ppl can mean something different. and maybe ppl should just understand that and let this run its course. Not too long ago that Kramer dude said that N word, is anyone going to argue that him saying it came from a good place.
i don’t think white people want the right to use it. they’d prefer if no one did.
and sure, if there was a giant black community meeting to discuss this, then that’d be great.
but until that day comes (unfortunately never) these discussions will continue and everyone, regardless of their race, will have an input.
also, if this only affected black people, then a “black consensus” would work, but clearly it affects white people too.
You have a good point. I think a lot of white people might find it offensive because we are supposed to. Much in the same way that women find the word C**t offensive and men don’t. (I don’t really find it offensive but then again I don’t live in an English speaking country). It’s political correctness and something that is pushed on to you to not make you seem racist. Because God forbid you say something that is not racially motivated but makes someone think it it simply because the U.S. is a racially charged culture. That’s as an outsider, just imho. That is a simplification, but I think it’s part of it. It’s a conditioning. A word only has power if you allow it to.
Thanks. This is a hard issue to talk about. But you have to deal with the issue not feelings.
Its an ugly, degrading and racist term, no one should be using it and if the African American community had more respect for them selfs and their families and friends they would NOT be using this word. This word is not ‘cool’ and it should not be shrugged off as slang, it is a lazy, oppressive word that cheapens anything hard working African Americans have accomplished. I have many successful African American friends who would never in a million years use that word, thats where being educated comes into play.
The only reason there has been a resurgence of this word is because of lazy stereotypical people who say it in crappy rap songs or people acting the fool on reality t.v. I never understood how someone could sit and talk to be about all the suffering and oppression black folks have gone thru then holla ‘what up my nigga’ to their boy as he walks by. Its so ass backwards, an oxymoron in a sense. If African Americans truly do want to over come, truly do want to get the fuck out of the stank ass ghettos then they need to change their mind frame. They need to start getting educated and start making a difference instead of complaining about shit that happened hundreds of years ago. Blacks and whites and reds all have teh same opportunities in this country and if blacks feel the need to hang slavery over our heads but yet use the same ugly, derrogatory words those hate mongers did then guess what they are no better. Wallowing in the past and then having the balls to bring it into the present is detremental. It is posion to a whole generation and people need to wake up and see it.
It’s all about taking it from the people who created it out of hate, and turning it into something empowering. “Feminist” used to be a dirty word too, but I would proudly wear that badge. A lot of white people would be offended if you called them a redneck, yet there are whole comedy shows that glorify this term. What’s the difference?
this whole “us and them” mentality really makes me sad. It is the very root of all hate be it racism, sexism, agism or nationalism. When we separate ourselves from our fellow humans we only spur on the ugly cycle. I hope that one day there will be a human community rather than a white black asian or latino etc community. I know that is a very utopian hope, but I plan to live a long life so I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
Wow, really? You understand that the same opportunities AREN’T available to everyone? Racism is still alive and present, and many companies would rather hire a Caucasian person for a job, even if they were far less educated and qualified, than an African American.
Bravo!!!
I don’t understand why anyone that is white would ever use the N word. I’m not saying any of you are, but I would never call someone that EVER, but if I was black, maybe I would. I just don’t think Elizabeth or anyone else that is not black understands the issue, including me. I just say that I don’t think it should ever be spoken by a white person in regards to a black person. This is a really complex issue. haha I don’t know if I am making sense. I think its is confusing for someone to understand why black people would want to use a word that they don’t want anyone else to use. I wonder how the use of the word changed, or what caused the meaning to change.
I said the bravo and agree with you. But I have thought about it. The truth is that thinking we are better is what makes the world go round. It’s what gives a lot of societies (including the U.S. in a lot of instances) the opinion that they are better and should change the world in their image. It’s normal to want to make the world a perfect place. But we are not perfect. We are jealous, envious and many times malicious animals. Most people have to one up the other. Neighbors making sure their lawns or what have you are better than the others. When people visit our house everything must shine while in the bedroom it’s chaos. It’ s all about image and ego. A utopia cannot exist with ego. People have to be happy with what they have. People have to be happy being like everybody else. And for some that would stifle their individuality. I am not saying individuality is the same as consumerism. I just don’t think that utopia and individuality can coexist right now. Maybe it can. But you got an individual in a utopian society and everyone else is going to want to have what the individual has. I might not be clear, don’t know. I would love an ideal world but I don’t think our species will allow it. We are too flawed. At least in our technological age. Simplicity might be the key.
First – I am NOT an Elisabeth fan. but – even though I’m white, I know it is a terrible word and it makes me uncomfortable. Obviously it can’t strike the same cord with me that it does with black people but I think all round it is offensive and not a nice word – why would ANYONE use it?
I have always hated Elisabeth- it’ snice to see people finally agree with me. She should keep her mouth shut.
Whoopi and Sheri should keep their mouths shut!
I don’t particularly like Elisabeth either, I certainly dont agree with ANY of her politics however it is kind of her job and her right to express her opinion. Really the only thing that really bothers me about her is that she refuses to accept that there are grey areas to every issue, she just automatically assumes that only one person or point of view can be the right one, and that is just such a dangerous way of thinking for all people. I think that her redeeming factor though is that although we(I) may not agree with the things she has to say, at least her words and opinions spurn discussion. That is always something positive.
But I just hope he DOES disappear and that we don’t get McC… unh… no, I can’t even go there. The horror, the horror.
BARACK THE VOTE!
go to the bahamas.. the Bahamians use the word all the time.
go to the Bahamas and you will hear it a lot. by Black Bahamians.
i am black and i do use the n word and i am going to stop after today. the agrument that we have taken that word and made it a term of endearment is sooo stupid. i actually believed unconsciously that me using that word was funny and yes, a term of endearment but once you actually listen to that statment and analyze it… what is so endearing about it. all it does is conjure up racism, lynching, inequality, heartbreak and so much more. it negates what the civil rights movement was all about, it negates the history of black folks. i suggest that black folks really examine this word and think twice about using it. i know that i am gulity gulity of using it on a daily basis and that word will never ever cross my lips again. i really don’t care what white peoples opinions are on the issue however i have to side with elizabeth on this one and i can’t stand her at all!!! i think she is an idiot but in this case not so much.
I wish Barbra Walters would have sense enough to kick Hasselbeck off the show. All she does is cause controversy, oh but wait, what am I talking about controversey gets ratings and ratings gets Walters a big fat paycheck. (you all know she is the Exec. producer right?)
I will not voice my opinions about the use of the N word but I will voice my opinion about Hasslebeck, she is such a brat! She is allowed to be so mean to the other co-hosts (not to mention guests) and nothing is ever done about it. She needs to be taught a lesson in treating others how you want to be treated. She sure likes to dish it out but can rarely take it, and the girl will never just agree to disagree she just won’t let things rest.
Your post was the best I’ve read today. I totally agree with what you said. BRAVO!
I AGREEE WITH EVERYTHING YOU SAID.
Racism isn’t slavery! “For those of you who say that black people should not mention slavery because that time has passed need to get off of the high moral horse. Racism is alive and well” and people aren’t just Racist toward blacks so stop trying to make yourself seem special!
You are a jerk who just ends up sounding plain stupid in all your post!
FINALLY! Someone who I can agree with… I know what you mean! It’s like “white girl” is the new racial slur so instead of being called white I want to be called European American haha!
This has nothing to do with whether the fact you think Hasselbeck is a brat or not. It is about something much bigger. Besides you look like you are ten years old so what do you know.
How is her argument invalid? So now should people who are not qualified for jobs get them??? You are really closed minded! Your statement is just absolutely invalid. Sorry.
No, see, people who ARE qualified for these jobs — people with COLLEGE EDUCATIONS and people skills, etc. who also happen to be of non-Caucasian descent — don’t have NEARLY as good a chance of obtaining higher positions because they AREN’T WHITE. And that’s a FACT. Hell, WOMEN — of ALL RACES — still face this hurdle. And I think it’s giggle-worthy that you think I’M the close-minded one.
Well what are all of these “African American Scholarships” and “Latino Scholarships” for then????????? There are no “White Scaholarships.” You sure do have it ass backwards! In many jobs even if a person of a minority isnt qualified they have to pick them to be “fair.” And that is not “fair” to the person who really desevers the job is it? So why dont you give up iyour job then for someone of a lesser minority since they ” don’t have NEARLY as good a chance of obtaining higher positions because they AREN’T WHITE.” You make me sick to my stomach!
I highly doubt you know ANYthing about college — and if you have a diploma, your alma mater should either force you to reattend and actually earn it, or they should just take back that little piece of paper. Because you are one sadly ignorant person. I’m not even sure college courses would do you any good.
Easy there turbo. You’ve sunk to a new low.
Even though I don’t agree with most of what you’re saying, remember what you’re aruging.
First of all, the people who collect the tolls on the major highways where I live are WHITE. Secondly, I’m a former busser, and I’m WHITE! Third, I’ve had countless friends serve idiots like you burgers, and THEY’RE WHITE. Fourth, I’ve had family members work in hotels cleaning rooms, and you guessed it…THEY’RE WHITE. So, before you get on this STUPID image of a comment saying the argument is invalid, THINK about what you just said… clearly you know nothing.
I know exactly what I’m arguing, thanks.
Where in the hell do YOU live? North Dakota? Utah? Alaska?
Ohio. Thanks. Oh, and it’s NORTHWEST Ohio, Toledo, to be exact.
LOL!! Oh, wow. OHIO!!! A HOTBED of diversity!
CLEARLY you’ve never been to Ohio then. Just stay in your state and think you know it all.
try a different approach.
i know this is just a silly comment board of a website, but you’re coming off as a bully.
simply, unnecessary.
YOU ARE AN IDIOT… If you and a black person are trying to become a partner in a well known law firm and have the exact qualification they will pick the black person because it looks good for them to be “diverse”… I’m not saying that saying that sometimes blacks don’t get hired because of their race but in international cooperations it can actually give you a leg up…
Finally someone who knows what they are talking about…
If the n word with an a s a greeeting then everyone can use it!
You absolutely missed the point of that post.
You look like you stink!
Only when I haven’t showered for a while.
Haha, whats funny is how mad you are about being treated differently because of the color of your skin. Black people dont want to be treated differently by anyone either. Welcome to the other side.
Hogan (and everyone else on this thread claiming that whites are now the minority) I suggest you do some research on what is considered to be an ethnic minority.. in case u haven’t realized, it is not based off of numbers or population counts. True, in many places throughout the US the “minorities” out-number the white population, but they are still considered to be minorities. I know it seems a little confusing.. which is why alot of socialists prefer the term “subordinate group” . These groups of people have been categorized as this (or as we all know them as “minorities”) because they have been disadvantaged with respect to a dominant group in terms of social status, education, employment, wealth and political power. It is a very controversial issue because, yes, these people are in a sense treated differently simply because of their ethnicity. They have differing rights and privileges. But so do children, so do women, so do refugees. It sounds a little hypocritical to say this, but they have different rights so that they can be more equal to the rest of society. However, many of these rights are simply laws that protect these people from discrimination. So no, “white people” are not considered to be part of the minority in America, they are still, and will probably always be part of the dominate group. At least in this generation.
To all the fools on here who claim that slavery was hundreds of years ago, so why are black people still talking about it: My mother can remember seeing water fountains in the south where she was not allowed to drink water. I am 34 years old. These memories of being treated like shit by the citizens and government of our OWN COUNTRY are fresh wounds to the psyche and soul, not something that happened “hundreds of years ago.” And the word NIGGER is constantly still used by whites to call blacks “disgusting non-human thing.” Of course we make it a term of endearment among ourselves to take away the sting. And to all the fools who know nothing but their white, middle-class, straight, insular worlds, yes FAGS call each other FAGS in order to do the SAME THING that blacks do when they call each other NIGGER. Rather than telling black people what we need to do in order to create racial equality, why not take a look at yourself and your NARROW VIEW of people and the world. YOU do not know the black experience better than WE do. How can you even think such a thing? YOUR presumption of a superior perspective on OUR experience perhaps may be the DEFINITION of the RACISM that continues today.
There is racism everywhere. It ain’t popular to talk about but it’s there. Blacks don’t like white’s. White’s don’t like blacks. Nobody likes the Arabs. The Jews are always suspect. Latinos are for the poor mans job. Asians are for the food. Indians are the taxi drivers. And women are left to be …….ed. Guess what???? None of us are equal. Get over it. Hey African Americans be happy you ain’t Arab. You wanna talk about racism? You’re time is up.
Segregated water fountains are NOT the same thing as slavery and I am tired of people like YOU who act like you are the only one discriminated against! I would think that you of all people would understand that those in the Civil Rights Movement fought so that people wouldn’t use such hurtful words and now you want to use it as endearment! Way to respect your ancestors…
Hassle-Back means well but her judgment is poorer than poor. her greatest mistake is in believing that being politically correct is enuf to get people to love her. it isn’t. it makes her come across as inauthentic which irritates.
http://www.thetennischick.blogspot.com
“Hello, WHITE people are now the minority!!! “…. Excuse me? If you are talking about whites being the minority in America, you really need to get your facts straight. According to the United States Census Bureau for 2007 population estimates, there were 241,166,890 White alone. The next closest race was Black or African American alone at 38,756,452. That’s over 200 million difference. So your argument for telling minorities to “move on” and “learn from it” isn’t going to hold much weight when you don’t live that life. Slavery may be in the past, but racism is very much happening in the present. And just because you may not consider yourself to be racist doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty others out of the 300 million people in this country who are racist.
People act like whites are discriminated against but you are right… They are.
Slavery was cruel, despicable; tragic. The holocaust was cruel, despicable; tragic. These things amongst many other events in history were and are terrible. But we have to move on. If we keep holding on to the past, then we just hold ourselves in the past. There are terrible things happening in the world today. We have to unite as ONE race, ONE world and help each other in order to succeed as a whole.
I understand where African Americans are coming from, but at the same time, holding on to such words [n...] is holding a race back. I would never ask anyone to forget history. In fact it is impossible to forget the terrible actions of the past–but we must put it in the past. Most of us living today in 2008 are not responsible for what happened in the 1800s, early-mid 1900s. I believe it is cruel punishment for those who had nothing to do with slavery to feel the wrath of racism from those who had family members whom were slaves (grandparents, great grandparents perhaps).
I understand where Hasselbeck is coming from. She wants to rid the n-word ; with both endings ‘a’ and ‘er’. I think the n-word has too many meanings, and if said by different races it may or may not be acceptable and is taken in a different way—which is incorrect. Your race should not matter when it comes to grammar. I believe the n-word should be rid of, it is insulting to most people.
she have a blog on a tall celeb dating place “~~~ TALLMEET ~~~~COM ” u can find out what she said there
she’s hot…And I saw her several times on a tall celeb dating site ” TALLMEET .COM”seems she have so good time there..
questions to ponder—have you ever heard your 75 year old grandfather be called “boy” by someone of another race? have you ever been pulled over for no other reason than the color of your skin? as a child, were you ever spit on (by an adult white person) and called a n#%%er? have you ever reported such an incident to the police only to have them tell you “it’s no big deal”? has anyone ever said to your face that your high level of intelect is shocking due to your race? yes? no? the point i’m trying to convey is race does matter very much in america. it doesn’t matter if none of us were alive during the days of jim crow or slavery. the events i described above have happened to me personally. i grew up in long beach, california and i am 30 years old!
i don’t use the n-word, but it doesn’t bother me when it is used by my people. we have taken something that was meant for evil, and turned it into something good (my ni%%a–means brother, my ace, my man, my number one). i have noticed that women are doing the same thing with the word “b-i-t-c-h”. i don’t use profanity at all, but i notice that women refer to each other this way, yet it is disrespectful if a man uses it towards a woman. should men be mad that that it is politically incorrect to use this word in reference to women? i don’t think so. should white people be mad that they can’t use the n-word? i think the bigger question is why would they want to?
i used to have respect for ty and donald but now they suck.
You set it off very well @ tija and 6:20p.m.!!!!!! I can only hope and pray that you continue to share this knowledge of experiencing the N~word and changing the definition amongst our OWN!
As a black woman, I understand what Elizabeth was trying to say however reality is that racism exists in this country and maybe Elizabeth shoudl get on the podium and apologize for what her people have done to blacks in this country..that will be a good start.
Read these post and they are ridiculous “her people” “my people” ect; Everyone should take care of themself and their family but I don’t have more of an obligation to one person because they are the same race as me than I have to another because I can’t control that. Therefore Elisabeth shouldn’t have to apologize for anything!
It’s one thing to voice your opinions but why does she always end up in tears or screeching and unhinged when she does voice them? Even if she does have a sound argument she just sounds like a 5-year-old throwing a tantrum.
I like Donald’s statement. I just love that guy period. He wasn’t responding with a chip on his shoulder, just wondering where the hell she was coming from…personally, I never know where the hell she’s coming from. I can’t stand her.
But, he did make a good point. Just weirdness all around. And look how much anger and frustration it’s caused amongst people? I mean, you hardly ever see so many posts on these threads unless it’s a contest and look how this thing blew up?
There is still so much social tension in this country you gotta wonder if we’re ever going to get over it or if this will just continue as long as we inhabit the earth.
Human beings owned slaves once, lets hate each other without knowing why!
Sad.
To all black people: You are all N… So what are you going to say now??? My point is if that word is so offensive to me, I would let the whites say it cause they’re the ones looking stupid not me. I would go on with my life since this is a free country. Bottomline, you can be offended and hurt but people will say what they want to say, call you N word if they want to and there’s nothing you can do about that.
im so sick of black people acting like I as a white person owe them something. Hey Taye Diggs, I dont owe you shit buddy ! If I want to say the word nigger I will, and I will because you do. Black people dont know what it;s like to be white and all the shit that we go through on a daily basis. Black people are the most racist people alive and their the reason why racism is still alive today. If i see taye diggs on the street im going to go right up to him and call him a nigger just to piss him off. Same goes to the stupid fat bitch on the view.
Passerby i think you are so rude, though i agree that EH was right because i don’t think at all the word N**** can be changed to mean a term of endearment at all, that word should not be used at all by any race, as a black person i know exactly what it feels like for someone to look down at me and you must be living is some other world if you think this does not still go just because we have Obama running for the White House. Then for you to claim with no evidence at all that “I think the people who are racists are the ones who have “African American scholarships” and “Latino scholarships.” funny how that does not tell you how hard a black person has to try to get educated. What are you on! i have nothing but WOW to say to that rubbish.
Passerby need to get a slave book and read one before you go saying black people complaining too much, have you ever thought for a second about being bounded not by choice. Its not even as far back as slavery it goes back as few as 60 years ago when black people where not allowed to vote, share buses, that’s not 400 years that far much less. Yet it is the white people that came to Africa and got us, we did not volunteer for that to happen so before you go shooting off think about some one taking you against your will taking your family splitting you up, raping you making you work from dawn till dusk, not enough food, not being allowed to learn how to read, not knowing you name, not being allowed to follow your faith. You think black people shouldn’t be allowed to hold onto it because your people have not suffered that fate, so don’t shoot down what you have never had to think about.
For you to suggest that because it did not happen to us per say that it should not hurt, you are out of your mind, history does not work like that that is why it affects us because you can feel the pain that your people went through not by choice. Even having not gone through the Holocaust i still feel for the Jews because that had to be painful what they went through.
Injustice to black people still goes on today and it does not stop, it still does not mean the word N**** should be used. I firmly disagree that black people should use it to address anyone or any situation.
Here are 2 quotes from a slave just to give your blind sited mind some reality
book is called TO BE A SLAVE Julius Lester
“We didn’t know nothing like young folks do now. We hardly knew our name. We was cussed for so many bitches, sons of bitches, bloody bitches and blood of bitches. We never heard our names scarcely at all. First young man i went with wanted to know my initials! What did i know ’bout initials? You ask em’ ten years old now and they tell you, that was after war
“You want to know what they did in slavery times. They were doing just what they do now. the white folks was beating the N******, burning em and boiling em, working em and doing any other thing they wanted to do with them. I was here in slavery days, i was here. When i come here coloured people didn’t have their ages. the boss man had it.
Sallie Crane
now get that then tell me that does not affect the way you talking about you take slavery very seriously, then be serious and stop posting such rubbish.
My mother and I went on holiday to GHANA 2 years ago and went to where slave ships docked and where slaves were pushed off the holding cells into the ships, we cried so hard the smell is still firmly there, their tools, smell of death up till today is still lingering and yet that was 400 years ago. The height of cells was half the height of people today so imagine having to hunch over, the cells were dark, I have the video of this and when i watch it back i can’t help but shed tears and feel anger because it is always painful to watch, so before you attack with your real rubbish think first.
To the people here that have said–”slavery happened hundreds of years ago… get over it”, etc–you couldn’t be more out of touch with history. First of all, quasi-slavery existed up until just a few decades ago in the form of Jim Crow, and exists today with black people corraled into ghettos almost completely devoid of opportunity. Amends for the hundreds of years of slavery the descendants of many black Americans endured has never been made. To put this in perspective, in 1860, for instance, there were approximately 4 million slaves in the US. Let’s say, that if those slaves were free workers and earned even a very modest 2 dollars per week (most likely more), they would have earned 416 million dollars in just that one year. If we were to taking it back 200 years and calculate what salve populations would have earned as free black workers, the number becomes astronomical. Then there is the massive amount of wealth accumulated by southern land holders and northern businesses that also profited from the immoral and anti-human practice of slavery. Despite this enormous debt owed to slaves and their descendants, no reparations have ever been paid to slaves or their descendants by either the southern plantation owners, or the US government that allowed the institution of slavery to exist, and later turned a blind eye to Jim Crow. In fact, lazy, racist white southerners were largely allowed to keep the wealth they generated on the backs of black slaves, and today, while black people endure various forms of intitutionalized racism and fester in ghettos to this day. As a result, there is relatively little generational wealth in black communities and to expect the effects of hundreds of years of slavery and outright discrimination to disappear at the drop of a hat is ridiculous and ignorant.
If Blacks think they can still use the word, and get hotheaded if someone else does, then Whites can get as hotheaded when we get called :
cracker, ofay,Opie( What Ron Howard did to Blacks is beyond me ), vanilla, snow_________, caveman, and so many more,plus the single worst one – the devil, and all of the other “nation” of islam’s twisted beliefs and lies about us. You really owe us for that one.
DK you just don’t get it, when i white person says the n word it brings back the pain and hurt of when white folks did it years ago, its just not the same as 2 black people saying the n word to one another, but too me no one should be using the word and i think black folks need to educate themselve on what we call injustise because slaves were mistreated and they shouldn’t take the same word that was used to degrade us and say it means love because it does not nor will it ever that is a simple fact there is no way to convince me of it just like you can’t take calling someone a hooker and turn it a nice word.
You can’t compare being called a cracker or opie or whatever to being called a n**** and mistreated in ways unthinkable.
The past is the past. Let it go!!!!
I’m not a fan of Elisabeth Hasselbeck, but I do have to say this:
She did not invent the n-word, nor use it against blacks for decades. I refuse to be blamed for what white people did in past centuries, and she should not be either. Taye Diggs really needs to think harder about how much he judges white people because of something that either their ancestors did or people who look like them did a really long time ago. I know that my ancestors came from Ireland and Germany only about a hundred years ago so we had nothing to do with slavery, thank you very much.
What’s unfortunate here is that too many people are unaware of the history. Yes, slavery was abolished, however, his country, it’s institutions, even the frigging “White House” was built on the backs of black slaves, yet they have never reaped the COMPOUNDED benefits enjoyed by slave owners and their offspring – the majority of this country. That’s the difference between the stigmas of slavery vs. indentured servitude. White indentured servants KEPT RUNNING AWAY. Black people were targeted in part because they were so easily distinguished from their white counterparts. And they were subjected to some of the most unimaginable cruelties ever documented. And even after the abolishment of “legalized” slavery, many blacks were never actually freed, but shifted into a new form of slavery with the police as overseer. FYI – the Civil Rights movement is a mere 50 years old – and is still needed today. White women were able to vote before black people. And now some say that the playing field is even, other races were mistreated, etc. All true. However, the stigma of building this country, combined with the cruelty of never being able to reap those benefits is astounding. In 2008, an illegal immigrant is received more readily than a black person in this country. And those same immigrants have taken their cue from white America that they are “better” than black Americans. It’s not a matter of pulling oneself up, if someone is always there blatant in the past, and more covertly now, to keep you down. People like Hasselbeck think they have the right to preach on what they do not know, and I only watch The View to stay informed about the ignorance of those who want us to “move on” without acknowledging the history and WHY Black America is in its current state. The n-word was originally used to describe a low and ignorant person of any color. At some point, Webster’s added that it was used to describe black people, i.e., Black people are low are ignorant. Black people at some point transformed the word (note the variations in spelling from the original) to take the hatred and the power of it away from white people. And now after all of that, I don’t want to hear it in pop-culture, but I understand those who do so. But I certainly don’t want to hear any version of it coming from the mouth of someone who’s not had the Black American experience. Teach your children about the word, what it means, and why it’s not acceptable. Especially an ill-informed closed-mined young white woman who can’t see beyond her own circumstance. PH in Chicago.
People don’t want to accept the history. Yes, slavery was abolished, however, this country, it’s institutions, even the frigging “White House” was built on the backs of black slaves, yet they have never reaped the COMPOUNDED benefits enjoyed by slave owners and their offspring – the majority of this country. That’s the difference between the stigma of slavery vs. indentured servitude. White indentured servants KEPT RUNNING AWAY. Black people were targeted in part because they were so easily distinguished from their white counterparts. And they were subjected to some of the most unimaginable cruelties ever documented. And even after the abolishment of “legalized” slavery, many blacks were never actually freed, but shifted into a new form of slavery with the police as overseer. A practice which birthed the term, F%^& the police.”
In 2008, an illegal immigrant is received more readily than a black person in this country. And those same immigrants have taken their cue from white America (not every single white American, but white American culture) that they are “better” than black Americans. It’s not a matter of pulling oneself up, if someone is always there, blatantly so in the past, and more covertly now, to keep you down, fairly in some cases, but unfairly so in most. People like Hasselbeck speak with such authority in their ignorance, and I only watch The View to stay informed about the mindset of those who want us to “move on” without acknowledging the history and WHY Black America is in its current state. The n-word was originally used to describe a low and ignorant person of any color. At some point, Webster’s added that it was used to describe black people, i.e., Black people are low are ignorant. Black people at some point transformed the word (note the variations in spelling from the original) to take the hatred and the power of it away from white people. And now after all of that, I don’t want to hear it in pop-culture, but I understand those blacks who do so. But I certainly don’t want to hear any version of it coming from the mouth of someone who’s not had the Black American experience. Teach your children about the word, not to use it, what it means, and why it’s not acceptable. And please get history lessons for ill-informed closed-minded folks who can’t see beyond their own circumstance. PH in Chicago.
“You can’t compare being called a cracker or opie or whatever to being called a n**** and mistreated in ways unthinkable.”
No, I personally can’t, but I have read many newspapers articles and reports ( The very few papers that would actually include them,only local ones, never the biggest ones, in NY or LA ), of several innocent Whites being called all those epithets – and who knows how many other ones – when Black thugs galore were savagely assaulting them. And of course, they’re never charged with a Hate Crime, and get maybe a year at the most, if anything.
Actually America owes “our people” being “African Americans” one acre and a mule… Look it up.. Why would you say Nigga to any African American person? All your doing is making it bad for yourself. Don’t use that word for your safety please.. The south is still racist.. nothing has changed.. Before you say something like this.. Why don’t you research some things before you make ignorant comments “Ignorant”<—– (you probably don’t know what that means either so look that up too) Pretty bold comment you made. Out of all 170 comments you had the dumbest.. I wish I could put you in a room full of “niggas” as you would like to call us… And see what would happen.. I bet you $500 you would not come out alive.. If your so confident that nobody would do anything..
I haven’t heard in my lifetime any African American or “blacks” call You british people anything..
I totally agree with Taye Diggs. Caucasions created a word that was meant to destroy us, tear us down, degrade us, dehumanize us, kill us. We (African Americans), have taken such a word or thing and turned it around and created something good with it. So, absolutely not, do you have a say so in the matter. There really isn’t room for you to comment, Elisabeth. The use of that word brought from slavery and still being used, lets it be known to everyone, that it is evident the effects of slavery is real, hurts, and can not be ignored. They created slavery as if it were a beautiful thing. Now they want to continue to tell us how we should feel and what we should do. Slavery is supposed to be over. That just goes to show that Caucasions still have that slavery owned mentality. Not happening!!!
Are you all kidding me? First of, black people do not say **** to each other, they say niggah or nigga. It’s the black people noun. Get over it. It reminds me of “if one person jump off the bridge” scenario. This is the crux of the matter my fellow whites…just like you can’t call a jew a kike or an italian guido or any other racist terms, you can’t call blacks the N word. Call each other crackers or honky and if you hear someone outside your race use it, GET OFFENDED. All this incessant “why can’t we say it” or “if we can’t say it, you can’t say it” deserves the upmost ridicule. My goodness. Also, gay people call each other the F word all the time or even homo. But if you are not gay, YOU CAN’T SAY IT!!!! So WHITE people….GET OVER YOURSELVES. By the way, I am white and and I can tell you to get over yourselves and stop whining. Jeez……………………….this white person gets it the rest of you who don’t have issues. Read a book watch tv its everywhere look at the racism Obama has faced on national tv. white man says he can only see a black man with change when its in a cup. Doesn’t get too much racist then that without being violent. There are some people of other races who use the term also when they have a brotherly love with a black and no one is offended.
See you just said that “I wish I could put you in a room full of “niggas” as you would like to call us… And see what would happen.. I bet you $500 you would not come out alive..” So the rage and murdering is on the blacks side if they get so bent out of shape by someone saying “nigga”
“DK you just don’t get it, when i white person says the n word it brings back the pain and hurt of when white folks did it years ago” How would that bring you the pain from years ago if you weren’t even there?
You think that you are the only one who is a descendant of a slave. Go far enough back and every has a slave in their background… This “word” still doesn’t mean something “good” just because you say so… We didn’t create slavery. Some of the first to have slave were Egyptians (Africans) but you don’t see Jews whining and they went through the Holocaust too which was not long ago at all… And if whites have come up with this complicated way to make your life miserable as well as every other black person than they must be pretty smart but really it sounds like you are using that as an excuse because your life isn’t going the way you want…
You have immigrants that come here with nothing and make a name for themself but your ancestors have been here for hundreds of years and you still blame your poverty on others. If you spend your whole life blaming others than you will never get anywhere expect for the unemployment line. Besides most white of that time were not plantation owners but very poor farmers. We also shouldn’t punish someone because the forebears found a way to make money, invest it, and grow it so that they have a head start in this rat race. By the way Obama is only half black and was raised by his WHITE grandparents so it does seem that he is playing the race card.
You guys are doing exactly what Elizabeth did…trying to tell African Americans (AA) what to do and how to do it. AA were called NIGGERS by whites, THEY DID NOT START THIS MESS. Whites are famous for starting things ie:slavery and when it backfires some of them have the attitude of well, just GET OVER IT..well if whites had not start the shit then we would not be having this discussion. Respect AA, they want to claim the word leave them alone. AA are the only race of people who would consider doing some shit like this (creative motherfuckers). If you can’t respect it then leave it the fuck alone just like Whoopi and her big breast co-host said.
you guys have no idea! white people are talking in this discussion like slavery and discrimination should just be swept under the rug. NEWS FLASH!! THE SHIT WASN’T LONG AGO!! maybe many of the younger black people, like myself have better opportunities, but we were raised by the same people that couldn’t drink from the same fountain as your parents. yes, it will be ideal if we had one of those “memory erasers” like in Men In Black, but we don’t. Question white people…. Have you seen footage of your parents/family hosed down by fire deparment hoses in the street while fighting for justice???? or attacked by police dogs because we wanted equality???? don’t think so!! this rabbit hole is deeper than you think guys, but I don’t believe you will ever understand why we use the word “Nigga”….not “NIGGER”!!………………But here’s the kicker……. I do think the black community should do away with the word…… will it solve discrimination??? hell no!!……….. but it will progress in the healing of the painful black history in america for black people…… BUT STILL WE RISE!! I LOVE ALL YOU GUYS AND UNTIL THERE IS A SOLUTION ON THE “N” WORD…. DON’T USE IT!!
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If a yellow person can use one word but an orange person can’t, or a purple person or a green one… get it? Why is one color allowed to use a word but no other? I don’t see any other color or people trying to have a word that is all theirs.
THEY DID NOT START THIS MESS. Whites are famous for starting things ie:slavery and when it backfires some of them have the attitude of well, just GET OVER IT.
Hurt and pain don’t go away just because “your time is up”. It takes time for healing. Maybe you have never been hurt in your life in any other way…and if that is the case, then more power to you, however no one is in any place to tell another when their healing time is over…unless you have walked a mile in thier shoes. Sorry!
Everyone has hurt and pain but that doesn’t mean you have to belly ache about for generation after generation. Yes, it does take time to heal but people have to understand the difference between healing and an on-going pity party.
Are you all kidding me? First of, black people do not say Nigger to each other, they say niggah. It’s the black people noun. Get over it. It reminds me of “if one person jump off the bridge” scenario. This is the crux of the matter my fellow whites…just like you can’t call a jew a kike or an italian guido or any other racist terms, you can’t call blacks the N word. Call each other crackers or honky and if you hear someone outside your race use it, GET OFFENDED. All this incessant “why can’t we say it” or “if we can’t say it, you can’t say it” deserves the upmost ridicule. My goodness. Also, gay people call each other the F word all the time or even homo. But if you are not gay, YOU CAN’T SAY IT!!!! So WHITE people….GET OVER YOURSELVES.
By the way, I am white and and I can tell you to get over yourselves and stop whining. Jeez.
It’s really great you want to comment but I think everyone is getting tired of you saying the same thing over and over agian.
Most ethnic groups have taken power over words that have been used to slur them in the past to deny those words the power to hurt. Paddy, Redneck, Westbrit, Yank, Russki, Mick, Squaw and so many others I won’t mention began as slurs but were co-opted by the people they have been used to oppress.
And BTW: “At one point in all our history every color of people has been abused, discriminated against forced into indentured servitude. Yes even WHITES. The Irish were indentured servants as well as several other white skin nationalities.”
Who were the oppressors in almost all of the discrimination you are referring to? Was it people of color who were in positions of power carrying out the abuse you are referring to? Are you talking about the Moors in 750 AD, because that’s how far you would have to go back to find such a thing. Certainly everyone remembers when crowds of blacks hit the streets to attack the Irish!
When Green people have been discriminated against in this country and are forced to build up the fortunes of people whose children and grandchildren refuse to recognize how they have benefited from that oppression, then Green people can use any word they choose! What a poorly thought out and irrelevant point you have made.
Um…excuse me, but YOU’RE the one who has the poorly, and should I say, uneducated argument here. First of all, who cares how long ago it happened? If the Moors had discriminated against whites, then they did it regardless of when. That argument is pure BS.
Second of all, are you trying to say that ONLY whites are bad and have abused others? LOL. You are very naive, my friend. You do know that there is such a thing as human sex trafficking going on right now, I hope? Do you know how many black “pimps” abuse their white prostitutes? What about Africans who are involved in the slavery of their own people, right now AND when they were transported here all those hundreds of years ago. I bet you didn’t know there were Africans who got paid off by the white slave owners.
Also, what about the Egyptians enslaving the Jews? Or the Turks and the Christian-Armenian genocide?
Please educate yourself before you comment.