Defending the Truth

This is fantastic... I have always believed that just because you have the right to do something does not mean you neccesarily should do it, or say it...

This is a great commentary on the use of the term Niggas/Niggers/Niggaz...

Quixotic Journey » Blog Archive » Niggers, Niggas & Niggaz

You are very correct, Tadpole. I think we Blacks in America have a very long way to go to overcome racism; and most of the reason is simply that we cannot understand the simple adage that we should speak and traeat others as we wish to be poken and treated. I especially like the comment on the "Kings of Comedy". I cannot think of one black comic- male or female- that does not use in their repertoire the difference between blacks and whites; generally focusing on the ignorant behavior of blacks. And this is supposed to be funny? It disgusts me personally. I'm African-American myself, and I raise a lot of ire within the black community when I tell others that peaceful co-existence with others is not only possible, but preferable. All that is needed is recognition of one's own self-worth and common sense. If we want to stop being treated as trash that some say; then we must raise ourselves from out of the gutter.The Don Imus situation is another area where I create a stir. Please read my comments under the thread, "Don Imus is not a racist".

The vile, hateful, and disgusting word “nigger” has been ingrained into all of our psyches – regardless of our race. Of course, the word has been used by different races in different contexts towards each other. Some blacks still use it as a greeting to another black person when they see one another, say, on a bus or train. And yes, some whites still use that word, albeit not so frequently (and probably in the comfort of their own homes).

Who is to blame? Should it be a crime to use that word? Will the use of the word ever stop?

The fact of the matter is – we all are to blame. It is typical of mankind to show hostility to their fellow man in this manner. It is in our makeup. We can only dream of a day and age when man instead looks upon his fellow brother, and treats him with dignity and respect.

Hate is in our nature, and unless we change the very essence of who we actually are, racism will continue. So to, will the destruction of the human race.

The war going on between the US and the Middle East right now is a prime example. We hate them, and they hate us. Different countries hate each other simply because they are seemingly different in their basic philosophical makeup (seemingly being the operative word). However, does not everyone in some manner desire peace and harmonic stability? It’s just that everyone has their own idea of how to attain peace.

Islam believes that man is born good, and is thus corrupted and made bad.

Christianity believes that man is born sinful, but is made whole and benevolent by the time he dies.

I like what Thoreau used to say: “There is no such thing as evil, only stupidity.” I think that saying speaks for itself. . .

I think that we have to first accept that we, as a human race, are not that smart or sophisticated. Only then, can a process of healing and acceptance take place.

Going back to racism - Racism used to be properly defined as the belief that one’s race is genetically superior or inferior to another race. That means several things (let’s take the Old South for example). 1) Whites in the Old South were racist simply because they believed they were genetically superior to blacks – so therefore they enslaved them. 2) Blacks in the Old South were racist because they believed that they were genetically inferior to their white slaveholders, so therefore they became obedient towards them. 3) It was and still is morally reprehensible to be a racist on either side of that coin.

So - we all equally guilty, regardless of our skin color.

I certainly don't think the word should be illegal. I don't think any single word should be illegal. The fact is that people have to understand WHY it is wrong to use these words. It is the intention behind the word that makes them hurtful and wrong.

We can not force people into understanding... We have to educate them.

Correct, Tad. There is no such thing as an illegal word-any word. There never will be. If we African-Americans want to teach whites not to use language such as this; then we need to teach by example that we must not use these words and phrases so freely ourselves.That's where education must start, for everybody. The flipside of this is that we (America) will continue to be victims of this "racial divide".
Nightrider, I think all of mankind needs to learn the difference between the words "hate" and "dislike". To give in to hate is what makes humans occupy the bottom rung on the living chain of
living beings (plant or animal). We already occupy the top rung with our intelligence; but how is it that we are the only beings that will kill for this thing called hate? I was taught by my parents that is is only human that we can dislike, but it is less than human to hate.

I believe that it is all a matter of respect. If you respect someone, you would never intentionally berate them, nor speak ill of them to others. But then, respect must be earned. Most show respect to a stranger, and as time moves on, and the stranger is assimilated, he either has earned the respect of those around him, or not.

You are very correct, sir, but for some reason we African-Americans have allowed by our own example these words and phrases to be used in greeting and in everyday conversation. I am of the belief that before one can attempt to clean up his neighborhood, he must first clean his own property. That is the reasoning I attach to this situation.

The terms "MotherFucker", and "Nigger" are thrown about rather loosely. I don't know why this is found to be acceptable by anybody. I, personally, find such terms to be disrespectful, regardless their usage is in a "friendly" manner. Maybe it is a cultural thing. I don't know. Some believe that when engaging another culture, one must also enter into the cultural habits as a sign of respect for that culture. Personally, I don't give a shit for this belief. I wouldn't engage in this type of language, regardless, and I don't particularly like this type of language directed at me, cultural habits notwithstanding.

Tougher racial laws should be applied to everyone. The use of the word nigger or 'niggga' or spic or wetback or any negative word used to describe any ethnic group, should be an arrestable offense, no matter who says it or how its used. A deep line should be drawn n the sand concerning freedom of speech and language that clearly is capable of dividing the people.

You know what?...Some of you saints isn't all that perfect.
(Not to be racist), But how many times have someone you
know or you have got together to have talked about Blacks
behind close dorrs?

Yet, Other races have taken up our slang language. Our
fashions and hair styles, and our dance styles. The title
of this thread is a example of ebonics that whites are
trying to eliminate from Blacks, and still they are using our
styles and profiles.

In closing, Whenever I am at home, and around my homies
I might use what's up my Nigga (without a s on the end)
to communicate. If I am around a white person who is a
wannabe hipster, and he should use that term I will put
that person in check. That's like white folks do not like to
be called names by a Black person.

Freedom of speech should be used wisely, and there's a
place and time for everything.