You know how it is said words have power? The N word was used derogatively to refer to black people. I imagine black people grew real tired of that shit real quick. But over time, they fought back by depriving the derogatory nature of the N word by using it to refer to each other harmlessly. They owned the N word. Now, it is considered extremely respectful for anyone who is not black to not use that word to refer to black people without permission. Why? Because in being respectful to not using that word, you are acknowledging the plight of a generation of black people. That’s real classy.
Here’s something that most people need to know: not all black people feel the same way about that word.
Some called me an “N-word” in a positive way and were okay with me using it around them (I wasn’t). Some only want other black people to use it. Some don’t want anybody saying it.
From Wiktionary (I’m not posting a link, look it up yourself):
There have been efforts by those of African descent to reclaim the word (especially in the form n___a), but these efforts are controversial and some people do not believe it is able to be reclaimed due to its fraught history and continued derogatory usage. Regardless, usage by non-blacks is still almost invariably considered highly racist and offensive.
Can I ask where in the world you live? Not to be rude but just that I’m curious because this is one of those things that “everyone knows” in the US at least. Can’t listen to a lot of rap music without hearing it a lot!
Coming from a non anglo culture let me tell you, that debate about the use of the n-word doesn’t go the same way everywhere because the historic background is vastly different…
The N word is used by 3 demographics - black people, racist people and 12 year olds playing COD
There is another
When she said maddafacka I burst into laughter
How dare you put black people in the same category with racists and my wife’s boyfriend!?
Only black people use that word? Why?
You know how it is said words have power? The N word was used derogatively to refer to black people. I imagine black people grew real tired of that shit real quick. But over time, they fought back by depriving the derogatory nature of the N word by using it to refer to each other harmlessly. They owned the N word. Now, it is considered extremely respectful for anyone who is not black to not use that word to refer to black people without permission. Why? Because in being respectful to not using that word, you are acknowledging the plight of a generation of black people. That’s real classy.
Interesting, thanks.
Not really to your comment, but adjacent to it.
Here’s something that most people need to know: not all black people feel the same way about that word.
Some called me an “N-word” in a positive way and were okay with me using it around them (I wasn’t). Some only want other black people to use it. Some don’t want anybody saying it.
A lot of white men with a lot of black friends very often make one crucial error:
That N-pass is only good for your friends.
As is any reclaimed slur when you’re not part of said social minority. (e.g. removed, dyke…)
Ninja edit: Lmao I’m getting censored by either the lemmy instance or my 3rd party app (Jerboa). For reference it was f*****
Lemmy world auto-remove certain slurs
They’re not very extensive though ^^
Yeah ml is much more restrictive.
It’s easier to moderate but it might also increase the likelyhood of Scunthorpe problems.
From Wiktionary (I’m not posting a link, look it up yourself):
Can I ask where in the world you live? Not to be rude but just that I’m curious because this is one of those things that “everyone knows” in the US at least. Can’t listen to a lot of rap music without hearing it a lot!
Coming from a non anglo culture let me tell you, that debate about the use of the n-word doesn’t go the same way everywhere because the historic background is vastly different…
Non-US, correct.
The only country where it had these historical negative connotations is the USA, so he might be from literally any other country on earth
There are countries that are probably more aware of the connotations through their connection to the US, I figured.