Topic : 09/12 The N-Word Debate

I am confused that we are even discussing this in the year 2008.  We just saw this show here in Norway yesterday.  I'm born and raised in the U.S. and can truthfully say I have never used this word.  My African-American friends never used this word between them.  It is such a poisoned word and I am shocked and dissapointed that there are African-Americans that think it's ok to use it.  I remember well the 60's with all the racism and there were many of us white people that fought against this also.  One of the things we all were deeply offended by was the "n" word.  Now many African Americans have taken the word back and embraced it.  I just don't understand it.  Those who use it really need to respect themselves more and show some respect for the history of African Americans.  No....it is NOT a term of endearment, it's nasty, degrading and extremely racist. 

I really have to hand it to all the intellectuals, defenders, rationalists, apologists and radicals. You have all proved that racism is as alive as it ever has been, and goes back to before Moses, but before I hear applause from any quarter, let me state that racism is prevalent in every social grouping. The common perception that it only emanates from the “white people” is complete bull. The fact is that racism or the “race-card” is a politically powerful tool and much too useful to be discarded, however much its ugly existence is bemoaned. It is so ingrained into our psyche that our first order of business when meeting other people is to ascertain what conversation is “politically correct”. How can we ever live as genuine human beings when our daily interactions are conducted from behind a prescribed façade? Is it Ok to refer to another with a word or description that is offensive – NO – NEVER but hell, that’s just common sense, not to mention a blatant display of our own ignorance and insecurity. The same is true for all on the show who showed the same intolerance and prejudice when referring to “the rednecks”, but then I suppose its awright because those folks ain’t like us. 

  I have been listening to Nadia as well as the whole world. She is not listening to us. She has a closed mine. If that the case, she will probably have more kids later.The doctors need to go in and tie her tubes so she can't have any more kids.

She is bull headed when her own mother can't get through to her.

If she gets the kids, she will coming wanting more help and money in the future. You tried to tell her the country is in a shambles, she still did not hear you.I still say adopt those kids out while they still have a chance at a life. She will have no life for them. Wants to finish college, how with what. She wanted to be famous but this is in a negative way. Turn it around and have her adopt the kids to good couples who can't have kids with the understanding she can still see them.

She is a dog---dogs have litters and they don't keep all of their litters, so why should she.

  I find this ironic , that this debate lingers , and even carries any weight . In my son's circle of friends , the African American youth refer to each other , using the -N- word as a greeting . Heck , my son is a Caucasion youth , and they have refered to him using the -N- word . When used so liberally , how can anyone put so much emphasis on any one word .

  In my honest opinion , I think there are those factions out there , that go out of their way to keep putting up walls , and causing divisions amongst races . I mean I know who I am , and I'm comfortable in that . If you were to address me as a ;" Red-Neck , honky , white trash ", I might look at you a little funny , but that would be the extent of it .

  If you know in truth who you are , no word should be able to hinder you . Think back to your youth , kids can be pretty mean spirited at times . Sometimes that is because whatever hits their brain , comes right out their mouth . I believe their are a lot more hurtful words , than just this one , that are tossed about without thought , on a daily basis . 

   Everyone does realize , words only have POWER , WHEN WE GIVE RISE TO THEM .