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Topic : 09/12 The N-Word Debate

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Created on : Thursday, September 04, 2008, 12:16:52 pm
Author : DrPhilBoard1
This two-syllable expression is arguably the most divisive word in society. Dr. Phil tackles this touchy topic with help from a panel of outspoken luminaries: civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton; legendary comedian and writer Paul Mooney; CSI actor and author Hill Harper; comedian Sheryl Underwood and conservative radio talk show host Michael Graham. First, is there a double standard that allows African-Americans to use this sensitive word, while non-blacks are forbidden? The debate heats up when Rachel, a white guest, says she calls her husband the N-word all the time. Then, should hip-hop artists be censored or fined for using the N-word in their songs? Becky says rappers promote negative stereotypes with their lyrics, but find out who Rev. Al Sharpton thinks should face the music. Plus, does tone or intent make a difference when using the N-word? See what Dr. Phil thinks and share your thoughts here.

Find out what happened on the show.

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September 12, 2008, 12:57 pm PDT

Why would you want to use that word?

I would never use that word, I wouldn't even think it. My two sons never heard the word until they were well into their teens and it was said by someone in their presence. I told that person that my sons had never heard that word and I don't ever want to hear it said again. If African American people choose to use it (I had some students who used it with each other as a term of friendship) than that is up tp them. I would never use it. Yes, slavery is a thing of the past, no, we don't have to pay for the sins of it to anyone now, but we do have to respect the feelings of other human beings. After all, the Native Americans were the first Americans and they were treated worse than anyone and even now live on reservations. Grow up people, we are all on this earth together and we should stick together no matter our etnic background.
 
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September 12, 2008, 12:57 pm PDT

The N Word

As a black woman, a mother, a grandmother and a teacher i will say loudly, I do NOT like the N word because of what it means.  I grew up in an era when the N word meant something very bad.  If you were called that by someone you instantly knew they did NOt like you.  It was never used in my home by my parents or by any of the people I knew.  I do not like hearing the word, I can't see what the person saying it means, I don't know the message behind what they are trying to say, something bad, something nice?  So I am an advocate of just leaving the word out of everyday speech.  I would prefer if the word just died and was no more.  Hurtful, the N word is hurtful to me.
 
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September 12, 2008, 12:57 pm PDT

Reverse discrimination

 
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September 12, 2008, 12:57 pm PDT

You need a prayer!

Quote From: sebastien906

i think that the word can be used without being racist because if you look at it from the african americans point of veiw many of them use the word very lightly between eachother but when someone of anothoher race uses it they get upset, but they go up to their buddies and say hey n**** and there is no problem

You just answered your own question...WE CAN USE IT AMONG OURSELVES-NOT YA'LL!...You don't see us walking up to ya'll saying RN, C, WT! Think first before you say things...that's YA'LL problem now...I will pray for you!
 
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September 12, 2008, 12:58 pm PDT

N word

My 9 year old daughter is right the african American Male Comedian is making discussing the N word much worse.  He doesn't seem to want to deal with it.  He just wants to make it plain that it is only Whites that use it wrong. 

 

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September 12, 2008, 12:58 pm PDT

unreal

     This show should've never happened. Let's first start by saying that I am a single white female who raises a child that is not her's. Guess what people? I am the minority. I can't get any school assistance, because according to my state's laws I make too much money. Funny thing about it is I have plenty of Black friends who have a child and assistance who make more money then me. Funny how the society wants to be treated the same, however let's live in the past of what ancestors have done; all black, white, Latino, Mexican, and so forth. There will never be a solution to anyone saying the N word, let alone anyone calling someone a S word, a B word, a C word and so forth. In my opinion people that are on this show do not represent the black community because around my town my black friends would've told them to get off the stage you are not a slave, and my ancestors were the ones that freed yours. Yes one of my ancestors was Abraham Lincoln. Dr Phil, this show is a no win situation.
 
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September 12, 2008, 12:58 pm PDT

09/12 The N-Word Debate

paul mooney is the most ignorant guest i have seen on your show.  he had the nerve to tell that woman to "shut up"?  and he has the nerve to say that he came here as a slave? oh please...he is an angry black man that shows all of america why there is so much racism in this world!

 

the "N" word should not be used and it is not a word of endearment...it is a word of enragement!

black people call each other that degrading word all the time and i think it is disgusting and a putdown.

i am italian/american and i would never refer to myself as a guinea!  first black people were called negro, then black and now "N"? 

 

as far as being discriminated against?  i am a woman we have always been discriminated against....yes paul mooney.....get over it and  anger uses a lot of energy...why not try using it in a positive way!

 

this is the most disturbing show ever and it has not done anyone any good whatsoever except make people angrier....  i was waiting for you to take control of your out-of-control guest like you do with all your guests with that kind of behavior....but it never happened....shame on you dr. phil!

 

 

 
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September 12, 2008, 12:58 pm PDT

Where do you live?

In the United States of America there should be no divisions.  Yes, we all have our different religions, political views, etc.   That's what this country  is about - our freedoms. But when it comes right down to it we are not democrats or republicans, blacks or whites.  We are Americans.  Race doesn't matter; we are Americans.  If whites are not allowed to use the n-word, then blacks should not be allowed to use it either.  In fact why would they want to disrespect  themselves.  We are Americans and should treat everyone with the same dignity and respect.

 
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September 12, 2008, 12:59 pm PDT

YOU ARE SO WRONG

Quote From: m26j20a24

That woman who uses the N word and thinks its ok ITS NOT

what a fool she looks like

I am Italian and there are at least 2 word you better NOT call me

Its up to African Americans to decide if its used or not

They are vested in the consequences of its use  NOT YOU

 

SHE DIDNT LOOK LIKE A FOOL AT ALL.WHATS THE DIFFERENCE, BLACKS USE IT ALL THE TIME.WHAT GIVES THEM THE RIGHT TO USE IT AND NOT US.IM WHITE AND I GET CALLED IT ALL THE TIME.SO IF ITS A BLACK THING WHY AM I BEING CALLED IT.AND BIG DEAL YOUR ITALIAN.SO WHAT.SO IM WHITE CONGRATS ON BEING ITIALIAN
 
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September 12, 2008, 12:59 pm PDT

09/12 The N-Word Debate

Quote From: ryeclan

It seems to me that when there is conflict with an African American and a white person that the white person gets attacked that they are racist. Could it be the other way around? Just wondering if anyone else feels this way?

someone can cry racism and be wrong but like a rape victim the ones who are wrong dont make the cases that are true any less awful to the victims

 
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