Topic : 09/12 The N-Word Debate

Paul mooney should never be invited to be a speaker on this topic ever again.His attitude on this topic is exactly the reason I'm racist.

 Actaully Kanye West was looked at as a little crazy and it did seem innapropirate for him to make the comment at that time. His comment was not hateful. He was expressing his personal opinion about how George bush handled the situation. As far as a black child calling a white child fat, black children get called fat too, and no one makes a big deal out of it. Do not compare a racial slur to an insult about one's physical appearance. Anyone can be called fat, not everyone can be called a N*%%@# and hurt by it.

The radio talk show host you had on your EXPERT panel, I use the word expert loosely, implied that if you're a REDNECK you are INBRED and are part of the KKK. He made comments that people generally use in negative terms when talking about REDNECKS. He apparently thinks these traits only exists where there are REDNECKS. He was not making comparisons to the similarities, but was specifically degrading the people where he grew up. What's the difference between that and referring to anyone as a N_____ simply because of how they live or the color of their skin? Jeff Foxworthy uses the word Redneck and has made millions as a result of it. People, including those who refer to themselves and each other as REDNECKS love what he does, just as Richard Pryor made millions and is loved by people who refer to themselves and each other as N_____. The black man on your panel with the black cap on certainly needs to separate himself from the reincarnated person that dwells within him. He is not, nor has he ever been, a slave in the context he was/is trying to convince people he is.  SLAVERY in the context he wants people to think of it, in this country, does not exist anymore. I am not saying racism doesn't exist, but slavery certainly doesn't. I applaud the lady in the audience who pointed out that he was the biggest racist in the room. I apologize if I spell her name wrong, but I loved Sheryl opinions. Most of what she said was so smart and made a lot of sense to me. However, her argument with the lady that specifically said she only used the word at home and with those close to her was totally out of line. Sheryl deliberately made it look like the woman recklessly uses the word regardless of whose around. Finally, I really think it's important to get at the real problem, but I honestly don't think it's about a word. If I said the "N" word at work and a customer heard me I'd get fired. If I said the "F" word I'd only get coached and that word is more offensive to more people than the "N" word. I think people are more concerned of the legal repercussions of people using the word than WHY they should be offended by it.

You cannot say 'get over it', regarding history.  In my opinion, that's disrespectful.

I don't think in the history of the English language has there been a more powerful, demeaning, ugly word.  Just because a few think using it more will make it lose it's power, it's too ingrained in each and every one of our psyche's no matter who we are, where we come from and what colour our skin is.

Lisa ... just a white woman with a strong opinion who wouldn't use the N word out of respect for herself and others.

 

Where the h do you live?????    Asians say "Asian American"  and so forth.  The difference is Africans were FORCED to be here and are now African Americans whether you want to accept it or not.  Try accepting responsibility for what your ancestors did to people all over the world.  The white race thinks it is ok to hold another race down.  It is STILL GOING ON!!!!!!  Well the white race suffers more sickness than any other race (I work as a nurse and hardly ever see black people suffering as bad as white people in the nursing homes)....What goes around comes around......The higher power will take care of it all  thank you very much!!!! 

I agree 100%.

I am a white female and I find the N word and the F word equally offensive. I never use either word, and I shiver when I hear either of these words in any setting.

 

I find it hard to believe that the blacks use the N word freely and without offense amongst themselves, and yet find it offensive if a white person uses it.  That is double standard.

 

I am appalled that Jesse Jackson (note that I didn't refer to him as "REVEREND") used the N word in referencing Senator Obama.  Regardless that both parties are black, no member of a relgious sect should use words that are even slightly considered politically incorrect, debatedably offensive, and questionablly inapproprate, these words should not be spoken out of their mouths. It is inexcusable!!

I am disappointed with the 'discussion' that took place on the show today.  I think it would be more meaningful to have a discussion about racism in this country.  Using the n word is offensive and destructive.  If it offends others, we should not say it.  Who are we to judge whether or not they shold be offended?  We have a painful history with African Americans and we need to work through this history.  I would really like to see a show where professionals from an academic university come to discuss the issues that affect the african american community.  With all do respect to the guests that were on the show, they are not experts in the field and I think the discussion could have  been more informative and thought provoking.  I think we need to stop defending racist thoughts and actions and accept and listen to other people's experiences.

I love your statemant. Yes! I am African American & Yes! I agree with you. You are taking a positive set & so am I. Lets agree to enjoy life for we all are Americans. In reference to you father, If you know  he isn't  a racist than he isn't a racist. Stop explaining yourself. You know who your father is. Art is Art. Just try to enjoy life.

Ok...just to add my 2 cents work...ok buck seventy five since this is a Canadian comment...Seems to me that the N word is not really the issue. That male comedian was stating that white folks taught him to be racist and that he is a child stolen from the slaves. I do not mean to offend nor negate the fact that there were horrendous injustices thrust upon African Americans years ago. But the point is...it was years ago. We have come so far since then. He is not a child stolen from slaves...He was born an American, raised an American and obviously has earned the same opportunities any other American has by working hard. I think that to be still saying that African Americans are still oppressed because of what happened to their ancestors is a crutch. I myself dealt with a horrible childhood, povety, abuse...yet I work very hard and am a very loving wife mother and friend. Past is passed...stop looking at what happened back then and start looking at all of the positive changes.

I also agree with the young lady that said B.E.T. is an example of African Americans self seggregating..another example of such is the American Coallition of Black Lawyers...Maybe it's finally time to forgive and forget....and get back to being one nation....of many colours