Topic : 09/12 The N-Word Debate

It has been a long time since I posted here but I just have to weigh in on this one.  If anyone had bothered to look it up they would have found that the origin of the "N" word is niger which is black in latin. At some point in time someone added the extra "G".   Latin in not used much anymore unless you are in the medical profession.  I live in Alabama, the most racist state in the US second only to Mississippi.  I was 7 when the bus was burned in Anniston Alabama.  I was 13 when the church was bombed, I felt the explosion.  Our closest neighbors growing up were Black.  My mom sewed for them in exchange for baby sitting services.  They came in through our front door, not the back.  She was very adamant that just because their skin was a different color did not mean we had the right to abuse them.  I work with African-Americans everyday.  No we don't all get along, I work for the Government and when you have that many people you are not going to get along with everyone.  And I have to say that if some people would learn their history, then stop feeling sorry for themselves and get off their butt and try to understand the people around them this world would be much better.  There are no racial lines for soldiers trapped in a fox hole.  If you cut the skin the blood will still run red no matter who you are.  We are not all going to like each other but it should be for something other than the color of our skin.  Each culture has its own traditions, there is nothing wrong with that.  But instead of ignoring the traditions of other cultures lets get together and learn where they came from.  I can guarantee you that unless you ancestors were American Indians then no one in this country can claim absolute ancestry in America.  We are all Americans, not African-American, not Irish-American, Not English-American.  Just Americans. 

JMVHO

African Grey

I am a 14  year old African American, Native American female and am proud of it. I believe what we should be doing about Racism is stop talking about and start doing something about it. Yes we were once slaves, Yes racism still occurs and Yes there has been change.

I believe the problem lies inside of the African American households. Parents need to teach their children self respect. Because if you have self respect then it doesn't matter what people call you but what you answer to.

Barack Obama maybe bi-racial but he is a role model for African Americans. He might not have been the first black man to run for office but he is the first to get this far. So what he went for the black ticket and not the Bi-racial one. I appriciate that he is embracing his African American side. He is a Posite role model for black men and they need that. Whites have plenty and they don't really need encouragment but black men are in jepordy of destruction and Barack stands for hope and change. 

Dear Dr. Phil,

I agree with those that say - this is a negative word, full of poison and should not be used...period. It has a negative history, and although it is one that we should never forget because of its past, it should no longer be in a person's vocabulary. There are so many other appropriate words that can be used in its place, especially when its used in an 'endearing' way. Now, I feel this way, but do have to agree that if someone was to use it, only in a friendly manner that is, that only African Americans have that right. The thing is - the only way to ensure that its use is never used in a negative and demeaning way would be for everyone, African American included, to take the initiative and never ever use this word again. If no one used it then we could eliminate so much hatred that is built around this word.

One comment I was a little disturbed about is the 'dolls' reference that was mentioned. About kids having to pick the doll that is the ugliest and that they choose the 'black' one. Really, I believe that the choice made by these kids is based on how they were raised. I myself would have picked the fattest one. I was brought up to believe that fat is ugly, and to be it is the worst thing ever. So, at 34 my choices would still be geared towards what I was taught. If kids today are still choosing the African American doll as the ugliest they are not being filled with positive healthy images. Kids today should be taught that no doll/person is ugly! Unless it's old and worn out! lol

I think this was a great show, too short that's for sure. Maybe you should try to implement something like you son did about bullying in school...kids should sign contracts to not use this word ever. Sometimes you can't change those that have lived the word but you could educate the children of today and start a wave for the future and ensure that the next generation knows this words history and knows that it's just not appropriate vocabulary for today.

Thanks,

Karey Hutchings

If you want to talk about letting go then people should let go of wanting to use the N word. No one said that Europeans are the only racist because it is a learned behavior. However they sure were the first. You could be Canadian or whatever you want to be just dont call me no N word to my face and not expect a reaction. You said you don't understand the word cracker, but what is a N***er?

In my early 20's I was a witness to a hate crime. A low life local media personality bombarded me. On the spot, young, and clearly thoughtless, I said the N word when asked what the defendant had been calling the plaintiff. The station aired the news piece uncensored.

Whether it was poor editing on their end or they were looking to make a point, I'll never know. There was no malice or hatred or meaning - it was simply me stating a word that I'd heard one person call another. Although decades have passed, and I testified for the plaintiff while being threatened, I'm still somewhat embarassed.

I think this is an issue that is serious enough to merit a second show that is actually moderated, where the host does not stand idly by allowing guests to shout over each other and audience members. One must also ask where the representatives of the rap community were. Eminem and 50 Cent should be invited to speak. Two rappers separated by color. One uses the N word and one does not.

Again, you can't have an actual discussion when one person on the panel is shouting down the opinions of others. He shouldn't be invited back. I found him racist and offensive. The bottom line is racial slurs should be off limits. I would never, as an Irish woman, embrace the M word (a slang term for Irish which has been used in a song by someone who is not Irish). 

My Irish ancestors did not overcome their own oppression from British rule, enduring years of war and poverty and hopelessness, to have a racial slur live on. I can't imagine the ancestors of African Americans would want the N word to live on.