Why do black people use derogatory and abusive language in casual conversation? ex: using the n word.?
103028
Some people say that the use of the n-word by some African-Americans is cullturally a way of removing the power from the word. When black people use it they become desensitized to it and it has less power when a white person uses it. I don't quite believe this is true because in high school I saw several white guys get the s*** beat out of them for using it. \nSo maybe it is a way that some African Americans have taken a small piece of power from whites. Black people can use the n-word but it is off-limits for whites. As society has continued to keep African Americans oppressed, this could be the one way they have to assert some power over whites by taking a word they used to promote hate and essentially banning the use of it by whites in mixed company.\nOne other argument could be that because of systematic racisim still present in society, some black people use the word as a form of self deprication, which illustrates the shame some African Americans have about being black. \nThe main problem with your question is you are generalizing an entire group of people. Not all black people use the n-word, and feel its casual use in society is harming. Some just simply see it as a word, while others could fall into one of the groups mentioned above. The real answer is there is no one answer. Different people use it or don't use it for reasons only they themselves know.
859291
i just wrote a letter today to the editor of a newspaper on this very subject. when people make the statement that "blacks use it", they make it seem like its a universal thing throughout the entire black community. it is not!! a small segment of society, namely the hip-hop industry has taken to using this word. as usual, society had chosen to take the actions of the few to mean the attitude of the many. it is a hate filled, ugly, vile word that should not be used by anyone & it's especially ugly when used by young people who have no clue as to its origins. it is not a word that can be adapted or "taken back" or any of the other nonsense people (who are looking to capitalize on its usage) come up with.\n\nThe main think I want people to take away from this answer is that  ALL Blacks DO NOT USE THE WORD "NIGGER" NOR IS IT OKAY WITH US. Its usage IS AN ACT OF SELF-HATRED BY WEAK MINDED, IGNORANT INDIVIDUALS. \n\nSorry about the caps. I just hate to think that there are folks out there who think we all use this ugly word.
427711
Actually the swear words aren't the most offensive at all. \n\nWould you be more offended to be called n****r or c**t or a paedophile?  Or a child-murderer, or a racist, or a homophobe, or amoral.  There are many words worse than swear words that you can be called.
45103
I don't like it's origins (not the root of the word, but the hateful use of the word) but the fact is, it's meaning has changed over time, I'm not offended if I hear it used in a friendly way "What's my nigga?" sort of thing (though I think it's a little awkward when said by a white person to a white person.  It's such a touchy subject because many people find it offensive, for good reason.  As for me, I'm only offended if it is used as racially condecending.
959844
lets just get over this already  who cares   regardless if he shouted it or whispered it   its said by blacks all the time \nif they dont like it they shouldnt have empowered the word\nfunny though how blacks can call women b!tches and hoes \nand we arent allowed to be upset and get worked up about it
957756
Usually when people write f**** you,  they would be using a coarse slang. They would use it as an intensive to express annoyance etc.
992850
The "n" word is derogatory. People may use it as a term of endearment because they are ignorant - which further supports the fact that the "n" word is derogatory and negative in meaning. Those who choose to use it are foolish and fool themselves into thinking that it's a cool thing to say. For all of the hundreds of years of abuse that black people endured, it seems to me to be a slap in the face our black ancestors, for people, especially blacks, to now support the use of the word amongst themselves.
759779
Thank you.\n\nAlso, they fail to realize how many blacks dislike that word.\n\nNotice how they focus on the thugs and gangsters?\n\nI suppose they think that all of us act that way too.......
1126871
because we live in a hypocritical and racist society. were you just born? why is it ok to make white jokes and not black... why is honkey, cracker and such funny but nig*er a horrible word...come on now
1102594
I speak standard English a go down to the hood all the time. I never had that problem no one will care. Well unless you start talking like Braxton on Jammie Fox. Or unless you talk in a way to make yourself seem better than that others then that's your problem. It you say things in away that were people interpret as trying to prove you better than some else. People will sense that your trying to use big words or talking in a way on propose to insult their intelligents.  I use proper English, I hear blacks who know nothing about me, talk in a manner to make is seems he's better than me where I found it a insult, an d I was giving him a interview. Stereotyping me, If you talk to anyone in a way to show your better than people they will find it a insult. If you can't relate to people then you can never reach them.
1033995
From my own experiences, when we use it it has more of a friendly meaning. When others use it, most of the time it's used in a derogatory way.\n\nIMO I don't think anyone should use it, black or otherwise.
816459
Words are just words. I think it is the intent and the tone that makes them harsh. Think about it . Some people use curse words in an endearing way, " oh, isn't he a cute little s***"? Also, an other example would be the tone your mother uses to call your name. You know when you're in trouble. No, I do not think eliminating curse words would improve our society or that it is legally possible.
783149
Why JUST the "N" word?  We "need" (please note the quotes) to have words that hurt.  Some people would not be able to speak if they weren't able to deride somebody else in doing so.  Small minds produce small ideas.  The answers lay in the Bible.  IF were were to follow its (God's) word, we would all be treating each other a whole lot better.  God bless.
935745
It's not a bad word, just out-of-date -- like Negro.  I think the history of the mulatto experience (especially in the Americas) and the connotation assigned to the word by some of it's users is what upsets people.  As a 'technical mulatta' I'll tell you...I could give a damn.
491252
You aren't the only one, honey.  Especially with the slang typing.  Hello, you aren't ghetto and you aren't cool if you do that.  Our youth is going down the toilet with this butchering of the English language.  I don't expect people to type without mistakes, but the word is that not dat and the not da.  People are just losers sometimes.
678309
I'm not black and I think that is very offensive even if it is not directed towards me.It is just an ignorant word that ignorant people use in my opinion.
741406
The thing is that black people started the hip hop/urban culture you are talking about, so that's why people say they act black.  The term I hear a lot is "wigger", that term has been around for years and years.  I know it sounds offensive to some, I am just stating the term and I don't mean anything derogatory by it.