Is it ever ok for a white person to use the N word in any form? Is it ok for black people to use the word?
486923
i dont think anyone should use it...no matter what race...its still degrading and mean
135659
What an obtuse question!\n\nSimply because that word was used by certain people precisely <as> a term of offense to describe 'some other people'.\n\nYour question would have much more validity if it were "why did white people decide to use that word as a term of offense in the first place?"\n\nYes we know that black people use the word within their own community, just as gay people use the word 'queer'. But that doesn't change the fact that the word was first given currency as a deliberate insult.
1015002
Because whites used it as hate during slavery and segregation in the 1960's and probably some still do. Did you see the movie Malcom X he said he was call Nigger so much he swear it was his name. The word was use in our generation and not looong ago. So any whites who use it would be seen as racist because it was why they used the word, to insult them. For white to use it also will mean it okay to call someone offensive names.
1122897
I am black and i use the term nigga. I could be talking to a white person.....It really doesn't matter. But basically black people turn that word from something negative to something positive. Symbolizing that since black people use it while talking to each other that it has lost the powerful meaning it once had as an insult, and now basically means dude,bro,etc. But that all changes when a white person says it because they first used it as a word to put black people down and insult them. Although i really don't care if somebody calls me that unless they are using it in an offensive way, because I'm cool with people from all races.
623406
I don't want to use it.. I think it's a tasteless word in my personal opinion.. but I have seen instances when I have been around black people where they use the word like I would say "Dude" in my own personal slang.\n\nI wouldn't want to use that term, it just isn't in my personal vocabulary.. I've asked this question before because I was curious as to why is it ok for this term to be used, or even accepted.. it appears to be sometimes.\n\nI know when I hear a word that is set in different tones what the meaning behind it is. When I have heard a white person say that word, it bothers me because I see it as a negative racial term.  But when I hear the word between two black people, it makes me curious as to why why why?\n\nCultures are different.. I don't know why others would want to use that specific word...but I do know there are many slang terms that seem to be universal in meaning.. this one is not one in my opinion.
960844
If you use it in a racial overtone....or threat.\nBut if you are using it as a statement in the mix of joking around...I see no harm..but the fine line is not using as a joke by using a specific race in the joke.\nIt really depends on the person....recieving the word....some people are so sensitive it's pitful.
1173376
To be honest - I've only ever heard black people use the 'N' word.
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.
424317
I think there are definite double standards. As far as the N- word, I think that a lot of black people use it unthinkingly; the meaning has sort of morphed for some groups so that it isn't always derogatory, but I think that we need to realize that in order for us to not want any other group of people to use the word, we should stop. As far as BET, Miss Black America, etc., Whites don't need to specifically label anything as white because it's a given that most of TV are majority white anyway. As a black person it annoys me to no end that blacks are largely ignored in media (except for the token black person you usually see) so in order for us to see ourselves represented, networks like BET make sense. Lastly, I'm sure Mayor Nagin, meant well, but his statement was racist. I feel in order for us to truly be a country of tolerance and acceptance, we need to associate and mingle as much as possible.\n\nGAgirl- Wow, an entire month devoted to black history? That's a lot!Considering that whites have the other 11 months all sewn up, that's the very least that could be offered for a group that is nearly always ignored and underrepresented. I actually feel that black history should be done away with and our contributions and accomplishments should be celebrated year round, just like white culture is.
1019535
I don't think so.  If you say "Hey you chinc" or "What's up ni**a"  then yes that's rude and offensive.  I'm white and I grew up with many different black people and I consider many of them close friends and I never have to think twice about saying "black" because calling them "African American" is too long and official, she's my irish friend, he's my cuban friend, and they're my black friends.  Why is that offensive?
119970
Actually, I don't think anybody should be using ANY of those words.  Why should anybody be derogatory about ANY race?  What's the point of that?  People are people, dear. I say ban them all!  (I've never even heard of some of those words!)
948634
It's a slang word where I am from and in it's context does not mean anything close to what the white people meant when they said it.  But on the contrary I do not use that word and I don't take offense if a black or white person says it.  Come in we are in the year 2006 slavery days are over people need to lighten up and stop using philosophy on every little thing.
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.
951908
White people are the only people banned from using it. White peoople are TRYING to offend someone by saying it, while hispanics and blacks are using it as a term of endearment for lack of a better word!
436090
It's so funny you mention that. I work with an 83 tear old man who still uses "negro" and every one thinks he's like the Grand Dragon or something , what they fail to realize that in his generation,that was the acceptable terminology.Jesse Jackson came up with African-American and most blacks,including myself really cannot accept this because we are all mixed anyway. If you took all of us and dropped us off in Africa,we'd be lost. The N word,however,is unacceptable no matter what. It has become envougue for the younger generation to use,that disgusts me.
1181306
DUDE ARE YOU SERIOUS?  if you are white you shouldnt be calling anyone nigga. anyway a nigga is a word some african americans use to refer to their friends
359596
Either is just fine with me! Black seems more comfortable...it seems like a lot of times when people say African American they are trying really hard to be respectful, which is appreciated, but its not necessary, especially if it makes them feel uncomfortable in referring to me.  As long as you don't call me the n word, we're cool!