How do you feel about seeing the "n" word on DU...?

[bliss_eternal]

Just curious.

It's allowed in the context of discussion, if someone is stating "disapproval" for the word. But days like this, with Imus or when someone else puts it out there(i.e. after the Kramer/Michael Richards incident), it seems some DU'ers get overly enthusiastic in it's use. It seems some just use it gratuitously, with no regard for the fact that some really don't like seeing it all spelled out. I have to be honest in that I find that completely insensitive and disrespectful.

Given that I conducted an experiment, where I put the shoe on the other foot so to speak and some on our boards really didn't care for being put on the defensive in regard to their racial identity, it's interesting to me that so many can be so insensitive in regard to the use of language. But again, these are merely my feelings. No pun intended, but I do tend to be a sensitive person, so I'm putting it out there...

...what about you? How do you feel when you enter a thread and see it all written out in the main forum? If you could ban it's use on DU would you? Why or why not?

Best,
bliss :hi:

[SemperEadem]

1. I think it should be banned, it should count against the user

the same ones who complain about their free speech being impacted are the same ones who wail and moan if you say "all men ________" or make any sweeping generalizations about men. They can dish it out but they can't take it.

[bliss_eternal]

2. Excellent point...

...so true. I wish we could have it banned, with some other slurs against women, races, etc. but it seems it's more important that people be allowed to discuss context and use of such words, than who it may actually offend. :shrug:

What's worse, I just had a disturbing exchange with someone that claims "he's one" so that excuses his use of the word--all spelled out. What the...? No one is the "n" word! It's a slur that was put upon a group of people and I have a big issue with people seeing it as identification as opposed to objectification. :crazy:

(I'll provide links to such threads after they drop to the archives).

[Karenina]

6. If it's in the context

of a Joe Bageant piece, I have no problem. If I write about the first time I was called a "nigger" you can be sure I will NOT use asterisks.
It's a tough question.

[bliss_eternal]

7. Also, a good point.

I need to be more understanding for such situations, when someone wants to discuss the impact of being called that word. I can't (or at least should not)assume that everyone that writes it on this board does so out of malice, insensitivity or disregard for it's history.

Some may sincerely want to discuss impact, context, etc. :blush:

[goclark]

8. Good point ~ how are you doing my friend nt

[bliss_eternal]

9. goclark...!

:hi: How are you?

Miss you! :hug:

[wildeyed]

3. Makes me nervous when people use that word.

I was raised in a (white) household where we were taught that white people never, ever said that word. I said it once when I was in elementary school not knowing what it really meant and that earned me a sharp slap on the back of my head. Maybe not the most progressive way for my mom to teach me about that, but the lesson did stay with me ;)

I don't usually use it when I post, either, although there was one instance when I was involved in a 5-day flamefest over the term cracker vs the n-word where I did use it. I don't know whether it was justified, but in the heat of the moment I felt it was ok in the context that I posted it.

I wouldn't mind seeing a ban. That term is so offensive. Even if I was comfortable using it, I would post a euphemism because I know many are uncomfortable with the word. I don't post generic curse words much either, even though I am comfortable using them, because I know they offend some and I can usually make my point in another way. Seems like common courtesy to try not to use language that is hurtful or upsetting to others.

[bliss_eternal]

5. Hi wildeyed...

...I think I recall that flame-fest (cracker vs. the n word). I seem to recall it got ugly, and it didn't take long to reach that point. You were brave to fight through it. It may be archived on one of our Best of DU threads on this forum.

I think given the context of what was going on in that thread, and being involved in a passionate argument--your use was forgiveable. :hug: I've never got the sense you are one that uses it for shock value, or one that "just can't wait" to use the word. LOL. It seems there are some like that, perhaps because of it seems a taboo word, or maybe because they see and hear black say it :eyes:. Don't know. Whatever the reason, I wish more got that it's NOT cool on any level. The black guys that use it don't get how they are damaging themselves, race relations today and future generations.

:hi:

[goclark]

10. Not cool on any level in my view Bliss

In my view, as an African American, I can do without seeing the word at any time.

[Catherine Vincent]

4. I prefer that posters use n*****.

But that's just me. I know what you mean though. After the Imas flap, a lot of news anchors etc. were quoting Imus but it didn't sit well with me as I was hearing it too often. A lot of the gays on DU felt the same way after Colter used the f word describing Edwards.

[Brewman_Jax]

11. Can do without it

since the word, like a gun, has one use and one use only--to denigrate and dehumanize a specific demographic group. Like Tim Wise and other like writers have noted, the majority is more annoyed about not being able to use the word rather than the racial caste system that brought about its use.

[bliss_eternal]

12. Great point, Argyle...!

...and I appreciate your making it. It's important to understand and note the history of the word, how it used, who it was used by, etc. This is why I refuse to use it any way, shape or form and why I take issue with seeing it used.

As stated above, I understand how someone from this group may want to discuss it, in terms of context, how it feels to hear it, etc.

I just can't get past the fact there's an entire group of people that seem completely obsessed with WANTING to say it. :shrug: As you speak of here:

Quote:
Like Tim Wise and other like writers have noted, the majority is more annoyed about not being able to use the word rather than the racial caste system that brought about its use.

It baffles me.

Thanks for mentioning Tim Wise. I'll definitely google his name to seek out his work. :hi: