It's kind of odd how I was actually going to start a thread similar to this. I happen to be of the belief that the word Nigger has viable uses in society. Tec, I'm not sure where that definition came from but here's what I found
Quote:
<b>Nigger</b>
1. Used as a disparaging term for a Black person: “You can only be destroyed by believing that you really are what the white world calls a nigger” (James Baldwin)
2. Used as a disparaging term for a member of any dark-skinned people.
2. Used as a disparaging term for a member of any socially, economically, or politically deprived group of people: “Gun owners are the new niggers... of society” (John Aquilino).
|
If we look at the second definition we can see how it would be viable. There isn't any grey in that. I also don't believe in the intent and or context of a word when it comes to being offensive. If that were the case every single word known to man could be used as a derogatory slam. I.E. You make me mad and I flip out and call you " A FILTHY FORK!" You would just laugh and carry on. My intent was to be vicious and my context was the same yet it wouldn't get any attention. I guess what I'm saying is no one word should be different from another, but that's a different discussion.
As far as the word nigger applies to the "African American" community. Yes it was abused by slave owners and such. I can't rectify that wrong. I hate that it happend and hope that it is better now and continues to get better. However, given my stance on language and the word in question I wouldn't stop using it if I felt it was a viable word just because a black person was around. I have used it many times with a black person around and I've never had any trouble. Am I lucky? Maybe, but if they did try to give me trouble I would explain to them the how's and why's; even though I don't think there should be a how or why.
That's all I can think of right now.. if I think of more I'll edit it. Just remember this is my opinion so if you get mad, just remember I didn't get mad at yours.