gotekix

Let me begin by saying that I don't want this to become a discussion on the word "nigger" itself but rather a discussion on the "banning" of it in NYC and some thoughts on the controversy surounding it.

As a New Yorker, I have heard about this on the news for quite some time. I think this is pretty ridiculous for many reasons. I think the word is used for a reason and people are entitled to choose whatever words they want. I think it is utterly pointless to try to condone certain words because in essence all words are just meaningless sounds. It is the intended meaning that really matters.

It is understandable that people are afraid of a racial slur being so commonly used in modern vernacular, however I think what they should really be afraid of is actual racism/discrimination and not the byproduct of it.

Living in NYC has given me the opportunity to make friends from all races and walks of life. I grew up with black friends who call eachother "nigga" casually. Are they offended by the word? Not unless it is used in a certain way. They obviously have come to terms with the word.

Furthermore, you can eradicate a word from the dictionary but will it really stop another word from taking its place?

Thoughts anyone?

Infinite_Loser

I wonder how they're going to enforce that law...

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Gilda

It's silly posturing. The so-called ban has no real effect; according to the article, it's basically just the New York City council saying that using the word "nigger" is bad.

Well, obviously, in general, it is.

However, it's a bit more complex than that. When "nigger" is used as an affectionate form of address between two black people, it takes on a different connotation than it does when used by a non-black directed at black people. In much the same way, I'll sometimes refer to my wife and I as "dykes" or "queer," even though those are both pejoratives when used to describe lesbians or gays by others.

Whatever means of communication a subculture chooses within that culture is fine with me. Black guys can call each other "nigger" all they like. Gay guys can call each other "faggot" all they like. It becomes problematic when it's used outside that subculture, either by members of the subculture itself, or by others in reference to members of the subculture. The first is rude, the second openly offensive, and in the wrong situation, dangerous. I'd never use such language in class, around neighbors or their kids, nor do I permit it from my students in class or in papers except in very limited circumstances.

I'm mixed on the effect of frequent usage in music, but I don't think it's the government's place to interfere with free expression.

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Hanxter

you see them banning "cracker" or "honky"... ? noooooo

affirmative action... heh

hagatha

Yeah, you have to wonder what the penalties will be....and if conversations are going to be monitered.

To me, banning words really does not address the systemic issues of racism. It treats the symptoms but not the real problems. Its a lot like femists creating words that are more gender inclusive while women continue to be subjected to various forms of sexual/physical abuse.
Addressing the various socio-economic roots of bigotry is not done like this. Its a joke.

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Lady Sage

Whatever happened to free speech?

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ubertuber

From the second sentence of the article:
They're not going to enforce it. This is just a political move to raise awareness.

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Glory's Sun

So they ban a word, and of course people are just going to use it more because it's banned and there's no penalty. OOh look at the big bad wolf.. he has no teeth.

I find the whole thing pretty silly. If someone wants to call a person a nigger, spic, fag, bitch, cunt or whatever then so be it. That's their perogative. Unless it's doing damage or inciting a riot then it's all protected.

If NY is so worried about the hip-hop music culture, then they should ban any rapper who talks about his wheels, chains, or bling more than 20 times in one song.

The_Jazz

Does anyone know if there are similar bans on curse words? I would expect that there are but most likely as a holdover from previous eras. Then again, its also entirely possible that those laws either expired or were repealed decades ago.

There's no infringement of free speech here until it's actually enforced. Until then, it's just posturing by the city.

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pan6467

I think in a mere couple of years this will pretty much say it all:

Quote:

The dream police They live inside of my head The dream police They come to me in my bed The dream police They're coming to arrest me Oh no You know that talk is cheap And rumors ain't nice And when I fall asleep I don't think I'll survive The night the night 'Cause they're waiting for me Looking for me Every single night (They're) driving me insane Those men inside my brain The dream police They live inside of my head The dream police They come to me in my bed The dream police They're coming to arrest me Oh no Well I don't tell lies 'Cause they're listening to me And when I fall asleep Bet they're spying on me tonight, Tonight

If we can get into people's thoughts and subconscious..... we can control their conscious mind.

In all honesty and fairness, the only people who have ever called me a cracker or honky have been white and then it was just mental juveniles playing around.

However, I have heard the "N" word many, many, many times in my life. And quite a few times from blacks themselves.

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Cynthetiq

What a load of shit. I know some people in city hall and this is just a complete waste of time.

We have so many other things to worry about besides someone using nigger in speaking, then again, these are the same group that made a resolution denouncing the war a few years ago.

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The_Jazz

What?!! There are other unsolved problems in New York City?!! Cynthetiq, I don't want to call you a liar, but I find it impossible that the people in charge would ever shirk their duties to pass a meaningless law that's most likely unconstitutional. They've clearly solved all other problems.

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mixedmedia

I think the law is stupid but I also think that people who use the word "nigger" in a derogatory way are even more stupid. That's about all I have to say about that.

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BadNick

I'll try to find out which "brainiac" politicians and political organizations were behind this so I can respond accordingly with my votes, support or lack thereof, and other political considerations.

politicophile

I love it when news sources just make stuff up.

Bans on curse words have been illegal since 1971, so if there are any laws on the books, they cannot be enforced:

Link

This case dealt with "fuck" instead of "nigger", but the free speech issue remains the same. If there was ever an attempt to enforce this ban, it would immediately be struck down by the courts. Hence, the lack of a penalty for violating the law.

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Manic_Skafe

Essentially, this is a dead topic as there really isn't anything new in the entire universe to be communicated about the word. But what's most disturbing of all is the fact that the city council would be willing enough to go this far to make it seem as if they actually do something.

I can't help but to think that when I take the train back to Queens - the E train being nothing more than a moving homeless hotel - that the city would've been much better off with less symbolism and more action.

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tinfoil

Simply ridiculous. While I concede that the word is indeed quite offensive to many people, banning it starts an unsettling precedent. First they ban nigger, then they ban other racial slurs. Then the super-religious start yammering for bans on other offensive words.

I'm pleased to see the link politicophile posted. Hopefully this ban will be overturned.

If people don't behave the way society requests, the way to fix that is not to ban the unacceptable behaviour.

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MSD

I've mentioned my school before. We're an urban campus where the rich come together with the poor, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, and every other ethnic group are in the same social groups, and where political correctness is unheard of. Race is literally nothing more than a joke for 99% of us, and when we're goofing around we address each other in the most offensive ways possible. If a "normal" person walked in and heard us they'd think it was a Klan meeting until they saw all the non-whites and Jews participating in the festivities. When one of my friends commented on this news story the other day, my response was to turn around and exclaim, "Nigga please." Everyone cracked up, nobody was offended, and our opinion of New York slid down the scale a few points closer to rock bottom (Boston.)
Tell that to the priests in police uniforms (seriously, some cops and priests are both) in Virginia Beach who write people up for public obscenity.

Glory's Sun

I was about to mention Va. Beach. They put people in cuffs for cursing quite frequently. It's sad. Of course, I wouldn't know from experience or anything.. I mean I only called the cop a lame Lt. Dangle look-a-like bitch whore.

Ourcrazymodern?

Since so many different people are offended by so many different words, censorship will never fly on a city-wide basis, especially in such a large city.
If it could, I think Ritz and Hi-Ho should be banned also.

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Xazy

This is not a real law, but a silly "ban." And this is all a large waste of time and energy at the moment in my mind. Are we going to go and ban any word that can be used to hurt another person?

But the truth of it is, that it is a waste for other reasons. The main people who say the "N" word are inner city children. And their role models did not sign up for the ban, instead their role models are rappers who glorify the "N" word in their lyrics.

So who is this really going to affect?
And what does it really change?

The_Jazz

I for one pity the poor ferns that died millions of years ago, were turned into coal, dug up and burned in power plants to provide electricity for my computer for a debate on a ban that means exactly nothing until someone tries to enforce it.

Example: I've eaten fois gras in Chicago in the last 6 months at several restaurants. Silly ban, no punishment metted out.

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"There ought to be limits to freedom." - George W. Bush
"We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo

Ourcrazymodern?

...you've eaten fois gras since it was banned? You SINNER!

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dksuddeth

well, I know my 15 year old stepson just got a ticket this week for saying 'damn it' in school. The charge is profanity in public...or more correctly, disorderly conduct.

Now, can a swear word in public be considered disorderly conduct?

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Jinn

A ticket for saying damnit?

NIGGA PLEASE!

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flstf

The council's niggardly use of penalties to enforce this moratorium makes it useless except for political posturing.

Frosstbyte

I think Walter said it best, "For your information, the Supreme Court has roundly rejected prior restraint."

If he didn't, then the Fark cliche did: "Having solved all other problems, NYC bans the 'N-word'"

It's stupid and meaningless. I'm glad they have so much time on their hands.

Ourcrazymodern?

"too much time on my hands" & "people just love to play with words" in a marriage made in "hell"!

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BlackIce

I personally hate the word as a black man. However, I know its foolish to think that a ban on it will do ANYTHING but incite people to use it more especially since they aren't enforcing it. There are many other problems that NYC has to deal with, this is just pointless.

Jennifer

I agree with the sentiment of encouraging people not to use the 'N' word. However, banning it is not the right way to go. I was going to say that it would be unconstitutional, but apparently it's not so long as it isn't enforced? Anyhow, it's a symbolic gesture at best.

skier

They are just giving power to the word nigger.

I think it's retarded. Anyways, the "N-word" will be around and derisive as long as racism remains an issue. (and who knows how long that will last?)

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Toaster126

I'm more offended by the lack of understanding of how the world works shown by the city government (and the time wasted drawing this up and advertising it) than the word nigger.

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Dilbert1234567

wont some one think of the poor rappers? how will 'Fifty' express his love for his brothers...

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Darth_Kettch

Am I the only one thinking of "Demolition Man" right now? Swear sensors in every room, fining you for every little thing

Anyway, I see this as a positive move to raise awareness and create debate. Bring it on!

fastom

George Carlin used to do a thing on the "Seven baaaaaad words"

Anything politicians come up with on an issue like this is bound to be pretty stupid. Are they going to suggest a list of alternative words like "Spook" ? What about "Whigger" is that still allowed?

Ourcrazymodern?

Whigs did what they could when they were able. Maybe these wordists are doing the same?

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flstf

I think they banned "nigger", "nigga" is probably OK.

Jazzercycle

Yeah, this does nothing to attack the root of the problem. Banning the word "nigger" won't stop anyone from treating African-Americans with the condescending sentiment that the word implies.

What does this have to do with affirmative action? A black person can call a white person "cracker" or "honky," but in the end, whites hold the most power in society.

Jetée

Free speech being quelched by THE MAN? Haha... That'll be the day.