pig

As far as the poster's question goes, I would say that 1. I agree with the majority of the above. Why let it bother you? It just wastes your time and energy. 2. Apparently you're not abnormal amongst the people here, but I suspect, based on my people-watching at malls and bars and such, that you probably are abnormal. Most people are going to say something, or else physically demonstrate their anger. Stare, follow, stalk, etc.

As far as racial slurs in general, not only do I agree that intent frames the way it's received, assuming it's coming from someone whose opinion you have some reason to care about, but I also think it would be kind of a sad world to live in without some racial slurs, gender slurs, etc. between friends. Being from the SouthEast originally, I still don't think I could call my black friends nigger to their face, nor would I want to, but can and do use negro and have been known to say "South Alabama porchmonkey, come home to your white master" a few times. Always works. Seriously, it's like telling my hard-core feminist friends to get their ass in the kitchen and fix me a sammich, and they'd better be half-dressed when they come back. It builds that special rapport, and works to get the superficial stuff out of the way. The people you've got to watch are the ones who always shy away from the superficial characterstics too much, all the time.

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primal

I think that asians don't have nearly the history behind their racial slurs that blacks do. Blacks were historically called Niggers to remind them that they were Sub-human. That word was used as the battle cry for slavery. It was used to such effect that blacks began to believe that they were worthless. As black people gained rights and education that word slowly faded out of favor. Now when a white person uses that word it's a little reminder that nothing has changed in their eyes.

I personally never allow anyone to use that word, because I feel that owe it to both my anecestors and decendants to make sure that everyone knows that it is not ok to trivalize that struggle.

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"Where the white women at?"
-Sheriff Bart (Blazing Saddles)

pig

Yeah, but how do you stop it? I think that acknowledging the intent of the word only gives it power. I only know that with my close friends who have black/African heritage, we can kid about a lot of things, but you're right - that word definately just doesn't fly. It might be different if I were hip-hop-alicious, but I'm a white guy raised in the burbs. In South Carolina.

ps. in case anyone didn't pick it up, the "South Alabama porchmonkey" thing is from an old Eddie Murphy SNL skit.
pps. I just re-read the thread title, and I'd have to say that I think that in situations like the one the poster is describing, it's not that wouldn't be offended, I just think it's beneath me to react to it. You want to look like an uneducated fool, go ahead.

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You don't love me, you just love my piggy style

primal

You can't keep people from saying what they want to say. What I meant by not allowing people to use that word was to discourage them. I just let my friends know that it's not ok. I don't jump into stranger's conversations because I hear that word, instead I'd give them a look.

The context in which the slur is being used is very important. But I feel that when people use it in its more accepted contexts that it still can work to reinforce racism. For instance imagine that I'm racists against blacks and at home I use the "N" word like it's going out of style. If I'm out in public and I use that word and everyone looks at me like I'm crazy then I'll realize that my views are not popular. I feel that part of the goal is to make the racist people feel that they are the minority.

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"Where the white women at?"
-Sheriff Bart (Blazing Saddles)

TopRamen66

Yesterday I got called a Cracker by a white guy wearing a throwback jersey and a sideways baseball cap. That struck me as odd, but didnt really bother me. My friend called him a Wigger and he responded with "Imma blast you fool!", so apparently he was sensitive to racial slurs. I walked away laughing, however.

Omar12

I do not get offended when they mention a racial slur at me, and I get it while playing basketball a lot, but I just ignore it. ("Spick" is one of the racial slurs used against me = Puertorican)
I'm used playing against ignorant people, that think us puertoricans don't play basketball, we offend them back winning games .

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"If I haven't seen it its new to me"

MSD

I'm as white as possible, so I don't hear many slurs thrown at me. I suppose it's the same effect as dumbasses yelling "Columbine" at me when I wear an ankle-length coat. I shrug it off, pity them for their ignorance, and get on with my life.

People are ignorant to what they're saying and to what it means to everyone. I figure that words are so upsetting to some people due to the years of hate and discrimination behind the words, then it's better for all of us to use a descriptive word (something like "that guy") rather than run the risk of seriously huring someone with those words. To use racial slurs, even in a joking manner, comes across as uncouth and uncivilized.

gdr2004

Being a minority, I think it's a lot easier to accept racist remarks. It's all in how its said - I'll know it if I see it

OFKU0

Years ago when I lived in Toronto, I would hop on the 35c Jane St. city bus and would regularily be called white bread, vanilla or honky. It didn't offend me as much as it scared the hell out of me. 50 black folk and one white guy, looks who is the visibly minority now.

It did bother me, being in my early 20's, and silently I would think to myself " fucking niggers" go rob a bank for crack money or something. Then I realized that even though these people were blantantly ignorant vocally speaking, I was no better thinking the same in return silently. One city bus with a few idiots doesn't reflect the culture as a whole. The situation did prompt me to buy a car though.

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" In Canada, you can tell the most blatant lie in a calm voice, and people will believe you over someone who's a little passionate about the truth." David Warren, Western Standard.

PDOUBLEOP

The other day, I caught my self saying (in a mixed crowd) to my friend "Fo shizzle my nizzle". We're both white. It's something we've all heard repeatedly. I thought for sure someone had heard me and was gonna get pissed. It's a shame that I had to worry about it. It's not like I intended anything insulting by it.

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ef you-you effing ef

buffto

i personally don't care what anyone calls me or anyone else. they are only words. people who fly off the handle when they hears racial slurs (especially when the word doesn't even apply to them) irritate the shit out of me.