[Eric]

If a white person goes up to a group of blacks and uses the word ‘nigger,’ most people would think this is not OK. But what if it turns out the white person is actually half-black? Or how about a quarter-black? Does he then have the ‘right’ to use the word? Who should be able to use the term?

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[Greg-H21542]

First, the way blacks and whites use and pronounce the word is different. Between blacks, the word is a term of inclusion and familiarity and is pronounced lightly. When whites use the term, it is used as a derisive term and has a much more harsh pronunciation. Second, a person who is half white and half black usually has a brown skin color and hair with a non-Caucasian texture. It’s usually pretty easy to spot people with black in their family, and if they look black, they’re usually considered black by other black folk. Third, we don’t just walk up to a group of people we don’t know or have any association with and say, ‘wsup nigga?’ It doesn’t work like that. Some people may be offended by the use of such a familiar term with people who don’t know them. It’s similar to using the first name of an adult when speaking to them; there are just certain times and situations when you can do it.

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[Antoinette]

I choose not to use the ‘N-word,’ but for African Americans who do, I think it’s more like turning a negative into a positive.

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[Jennifer]

This has been thoroughly addressed at least once on this board within the past 100 or so questions. Why not have a look back through the archives? I don’t think anyone’s going to answer, because I think people are sick of answering.

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[TR24206]

It depends on the context of the situation. It isn’t just about who says it, but how they’re saying it. People who use the word as a term of endearment can usually tell if someone is being sincere or if they’re just slinging the word around just for the sake of it. Also, in this society, people who are half-black are considered ‘black’ for all intents and purposes. Thus, someone who looks black will be accepted as such, especially if they’re raised in ‘black’ culture, and will not be held to the same unspoken social rules applied to most white people.

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[Willie]

I feel no one has the right to say the ‘N-Word.’ It is offensive to me in any way it is perceived to be. Whoever wants to have ownership of this word is ignorant.

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[Ebony25539]

I never have approved of anybody using the n-word and would be offended if anybody used it talking to or referring to me. I think it’s best if nobody uses the word, ever.

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[Bo23096]

Maybe a better question would be to ask: ‘Why must anyone use the n-word?’ It seems as though it is found offensive to say it anyway- whether your skin is black, white, or anything else. It shouldn’t make any difference that a black person says it. The word was formed, presumably, in a deroggatory manner, and it should be treated as such. To say that a black person can say it and not be offensive, but if a white person says it it is offensive is just as racist as the word itself. How can you draw a line?

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[Daisha-Fernindad31858]

if that be the case,nobody.

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[Cheyenne]

The word is offensive to you because you choose to be offended by it. You have the power to give it as much meaning as you want it to. By deliberately deciding to give it that power, and a negative one at that, you will always be offended, no matter the context. To which I would ask: Why do you make that choice?

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