Why isn't the use of the "n" word considered hate speech?

[FLyellowdog]

It is one of the vilest terms uttered in the English language. When it is used in serious discussions, its only intent is to insult. Granted, its use tells me more about the user rather than the one to whom it's referencing, but still.

I just had a heated discourse on FB where one poster (not a friend, thank goodness) used it and I'm livid. It seems it's use is increasing now more than in recent years and it seems that republicans think it's acceptable. I have yet to hear a republican at any policital level urge its non-use.

I find it so repulsive that when someone uses it in my presence, I ask them rather forcefully not to repeat it. And that includes jokes that contain the term. Freedom of speech be damned.

Sorry for the rant, but enough is enough.

[randome]

1. Comedians and rappers use it. Until African-Americans demand otherwise, it will still be used.

[FLyellowdog]

3. True...but the people I'm talking about don't fall into those categories.

These people, for the most part, are good, church-going, bible-thumping gospel spouting beings. It's more than I can bear at times.

[Bluenorthwest]

10. Church going, racist and 'good'?

I think your perspective and mine are not the same at all.

[FLyellowdog]

25. Well, I guess you're right...to a point.

Many of those of which I speak are for all intents and purposes "good" people...I mean, if I needed help, they'd help me...and have. They do volunteer work, donate to the poor, and never, ever kick kittens...but they're still racists. Go figure.

[PDJane]

2. One of my favouriite young women,

one of those pocket venus types, decked a football player for using it in her presence. Came from the floor and cold-cocked him.

Until it becomes social anathama, however, it will be used.

[FLyellowdog]

4. Well, at 66, I don't think I'll be doing that. But I do admire her fervor. nt

[PDJane]

13. I'm too old for that too, but you can see why she's a favourite of mine!

[UnrepentantLiberal]

5. It's used quite often in the Meta forum.

There's never a good reason to use that word.

[FLyellowdog]

9. I don't know anything about the Meta forum but if that's the case, I don't want to. Thanks.nt

[cali]

12. I read Meta regularly and I've never seen it.

And it's not a word that's allowed here.

[UnrepentantLiberal]

28. Here: (There's more but advanced search isn't working.)

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&tbo=d&gl=US&source=android-browser&q=site%3Ademocraticunderground.com%2F+seabeyond+nigger&oq=site%3Ademocraticunderground.com%2F+seabeyond+nigger&gs_l=mobile-gws-serp.12...117499.132100.0.136448.30.23.0.0.0.2.336.3111.2j13j1j3.19.0.les%3B..0.0...1ac.1.t13-sOYfyWM

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1240&pid=155757

[Kurovski]

26. I've seen it as the N word in meta.

I've not seen it spelled out.

[UnrepentantLiberal]

29. Here: (There's more but advanced search isn't working.)

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&tbo=d&gl=US&source=android-browser&q=site%3Ademocraticunderground.com%2F+seabeyond+nigger&oq=site%3Ademocraticunderground.com%2F+seabeyond+nigger&gs_l=mobile-gws-serp.12...117499.132100.0.136448.30.23.0.0.0.2.336.3111.2j13j1j3.19.0.les%3B..0.0...1ac.1.t13-sOYfyWM

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1240&pid=155757

[Kurovski]

32. Hmm Seabeyond, eh. Well it's in quotes. Still...

Last edited Sat Oct 27, 2012, 09:47 PM - Edit history (1)

Thanks.

see, that's what i get for spending only three days in meta and pretending like i got it all down. Doofedy-derpy-doo.

[L0oniX]

6. Why aren't the KKK rounded up and thrown into prison as a terrorist group?

[cali]

11. Because of due process and the freedom to associate.

thankfully, you and your ilk on both right and left haven't achieved your goals- yet.

[FLyellowdog]

18. Define "your ilk"...not sure I understand. Thanks. nt

[cali]

21. People who want to round up groups of people and

imprison them. Yes, I find the KKK heinous, but I stand with the ACLU.

[L0oniX]

23. ...because the ACLU is also standing with the Taliban. Double standard deluxe version.

[FLyellowdog]

27. Gotcha...I posted after your post reply to someone else and got confused.

Actually, I'm a card carrying member of the ACLU, so I hope they aren't reading all this. They might rescind my membership!

I just don't like THAT WORD and don't want to hear it and don't want it used and don't like anyone who uses it. As for freedom of speech be damned, yes.....I was too harsh. I should have cooled down before I spoke..Please don't group me into "you and your ilk"...I'm not an ilk...Or at least I hope I'm not.

Friends?

[LeftInTX]

14. I think they've been tried on RICO statutes

[cali]

19. That's hardly the same as rounding them up and

throwing them in prison.

[Bluenorthwest]

7. It is not acceptable in my area, nor where I am present

Have not heard it uttered in years and years outside 'entertainment' modes such as hip hop or comedy.

[cali]

8. It is widely considered hate speech. What makes you think it isn't?

You do realize that hate speech is entirely legal in this country, right?

And I find your cavalier dismissal of free speech, depressing.

[FLyellowdog]

16. Just don't like racial hatred.And yes, I know hate speech is legal...doesn't mean I have to like it.

Last edited Sat Oct 27, 2012, 07:27 PM - Edit history (1)

We used to be a country who demonstrated a certain degree of decorum. No longer. And I think we're the worse for it.

[cali]

22. I despise racial hatred. But I believe the antidote is more speech not

curtailing the right of free speech. You don't countenance racial slurs. I don't either. I call people out on it when I hear it. Always.

[DollarBillHines]

15. One of my live standards is "Big-Footed N*****"

I learned it from Juke Boy Bonner.

It is a great song (12-bar, but kind of a shuffle) about black farmers sitting around and drinking and talking trash.

I live and play in an extremely blue area and the song is almost always very well received. It is right out of the thirties and just real as hell.

Every once in a while I get a negative response from somebody. I always ask them if they even bothered listening to the song and they always reply "no".

I believe words carry different weight in different contexts. If I had to delete all of the potentially sensitive words and phrases from my sets, I wouldn't have ten minutes worth of material. I am not exactly a pop singer.

Most of my stuff involves drinking, sex, dope, murder, big-legged women, gambling, stealing...

All of it is trad, I don't do any of my originals when I am playing raw, acoustic blooz.

[FLyellowdog]

17. Your use is definitely in a different context. Venue makes a great deal of difference, I'm sure.nt

[Ikonoklast]

20. Define 'hate speech' first.

[FLyellowdog]

24. I think it's any form of communication that is offensive to a minority...

Its intent would be show hatred toward that group to whom it's referring. I guess something about inciting violence is also included on some level.

I know that when "serious discussions" (not comedy, raps, etc) include the term, it's never been my experience that it was a term of endearment. It's always been to denigrate the person(group) and to show disgust for their being.

All I'm saying is I think the kind of hatred which manifests itself in the use of that word is both unhealthy for our country and a sad commentary on how little we've learned since the Civil Rights movement.

I think we'd all be better off if that hatred were redirected toward something other than our fellow Americans. The use of that word is neither uplifting nor beneficial to moving our country forward. Its cavalier use (thanks to another poster for reminding of that nice word) serves only to divide us, and goodness knows there's enough division to go around.

[blazeKing]

30. I've been called the N word and I'm white

Could be a problem labeling it hate speech.

When I was in college, I had probably equally black and white and mix friends...the N word would come out allllll the time. But never from white to black.

[FLyellowdog]

31. Interesting.

Now you've got me to thinking...was that offensive or not? In a convoluted kind of way, I don't think I'd be offended if someone called me that. I'd still tell them not to use the word...

Going to ponder that for awhile.

[blazeKing]

33. I wasn't offended at all

Made me feel like I was part of the group Lol. Granted, it's not the ER ending word, it's the A ending one. Still, either one is NOT NOT NOT something a white person should ever say to a black person.


But it seems to have taken on the meaning like the words "Dude" or "Man".

[xchrom]

34. You can say the n word on the Internet & no one will beat your ass.

Try saying the n word ( if you white) in s. Central LA.

And as far as 'good' speech or 'more' speech is concerned? Weak as water.

More or better hasn't corrected anything except in a court of law.

And if the court over turns affirmative action - well any way...

[WillowTree]

35. Because it can't be hate speech if you or I....or a biggot....uses it.......

.......and not when a black person uses it. And too many do use it, which only emboldens those who would use it derisively.

It's not a word that's ever permitted in my home, by anyone or in any context, and I've had occasion to have to ask certain folks of both black and white ethnicities to kindly leave because of that rule.

[Nye Bevan]

36. I consider it to be hate speech. And I think all DUers would (nt)