White people asking if it was "OK" for Obama to use the n-word proves a point.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

It proves a good portion of white people still don't get it.

[HassleCat]

1. I know some who do

They call the president the "ni88er in chief" so I guess they are in that post-racial place.

[stevenleser]

2. I don't know why this is so complicated for some folks.

Jackie Mason could tell Jewish jokes because he was Jewish. A non-Jewish person saying many of the same jokes would be considered offensive and potentially an antisemite.

Chris Rock and other African American comedians can use the 'N' word and opine on the black community in ways that if a white person did it would be offensive and likely considered racist.

And by the way, not all Jews and African Americans appreciate(d) Jackie Mason and Chris Rock's humor.

This isn't hard. People are allowed to make fun of themselves and their groups in ways that are not appropriate for others.

[Snow Leopard]

14. but this

doesn't include jokes about white people right?

<People are allowed to make fun of themselves and their groups in ways that are not appropriate for others.>

that's 'different'?


I dunno, if something is wrong then it should be wrong for everyone. I'm not big on special treatment. Doesn't seem like equality to me.

[stevenleser]

15. White people can't make fun of white people? I would argue they can. nt

[ForgoTheConsequence]

3. Watching Wolf Blitzer fish for outrage is offensive.

He is truly a piece of shit.

[Rex]

7. I second that.

A huge stinking pile of warm dog poo.

[LittleBlue]

4. Probably not a good idea

Whatever he said is now overshadowed by the fact that he said the n word, the same word he just pointed out is a distraction.

Many people think that word is degrading and dehumanizing to the point that it should never be used. Older African Americans especially seem to dislike that word because it was leveled at them by klan sympathizers in the Jim Crow days.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

8. He was making a powerful statement.

It would have been mitigated if he watered it down so white people weren't offended.

[blm]

5. I have been shaking my head over MSM's reaction -

The fact that they talk about it COMPLETELY out of context and running polls on his USE of the word (completely out of context) is UTTER HORSESH!T!

[Tommy_Carcetti]

6. Why would any white person want to use that word?

Unless he or she is a complete racist, in which case it just speaks for itself.

I ask that being a white person myself.

I have no desire whatsoever to use that word or see that word.

I don't want to "desensitize its stigma" or have it lose its power. I just want it to disappear.

I don't get that argument at all.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

9. You could be right. And I don't get it.

Is it OK to use the word "nigger"? Is it ok only if it's said with implied quotes around it?

Is it OK to use the the substitute "n-word" when discussing the word "nigger"?

Was Prez Obama just trolling? Trying to instigate discussion? Or just going for shock value?

Yes, I don't get it.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

10. It's ok to use it if you're a black man talking from a place of history.

It isn't your word, your people abused it. Get over it.

[Schema Thing]

11. There are only two reasons *not* to use the "N word"

A) you intend to disparage when you use it,

or

B) you will get your ass kicked (even if ^A is not true) for having used it.


Reality seems to suggest that those two factors should prevent 99.9% of all usages by people other than Black.

[Gormy Cuss]

12. I dislike the abbreviation "n-word" but I use it

because that's the current preferred form-- for people who aren't African-Americans. Why anyone thinks this president needs to call it the "n-word" is beyond me.

I'm glad that the president used his prerogative and said the word in that context.

[ecstatic]

13. Looks like MSNBC will spend the entire day asking random guests

if it was OK for Pres. Obama to use that word.