Thank you -- and I offer my apologies for grouping you with GP. I read your back and forth on the changes of the word, and I inferred that you were saying same as him, but you have clarified that you understand the word is offensive, so I apologize for assuming differently.caryking said:Hokie, I don't believe anyone is choosing to use the word. For me, I asked a simple question about what would happen if the word was used to describe a white person.. would it be racist?hokiewolf said:
I think what everyone is trying to say ham handed is that the changes to social norms with respect to certain big words continues to evolve and is confusing.
When things like this come up, I just choose to not use the words.
When I was younger, the word was more prevalent, in society. It was not considered (generally speaking) a racial term; rather, it was used to describe the way people are. That included white people…. In fact, this topic got brought up with a good friend of mine (who happens to be black) and he said the same thing. Perhaps, that was more of a southern thing, I don't know…
My experience may have been different than others. Yes, the "N" word was prevalent; however, it wasn't used with the same context as today. Whether that's right or wrong, back then, well… it's just what it was.
I do not call a Black person the "N" word, because it does offend them; therefore, respectfully I, and for that matter, others shouldn't do it (my opinion). That doesn't change the question I asked…
I will disagree though --- when I was young, I heard the word used -- and it was certainly more prevalent -- it was a derogatory term then too, 100% used to describe a person of color. I suppose there could have been other contexts, but other than in rap lyrics or comedy routines (artists are always given a lot more latitude on expressions), I'm not sure I've ever heard it used as anything other than demeaning or negative.
