Posted on 03/15/2006 7:52:30 AM PST by John Conlin
It has been called the nuclear bomb of racial epithets. The filthiest, dirtiest, nastiest word in the English language. A word that has an undisputed pedigree of hate. The word? Nigger.
(Excerpt) Read more at denverpost.com ...
Nigger – originally simply a dialectal variant of Negro, the term nigger is today acceptable only in black English; in all other contexts it is now generally regarded as virtually taboo because of the legacy of racial hatred that underlies the history of it use among whites, and its continuing use among a minority of speakers as a viciously hostile epithet.
The article continues “It has been called the nuclear bomb of racial epithets. The filthiest, dirtiest, nastiest word in the English language. A word that has an undisputed pedigree of hate. The word? Nigger.”
Let’s first start with the definition. “…acceptable only in black English…” Think about that statement. If nigger is simply a racist epithet for “black”, then isn’t their definition rather circular? Other than intent, isn’t it exactly the same as saying that the word nigger is “… acceptable only in nigger English..” What in gods name is black English?! Isn’t this definition incredibly racist? Please define black English for me in a way that isn’t completely circular.
And of course Websters continues their racist folly by noting its “use among whites”. I guess the word means peace and harmony when uttered by anyone who isn’t “white” (whatever that means). But the Denver Post article is about someone whose last name is Martinez (with only 40 prior arrests) uttering this word while punching a “black” college student in the face. At least he wasn’t “white” while sucker punching the poor student! When will this insanity end?
Everyday in our society one is inundated with racist thought and language -- black this, white that, yet few seem to take notice. But I ask you what is the difference between calling someone black or nigger? Or white or cracker? (Or fill in your racist label) Obviously there is a difference in intent; one name is meant as an insult, a slur, a verbal assault. Most would consider the use of nigger or cracker as clearly racist. Why isn’t the other considered just as racist? It may be more neutral in tone but isn’t what it purports to describe exactly the same? And exactly what do these words supposedly describe? I don’t have a clue. They are both incredibly bigoted statements that only vary in how overtly -- and acceptable to general society, the basic racism is stated.
Next time you read a newspaper article on these subjects substitute nigger for black, cracker for white, and whatever racist slur you desire for all the other, “others.” Does it change the meaning of the article? The feel? The message?
But nothing has been fundamentally changed in the article. Why the difference? Let me reframe it for you, perhaps the article was always racist but you are simply use to the racist language used. Therefore it doesn’t shock you, it is simply “normal.” Yet an article on how many niggers or wetbacks or whities do a certain thing would be almost unthinkable, and would generate a very strong response.
The only way to end racism is to not take the first step; the classification of individuals based on certain meaningless physical traits.
Last night I had to explain to my 9 year old son, what a WHOP was.
Did you tell him it was okay to say "WHOP" in Italian-english?
that would be WOP....for With out Papers (or passport)
as an american with mostly Italian backround I know all the jokes....I even laugh at some
If people would just ignore being called names, the words would lose their sting. I am a gringo, cracker, howley, whitebread mofo. I am calling the NAAWP...wah.
The "Worldwide House Of Pancakes"?
Some American Blacks are the most racist people on earth. Their use of that word proves it.
Do you mean "wop"? I have heard that this is an acronym for "without papers," or in other words, an illegal alien.
I only actually hear the word spoken in conversation by young blacks on the subway...or by rap "stars" or black comedians on TV.
(With the notable exception of Robert Byrd.)
"I could never in a million years think that it could be a derogatory term but not a racially derogatory term," Okubo said. "It was a shock."
Okubo must not be familiar with American 'Gangsta Rap' or American 'Black Comedy'
. ...probably never heard of Chris Rock either.
If you speak out and publicly take a stand, you're going to get called names. I've been called a Nazi, a fascist, and even a Rush Limbaugh.
Shall we mention "cracker" or WASP?
I don't know, sounds like the wetback got away with it, though.
Just because we promise not to call each other names doesn't mean rascism will go away. It won't, and it never will. Yes, I know, that's not an optimistic way of looking at it, but it quite realistic. Racism is here to stay. But racism didn't hold back my family; nor should it do the same to any family or individual in America. If you allow yourself to be hurt by words uttered by idiots, you are going to have one miserable life.
I admire your post. Thanks.
Do you know why it's so hard to tell time in Italy? Because every time you turn arond another Degos by!
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