Home > Duluth.Talk > Archives > 2006 > November > 27 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDo you have an n-word double standard?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Michael Richards, who played the goofy neighbor Cosmo Kramer on “Seinfeld,” recently made ugly racial remarks and used the n-word after two black men allegedly heckled him during his comedy routine.
Richards, who was rightfully taken to the whipping shed about his racially insensitive remarks, has apologized for his hate-filled language. Hopefully, he has learned his lesson, has had a change heart and genuinely won’t want to use such distasteful language in public or in private again.
What bewilders me is the double standard that millions of African-Americans and others have when it comes to who can use the n-word.
We cringe and become outraged when any white or non-black person uses the demeaning word. Yet even those of us who dislike the word and never utter the n-word ourselves have an eerie tolerance and acceptance when African-Americans refer to each other this way.
Updated hip-hop versions of the n-word are often part of the repertoire of black comedians and the lyrics of black rappers.
Many of the same people who are angry at Richards for his use of the n-word spend good money to buy the CDs and attend the performances of African-Americans who use the n-word throughout their work.
Moreover, many African-American youth have claimed the word and use it with familiarity and camaraderie with each other. They are seemingly indifferent to the historical roots as well as the psychological pain and exclusion that the word has caused for countless other black people.
The other day while visiting a convenience store in my Duluth neighborhood a trio of young black men who appeared to be in their late teens to early 20s casually called each other the n-word and other expletives.
I cringed inside with embarrassment each time they spoke that infamous word. There were no white people in the store, but I wondered what the Indian clerks and the Latino customers thought, if anything , about hearing the young black men shout the n-word.
I wanted to pull one or all of those young men aside and share with them my pain in hearing that word spoken by anyone, but especially by them.
I know that words reveal our innermost thoughts and I prayed that deep inside those young men really don’t believe that they or their buddies are that word.
I lacked the courage to speak up that day. I should have said something to them about using that degrading and inflammatory word. If the offenders had been white I would’ve dug deep inside myself and found my voice. I was uncomfortably confronted with a double standard.
Why could I have found the courage to challenge racists and not the courage to counsel misguided young black men who could be my sons about the perils of the n-word?
This inconsistency about who can use the n-word and who can’t is the reason the word still thrives among whites and blacks.
The next time I hear that vile word used by anyone, I will challenge them. I promise.
Do you respond differently to whites or blacks who use the n-word? Why?
Permalink | Comments (18) | Categories: Beni Dakar
Comments
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By Dale
November 27, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this
As a black man who has been called the n-word on more than one occasion, I am often more offended when someone calls me an African-American!
What Mr. Richards did was wrong, he is an idiot, and I would only expect such stupid comments from a person like that.
As far as the use of the n-word, I believe we should treat it as what it is: profanity.
By delois
November 28, 2006 08:26 AM | Link to this
I’m a white child of the 60s and when I hear that word spoken by anyone, it sends chills down my spine. My father was a minister and his churches were always northeast inner city churches so I was taught to love everyone and my friends growing up were very diverse. My father was a big supporter of the civil rights movement and had a great respect for Dr. King. I can’t possibly fathom that Dr. King would be proud of his people that continue to use the “n” word. I’m appalled that anyone in this day and age would continue to use it.
By Bruce Wilcox
November 28, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this
No, the word disgusts me whomever is saying it.
By OK
November 28, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this
What I don’t understand is why,when the “N” word is used by whites, it’s racist and derrogatory, but when a black person uses it with another black person, it turns into a term of endearment. You are sending mixed messages. If you want everyone to stop using it, that means EVERYONE. (If you research the word, it’s a take on Negroid/Negro, which is a race of people like Caucasoid/Caucasian, Mongoloid, Australoid.)
I agree with the above poster who said they are not happy with African-American either. You are either or. Either a citizen of Africa or a citizen of America. If you were born here, or are a legal citizen, you are an American. PERIOD. Stop trying to be something you aren’t.
By Scottish-American
November 28, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this
Its amazing what some people consider to be racist. Some people just seem to be more sensitive about it that others. If someone says something to you that is considered racist in your book, does not mean they are being racist. It just a stupid word and if there is a racist basis behind it then that is their problem. If you automatically take it as racist, is it their fault that they don’t know your background and upbringing to know that they just offeneded you? Who’s problem is that?
By Spike
November 28, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this
I’m with you, OK. The double standard has always bothered me. The word is disgusting and shouldn’t be used by anyone.
By dave
November 28, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this
My question is why do they call it the negro college fund and want to be referred to as african american.That to be is double standards.
By ELLE
November 28, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this
The word is offensive, period!
It does not matter who is using it, or what the context. IMO, it is likely acceptable to use it when explaining the meaning, origination, or some of the history associated with it.
I can’t think of any other race, or ethnicity that “embraces” the derogatory term used to refer to their people.
To call any other race, or ethnicity by the derogatory term used to describe or refer to them, would be considered “UNACCEPTABLE”, and quite frankly would not be tolerated.
This awful word (the “N” word) was in some cases the last word heard prior to being lynched. To forget the awful history or ones ancestors… is at the very least disrespectful.
By LB
November 28, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this
I actually heard two men on the comedy channel using the N word. What surprised me was a black man was calling a white man an “N” for laughs. I agree with these double standards. Who is doing the discriminating and who is blaming who?
As for the term African American, I have two really nice co-workers who actually came to the USA from Africa recently and they are both white. When they are given forms to fill out are they supposed to check the box “African American” or are they supposed to check the box “White, Caucasian”.
It’s confusing when people don’t want to offend anybody and every name used is offensive to some people. What is wrong with the terms American Blacks, American Whites, American Hispanics, etc. Better still, why not have a blank line beside the race category for people to state their preference? After all, everybody’s race should be an important part of who they are and every race is equal in importance and purpose.
I guess my personal conclusion to this blog is the use of the N word or any other word used in a conversation is a mutually understood and accepted term between those people and is none of my business.
By White guy
November 28, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this
Being white, I never hear any of my friends or co-workers use the “N” word. In my opinion, it’s kept alive in our vocabulary by blacks.
By doinou
November 29, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this
Put the word to bed. Everyone stop using it. It’s not going to go away as long as it is kept alive by any culture, music, comedy routines etc.
By Woody Bass
November 29, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this
Very gutsy piece Beni…. very proud of you for this one.
By Keith Lynch
November 29, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this
Dear Readers, my name is Keith Lynch and I would like to thank each of you for your support; not only in the purchase of my book titled “Dirty Justice-Who Killed Mommy,” but also your prayers. I would like to also wish you a happy holiday season, but for me, I cannot celebrate while my family is still in so much turmoil. Please pray that I’m reunited with my children and that we will receive justice in the State of Georgia. Imagine being wrongly accused in the death of your spouse, imagine your children being taken away and adopted with no any wrongdoing on your behalf. Well ladies and gentlemen that’s exactly what happened to me. The injustice that has befallen my family and me at the hands of law enforcement and public officials occurred in Deklab County. My book names each individual who is responsible for crimes committed against my family and me. Please visit www.kllundypublishingllc.com and find out what happened. Readers you know the lies that are coming to light in the Atlanta shooting of the 88 year old woman, now you can review what had happened to me.
By D
November 29, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this
First, I have to say I’m white, and I teach. I have zero tolerance for that hate-filled word in my room, regardless of who is using it. I tell my students often that it doesn’t matter what’s on the outside, if we looked inside, we all look the same. Just an interesting note for Dale, my sister used to work with a lady who was native to South Africa, and is now an American citizen. She is white, but she is very much so a true African-American.
By Atico
November 29, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this
First, yes, there is a double standard with the use of the n word. Second, we all have double standards, regardless of our race. I agree with another blogger in the definition of the n word. In that it is nothing more or less than profanity. I will stop using the n word when all AMERICANS stop putting a racial, ethnic word before AMERICAN, nothing is more stupid than be to be called an African American, Korean American or any other combination. All you with lack of self esteem have at me…..
By dizzy
November 30, 2006 12:29 PM | Link to this
A call has been made to ban the use of this word. If you keep bring up the subject, how will it ever stopped being used. While we’re at it lets ban rude and road rage. I’m tired of these as well.
By kat
November 30, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this
I am white and I have zero tolerance for the n word, but for me it was not just Michael Richards use of the n word. What struck me, with much horror, was the overwhelming hate and anger that Michael Richards exhibited during his tirade. He singled out two individuals shouting and screaming obscenities, in addition to the n word, like a man gone mad. His bigotry towards those individuals was sickening to witness. Michael Richard’s apology would have meant nothing to me.
By Lou
December 1, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this
No word in any language is intrinsically offensive, it is the mind of the reader or listener that attaches meaning. And those minds are nurtured by the culture one grows up in. Your use of the politically correct substitute “N-word” ten separate times in your blog resonates in my mind with the word it is used to replace. Do you think the substitute word is any better, more socially acceptable? If I cruised through some neighborhoods around Greenbriar Mall or Stonecrest Mall and shouted N WORD as loud as I could, would I be any less likely to get shot at? Do you think I could get the DMV to issue me a car tag that reads “N WORD” or “RUNWORD”? I think not, despite the fact that it is used in common conversation and printed in newspapers as acceptable. The specious controversy over opinions that it is acceptable for some people to use it and not others is just stirring the pot of discontent. The arguement that the use of the “N-word” (I have to resort to using it here in hopes of getting this opinion posted) applies to a “stereotype” of person rather than a specific race is also a red herring. If I were to say “Trailer trash”, would that bring images of a certain race, social, economic or ethnic background? Where is the indignation over that pejorative? I’m so tired of the constant arguement that I’d like to leave and go somewhere where no one has ever heard the word, but it’s impossible toaccomplish that and still be living in these DIS-United States. I’m retired military, I’ve lived in 7 foreign countries, I’ve worked with thousands of black American servicemembers who were judged on the performance of their duties, not the color of their skin. Granted, the nation’s military has it’s share of people who hold negative stereotypical images. After all, our services are somewhat representative of the population in general (with the exception of the economically elite who see no need or personal benefit to military service). I’ve run out of energy over the debate on this issue, but, like an earlier comment stated, we’ll never get past the arguement until we do away with hyphenated citizenship.