Should the "N" word ever be used?
Cleveland's Improv isn't going to censor comics. But, one local group is enacting a boycott against any business or artist that uses the word.
When Michael Richards, who played Kramer on” Seinfeld" hurled racial slurs at hecklers in his audience, he opened up more than a mouthful of bad taste. He opened up a debate.
Now, one Black on Black Crime in Cleveland is taking that debate in a whole new direction--by enacting a boycott.
"These comments, we will not take. We will not address others like that, and we won’t be addressed like that," says Black on Black President Ernest Harris.
In addition to encouraging all Clevelanders not to use the word, his group is boycotting at businesses, artists and organizations that use the word in any way.
What are your thoughts on the boycott?
When Michael Richards, who played Kramer on” Seinfeld" hurled racial slurs at hecklers in his audience, he opened up more than a mouthful of bad taste. He opened up a debate.
Now, one Black on Black Crime in Cleveland is taking that debate in a whole new direction--by enacting a boycott.
"These comments, we will not take. We will not address others like that, and we won’t be addressed like that," says Black on Black President Ernest Harris.
In addition to encouraging all Clevelanders not to use the word, his group is boycotting at businesses, artists and organizations that use the word in any way.
What are your thoughts on the boycott?
posted by Dan at
10:27 PM
48 Comments:
It is truly sad but the boycot is not going to stop anyone from using the "N" word. I, myself, hate the word coming from anyone no matter what color or race says it. Where is the respect for human beings? We all bleed the same color blood. Under the outside skin we all have the same color tissue, etc. People who use the "N" word in a negative and hurtful and disrespectful way should look up the word in a "Real" dictionary and know the real meaning.
I agree with the anonymous poster above. The "N" word will always be used because of how it is presented. I feel that Hiphop/Rap is to blame for accelerating the usage of the "N" word, not responsible for the use of it. The word has been used ever since slaves were brought over here to America. Some thing they can get away with it using variations of it like "nigga" and "nicca". Sad, but true. Either or, I feel that the word should not be used, even if it is used in a non-offensive way. There are other words you can substitute for such vulgarity.
I'm a practicum school counselor at Medina High School, and this was brought up in our diversity group today. Personally, I don't believe the N word should be used, regardless of the content. There are ways to be funny without being offensive.
Until members of the particular race that the word refers to stop using it The N word will not disappera from the vernacular. Many of the other racially devisive trerms are disappearing from the language because the members of the race don't use it. Perhaps a good lesson for all.
Black commedians are, by far, the ones who use "the word" most often. Their claim that ending it in "ar" instead of "er" makes it different is bullsh*t!
If your gonna go as far as boycotting the use of the "n"word.It should apply to all races and then it should also apply to any race dicrimination.The use of"cracker,honkey,spic,wetback,chink" ...etc, should also be boycotted.But then it would fall under the the first amendment.How far should it go!End it all!
There is an ongoing argument within the African AMerican community about the 'appropriateness' of the n-word when it is used by members of that community. People debate whether it makes a difference if the word ends in 'er' or 'a' - I find any version or form of the word offensive. I also find it difficult if not impossible to set two standards (one that applies to those within the African American community and those outside the community who don't 'get' that they are NEVER part of the population who has any entitlement to using the word). My rule is that no one uses the word when I am 'in charge' (I teach at a local university). Historically, the word is loaded and has too much racism behind it to make it appropriate to use in a public forum.
While the original meaning of the word is rooted in slavery, there are not a whole lot of people alive anymore who realize what it really meant. Most people who use it actually use it as a term of endearment, but then rail against people "not allowed" to use it.
It's just a word. "Foul" language is also pointless, especially these days. The phrase "f*ck you" has so little weight behind it now, I see no reason to even censor TV...
I agree no one should use the N word regardless of their race. Black comics have said it was okay for them, but they are just disrespecting their own race. It reminds me of my mother objecting to blacks she worked with calling Southern blacks who came North for jobs in the 50's and 60's the N word. They felt they could do it because they considered these people to be beneath them.
It is sad that people use the "N" word but what about the ones whe use the words to talk about white's also do we get uptight about it and boycot? I am not a racist or anything but I get sick and tired of hearing about blacks or colored people saying that whites don't treat them right. If they don't like it in this country then let them find a country that they do like.
People need to lighten up on this guy. I have heard Other famouse comics like Chris Rock, Dave Chappell that bash Whites even worse. And he did appologize. I am white and reverse racisime is just as rampant in the black comunity against whites. Where does it end?
i think no one should be using that word but why is it when a white person says it it is wrong but black people change it slightly and its ok like rappers and a lot of people everywere i dont care how you spell it it aint right and the comedian did nothing any more wrong than the rappers do daily
So what's the big deal, it is just another 4 letter type word. Is it in good taste? No, but it will continue to be used. No one gets so riled up when a white person is called a honkee.
I find it quite interesting that NOW the “N” word is an issue. The African American community (many of who are my friends from across the country) use the word more often than I have ever heard Caucasians use the word. I find this a hypocrisy. When a white male uses this word he is made a spectacle of and forced to apologize. How many African American comedians have used that word on stage? I have heard those comedians in movies and watching them on stage. Although Eddie Murphy has changed his career, I do believe that he used that word on a constant basis. I don’t think when someone lashes out in the heat of the moment that they are in fact racist. As a former equal opportunity trainer, investigative bodies typically look at a pattern of misconduct. If this word is banned in comedy, then it must be fair for all races. So far, Michael Richards has not been treated fairly.
Why is it that if "white"people use the "N" word ,we are put to the lions.However,."Black" people call eachother either in fun or anger use the "N" word and it is accepted.. I mean if it was late night at the Appolo And a comedian used the "N" word there ,This would never have been an issue..Get over it .No one wears shakles..We are all free to do as we will.If you dont like the show ,Dont go,,Or Leave...
I,a caucasion, personally find the "N" word extremely offensive so I can imagine how an African-American feels about it.
Why shouldn't it be used? Black people call themselves and eachother that all the time, why is it so different when a White person saysit? Black people don't like it but is it fair for them to go around and dog white people all the time? NO!!!!! All you ever here is the "R" word, anytime something happens between whites and blacks it's always, oh white people have it in for us black folk, bull crap!!! We are all the same and whatever happen many years ago needs to be let go and move on instead of making us[whitepeople] pay for it. I say if a black person can say the "N" word then why can't white people???
I find it a bit unbalanced, since many black comedians freely use those terms. I, personally, do not use and do not condone it. And on the reverse side many notable black comedians use offensive language toward other etnic groups with little or no negative response. So called humor has been degraded to many unacceptable forms by many so called "comedians". It has become more of a social statement than comedy.
Our World has become so obssessed with the Race card.. I say my skin color is a disadvantage to me .I am white. I feel like I am the minority ,no it still is .And will always be the Race Card pulled on me. But that is because we accept this .I say white,yellow ,red,black or green .We should be treated the same.But as we know,especially with this.It will never happen....
The use of the "N" word by other Blacks, Whites, or anyone is harmful . The historic impact of language can not be denied. Words are strong, they motivate, move persons to act, peacefully or
violently. Words can say I love you or I hate you.Words can harm or heal. The use of the "N" word or any term that deminishes the value of a person or a group should not be tolerated or accepted. A comedy routine use "N" word is NOT a laughing matter.
Boycott the businesses, we all have the right to our believes, but be reasonable in your accusations. This was one comic who made an error and actually got called on it. I have been to many shows and trust me black people are not always the ones singled out - in fact white people and hispanics take a large brunt of the jokes. Maybe we should outlaw all the names we are called as well and get rid of freedom of speach. These people are creating more racism by reacting this way. This is a famous person who does not even live here. Give me a break. Lighten up. Do we really have to hear about this nightly. I cannot believe people have nothing else to focus on. Michael Richards apologized, what do you want him to do jump off a bridge? He will end up getting sued and the people will be compensated I am sure. The only thing this will accomplish is that when somoene has a racist or hurtful comment made to them, they can sue and waste more taxpayers money easier. Arent we fighting a war, do we not have homeless people to worry about.
Each one must teach one, It will take time but we as a culture must relate to our children that it is not acceptable. I agree with the boycott. Let me also say I,ve never thought Richard Pryor as funny, He made me sad. I think we settled for just having a black face in the limelight.
While I don't agree with what Michael Richards did, where do we draw the line on being too politically correct?? No matter what anyone says, someone is going to be offended.
Here's my point- What Michael Richards said was uncalled for and really shows his true character but why was nothing said about the black man calling him a "cracker"? When a white person says anything remotely racial it's a huge deal- news crews are called, and in Richards case he will probably never get an acting job again. His career is over. But black people make fun of white people all the time on comedy shows and we get called names too but thats ok!? I don't think so. The double standard needs to be dropped in this country. Why is it ok for only a select group of people to throw around anti-semitic remarks?
I, myself, am not a racist person and will not tolerate any kind of racial slurs being said in front of me or my children but where is it going to end? The last I heard, this was still a free country and I believe "Freedom of Speech" was still listed the last time I checked. No crime was committed. If the "N" word is going to be so taboo than it should be that way for ALL races.
It all goes back to the golden rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated. It just makes me angry that a racial slur was answered with another racial slur but no one even mentions the latter...
I have to say I'm very intrigued by this story. He used the so called "N" word, big deal, get over it, last I heard this country has freedom of speech. Myself coming from a background of Italian decent, am in no way offended, angry, hurt or have any feelings when I hear the word "dago", "whop", "Guinny" or "mob". Or that I have a little bit of African in my blood, we all are brothers and sisters, so why do we always have to seperate each other because of race? I find it interesting to know that it's wrong for Caucasians to say the "N" word but ok for African's to say the "N" word? What kind of a country are we that we have to boycott, get angry, upset, and go on and on about one word? If that's the case what about all the Singers both African and Caucasians who use the "N" word in lyrics? Why aren't we making a big deal about that? This is a sad sad world we live in that we have to be so judgmental about every word that comes out of our mouths. My last thought is, he said, he can't take it back, last I heard this county has freedom of speech and if I want to use any word I feel I have every right to. Get over it already, I'm sure we have more important things to think about than Richard's using the "N" word!
I agree that the "n" word should not be used, no matter what race it comes from. There's no excuse for it and people who use it, black or white, sound ignorant!
Our World has become so obssessed with the Race card.. I say my skin color is a disadvantage to me .I am white. I feel like I am the minority ,no it still is .And will always be the Race Card pulled on me. But that is because we accept this .I say white,yellow ,red,black or green .We should be treated the same.But as we know,especially with this.It will never happen....
I understand the hurt black america has from that incident when its used in a "hateful" manner. But also we (black america) need to realize dont boycott now because one person said it and it made nationwide news,we say it to each other every day,even when our ancestors faught against the word. You do not see any other race calling each other slang terms for their race but black america. You have to take care of your own home before you take care of the neighborhood.
CRYSTAL WATKINS--I JUST WANNA SAY--IT'S A "WORD"--WE HAVE FREEDOM OF VOICE TO CHOOSE WHAT WE SAY!!!BLACK PEOPLE CAN USE THE WORD AND IT'S COOL--WHITE PEOPLE DO AND IT'S A RACIAL CONTROVERSY?WHY IS THAT?THE MAN WASN'T REFERRING TO A PERSON SPECIFICALLY!!AS FAR AS ANCESTORS--THEY ARE DEAD--THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT'S BEING SAID--IT'S THINGS LIKE THIS THAT SHOWS THAT PEOPLE HAVE TOO MUCH TIME ON THEIR HANDS!EACH AND EVERY DAY OUR RIGHTS AS CIVILIANS ARE BEING DEPLETED AND WE NEED TO STAND UP AND STAND STRONG IN WHAT LITTLE RIGHTS WE HAVE LEFT AS CIVILIANS!!!WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE WHO CALL PEOPLE "FAT"ARE WE CRYING ON THAT? IT'S WORDS-PEOPLE'S CHOICE TO SAY WHAT THEY WANT--THEY ARE ENTITLED TO SAY WHAT THEY WANT--IT'S CALLED "FREEDOM OF VOICE"--READ THE CONSTITUTION PEOPLE--IT STILL EXISTS!!THAT IS WHAT OUR"ANCESTORS" FOUGHT FOR!!!NO ONE IN PATICULAR WAS BEING BADGERED--SO GET OVER IT!!!!!!!LET'S FOCUS ON MORE IMPORTANT THINGS SUCH AS THE WAR,GLOBAL WARMING,NATIONAL DEFICIT--NEED ME TO NAME MORE TO KEEP YOU BUSY?
The frequent use of the 'N' word in rap music and by 'comedians' in the past few years has caused many people around the world to accept this characterization of black people as the norm. I cannot understand why these 'artists' don't see that. It may be that they only see things in the color of money. All the years of civil rights struggles for equality and to stop the use of the 'N' word, at least for this generation has been all but put aside. I applaud the Black On Black Crime Committee once again for helping get this generation of young people back on track, stop the senseless killing of one another and come together for a mutual goal. Survival of the Black race in all areas of humankind.
black on black supoters need to get a life. They should be concered on what's going on in their neghborhoods, not what's going on in the clubs for a laugh.I say go ahead and boycot then the NNNNNNNNNNNNNN word can be used to the max.Even better I will not see you there.
I don't like to hear ANYONE using the "n" word in any manner. But my big problem is the issue people are making about it. This is a free country and we have freedom of speech and that is something people need to learn to deal with. There are certain people who are in such a frenzy about the "n" word being used, but they don't say anything if a woman is called the "b" word. What makes the "n" word worse than any other? All disrespectful names hurt and this is something we learned as children. But that's all they are...names. People can boycot, but then they should boycot every time any race, gender, or culture is being disrespected. We all just need to be more respectful of others.
Yes it is truly sad in today’s society we still have a racial divide. But I feel if this boycott is equally sad.
Yes a word used to demean any race or person shouldn’t be tolerated. But the word has been used liberally by musicians and comics that are black community, in my generation. Not growing up when racism was at it highest in the united states, I feel people are desensitized in my age group from the frequent use of the word. I am surprised by the attention this has received. If people are so this outraged by the use of one word, shouldn’t something have been done well before this. And if there ends up the people end up with some kind of national ban of one word. Should we not also include all racial words not just one. We should be fair to all races, or even better we need to look beyond any race or creed.
sticks and stones could break some bones but words...... lets get real! there are more important things in life to change or improved. how would you like, because of who or what you are, having to live day to day not knowing if you will get a meal or a safe, clean place to sleep. you dont know if you will get hit kicked or tortured. you never hear a kind word. but you have to trust those around you as you have no voice of your own and your cries wont be heard because your an animal! that to me is more offensive. people can get up and walk away from what offends them.
I think this is ridiculous. A white person can't say the N word but blacks can. It is ok for a black to call a white person cracker and honky and what ever they choose and it is acceptable. That is bias. It shouldn't be right for any race to degrade the other! This boycott is just wrong also.
This is so annoying. One by one US citizens rights are being taken away. Do we not remember the little right of "FREEDOM OF SPEACH"!!
The only time the "N" word becomes a problem is when a white person uses it. Blacks call each other that every day. I don't like having to listen to that but all the other slang used by blacks or rap music, but I have to. I cno't go to the gym without having to listen to it.
Perhaps one should look the word up in the dictionary - it is not specific to one race.
Does this mean all black comics and rappers will not use the word, thet will be censured. I don't it! It will be an exception because they are black.
Give American citizens the rights that we are intitled to!!
Chris
Rocky River
It is sad to think that if a peoples want to disenfranchise themselves from the racism of the majority, that they would continue to give power to the white medium through the use of language. If blacks want to own their words in subtext and identity, then it is apparent that they should refer to each other by the name that their mother and father gave you...not the one my white ancestors drove into your identity. Your choice of words dictate your reality, eventually shaping you into your highest aspirations. I sure hope its not a nigger.
I agree with the previous to posrter. The use of the N-word will never stop. But we should understand that what Michael Richardson did was not use this word as part of his comedy routine. He use the N-word in anger and wanted it to hurt. It was convient and easy for him to pull a race card while he was on the attack after being heckled. I feel if you are a stand up commedian you should be aware this ould happen and I would think if your routine is not funny and you bomb. Leave the stage don't make a scene or if the club you are performing act should ask the patron to seatle down or leave if there behavior is disruptive to the performer or guest. Don't blame Rap music for the use of the N word. Common sense tells you that this word cm be used in mayn different ways and te meaning can be different.
If you say the N word should not be used then that should apply to everyone of every color then not only the N word how about Whitey and Blacky and any thing that people don't like to hear. People can control themselfs and some cannot but when will the people Know they cannot control life. Remember Cleveland BUSING Now LOOK at Your SHCOOLS NOW> Chuck NR
I think it should be used. I use it, but not in mixed company for fear of offending people. I do not believe the word is synonymous with "black", but rather its synonymous with letting your pants hang too low, putting "bling" on your teeth or involvement with gang or criminal activity.
An actual boycott?? This world is really getting strange! Obviously, the word is offensive. However, there always seems to be a double standard when it applies to race. If this all started with a black comic, we would probably have nothing to comment about because no one would have paid it any attention. Whatever!
The word is nothing but a hateful word and all that use are ingnorant like the dumb rapper and all the small people who use it
I do not know what the big deal is here. Black people call each other this all the time. What about all the black comedians who refer to white poeple as crackers or honkies? Why is that ok? I have never seen anyone get up-in-arms about racial slurs made against white people, or are they just racial slurs when they are made against black people? Get over it already. There are more important things in this owrld to worry about.
Two simple points.
First, the moment words are boycotted, thoughts are next to follow. Then the book 1984 becomes reality, and our society will have problems tremendously more important that the use of a word.
Second, I'm white & 30. I have yet to meet a black person who's ever cared what Art McCoy, Jesse Jackson, or Al Sharpton have ever said. If black peole don't care about them, why are they in the news?
What we are talking about is a WORD!
While I agree that the word is offensive, the simple fact that the black community has a double standard regarding its use, and this becomes a matter of hypocracy.
There are many other foul and offensive words that are used by all races. Many of these are being "marketed" regularly in "entertainment". If we are going to single out this one word for censorship, why arn't people making a fuss about many other offensive words. The more that ANY ugly words are used, the more they will be repeated. The entire entertainmnet industry needs to clean up its act.
Black comics and rap performers use offensive language like punctuation marks. This so called "entertainment" glorifies some of the most hateful and ugly acts that can be comitted, murder, rape, assault, and other hate filled acts.
I find the use of a the N word pretty tame in comparison.
The only way to change things is for the entertainment people to start by setting good examples not bad ones.
I dont think its a big deal, it is just a word... words are freedom of speech. I dont think anyone should be upset by a word, its silly! Grow up, 'sticks and stones may break our bones but names will never hurt us'!
FREE SPEECH!!! I personally don't say the "N" word as I believe its inappropriate but isn't America a free country? Just because I don't believe its proper to say doesn't mean the next person agrees with me. 1st amendment people....
I believe you should use the 'N' word only when you're really angry and you mean it.
Why aren't we allowed to use the 'N' word? Personally, I don't see whats so bad about Nitrogen, its just an element. Get with it PEAPLE!
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