The N-Word

[Yuna7780]

Dictionary result for the word "negro":
Negro Definition | Definition of Negro at Dictionary.com

IMO, I don't think the word negro is considered bad or offensive. Though, times have changed, it would not be appropriate to use in our language. I don't see why, but it just is. I guess it is a word that has "gone out of style" or the Civil Rights Movement has affected the meaning of "negro". But I do recall Dr.MLK jr. referring to black people as negros.

The word nigger, I think is a rude slang of the word negro that is highly inappropriate because it is used in a manner of bad language.

I don't understand why saying nigger today to a friend, in media, or just to be insulting is not as big of a deal. But if you hear somebody say negro, it's just WEIRD compared to saying nigger.

What I find annoying today is when somebody is called an African American. You're an AMERICAN if you were born in America. You may have an African background, but you're not quite literally from Africa.

[Tenchu]

Originally Posted by Yuna7780

What I find annoying today is when somebody is called an African American. You're an AMERICAN if you were born in America. You may have an African background, but you're not quite literally from Africa.

Yeah, I find that funny too.

It's the same as me saying I'm a "English-Australian"... I'm just Aussie...

[Megabyte117]

Originally Posted by Tenchu

Okay, I've edited the post in my thread. It no longer contains my favorite word.

What's funny, however, is why I always open with saying "What's up, negro's?"...

It's actually in defence of anti-racism. In Thailand, I'm constantly referred to as "falang" due to my skin color. It's quite annoying. Most people think the word is okay, as it simply means "white foreigner". Just as "negro" simply means "black people". The word doesn't become annoying until you realize it's the main thing people identify you as, and you're referred to by your skin color constantly, rather than your name.

Also, it is also associated with the sterio type of being rich. White = rich in Thailand. If you hear taxi on the street mutter "falang" then look out, because you've probably got a rip off con coming your way.

The general attitude of Thais toward "falang" has pretty much fu*ked an entire part of my life up.

I came to Thailand to do kick boxing. I thought it was a cheap country, and, with my innocent little western morality rule book that "everyone abides by", the thought of a Muay Thai (Thai kick boxing) gym ripping me off was almost non existant.

They managed to do a real good job of hiding the truth about the real prices from the "falang". There's not a single gym that advertises on the internet where they do not charge you somtimes over 1,000% of the actual price Muay Thai is worth.

When most white people find out about this, either one of two things happen; they're either an asiaphile, and they make excuses for their precious asians like "Well, you were rich enough to buy a plane ticket, but not pay a little extra for your training" or "Thai people are poor, have a heart"... to both of those statements, it isn't hard for me to say "They were rich enough to buy a new house and a new 4WD ute, but still have to rip me off for training?"

The other way you can go is the way I did, where is where you just get pissed off.

When you look at the numbers, some gyms will provide food, training and accomodation for about $800 US per month. The money you'll make from fighting will be no more than $500 US a month. So how the fu** does that add up? It doesn't; they're ridiculious prices for an unsustainable life.

Eventually I realized I was being ripped the f**k off, and started to turn very sour toward Thailand.

In the end, I moved to a place in rural Thailand that had no tourists. I found out here that the Thai people were not accustomed to ripping people off, so they don't do it. The gym I train at is free here, and living expenses are way cheaper. Yet that doesn't change how I feel about losing so much money due to this racist sterio type... who wants to know how much? About $50,000 AUD was wasted on shit I didn't have to pay for because no one told me the entire set up in Phuket and Bangkok is racist stupid rip off shit. The only people who knew; A. the Thais who were making so much money. B. the Asiaphiles who could not say anything because they had Thai penis in their mouths. You think racism hurts, Mercedesjin, you must have a free ATM shoved up your arse or something that despenses cash at your will, because yes, my bank balance was severly raped by these racist little fu**ing *******...

But that doesn't fully bring me to why I say "negro". There's this really super cute little 5 year old girl who rides around on a bike outside my flat all day, everytime she sees me she says "Falang HELLO!" Yes, she knows my name, I made an effort to teach it to her... she still prefers it her way...

And one thing Asians hate is black/dark skin. Something that really pisses me off. I like some African women... a lot... sexy asses, dark and spotless skin (dark skin is great; so sun resistant). I don't much like the fuzzy hair, sorry, but they're very good with finding ways to keep it neat and tidy, so it isn't a hastle. My wife actually is a black Thai, and has fuzzyish hair, but she straightens it, and I didn't even know until a year after I met her.

Anyway, Africans should stay away from Thailand, because they're ALL UGLY; or that is what the Thais believe. The funny thing is, the only reason Thai people are not black is because they're almost deathly scared of the sun (because it darkens your skin). If you look at the poor Thais who get sun exposure, they're black enough to be technically reffered to as "negro" (this is by backable dictionary definition).

So, my theory was, since people so much love to refer to each other by skin color here in thailand, why don't I refer to them as "negro". You see, in Australia, it did not matter if you were black or white skinned to claim to be Aboriginal (black people); all that mattered was you had a trickle of it in your blood from way back when. So, since black people like being reffered to not necessarily by how they look, but by what they are on the inside... "What's up, negros!"

Best way to get back at them. LOL. They should stop calling me "falang", and start calling me by my name.

Mercedesjin, I think you chose the wrong person to point the finger at. I was pretty much on your side to begin with, I just express it using different words.

The point is, I hate racism, because I have been literally fu**ed by it before (something I doubt you could say...). Calling someone "nigger" is very different. Sometimes it's okay if they don't care (like in American rap), but it has a very different connection than "negro" does.

Negro is a reference to a specific race and ancestory. It is short for "Negroid". A race you belong to. Since you actually are a negro, you of all people here should be the least offended.

The other two main races are caucasian (white) and mongoloid (Asian). "Negro" is no different than "caucasian". Saying negro is offensive, you also have to say caucasian is offensive, as they're peas in a pod.

Given I doubt you will campaign against caucasian and mongoloid, I rest my case.

I'm not racist, I didn't say a racist word, and even if I did, I've got f***ing good reason; I'm referred to by my skin color every day and used to be a rip off target every day because of it. That seriously f***s with your head...

Thanks for sharing that. Just goes to show what happens when you assume. You make an ass out of you and me. That was to mercedesjin. Sure, racism is still prevalent in our society, but not as much as you seem to think.

Yeah, that black teenager is very brave. I also love watching CNN's Black in America. There was a principal who really worked as hard as he could to make sure that every single one of his inner-city students attended college. There's a 100% rate of students attending college at his school. Beautiful, isn't it?

That is admirable.

I'm sorry if you think that I'm using excuses. I wasn't aware that I was defending myself from something, and that I was saying, "but my ancestors were slaves." If I gave that response or implied that in some way, then I'm sorry.

It's simply irritating to see people using that excuse when so many don't and instead do something. I apologize if I came across abrasive.

What I am saying is that I think people ought to be aware of subconscious racism. As burkhartdesu said earlier, we also suffer from internalized racism. I believe that people should be aware of their personal prejudices.

Yes, it does exist.

No one is still alive from the slavery era, but people still suffer as a result of slavery. "To say that slavery makes an "impact" on our society today is a gross understatement. Although slavery is technically and legally over, the ramifications are enormous."

I'm a bit confused. Are you saying that African Americans of today are still feeling the effects of slavery?

[burkhartdesu]

Originally Posted by Megabyte117

I'm a bit confused. Are you saying that African Americans of today are still feeling the effects of slavery?

Yes, they are. The "effects" of slavery are, essentially, this country as a whole... Considering America wouldn't be the country it is without the slave-trade.

[Tenchu]

Originally Posted by burkhartdesu

Yes, they are. The "effects" of slavery are, essentially, this country as a whole... Considering America wouldn't be the country it is without the slave-trade.

Please give some examples.

[burkhartdesu]

Originally Posted by Tenchu

Please give some examples.

Tenchu, don't be so snide.

Enslaved people have fought in wars, built our cities, and were used in all forms of the industrial revolution.

The only stable exports from the USA during slave times were hemp, cotton, and tobacco -- all of which were very labor intensive and required slaves.

In fact, free'd slaves were forced into large cities and slums in order to work dangerous factory jobs-- seem familiar?


Sure, America could have survived without slavery -- but we would be a 3rd world country (similar to the rural south, I suppose )


In conclusion, modern day 'African Americans' are indeed effected by slavery... Because both you and me know that if they didn't exist, neither would the world as we know it.

[Tenchu]

No, I thought you were saying the effects still have an impact today. I must have misread it.

[Megabyte117]

Originally Posted by burkhartdesu

Tenchu, don't be so snide.

Enslaved people have fought in wars, built our cities, and were used in all forms of the industrial revolution.

The only stable exports from the USA during slave times were hemp, cotton, and tobacco -- all of which were very labor intensive and required slaves.

In fact, free'd slaves were forced into large cities and slums in order to work dangerous factory jobs-- seem familiar?


Sure, America could have survived without slavery -- but we would be a 3rd world country (similar to the rural south, I suppose )


In conclusion, modern day 'African Americans' are indeed effected by slavery... Because both you and me know that if they didn't exist, neither would the world as we know it.

My question towards her was if African Americans were still being negatively affected by slavery.

[mercedesjin]

Originally Posted by MMM

Yes, the ratio of blacks is higher than whites because it is a smaller population, but in terms of actual numbers there are more whites depending on benefits than blacks.

So again, if slavery made the blacks "disabled" what made all these white people need welfare...or do they have no excuse like black people do?

It's the ratio that matters. It's not fair to say, "There are 10 white people, and of those 10, 5 are on welfare. On the other hand, there are 5 black people, and of the 5, all 5 are on welfare. That means the state of welfare in this country is equal."

I know those aren't the correct numbers, but that's just an example. The same number of people may be on welfare, but all of the black people being on welfare and half of the white people being on welfare definitely doesn't mean that both populations are doing equally well.

All sorts of people are in poverty. I think we need to look at the different places - the different states specifically - to see who it is that's living below the poverty line. I don't think either of us should say, "This population has it off worst, because there are more people on welfare!" I'm not trying to make this into a competition. I'm not trying to blame anyone. All I'm saying is that there are people in this society who have been negatively affected by slavery. One of the results of that is welfare.

I personally don't know much about the issue, but I've also read from time to time that welfare was also constructed to keep certain people down in society. Maybe I can try to find an article on that issue.

Originally Posted by Ryzorian

Anyword can be used to hurt, if it wasn't this one it would be some other one.

Every "race" has had thier problems historically, it went back to the tribalism from early history. The term Slave is derived from the slavic peoples, who were "white" ironically. I have ancestors from Switzerland who were occupied by the Hapsburgs for years, I also have ancestors from Scottland, who fought along side King "Longshanks" against their fellow Scottsmen because they got a castle out of the deal.

I'm sure everyone can find oppressed and oppressor both in thier family tree, if they go back far enough.

People have to remember that they aren't thier ancestors, you have to be responsable for your own actions and live accordingly.

That's definitely true. I don't think anyone was trying to say otherwise. But, like I've said before, this isn't about "who had it worst." This isn't a competition of the oppressed and the oppressor. This isn't the blame game. For me, it's about the USA and how some words simply aren't acceptable anymore because of our history.

Originally Posted by Nathan

Someone hasn't paid attention to European/Slavic history if you don't know about the generations of serfs.

Serfdom - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Oh. I hadn't realized we were now discussing this thread on an international level. I personally was talking about the USA, and USA history, and USA culture when it came to acceptable words and unacceptable words. It's fine to bring this into the discussion too, though I don't know as much about European culture. It makes me curious, though, what role ethnic slurs play in European society and culture.

Yeah, when you're looking at other countries, you're right - serfdom was a pretty serious oppressive phenomenon.

[mercedesjin]

Originally Posted by Tenchu

Okay, I've edited the post in my thread. It no longer contains my favorite word.

What's funny, however, is why I always open with saying "What's up, negro's?"...

It's actually in defence of anti-racism. In Thailand, I'm constantly referred to as "falang" due to my skin color. It's quite annoying. Most people think the word is okay, as it simply means "white foreigner". Just as "negro" simply means "black people". The word doesn't become annoying until you realize it's the main thing people identify you as, and you're referred to by your skin color constantly, rather than your name.

Also, it is also associated with the sterio type of being rich. White = rich in Thailand. If you hear taxi on the street mutter "falang" then look out, because you've probably got a rip off con coming your way.

The general attitude of Thais toward "falang" has pretty much fu*ked an entire part of my life up.

I came to Thailand to do kick boxing. I thought it was a cheap country, and, with my innocent little western morality rule book that "everyone abides by", the thought of a Muay Thai (Thai kick boxing) gym ripping me off was almost non existant.

They managed to do a real good job of hiding the truth about the real prices from the "falang". There's not a single gym that advertises on the internet where they do not charge you somtimes over 1,000% of the actual price Muay Thai is worth.

When most white people find out about this, either one of two things happen; they're either an asiaphile, and they make excuses for their precious asians like "Well, you were rich enough to buy a plane ticket, but not pay a little extra for your training" or "Thai people are poor, have a heart"... to both of those statements, it isn't hard for me to say "They were rich enough to buy a new house and a new 4WD ute, but still have to rip me off for training?"

The other way you can go is the way I did, where is where you just get pissed off.

When you look at the numbers, some gyms will provide food, training and accomodation for about $800 US per month. The money you'll make from fighting will be no more than $500 US a month. So how the fu** does that add up? It doesn't; they're ridiculious prices for an unsustainable life.

Eventually I realized I was being ripped the f**k off, and started to turn very sour toward Thailand.

In the end, I moved to a place in rural Thailand that had no tourists. I found out here that the Thai people were not accustomed to ripping people off, so they don't do it. The gym I train at is free here, and living expenses are way cheaper. Yet that doesn't change how I feel about losing so much money due to this racist sterio type... who wants to know how much? About $50,000 AUD was wasted on shit I didn't have to pay for because no one told me the entire set up in Phuket and Bangkok is racist stupid rip off shit. The only people who knew; A. the Thais who were making so much money. B. the Asiaphiles who could not say anything because they had Thai penis in their mouths. You think racism hurts, Mercedesjin, you must have a free ATM shoved up your arse or something that despenses cash at your will, because yes, my bank balance was severly raped by these racist little fu**ing *******...

But that doesn't fully bring me to why I say "negro". There's this really super cute little 5 year old girl who rides around on a bike outside my flat all day, everytime she sees me she says "Falang HELLO!" Yes, she knows my name, I made an effort to teach it to her... she still prefers it her way...

And one thing Asians hate is black/dark skin. Something that really pisses me off. I like some African women... a lot... sexy asses, dark and spotless skin (dark skin is great; so sun resistant). I don't much like the fuzzy hair, sorry, but they're very good with finding ways to keep it neat and tidy, so it isn't a hastle. My wife actually is a black Thai, and has fuzzyish hair, but she straightens it, and I didn't even know until a year after I met her.

Anyway, Africans should stay away from Thailand, because they're ALL UGLY; or that is what the Thais believe. The funny thing is, the only reason Thai people are not black is because they're almost deathly scared of the sun (because it darkens your skin). If you look at the poor Thais who get sun exposure, they're black enough to be technically reffered to as "negro" (this is by backable dictionary definition).

So, my theory was, since people so much love to refer to each other by skin color here in thailand, why don't I refer to them as "negro". You see, in Australia, it did not matter if you were black or white skinned to claim to be Aboriginal (black people); all that mattered was you had a trickle of it in your blood from way back when. So, since black people like being reffered to not necessarily by how they look, but by what they are on the inside... "What's up, negros!"

Best way to get back at them. LOL. They should stop calling me "falang", and start calling me by my name.

Mercedesjin, I think you chose the wrong person to point the finger at. I was pretty much on your side to begin with, I just express it using different words.

The point is, I hate racism, because I have been literally fu**ed by it before (something I doubt you could say...). Calling someone "nigger" is very different. Sometimes it's okay if they don't care (like in American rap), but it has a very different connection than "negro" does.

Negro is a reference to a specific race and ancestory. It is short for "Negroid". A race you belong to. Since you actually are a negro, you of all people here should be the least offended.

The other two main races are caucasian (white) and mongoloid (Asian). "Negro" is no different than "caucasian". Saying negro is offensive, you also have to say caucasian is offensive, as they're peas in a pod.

Given I doubt you will campaign against caucasian and mongoloid, I rest my case.

I'm not racist, I didn't say a racist word, and even if I did, I've got f***ing good reason; I'm referred to by my skin color every day and used to be a rip off target every day because of it. That seriously f***s with your head...

I wasn't calling you racist. I'm sorry that you think I did. It wasn't a personal attack on you. I really tried to make sure of that by not using your name when making my complaints. I'm also sorry about everything you went through. I don't think me saying sorry will help you much, but I really am.

To me, what you've said is an interesting example of cross-culture dialogue. You're in a place where the deep, dark connotations of "negro" doesn't exist. From what I understand, you're basically saying that "negro" is the name of the race, and that's it.

In USA culture, "negro" is racist. The words "negroid", "mongloid", and "caucasian" are racist. The term "negroid" was used to define a race of people across the world, people who are inferior simply because of their physical characteristics. Same with "mongloid." "Caucasian" on the other hand... well, here's an article:

Caucasian is a Dirty Word.

I don't know if these words bring up the same implications in Thailand or in Australia. For me, though, they do bring up racist implications. That's why I was so offended by the word "negro." I know that it must suck being called "falang" everyday, but you know that it's wrong. You know that it's racist. You know that it annoys you, and doesn't make you feel so great. Calling people "negro" is the same thing, to me. I don't think you can effectively fight racism with racism. It'll just bring up more anger and more misunderstanding.

You seem like a funny guy, though. Have you ever tried writing articles or opinion columns about the word "falang" to try to change people's minds about using it? Or anything else? I don't know. I think that trying to reach out to people to teach others is pretty effective. Even now with me, for example. Before now, I've never heard of the term "falang." Now I know more about the struggles people with lighter and people with darker skin have to go through in Thailand, and anyone else who read your post knows also.

Yuna7780: Yeah, according to the online dictionary, it's offensive. There are also many articles on why it's offensive. The meanings of words change with each passing generation. "Nigger" was once appropriate. "Negro" was once appropriate. Maybe later on in the future, "black" will no longer be used, and they'll look back at us and think that it was once appropriate. It changes as society grows.

Megabyte: Yes, there are still negative effects today. What impact did slavery have on our society today? - by Eden Gardner - Helium