The N-Word

[darksyndrem]

I think you should just listen to KoRn (srsly)




And....stop double/triple posting....Seriously, it's REALLY aggravating. (Unless there were posts there that have been removed, if that's the case, sorry.)

[Salvanas]

There's a few points I want to touch on here.

The first thing is that labels are given to every race. Negro, Caucasian and even Turk. Personally, I dislike the word Turk, and ignorant people have tried to tell me that Turk is simply "A name given to Turkish people". We're Turkish. I'm Turkish. Not a "Turk". It sounds blunt and rude.

HOWEVER, I do not complain about it. Because it's become such a part of my life, that I live with it. Also, another thing is that these things are simply names, and words. And unless if they are used in a derogatory word, then you should not take it offensively.

We live on a planet where hate is all around us. Suck it up. Nothing we can do.

Also, Tenchu. I'm curious. You hate racism, but you hate people that a part of one whole religion. It's not technically racist, but it's the same thing, in essence. You're hating a huge group, because of the actions of a few.

[mercedesjin]

Originally Posted by Salvanas

There's a few points I want to touch on here.

The first thing is that labels are given to every race. Negro, Caucasian and even Turk. Personally, I dislike the word Turk, and ignorant people have tried to tell me that Turk is simply "A name given to Turkish people". We're Turkish. I'm Turkish. Not a "Turk". It sounds blunt and rude.

HOWEVER, I do not complain about it. Because it's become such a part of my life, that I live with it. Also, another thing is that these things are simply names, and words. And unless if they are used in a derogatory word, then you should not take it offensively.

We live on a planet where hate is all around us. Suck it up. Nothing we can do.

Also, Tenchu. I'm curious. You hate racism, but you hate people that a part of one whole religion. It's not technically racist, but it's the same thing, in essence. You're hating a huge group, because of the actions of a few.

To me, "suck it up" and "nothing we can do" are the mentalities of people who don't wish to challenge themselves or others to make a positive change in the world. That's fine. Not everyone wants to sacrifice themselves and their peace of mind.

I do, though. I want to sacrifice my peace of mind because I want to see that change in the world. Believe me, it'd be a lot easier to ignore. I could have ignored the word "negro." If I'd done that, I wouldn't have gotten into an argument with the mods, I wouldn't have spent a good few hours of my life on this thread, and I wouldn't have had to endure the insistent flames that now seem to follow me throughout the forum.

I didn't, though, because I'm the type of person that likes to learn, teach, exchange ideas... and I knew that if I made a thread about ethnic slurs, something like that would happen. I'm glad that I did. I'm learning a lot, and I think some people on this thread have learned a thing or two also.

[bELyVIS]

Originally Posted by mercedesjin

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.

Of course these words are racist, they are used to identify races. Later people changed to use other words to describe these races. As far as negroid, who said this was used to identify the race as inferior? God? If God didn't then it was another man. If you are willing to let another man say your race is inferior and accept it, then you have done exactly what he wanted you to, feel inferior. This all goes back to only you can allow yourself to feel about anything how you allow it. I think you allow yourself to feel this way and then come on here trying to validate those feelings. When people on here argue with you about it, in your head you are saying to yourself "I knew they were this way!". This seems to be a vicious cycle since your post always seem to revert back to racial issues (or sexual ones).
I have been called Caucasian, white, Hispanic, Mexican-American, Chicano, etc., but no one word defines me nor do I allow them to hurt me because I know who I am.

[Megabyte117]

Originally Posted by mercedesjin

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

I read it, and I still stand by what I said. How about the countless immigrants who came to this country and had nothing? It still sounds like an excuse to me. Yes, slavery was a horrible thing and that's putting it lightly. Yet others manage to come from nothing and emerge with something. And they don't resort to crutches such as Affirmative Action. What does Affirmative Action teach us? That no matter how smart you are white kid, that other kid will get that scholarship, that advantage, simply for being a different race.

[MMM]

Originally Posted by mercedesjin

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.

Did you even see the question I asked (now two times)?

Originally Posted by mercedesjin

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.

Did I say whites had it worse?

Originally Posted by mercedesjin

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.

So giving people a helping hand is "keeping them down"? So by that logic welfare should be eliminated so they can be empowered. Is this what you are proposing?

Originally Posted by mercedesjin

The meanings of words change with each passing generation.

If this is true, then in this generation Caucasian is no longer a dirty word.

I think you are trying to have it both ways here. We can't say some words change and some words don't. Regardless of the roots of "negro" you are saying it is now an offensive word. So by the same logic, regardless of the roots of "Caucasian" I am saying it is not an offensive word. Most of the world would agree with me.

Originally Posted by mercedesjin

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

I am not going to apologize when I say articles like this "woe is us" drivel do nothing to help race relations or empower blacks in America. If anything an article like this disempower blacks because it is a laundry list of excuses for why blacks shouldn't be successful.

The hypocracy, discrimination, prejudice, segregation, hatred and animosity among the races is the same in society today as it was during the time of slavery.

Seriously? Can anyone actually say this and keep a straight face?

The pain and the memories are still very real to many African Americans.

Of slavery? How does that work?

the majority of blacks in America live in extreme poverty

I am not sure where her statistics come from. This seems a little more accurate:
Sharp Reduction in Black Child Poverty Due to Welfare Reform

[Sblegach]

Well that word, Im mad they think its right to change the "er" to an "a" making the word "Nigga" Call it completeley different word and use it... Its still the same word, has the same meaning. I myself dont approve of racial slur of any type. I have never seriously used a racial offense against anyone, and ive seen people do it. It burns a little. There are better, less offensive words out there that people can use, why dont they go look for em and try em.

[mercedesjin]

Originally Posted by bELyVIS

Of course these words are racist, they are used to identify races. Later people changed to use other words to describe these races. As far as negroid, who said this was used to identify the race as inferior? God? If God didn't then it was another man. If you are willing to let another man say your race is inferior and accept it, then you have done exactly what he wanted you to, feel inferior. This all goes back to only you can allow yourself to feel about anything how you allow it. I think you allow yourself to feel this way and then come on here trying to validate those feelings. When people on here argue with you about it, in your head you are saying to yourself "I knew they were this way!". This seems to be a vicious cycle since your post always seem to revert back to racial issues (or sexual ones).
I have been called Caucasian, white, Hispanic, Mexican-American, Chicano, etc., but no one word defines me nor do I allow them to hurt me because I know who I am.

I identify as black, which describes my race. The word "black" doesn't mean that I'm physically inferior. Others identify as white. The word "white" doesn't mean that they're physically superior. It's possible to describe one's race without bringing in racist ideals.

"Hispanic" is another word that isn't politically correct because of the implications of colonization. To say that a Puerto Rican is "Hispanic" is wrong, because Spain does not own or control Puerto Rico.

I'm sorry that you feel that I allow these to be my feelings, because I strongly disagree. We are all subconsciously affected by race relations. I could simply say, "I feel that all white people are racist," and be done with it. Is it simply that I allow myself to feel politically incorrect for thinking this way? Is it as simple as, "I feel bad for thinking this way - but hey, I'm allowing myself to feel bad, so I'm going to ignore that feeling now"?

To me, the answer is no. I'm now aware of the fact that I sometimes look at a white person and automatically assume that they're racist. Now, I'm going to try to change that. It's the same thing as when I am called a derogatory term. "I feel ashamed and humiliated for being the victim of racism. Now, am I going to ignore these feelings, or am I going to do something about that?" That's how I think.

The psychological effects of racism are not as simple as, "I'm going to get over it now." http://www.rivier.edu/journal/RCOAJ-...88-Crocker.pdf

[mercedesjin]

Originally Posted by Megabyte117

I read it, and I still stand by what I said. How about the countless immigrants who came to this country and had nothing? It still sounds like an excuse to me. Yes, slavery was a horrible thing and that's putting it lightly. Yet others manage to come from nothing and emerge with something. And they don't resort to crutches such as Affirmative Action. What does Affirmative Action teach us? That no matter how smart you are white kid, that other kid will get that scholarship, that advantage, simply for being a different race.

Again, this isn't a competition. I'm sure there are also countless articles on the negative effects of immigrants who come into the USA. I'm not talking about that, though. We can, if you want to.

In the mean time, though, I'm talking about the negative effects of slavery on today's black society. If you have read the article and fully understood what it said, and you still believe that slavery is an excuse, then I'm not sure I have anything further to say to you. It's just a matter of different mindsets - perhaps even stubbornness - and to me, there's not much point in going back and forth over the issue.

[mercedesjin]

Originally Posted by MMM

Did you even see the question I asked (now two times)?



Did I say whites had it worse?



So giving people a helping hand is "keeping them down"? So by that logic welfare should be eliminated so they can be empowered. Is this what you are proposing?



If this is true, then in this generation Caucasian is no longer a dirty word.

I think you are trying to have it both ways here. We can't say some words change and some words don't. Regardless of the roots of "negro" you are saying it is now an offensive word. So by the same logic, regardless of the roots of "Caucasian" I am saying it is not an offensive word. Most of the world would agree with me.


I am not going to apologize when I say articles like this "woe is us" drivel do nothing to help race relations or empower blacks in America. If anything an article like this disempower blacks because it is a laundry list of excuses for why blacks shouldn't be successful.

The hypocracy, discrimination, prejudice, segregation, hatred and animosity among the races is the same in society today as it was during the time of slavery.

Seriously? Can anyone actually say this and keep a straight face?

The pain and the memories are still very real to many African Americans.

Of slavery? How does that work?

the majority of blacks in America live in extreme poverty

I am not sure where her statistics come from. This seems a little more accurate:
Sharp Reduction in Black Child Poverty Due to Welfare Reform

No, I suppose I didn't see your question. Can you ask it again a third time?

I thought that you were implying that, because there were more whites on welfare, that yes - whites had it worst, and therefore the "situation" for blacks isn't "as bad." If that isn't what you were implying, then I'm so sorry. But then, what do you mean by saying that there are more whites on welfare? What's the point that I'm not quite understanding?

Unfortunately - as I said before - I don't know enough about welfare to give an educated opinion on whether it should be eliminated entirely. I've simply heard the interesting theories on how welfare was created as a system to keep non-whites down.

I want to present a hypothetical situation: say there's a child who has been raised in a society where it's fine to be racist. This child has been taught that all other races (besides his/her own) is inferior. This child has been brought up to believe that ethnic slurs are entirely fine. For this child, and for this child's generation, yes - it's completely fine to use the word "caucasian" as well as "negroid" and "mongloid."

This child may not have known any better, but that doesn't mean that it's any less racist. That's the society we are in now. "Caucasian" brings the idea that white people are superior. If absolutely no one knew that fact, then maybe it would be an acceptable term. If history had somehow been buried, then maybe "nigger" and "Jap" and "crackers" would be used freely as well.

History hasn't been buried, however; and it's my opinion that we need to hold on to history, to ensure that crimes against humanity won't happen again.

No one is asking you to apologize. Where I come from, it's completely useless for someone to apologize. And I want you to take what I'm about to say seriously. I'm not being sarcastic. I'm not trying to get underneath your skin.

I did not ask you to apologize, and yet you assumed that's what you ought to do. You assumed that you ought to feel guilty for this. Does that mean that you actually do feel guilty?

If you do, I really suggest you eliminate that immediately. No one is asking for guilt. What the hell is guilt and the blame game going to do for us here, in 2009? Absolutely nothing. Instead, why can't we just work together to heal and eliminate racism? Sure, that sounds hippieish, but it's what this society needs right now. Some don't agree - some who can afford to blend into society without having to be constantly reminded of the color of their skin, and the negative stereotypes that come along with it. Those are usually the ones who like to say, "There is no problem."

But how can there be no problem when there's an entire group in society who says that racism still exists today, and that they're suffering from it? It's easy to call them paranoid. It's easy to say they're "pulling the race card." It's easy to ignore them. For me, that means that the group of people need to shout even louder.

MMM, you gave your honest opinion on the article. Thank you for that. But you declined to note the state of the schools, the neighborhoods, the children. You declined to note the psychological impact of black people today, to the point where children do not think they're beautiful because of the color of their skin. You declined to speak of the "one drop" rule, and the many stereotypes that men and women and children feel they ought to fulfill in order to be considered "black."

I know that it wasn't in the article. But it's out there - on TV, in the newspapers, in books - in life.

/ramble