Does Racism Go Both Ways? How is it fair?

[adam10312]

As a black man, I find the "n" word, "profane"....I also don't see the point in reiterating the slur made by Imus.
My bringing it to the attention of the forum, which is my right to do, within the framework of the stated rules, was to point out the unnecessary allude to what was said before, and reviled, then, as now, misses the point. Why add insult to injury. Do you think saying over and over again, makes it any more palatable? Unless you give a damn about what anyone else thinks, which I surmise is the case...and are determined to "have your way", whatever the cost.
Instead of saying the word(s), which are offensive, in and of themselves, why not make reference to them (i.e. the "n" word, "the commentary by Imus", instead of "nigger" and "nappy-headed ho's". Capice?
Or I suppose you want to dictate what is offensive and what is not?
Arrogant, ne c'est pas?

Not arrogant at all, as I never tried to dictate what is and what is not offensive. You are deciding what is offensive. You never mentioned that people used the word "cracker" before. That is no more necessary as any of the words you were offended by.

Let me also point out that you used those same words. Why? Because you wanted to add more weight to what you were saying. You did it for the same exact reason I positied that they did it before. Repeating that strong language more forcefully drives the point home. You obviously agree, as you did this. Your whole argument was that there is no need to type the whole word, since you can make it less offensive by abbreviating it without losing the point. Even so, you still felt the need to write the whole word to show just how offensive it is. It helped get the point across.

[aaronssongs]

Not arrogant at all, as I never tried to dictate what is and what is not offensive. You are deciding what is offensive. You never mentioned that people used the word "cracker" before. That is no more necessary as any of the words you were offended by.

Let me also point out that you used those same words. Why? Because you wanted to add more weight to what you were saying. You did it for the same exact reason I positied that they did it before. Repeating that strong language more forcefully drives the point home. You obviously agree, as you did this. Your whole argument was that there is no need to type the whole word, since you can make it less offensive by abbreviating it without losing the point. Even so, you still felt the need to write the whole word to show just how offensive it is. It helped get the point across.

Let's clarify one thing. I don't need you to speak for me. I am fully capable of speaking for myself. Less for you to try to think for me...as you have no idea.
I don't use the words mentioned, and I would prefer that others follow suit...it's clear, they "may" or "may not", but I have stated my "preference".
The use of the word, "cracker", is a non-issue, for me...as it could not be aimed at me as a racial epithet, nor is it a word I use or condone.
I reiterated the "n" word, and the statement by Imus, so that it would not be misinterpreted "by you", and you, alone. As you, obviously, are bringing attitude and ratcheting up your rhetoric.
"Repeating that strong language", does not "more forcefully drive the point home", it merely exacerbates the matter....who are you, exactly, to decide, for another, what is necessary to get "an understanding"? Seems the "height of arrogance", on your part. The problem lies in you being able to speak effectively and efficiently for yourself, and not underestimating the capabilities of others, which you, clearly, have done.
Don't "bait and switch" me, sir. Tend to your comments.

[Cephus]

I find it interesting that people are so insensitive that in the discussion of events, past and present, there is no tact applied, and instead of references to what was said by Imus, and everybody by now, knows exactly what "he said", it must be reiterated, in order to make a point. I also noticed the "n" word, being bandied about, as if no one could be offended by it being mentioned as "a negative". I, for one, am deeply offended, on both accounts.
Ironic, that the discussion is one of "racism", and its' effects...yet people perpetuate the crimes. Disingenuous, if not downright racist, to say the least.

It's when people start being afraid of words that communication breaks down. It's just a word, if there are any negative connotations attached, YOU are the one that attaches them. To sit there quivering in your boots because someone dared to say "nigger" is ridiculous. Deal with it. It wasn't directed at you, it was part of a conversation that you're choosing to take part in.

For the record, it's absurd to be afraid of a word in any context, especially one that blacks will sit around calling each other. Maybe if people weren't so terrified of the word, it wouldn't hurt anyone, but then again, you have to CHOOSE to be hurt by it and until you give up your own notions that it's a harmful word, any word can be considered harmful.

[adam10312]

Let's clarify one thing. I don't need you to speak for me. I am fully capable of speaking for myself. Less for you to try to think for me...as you have no idea.
I don't use the words mentioned, and I would prefer that others follow suit...it's clear, they "may" or "may not", but I have stated my "preference".
The use of the word, "cracker", is a non-issue, for me...as it could not be aimed at me as a racial epithet, nor is it a word I use or condone.
I reiterated the "n" word, and the statement by Imus, so that it would not be misinterpreted "by you", and you, alone. As you, obviously, are bringing attitude and ratcheting up your rhetoric.
"Repeating that strong language", does not "more forcefully drive the point home", it merely exacerbates the matter....who are you, exactly, to decide, for another, what is necessary to get "an understanding"? Seems the "height of arrogance", on your part. The problem lies in you being able to speak effectively and efficiently for yourself, and not underestimating the capabilities of others, which you, clearly, have done.
Don't "bait and switch" me, sir. Tend to your comments.

I am not bringing any attitude, you are. I merely noticed that you did the very thing you were condemning. I guessed at why. Maybe I was wrong as to why you used it. However, I was not wrong about the fact that you DID use it. Your initial complaints implied that there could be no reason to use these words in full because any point involving them could be proven with an abbreviation. For some reason (I won't speculate this time, lest I send you into a rage again), you were not satisfied with the abbreviations, you had to use the full, horrible WORDS! You may have offended someone!!

[Osborn F Enready]

Racism goes both, and every way. (as if there were only two ways.)

You are either equal under the concern of the law, or not.

[adam10312]

Racism goes both, and every way. (as if there were only two ways.)

You are either equal under the concern of the law, or not.

Yes this is what I was trying to say with my dictionary thing before but everyone had a shit fit over that. Taking race into account when measuring merit is racism. It really is that simple.

[Nemiroff]

The words were being used sensibly and with care, the words exist, if you wipe them out noone will learn and history will repeat itself, I'm sorry you ended up being so sensitive to language. Like Bart said "how the hell am I supposed to talk about hell without using the word hell?"

[Michael1695]

I don't understand why the "n word" can't even be said during a debate for argument's sake. It is not like we are calling each other it.

[Michael1695]

Yes this is what I was trying to say with my dictionary thing before but everyone had a shit fit over that. Taking race into account when measuring merit is racism. It really is that simple.

It most certainly is. Just like affirmitive action is racism.

[aaronssongs]

It's when people start being afraid of words that communication breaks down. It's just a word, if there are any negative connotations attached, YOU are the one that attaches them. To sit there quivering in your boots because someone dared to say "nigger" is ridiculous. Deal with it. It wasn't directed at you, it was part of a conversation that you're choosing to take part in.

For the record, it's absurd to be afraid of a word in any context, especially one that blacks will sit around calling each other. Maybe if people weren't so terrified of the word, it wouldn't hurt anyone, but then again, you have to CHOOSE to be hurt by it and until you give up your own notions that it's a harmful word, any word can be considered harmful.

Thank you for your advice, which, by the way, was "unsolicited".
I am not afraid of words. Does not mean that words are not powerful, and have the ability to maim or hurt.
It's (the "n" word) not a word used in "high society"...it's a word devoid of class and culture...and those who use it, most often, "willy-nilly", would be likened to "scum of the Earth". And don't for one minute think that just because it is used in "hip hop" culture, and colloquially, between "homies" ( neither of which, I subscribe to), that that is an excuse for you to use the word. Many blacks, such as myself, find the word abhorrent.
If someone were to call your mother one, I can almost see the hair raising up on the back of your neck, from here....oh, but you "casually'" reserve the right to say it, and post it...why? Because you can, from the comfort of your domicile, immune to a slap upside your head, or worse?
It's a word that only carries "negative connotations", as it hails from "slavery"....you can masturbate as much as you want, trying to avoid the fact...but deep down, we know that it only serves to elevate your feelings of superiority..."white privilege", you know.
People who don't have the decency not to use the word, only underscore the fact that they are, indeed, "racist", with agendi. Don't get it twisted.
Ask yourself, what is your need to repeat the word....over and over, and over again... It reeks of psychopathology.

[aaronssongs]

I don't understand why the "n word" can't even be said during a debate for argument's sake. It is not like we are calling each other it.

Because there are some who find the word abhorrent, on its' face. What is wrong with making alludes to the word? ( i.e. "the frigging "n' word)

[aaronssongs]

The words were being used sensibly and with care, the words exist, if you wipe them out noone will learn and history will repeat itself, I'm sorry you ended up being so sensitive to language. Like Bart said "how the hell am I supposed to talk about hell without using the word hell?"

I really can't think of a English language word, on par with the "n" word...but that's just me.
There is vulgarity, there is profanity, and there is that....I really don't understand why others are incapable of understanding...something that cuts so viscerally. And are determined, by God, to say it, as if it's their God-given right to. Amazing.