A question about the "N-word"?

Ron, normally I'd be up to give you a very detailed answer, but this is such a complex thing to understand that I'm just gonna have to sum it up using an old 90's term. "It's a black thing, you wouldn't understand".

I don't say this to insult anyone but the thinking process and the reasons why we do what we do sometimes just cannot be comprehended in another person's mind unless they ARE a part of that experience. I am not trying to be vague or dodge the question but the fact that this question is REPEATEDLY asked by people who still just DO NOT GET IT proves that no matter how many ways and explanations are given about the usage of this word many people will never understand.

I can give you this one bit, though, if you talk about your family member it is ok, if another or outsider criticizes them maybe in the same way as you have, it's NOT okay, it becomes offensive. Think along those lines and maybe you can get a general feeling of what I mean.

Interesting insights here. I myself am from a town that has both a white population (some of which you could call 'rednecks') and a black population. Living in my town gives you the chance to experience both cultures on a daily basis. And I can tell you that blacks definately use the word '******' quite liberally. Your question is one that I've wondered about myself -along with just about every white guy in the mid-west -just like the husband of that woman who commented here. But maybe it's not the word that matters, but who uses the word and in what tone. Think about the word 'redneck' for example. Wasn't that word supposed to be an insult? Bot now look at the word: people proudly describe themselves as being a 'redneck'. I see people wearing ballcaps with the word 'redneck' on it. But if somebody else called these people 'redneck' -they might get offended. Because, like Christmas presents, it's the thought that counts. I recently was wondering about the word 'geek'. Geek is supposed to be an insultive word right? I kept my comic book collection a secret because I didn't want to get the label 'geek'. But then one day I check my e-mail and see an advertisement for 'geek' singles to join in a 'geek' dating thing -like e-harmony for geeks. So are geeks now proud to be geeks?

The slang term “niqqa” is used by and among Blacks usually as a term of affection or endearment or a form of non-offensive address that developed as a way for Blacks to re-appropriate (claim) the word “niqqer” to convey affection rather than hatred. The word is increasingly being used among non-Blacks in a similar manner, especially young people. Yet, the word can also be used offensively in the same manner as “niqqer” by Blacks and non-Blacks alike.

I'm not really qualified to answer. I can relate to you question. I was also taught not to say that word and even hate it. As a child I was often confused because it was a dirty word at my house, but heard black people use it often at school.

Just recently my husband told me about a black guy at work who used that word. He mimicked his friend using the same tone. I quickly told him to stop and at the same time flipped through tv channels. I stop at a show where a black guy said the same word to his frined. My husband laughed and said, 'See!'

First question: negatively or positively ? The context has more impact than the word itself.

Second question: By more blacks, But with out the intention to dehumanize or belittle me.

blacks are the biggest racists on the planet.i was just called a honky for taking to long to make a left turn.

are you still talking about racism at this day and age?!......i thought your grandparents came up with a solution

N is a letter not a word

Black people are definitely more racist than white people these days.

maybe but it's 2011 :).