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Name: barnone
Comment: how ignorant can u b. Negroes like this make my skin crawl, wearing the word ni@%er like it's a badge of honor. i never cared 4 him or his brothers. why can't we have more comedians like Dick Gregory?!
Name: B00TANEB00TUS
Comment: "I'll be damned if the white man uses that word last. …This is part of our culture now...don't take that from us," Wayans told the audience...Yo, some things make me wanna hollar, throw up both my hands...He needs to read Darryl James column...That word is not part of my culture...I'm slowly beginning to see why some comedians and rappers are shoved down our throats while some get no air-play or press coverage...Yo, we need to ban certain kneegrows...I'm all for freedom of speech but just because you have it dosen't mean you have to use it to dehumanize and destroy yourself...Jews and Asians have freedom of speech too but they use it to uplift themselves...We use it and tell others to use it to make us look like dayum fools....
Name: FiveMore
Comment: Damon Wayans is clueless!
Name: huey
Comment: well, i hate to be the one to say it but, i dont think i 3 month eviction from the laugh factory is going to financially cripple someone who has banked as much money as damon wayons....he's probably laughing all the way to the bank. im sure he knew before going on stage what the penalty would be for saying the "n" word and decided to push the envelope.
Name: StormyMonday
Comment: I'm glad he was banned, because really it doesn't matter if the word comes out of a brown mouth or a white mouth, it shouldn't be used at all! It saddens me to know that Damon honestly feels like that word is apart of "our" culture....."just because it is true to you doesn't make it right". And Jay-Z the thing about freedom of speech, it's a double-edged sword because "Kramer" and any other white person could make that same arguement! My goodness I think back to all those brave souls who lost their lives so that we could walk around in this country as free, pround black men and women. Those men and women who hung from trees declaring that they were NOT a N***** but men and women. It seems like their dying was almost in vain, what have we as a people done to ourselves! If we were able to communicate with those people do we think they would be proud of us as a whole. It goes far beyond the use of the word, some seem to have lost direction, we have no unity and love for one another and for family. One last question, "why is it so important for us to hold on to that word?".
Name: fanteeking
Comment: I knew it would happen!! After all the uproar of racist Michael Richards' Melt down, that a negrow comedian would come back to legitimize the word to get some attention. We as a united Black people should just ignore his stupid azz and whenever we see his tired azz on TV just flip the channel or boycott his performances!!
Name: JBONEZ
Comment: I agree with you all. Jay-Z are you that stupid? Do you actually think we should focus on changing peoples racist ways? I can care less if someone is a racist, however I do care when the person shows or says it. Jay-Z shut the %*$ up. I bet if one of those white guys call you a ni@@er in the board room tou'll be ready to fight and sue. H.e.l.l you even started a campaign against a champagne (sp) company. So people don't have a %*$!(@ clue. Also, damon take ya dumb azz straight to h.e.l.l. ya azz isn't funny anyway, you totally bombed at the BET awards.
Name: McNasty
Comment: As long as this generation continues to try and either justify the use or keep insisting that their use changes the meaning we'll keep having this conversation, FiveMore said it all, they're clueless. Too, I'm all for freedom of speech but I still think it comes with an implied sense of responsibility.
Name: MDhornet
Comment: Sighhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!1
Name: chocolattechile
Comment: Dayum!!!!!
Name: Matlock
Comment: I can't say I'm surprised. Remember, Damon was trying to trademark the word for his clothing line.
Name: 2timely
Comment: Two clueless idiots!!
Name: bigchassie
Comment: FANTEEKING>i'm with you on that one. in fact, i'm with allayall on this issue. i be on the train and i hear young guys still use this word and it stings! you know? it's dehumanizing. i mean, it's bad when we use it in everyday speech but when a yt person says it, we want to kill them so just abolish the word all toghether. in fact, all racist words should be abolished!
Name: HoneyMack
Comment: LOL!! WTF, now we can't use the word? I'm done. Why do we give this word so much power?
Name: TAZBABY
Comment: That idiot needs to know that N word is NOT part of our Culture. That word was made up to dehumanized Black People and no matter who says it, it should not be used at all. I am so done with Damon Wayans, What was he thinking? This is no joke, his statement is just silly.
Name: HoneyMack
Comment: We need to quit reacting to this word, he got the rise out of people that he wanted, now he gets to make the talk show circuits and gets his name out in the news, he did this on purpose, don't y'all see. If he would have been ignored it would have been done, y'all know Damon is childish from the fact that his ignorant azz tried to trademark/copyright this word. $320 wasn't shyt to him, now his name is in the press. He achieved what he set out to do.
Name: YLawdY
Comment: I applaud the Laugh Factory. If you're going to ban Kramer, then it's only fair to ban Damon. HoneyMack...of course you can use the word. This is America, land of free speech and all that. Just understand that it's not going to be acceptable or received by everyone and act accordingly. Think of it this way, do you cuss in front of your grandmom? Probably not, because it's not an acceptable way to talk to around an elder. Shows no respect. IMO N word usuage falls into the same category.
Name: Dovelyone
Comment: Glad to read some insightful responses here, including the recognition that the double standard usage of the word AIN'T FAIR. See how the double standard has worked against "us"? This happens all the time with major policy and decision making. I do not use the word. I believe the word needs to be erased from the planet. It is NOT a part of my culture or vocabulary.
Name: HoneyMack
Comment: Look at what they said Andy Dick did.. " *Actor Andy Dick reportedly used the N-word Saturday while heckling a comedian on stage at L.A.’s Improv comedy club. According to TMZ.com, which broke the Michael Richards story, Dick reportedly left his seat during a set from comedian Ian Bagg, jumped onstage, grabbed the mic and shouted at the crowd, "You're all a bunch of ni**ers!" According to TMZ, “the stunned crowd gasped and stared at each other. Bagg tried to play it cool and move on with his set, but the laughs weren't there.” He is another low level comedian on his way out. He saw what using the "N" word did for Michael Richards and so he decided to use it. We have to stop being so sensitive about this word or more and more people are going to start doing this just to get a rise out of us. They are laughing at us because we are afraid of a dayum word!!
Name: Dovelyone
Comment: Oh, Honeymack: I truly do not believe we're afraid of the word. SOME of us have reached a boiling point in terms of the way that this word has become SO CASUAL, esp. since its origins ARE ROOTED in DEHUMANIZATION and DEGRADATION of a race. We need to/MUST take a lesson from other races/ethnicities/cultures who DO NOT use dehumanizing words against each other. We need to take a lesson from those other cultures who PUNISH those who do use the word. And I don't mean PUNISH in terms of physical harm but through ECONOMICS. People start to LISTEN and OBEY when you hit 'em in the POCKET.
Name: Sigmatherunner
Comment: When did this word become so in fashion to use as term of endearment? Was it around the same time hip-hop became mainstream? I remember a few years back I heard one of these hip-hip clowns saying “We made it cool to use this word”. How does a fool wake up one day take the sting out of that word which carries so much pain and make it ok to use one hand but if anyone else say it all h@!!# breaks loose?
Name: DOne
Comment: >Honeymack, is right on the money. This was all just a publicity stunt for Wayans and we fell for it the minute we clicked to read the article. So if we really want to make a statement, then completely ignore any follow up pieces that will undoubtly be written in the next few days. Trust me, they count the number of hits every article gets
Name: Dovelyone
Comment: DOne: you mean mainstream (white) media, not Black media, that's being counted, right?
Name: gingerg
Comment: I don't support any Wayans projects because they are a bunch of modern day minstrels. They will degrade themselves and their people for money.
Name: NYCsoul
Comment: Look what happened to Jesse when he made the off the cuff 'hymietown' comment. Nobody told Jewish folks that it's 'just' a word and they need to stop giving it power. Why do we as a people still feel the need to accept unacceptable behavior? Nobody else makes apologizes or excuses for being disrepected. But us.....I just don't get it....I really don't....
Name: MrUnapologetic37
Comment: It's not often that I come onto this blog and pretty agree with MOST of the postings. Today is one of those days... I'm glad they smacked Damon on the hand. It's time, People! Who would have thought that we'd have to debate the use of the N-word amongst ourselves? Wow! As for Jay-Z, can we scream idiot any lounder?
Name: BigRuss
Comment: Niqqa is not a term of endearment for Black people. It is a term of endearment for Niqqas. This is not so much about the word but about the culture behind it. Personally I feel a person has the freedom to choose to be a Niqqa if they want. Trying to force a person to be something they don't want to be by banning the word will not stop the culture. We must fight to convince people of change not be fascist and force the change.
Name: DCGG
Comment: Why is anybody surprised this is the same azzhole that tried to copywrite the word not long ago, trifaling azz bastard...
Name: QueenCityBee
Comment: Ain't this some niggah shyt here...
Name: DOne
Comment: Trust me Dovelyone, EUR counts every hit on every article and commentary. Thats how they know what topics we are reading and which ones are ignored. Thats why it seems that some topics seem to get beat to death, they get lots of hits so we get more of them. In the end, EUR have to sell the numbers to attract advertisers
Name: MistaO
Comment: Seeing this idiot and his response to this as a grown Black man, is it any wonder that we are STILL last in just about every socio-economic level? Other groups (at times), seem to be trying to show us respect, but you always have these no good self haters out here ready to drag "us" back. Just like the good ole house slave afraid to be free.
Name: YLawdY
Comment: I agree it was a publicity stunt, but that doesn't erase the underlying issue. It should be known that we aren't going to accept being the butt of any minstrel's shtick, black or white. Ignoring something doesn't always make it go away...that works for a pimple, but not for cancer.
Name: leeneepoo
Comment: OK they fine Daman a measely 320 and banned him from the club. WTF are they going to do with Richards? I did not here there was a fine for him? How much? Our own people still holding his hand and licking his wounds for him. Sure we know that the Wayans brothers can be a tad overbearing at times but Daman punishment came swift and Richards has yet to receive his. Even when they use the word they get away with it and its all good and when we use the word we get fined and whiplashed all over again and again..to me there is even racism in us using the word towards one another.. and they still win every single time without a scratch....
Name: Babygurl
Comment: Why are grown folks so igonorant? I think it's easier for black folks who were born post-civl rights movement to use that word because they've never been personally called that by a white person. Just say No to the N word...
Name: NYCsoul
Comment: As for the article, this is main reason I have never supported anything the Wayans family does. They have never been funny to me. Their projects get greenlighted in Hollywood because they have made a career out of buffoonery.
Name: clotel
Comment: Damon Wayans is a buffoon and pushing the N card while disrespecting the wishes of the club owner is just not cool. Until we stop using it, it gives others an open door to toss the word around.
Name: clotel
Comment: TAKEN FROM AN L.A.TIMES ARTICLE YESTERDAY RE: WAYANS AND USE OF THE N WORD: "I think it is more poison than ever," Masada said, adding that he has been dismayed by the number of e-mails the club has received saying that what Richards "did was great." Car loads of young white males have occasionally driven past the Sunset Strip club yelling racial epithets out the windows. At the New York City club last week, he said, a small group of young white men walked up to the front of the club, snapped the Nazi salute and chanted the N-word a number of times before moving on. "I want to throw up," Masada said. "I just don't know what to do. It comes to the point, what do we do?" HE decided the ban might help persuade comedians to drop the word, but the plan got off to a slow start Sunday night. One comedian slipped it in twice out of habit, unlike Wayans' direct challenge, and one of the hosts said he had trouble getting through his part of the show. Elsewhere, Hollywood's Comedy Union club is urging comedians to use the word at least once in their routines during a special show Friday.
Name: kady
Comment: huey>> I agree with you. He knew what the penalty was from the start but didn't care and ended up lookin' like an azz. The $320 fine didn't hurt him; that's pocket money for him. I'm glad they fined him though and I hope they continue to do it.
Name: bigheadbull2
Comment: UUmm I am friends with Dick Gregory and that word is a staple in his vocabulary. In fact he says he uses it so yt won't forget the negativity behind it. Not a good "not use that word reference"
Name: Southernbelle
Comment: The Laugh Factory should have banned his azz for life. As for Jay Z, all I can do is hang my head in shame. I'm so sick of sell out mofo's it's sicking.
Name: khufu
Comment: leeneepoo AGREED brilliant insight! Now the strategy continues....the victim is the perpetrator..YT is good....everyday this is less and less about Richards as icon and symbol for white racism and more and more about Black folks' self-denigration....which is just as important but lest we forget: MICHAEL RICHARDS.......
Name: bigheadbull2
Comment: This is the same clown who just a few months ago tried to get at patent on the word. Will stupidty ever stop.
Name: khufu
Comment: BIGBUL exactly! I was wondering why that poster used Dick Gregory as reference as well.
Name: CLA30
Comment: Damon Waynans is an idiot. I never liked him since he kicked off the dark skinned daughter for the high yellow almost white daughter because he said that the original daughter -- WASN'T PRETTY. He likes to use the work because he is the epitome of the work. Screw him. As for Jay-Z, I will be erasing and tossing every song that I have by this moron. What an F'in sell out? How come it's all about free speech when it comes to degranding us, huh? I bet if the K-word was used about Jews he would be up in arms to stop us from using it. Screw him too!
Name: ATLGirl
Comment: Fame and infamy are not the same. Yes, more people are probably aware of Damon Wayans due to this incident but that doesn't mean those people are fans who would support him. There is value attached to a reputation. A good reputation is more valuable than a bad one, even if in the short term, a bad reputation brings notoriety.
Name: HoneyMack
Comment: "Elsewhere, Hollywood's Comedy Union club is urging comedians to use the word at least once in their routines during a special show Friday." MY POINT EXACTLTY, THEY THINK ITS A JOKE, AT OUR EXPENSE. People, I know the word hurts many of us, but we have got to let them know the word doesn't mean anything or this will continue. I don't use the word or let my kids use it, my mom has taught me that words have power only if you give them that power. And i'm from TX, where some lil towns still have "colored only" water fountains and are mostly all white, my g-ma still considers herself "colored" and my mom and aunts still remember having to go to the back of the resturant to get their food and being called the "cute lil ni99a girls" so I know what it is all about. But its not about where you from it's where You at! Don't support the folks that use this word, that includes comedians, rappers, actors.. hit them in their pockets.. Stop buying their ablums and their clothes, stop going to see their standups. I stopped watching Seinfeld and I was going to buy my sister the entire season, but NOT. The word is not going to be banned because of a thing called free speech. Its your money, if you are truly behind it then don't spend it on these fools that enjoy using this word!
Name: whynotme
Comment: of course jay z doesn't see a problem with it....and besides he's too busy doing public service announcements to stop jews from being discriminated against.....go figure!
Name: YLawdY
Comment: I think the article posted above makes it very clear that Kramer struck a cord with some folks and "freed" them to be publicly vocal about their feelings. Michael Richards just opened the floodgate.
Name: YLawdY
Comment: As far as Jay-Z....n*gga please. LOL
Name: Teigh
Comment: Allegedly paul Mooney has denounced the use of the word. I will have to be front & center at his next Caroline's show in NY to see this for myself. That word and race has been the core of his comedy for years....If Paul mooney can stop saying it, and he has advocated the use for years (and is friends with Michael Richards) then maybe it is possible for that generation. Jay Z -- forget about it, his ignorance and lack of vocablulary won't let him stop
Name: MistaO
Comment: Oh whatever! Everybody can pontificate on this deal and try to make it more complicated than it really is. At the end of the day this all boils down to the fact that Black people still don't have each others back. Right or wrong, over my 34 years I've watched other groups function in a wide variety of arenas, from school, work to socially and they all have one common denominator that Black folk REFUSE to have, that is they back each other in the face of "outside" groups. In other words, they (any other group but blacks) will be friendly towards others etc. but when the chips are down, right or wrong, they stand together. Sadly, I've seen too many examples where some black folk sit back and wait for opportunities like this to exercise their meritorious manumission and show the world that they are quick to stand against their own people. At the core of this and other arguments concerning Black people is our still existing psycological hold over mentalities from Slavery and Jim Crow. Root cause: Self Hate.
Name: HoneyMack
Comment: YLawdY>>" Michael Richards just opened the floodgate." true dat
Name: khufu
Comment: whynot me..PROFOUND!
Name: bigfriend
Comment: That is the way it should be. If one can't do it then nobody can!! It should not be that blacks can do something but the whites or latinos can't. Or the other way around.
Name: nativeson
Comment: Are you kidding me? Damon is too old to even make these types of ignorant comments. We didn’t create the word, so who is taking what from us? The N-word is not apart of black culture, it is a word that was used during our oppression, it was and still is used to demean and belittle our ancestors, and through cultural conditioning some of us have adapted the word into our music and entertainament and daily living; and out of ignorance, some use the word as a term of endearment. But these comments are coming from a brother who has tried twice to get N-word trademarked. This is not a competetion to see who can use the word last. anyone would common sense knows that there will always be racist people in this world such as hate groups who will use the word in their inner circles and at hate rallies. Which is more reason why we need to stop using the Damn WORD!!!! Why can’t some my people understand this???? My worst nightmare is coming true. Now since the black community is arguing with each other over the usage of the word, main stream America has is using the moment for entertainment value. The more we in the black community don’t come to a consensus on the word, main stream America will continue to take us as a joke. Jay-Z said he believes we can say anything, so I would challenge him to call a Jewish person a Kike on his next song and see what will happen. http://nativeson.wordpress.com
Name: lovelace
Comment: The Laugh Factory's $20 fine is the real JOKE! They obviously aren't as offended as they claim to be . . . that's hidden racism at his best!
Name: sonnyd
Comment: >< Khufu on this is now about the word vs. Kramer...PREACH! And >< on Big Russ' statement...my sentiments exactly!
Name: imtalking
Comment: HoneyMack>>>Iam with you all the way. Some posters seem so smart that they don't think clearly. The word has too much power. As far as Michael Richards, if you didn't know him then you know him now. Thanks to all the power the yt media has given the n-word. The word "BLACK" used to be equal to ni@@er, until we turn it around...Im Black and Im proud! Remember that? why the h3ll would people go out their way to say African American when they could just say Black? Cause it was just like saying Ni@@er. I can call a yt person a vanilla ice-cream muth@fuCCa. Does that make vanilla ice-cream the bad word? No its how Im using it to insult that person. Just like Michael Richards its HOW he used it and what he meant. Its not the word, its his attack using it.
Name: clotel
Comment: Andy Dick apologizes for using racial slur (12-6-06) LATIMES.COM Two weeks after Michael Richards' racist tirade at the Laugh Factory, another white comic has been forced to apologize for using the same racial slur while cracking jokes at L.A.'s Improv comedy club. Andy Dick, a stand-up comic and former co-star of the 1990s sitcom "NewsRadio," was outed by celebrity Web site TMZ.com on Tuesday for hopping onstage while comedian Ian Bagg was doing his routine Saturday and using the slur on clubgoers. "Andy was heckling comedian Ian Bagg during his routine, when Dick allegedly got out of his seat, jumped onstage and began joking with Bagg," according to the Web site. "The subject of Michael Richards came up, but the two comics quickly moved past it. As Dick exited the stage, he suddenly grabbed the mic and shouted at the crowd, `You're all a bunch of ... ' " -- using the same racial slur that got Richards in trouble. The stunned crowd gasped and stared at each other, TMZ reported. An Improv manager declined to comment on the incident Tuesday except to confirm Dick's presence at the club that night. Dick issued an apology through his publicist Tuesday afternoon. "I chose to make a joke about a subject that is not funny," the statement said. "In an attempt to make light of a serious subject, I have offended a lot of people, and I am sorry for my insensitivity. I wish to apologize to Ian, to the club and its patrons and to anyone who was hurt or offended by my remark." Dick's representatives declined to comment on TMZ's account of the incident. Richards, a former co-star on "Seinfeld," also has issued several public apologies and has agreed to meet next month with the four black men he targeted during his racial-epithet-filled outburst at the Laugh Factory on Nov. 17
Name: HoneyMack
Comment: Like I posted earlier >>Andy Dick "He is another low level comedian on his way out. He saw what using the "N" word did for Michael Richards and so he decided to use it. We have to stop being so sensitive about this word or more and more people are going to start doing this just to get a rise out of us. They are laughing at us because we are afraid of a dayum word!!
Name: whynotme
Comment: --->honeymack you sound really silly right now....the fact that you don't command more respect and want people to just ignore the word is just simple....if the word is no big deal than why are you even posting, why don't you just ignore the article and don't give the word any power? because you don't really believe that that's why.
Name: YLawdY
Comment: I don't think they're laughing at us "because we are afraid of a dayum word!!", but because they feel they can say it and there's not a dayum thing we can do about it. More and more people are going to start using it because they feel they can without repercussion. They've been freed.
Name: yelleyw
Comment: I'm just waiting to see the article about the n*igger who beats the shyt outa one of these yts who think its ok to say this to our faces. *looking at watch*... any minute now
Name: imtalking
Comment: All the meaning the word had back then don't exist. If a yt person call you the "most devastating n-word", just simply respond by saying "Ya momma biotch", that's the difference from back then and now. It holds no value! Get over it. And anyone that says this word is degrading, better not be eating slop and the trimming they use to give us like, pig feet, colard greens, CHITTERLINGS, so on and so on!
Name: HoneyMack
Comment: whynotme>> u think? i didn't say ignore the word in general. i said quit giving the word power. go back and reread my post, whats silly is you demeaning MY OPINION because you don't agree w/it. Quit supporting the people that use this word, ITS NOT GOING AWAY!!
Name: YLawdY
Comment: Imma have to take exception to the CHITTERLINGS remark. I like them. LOL The difference now is noone is giving us "slop and trimmings". We choose to buy them.
Name: detroitgee
Comment: Sometimes these things have such strange results. Jessie Jackson and others asked that folks boycott the new Seinfeld DVD because of Richard's use of the N word. Report on sales for Seinfeld are threw the roof. White folks are showing that they stick together. This DVD made more money in the last two weeks than some of the summer blockbusters. Go figure. Then we have Damon Wayans bucking the system showing that we cannot even respect our self or stick together on an issue. Jay Z is just a waste. I am not a fan of him or Bey. It just shows that money does not equal intelligence.
Name: FiveMore
Comment: imtalking,Thanks for the advice!Watch them turn red in the face and run away in shame!Hilarious~!I'm still LOL!
Name: whynotme
Comment: --->honeymack actually i wasn't demeaning your opinion and i don't disagree or agree with what you're saying if that's how you feel, i just said you sound silly.....if you feel i'm demeaning you then that's how you feel, stop giving power to my words to you.
Name: imtalking
Comment: ylawdy>>slop and trimmings is what the masters use to give the SLAVES-which included Chitterlings...so iF you are anti-anythingtodowithslavery (THE N-WORD)you need to stop buying and eating the slop that our ancestor made a meal with, FOR SURVIVAL. OR simply say I like it and it don't hurt to eat it cause I have a choice.
Name: imtalking
Comment: ylawdy>>and leave everyones choice of words to themselves.
Name: YLawdY
Comment: imtalking ...?
Name: HoneyMack
Comment: whynotme>> ok now u sound silly
Name: imtalking
Comment: ylawdy>>what is so hard to understand?
Name: whynotme
Comment: --->honeymack, thanks!
Name: YLawdY
Comment: imtalking ...your tone.
Name: blackman
Comment: Freedom Of Speech Huh? Ask Michael Jackson About "Kick Me Kike Me"! The Jews Could Care Less About Freedom Of Speech When It Comes To Using Degrading Slang. Wake Up My People!!!!!!
Name: HoneyMack
Comment: whynotme>>no problem
Name: YLawdY
Comment: A few blacks may be willing to cut Dick and Richards some slack. "Crash" star Terrence Howard tells us that Richards was just "exercising [his] First Amendment [right]. We gain so much from comedians by giving them an uncensored sense of style and liberty."
Name: ms_svelte
Comment: (bracing for the attack) this go round i have to ride with jay...the real issue here is intent...what is the intent behind the word...i think that we all would agree that if a yt explains the word when hes teaching a class and is explaining to students about the negative aspects of jim crow and slavery then he doesnt catch a beatdown, but if a YT on the street uses it cause i cut him off driving or something, he gets busted up - forsure. In those examples the same "word" was used, but common sense causes us to react based upon our discernment of the intent. five years from now, no one uses the word (like yt doesnt use the word colored now) and then what?....they still discriminating, black men still have 50% unemployment, folkses still getting randomly shot by cops.... and we're all smiling, singing and skipping - cuz what? we no longer niqqas? please...if any yt calls me out of my name they getting my foot down they throat - period (i know...so violent)
Name: ms_svelte
Comment: regardless of what theyre calling me (niqqa, black beyotch, stupid) oh i just thought of another word for the big black brother ban list - NAPPY!!! now we all can say nappy all day long...but let yt say it and they get done in....true?
Name: timmdogg
Comment: Kudos to the Laugh Factory for banning this despicable word. I don't care who or what someone happen to be! The use of this word is deplorable and should be totally eradicated because too many people have died trying to exercise their freedom and to have someone degrade their memory is morally/humanly wrong! Damon, sit down and think of several other words in the WEBSTER DICTIONARY that you could possibly use! I tell ya - we are turning back the hands of time and the white man is not doing it to us, it's our own people!
Name: imtalking
Comment: ylawdy>>there's no tone. The only thing I see is a point. Whats so funny is some posters say the word should not be used and people should not want to use it because its degrading. But there is alot of so-call degrading things that our parents and grandparents refuse to let go of and teaching us that eating Chitterlings is ok, is not OK! But, you have a choice. I can still sit at the same table and eat with you with out a problem. Im not going to insult your intelligence about what you eat as long as you don't tell me what I should and should not say.
Name: HoneyMack
Comment: YLawdY>> see even our folk don't care.. we gotta quit spending our money supporting them....
Name: imtalking
Comment: ms_svelte>>my point exactly!
Name: Justthrough
Comment: NYCSoul, I couldn't have said it better!!! We black people tend to be apathetic: not taking any interest in anything, or not bothering to do anything. Herein lies the problem. Latinos, Jews, Asians and everyone else wouldn't tolorate being degraded, however, black folks tend to let things slide.
Name: YLawdY
Comment: imtalking...agreed. I believe what I say waaay up there was "of course you can use the word. This is America, land of free speech and all that. Just understand that it's not going to be acceptable or received by everyone and act accordingly. "
Name: HHCassius
Comment: It's so interesting. I remember, before I went to [prestigious HBCU], I never said the word. I thought it was a word only N-words said. Then, I used it casually, but only in close and trusted company of brethren. Currently, I really only use the word when referring to somebody else, e.g., someone on the street, someone messing up traffic, someone cutting me off, much the same way I refer to women as B-words. I may use it when talking about one of my friends or family in a less than positive light. That sorry N-word. That lazy N-word. That N-word! Whenever I see these topics, I think my opinion pretty much mirrors those like ms_svelte. But taking a look at how I use the word, one standard I do have is that I would never directly refer to someone in front of me as N-word. It just feels disrespectful, and, when I think of it, downright N-wordish...
Name: PlanetRock
Comment: Good! If Kramer gets banned, then everyone should get banned, including Damon Wayans. Now, if every establishment, TV station, cable operator, record company, etc. instituted the same ban, can you imagine the results? I still say, "why would anyone attempt to defend the use of the word?" People certainly can find substitutes and be funny, creative, etc. It is time that we hold people accountable and really scrutinize people's intentions when they defend the use of the word. Enough is enough. Stand tall and proud everybody.
Name: imtalking
Comment: HHCassius>>>did you grow up around yt people or was in a the company of yt people at School?
Name: Victornator
Comment: I rode the Metro subway here in DC at about 3:30 one day when the kids had gotten out of school and I heard the N word %*$!(@!(*@$&% so many times I could not count. Some of these kids were as young as 8 or 9.
Name: Justthrough
Comment: MistaO, you too, hit the head on the nail! There are a lot of good insightful comments here.
Name: imtalking
Comment: I admit its a bad word but its not degrading. Its a word like (ef you see kay) Is just one of those bad words. Is Biotch still a bad word? Cause thats all over TV now.
Name: PHScott
Comment: I see there are LOTS of opinions about this one! I, personally think that people should be able to say whatever they feel. This is the society in which we live. However, when you are in entertainment your fan base will determine what you do and say. You tick off your fan base, they turn their back on you, and it hinders your ability to make a living. That said, these entertainers will learn to censor themselves. The Laugh Factory is way off base in telling comics what they can and cannot put into their acts. Let the empty seats do the talking...
Name: PHScott
Comment: I apologize in advance for this thought: How can the Laugh Factory tell a ni**a what to say in a room full of ni**as?!? THAT is the problem with the double standard in the first place. I doubt if anyone got really offended by Damon Wayans' repeated use of "the word" because the entire crowd knew he was not using it to attack anyone racially. IT'S ALL ABOUT CONTEXT! If everyone knows you are NOT a racist, then nobody minds. Nobody knows Michael Richards' private side, so we cannot judge his prejudices. Damon, on the other hand, is not racist towards Black people.
Name: Rahwaykid1
Comment: Someone mentioned way up there that Michael Richards opened the door. No, black folks opened that door a long time ago. He just walked in. This is very interesting. Some people claim that by continuing the use of the word, it would somehow lose it's power. Well, how's that workin' out? When one has no respect for themselves, others will demonstrate a lack of respect right back. This is why some non-blacks feel it's cool to say that word. Mel Gibson was jumped all over for his diatribe, and Jesse still can't get out of hymietown. No, we opened the door long ago, so we can't get mad at who walks through it until WE close that door.
Name: DoctorSmooth
Comment: Well, I might get crucified for my comments here, but my 2 cents is this: The meaning of a word is, of course, dictated by the the intention of the user. Its not just the word itself, theres a whole larger context involved. The way Michael Richards used it is not the same way brothers in the street use it when they say "Whaddup my nig-gah?". Obviously some blacks are always going to find the word offenseive, and thats fine. But I'm not going to get on some moral high horse over this and demand that other blacks not use the word around each other if its ok with those involved. On that note, I remember a Puerto Rican co-worker jokingly referring to another PR there as a "silly spic" and no-one was offended in that instance. Of course, if I as a black man called the other one a "silly spic" it would have been offensive, but no one was offended in that context... and as a matter of fact, who am I to tell a Puerto Rican not to refer to another Puerto Rican as spic, even jokingly? If my boy says to me "you're one crazy nig-gah" its not he same as if my white boss were to say it to me, so I dont sweat that at all. Like I said, words have to be taken in situational context. Besides, HIV, bad schools, high teen pregnancy, and a 66% out-of-wedlock birth rate in the black community are the more serious issues that should get a lot more discussion than this topic. Lets focus on whats really important. This is way down the list of issues affecting us. This not even in the top 10!!
Name: regina
Comment: wow such ignorance-poor Damon & Jay-Z & everyone else that comes up with this silly justifications for the use of that word. Why are we the only ethnic group that is having this debate. Other cultures get that Hate words are something that they would want to call each other on a daily and routine basis....us, on the other hand... I love my black people, but I am soo disappointed in my race right now.
Name: regina
Comment: correction: Other cultures get that Hate words are NOT something that they would want to call each other on a daily and routine basis...
Name: YLawdY
Comment: DoctorSmooth...Aren't all of these things tied together in that a lack of respect, lack of or loss of boundaries, not demanding respectful treatment contribute to the things you list as the important issues facing us. True all of those issues are of paramount importance in our community, but at the root of it all is what we allow, what we will or won't fight for, where we take a stand about how we allow ourselves to be treated or perceived.
Name: DCNupe
Comment: Come on people, that word is not a term of enderment, and words can hurt and kill. Can your husband or wife call you a B*tch in front of your coworkers. Some of you try to kill your kids if they call you anything but Mom or Dad. Come on people, how can we get away from this self hatred. Like someone said, Jews will not allow anyone to call them Hymie. Why should these fools, who hate us, be allowed to call us a word, that they repeatedly call us.
Name: yelleyw
Comment: While everyone is entitled to their own opinion regarding the N word, ban it, ignore it, whatever the fact of the matter is there is no other race who is clowned more than the black race. Please watch this !!! A Japanese TV show pokes at the word N*igga. Comedy or Stereotypical racism? http://video.earwaxrecord...b2b-9af4-988b00df20c9.htm Japanese people are sitting over in JAPAN making fun of Black People, the way we talk, and the way we call each other N*igga. SAD.
Name: DCNupe
Comment: DoctorSmooth, I agree with alot you said, except this word is one of our Top 10 problems. Its called self hatred and the way we allow ourselves to be viewed and classified by others. See as long as we disrespect each other, others will not take us seriously. We as blacks want to be in control of our future, but we have to control our selves first, in many ways...
Name: kwabena
Comment: The only things that respond to names given to them by their masters are slaves and pets. Not surprised at Jay Z's comment. See those who control media images for Afrikans reward the likes of Jay and manufacture those like 50, to dumbs us down. Damon needs to made to pay a price for his continued ignorance. We must organize, in order to make this happen. My brother told me that another brother who runs a comedy club in LA wants to make sure that each comedian who gets on stage uses the word. It's about time this debate heated up. It's actually over 15 yrs. overdue.
Name: DCNupe
Comment: yelleyw ... can you re-post the link to the site...
Name: yelleyw
Comment: http://video.earwaxrecord...b2b-9af4-988b00df20c9.htm A friend sent it to me yesterday and it automatically linked me to the website. I can't access it here at work. Hope it comes up for you cause it is ridiculous.
Name: golfebj
Comment: = seeking attention for a failing career.
Name: MistaO
Comment: I want to say one more thing to all my Brothers and Sisters on this joint and this comes with much love: Relize this, no man is bound to respect another man's home (see 80's Pilly bombing and 90+ year old mother killed in ATL), children (see state of "our" schools, boy killed in boot camp in FL, women (examples are endless just turn on the TV), communities etc. if that man does not respect his own. It's as simple as that. We disrespect our own, flat out refuse to support one another, refuse to respect marriage, allow further abuse and denigration of our image(s) and yet we stand perplexed when our people are constantly abused by outsiders. Boy o boy, we have such a long road to travel before we get even close. What sad is that most of our collective issues really surround mental health and self esteem, or lack there of.
Name: oldsoul
Comment: Jolly good! Good, not because he used the word but because he IS the word. Ok, ok, maybe he just acts like the what the word can mean. Damon Wayons just ain't funny to me and his explanation was borderline embarassing...well, let's say it was fool-ish. I thank God for opening the mouth of Michael Richards (is that his name?), at least now We've begun to think again. As for Jay-Z, I partly agree with what he's saying. I'm all about the "freedom" part. Trust me, you don't want to get into "banning" anything in these United States...they are already itching to turn this b*tch into (more of) a police state (read Behold A Pale Horse for starters). Our Creator endowed us with infinite freedom (I'd rather say "the space to be free" - I don't know what the hell "freedom" is), and I'll be dammed if I let a government made of men who breathe the same air and bleed red like me to take that away. Now, I disagreed with Jay on this comment: "You have to fix the people that have hatred inside their soul." See, I don't have the energy nor is it my place to fix them. That's one of our biggest problems-- we worry too much about them. Know them but do not worry. My place is with Us. And that's where I believe we've got to start. If we fix our own hearts and minds, the utter disappearance of the word - at least in public arenas - will be an easy by-product. Don't ever give away your power - the power to be heard and definitely not the power of the pen.
Name: MorrisOKelly
Comment: I implore you to go to any Latino, Asian or Jewish message board. They are NOT debating whether "kike" is a term of endearment or ok when only Jews say it. There won't be any long and protracted discussions as to how "wetback" is different when a White person says it...or different from "wetbakk" when a Mexican says and spells it. I am so, so, so ashamed and disappointed. One does not gain respect or exude respect by arguing or attempting to "appropriate" <uh PRO pree ATE> a word and argue how such behavior is "appropriate" <uh PRO pree ut>. Only WE would cling and covet such ignorance and be "pleased" by its continued use. Stop the excuses and ignorance. The word has no place in our presentation as a people worthy of respect. Respect yourself first, and then others MUST follow suit. The longer we argue FOR its use, the longer we will continue to wallow in disrespect...from each other and those outside our community. Very disheartening day.
Name: MorrisOKelly
Comment: Because after awhile...if being "called" -ggers is "offensive" to us (and it is)...then the first step is not being pleased with calling each other -ggas. Respectable women don't call each other bytches. Respectable men don't call each other pimps. Respectable people don't call each other the same thing that they were called while lynched and maimed. This is so plain to see...and I can't for the life of me understand why ANYONE would WANT to keep such a word in their vocabulary.
Name: yelleyw
Comment: MistaO and MorrisOKelly>> PREACH!! This is exactly why we as a race can’t seem to prosper, because we take everything so lightly. We’re more concerned with being entertained, than being educated. We’re more concerned with being entertained, than being debt free. We’re more concerned with being entertained than being home owners. Our race is VERY quick to say “F_ck it” it. Just jokes.
Name: Dovelyone
Comment: To MorrisOKelly>>>> APPLAUSE!!!!!
Name: imtalking
Comment: QUESTION: ok now, If hispanics use the word among eachother(in whatever way endearment/bad)>>please tell me how does this affect the Black community? How does it hold its "degrading" value to black people?
Name: khufu
Comment: SVELTE some wrods have power in and of themselves...intent is moot point on the N word.....again try these words in ceratin neighborhood with a smile on your face and see how fast your azz will be kicked: "Kike" Dago" "Wop" "Guinea"
Name: bigheadbull2
Comment: As a police officer from time to time I would have to log on the hate websites and I am willing to bet money that if some of us who love to bat that word around the reckless abandon. took a few hours just to read and listen to some of the audio streams of how others feel about us , we would not be so quick to defend the use of one of the only words known to man that can truly castrate. I promise you it is unbelievable.
Name: khufu
Comment: Tow separate issues: Issue Number 1: a YT in a racist tirade shouted hate speech and racist obscenties including BUT NOT EXCLUSIVELY..the infamous N word.....in addition to stating the N word he made other statements offensive to all Black people
Name: Dovelyone
Comment: Imtalking>> there IS NO other race/ethnic group that has the SAME HISTORY in this country as Black folk. While this is not to say that Hispanics and Asians and certainly Native Americans have experienced intense forms of racism, prejudice, discrimination, and even genocide, yet the origin of existence into this country via chattel slavery overrides any kind of comparison to other groups. Black folk need to learn about unity, cohesion and collective self-preservation from these groups, though.
Name: khufu
Comment: Issue number 2: The continued usage of some Black folks of a word that HISTORICALLY has a very specific context and meaning..the N word......their continued usage of the word is offensive to many Black folks......
Name: bigheadbull2
Comment: LOL@khufu ...say that
Name: khufu
Comment: when using the word Hispanic I always keep in mind that many, if not most Hispanic people are actually Black or of African descent....Actually the word "moreno" is one I would like to introduce when referring to those Black/African Spanish speaking speaking...for social, political, cultural and ONE DAY Economic purposes.......
Name: khufu
Comment: again I will not be diverted form the fact thwat it is not cool for YT to call me or another Black person A N--- NO MATTER WHAT! that's issue number 1.....separate than issue number 2.....
Name: MorrisOKelly
Comment: It's funny you mention that Khufu. In Spanish speaking cultures, many do already use "moreno" in regards to those of darker skin pigment... They don't refer to "Black people" as "Negro" as in color. They refer to "Black" people as Morenos...
Name: MER82
Comment: I am growing mighty tired of this damn debate. Words have power when you give them power-period. Since we want to keep feeding this word and its derivatives the energy--how about we try a different route. Now that Kramer dude has opened the door to public discussion--the media is all over it--so lets begin by saying it ain't cool to use it. If we as black folk make fashion and cars go out of style, the way high-top fades, jherri curls and Hammer pants went--then we can make a word played out as well. Just stop using it if you don't like it, don't allow it in your presence, and most importantly--->make others feel stupid for saying it. Black folk have always been the ones to look to for "forwards-thinking" culture, style and attitude--including catchphrases and the like. If we say its played, then whitey won't want to use it anymore. Granted I am talking about "kewl" whitey, not racist Kramer-whitey. You can't make a racist change his mind by stopping him from using a word. But you can make him pay in shame, humiliation, and serious suffering. The rest of us will stop using it so much if its not cool to do so. Start the trend Black people. Stay away from the politics. You know our people focus more on what's "IN" than reading, writing and arithmetic. Let's be really real.
Name: khufu
Comment: AGAIN Michard Richards also said something about Black foks hangin from a tree and pretty much stated that A Black man had no rights that he as a yt had to respect
Name: MorrisOKelly
Comment: OUCH...MER82...but agreed and point taken. "You know our people focus more on what's "IN" than reading, writing and arithmetic. Let's be really real."
Name: yelleyw
Comment: Isn't "moreno" the word for brown in spanish? My spanish is a bit rusty but I'm sure thats what it is. And black is negro.
Name: MER82
Comment: We got to reach people where they are MO....everyone doesn't want to be educated and enlightened, but they damn sure want to be COOL, stylin/profilin', and the like...
Name: imtalking
Comment: I still Im not sure if anyone has answered my question. I really want to know.
Name: khufu
Comment: yes MOrris...moreno is much more powerful for those who know! most of us call other people by offensive names and we dont even know it.....using yt's language....WORDS ARE POWERFUL...the power of life and death are in the tongue...we as human beings were given power to name all things (Adam) and whatever we called it, it was and became....So if one calls themselves a N----- then guess what they will be?
Name: khufu
Comment: there are some who say that "Moreno" also makes a connection to the Moors...and to Sephardim.....I dunno...
Name: YLawdY
Comment: MER82 ...Say it again.
Name: imtalking
Comment: Mer82>>>>you said it. You are the truth. I can leave now!
Name: khufu
Comment: then again there are those who say the "Moreno" is used as not to call themselves "Black." I dunno....point is: when referring to Hispanics or Spanish-speaking peoples, keep in mind that most are Black....now one might have a greater knowledge of that living i up North where there is a larger population of Panamanians, Dominicans, NuYoricans/Puerto Ricans, etc......... so having said that: A lot of Hispanic folks are also %*$!ed at the N word
Name: khufu
Comment: that reaching people where they are is like the notion that the only way to change an organization is from within......nah, oftimes what happens is that one gets co-opted and lost becoming just like that element that they were supposedly transforming...case in point: hip hop and the church...I can hardly distinguish between praising God and gloritfying Hip Hop hipness in most of the Hip Hop Gospel music......oh, nice beat but folks get lost on the beat and dont really get the word.........
Name: Tiedie
Comment: You know...everytime we take one step forward as a people, there is always one dumb azz who comes along and knocks us ten steps back. I have never been a fan of any of the Wayans Brothers. I don't watch their movies or televisions shows because I find the buffoonery to be more than I can take. This further proves that point. If we don't respect ourselves, how can we expect anyone else to? Hate on Bill Cosby all you want to, but he is right on point with the dilemna we have created for ourselves!
Name: ChocolateBrownGal
Comment: What an idiot...did he not get the friggin' memo?!?!? What could have possibly been so funny about his routine that he had to use the word so excessively? Won't be supporting him going forward and if he in fact has a website, the comments we all posted here today, should be posted there as well. Stick a fork in me cuz I'se done!
Name: MorrisOKelly
Comment: To yelleyW: I speak Spanish and can tell you, the word "moreno" is used for skin tone. "negro" is reserved for inanimate objects and the like ...but not in juxtaposition with a group of people. It's not a literal translation. In the way we say "Black" people, it's not the same in Spanish.
Name: adifferentpath
Comment: Richard Pryor stopped using the word too after a trip to Africa...ya' know, ANYTHING is possible, RIchard pryor, Paul Mooney, Me. It just slipped into my vocab and now that sucka can slip right out. So many other good wholesome curse words out there to use (fish-eyed fool, sucka, jive turkey, silly, moron, idiot, numbnut, stupid, ignoramous, tightwad, a-hole, butthole, butt, %*$!(er- ( I take off the mother part), slut (used for men and women alike)....I could go on...
Name: MorrisOKelly
Comment: And since "we" can always relate to "music"...you remember... Boricua Morena...Boricua Morena. (darker skinned, Puerto Rican woman.)
Name: DoctorSmooth
Comment: Well, interesting posts on this topic, on both side of the issue. I will say I will rethink my occasional use of the word. I still think we should avoid being fascistic in our attitudes toward those who use the word. I've said already I believe the use of the word can be degrading but isnt always, and I have chosen to defend those who wish to express themselves that way in certain settings. However, I think what has swayed me a bit is the comments made about the word "pimp". I remember when a pimp was a despicable person, a vulture that preyed upon our people and our women in particular. So it galled me when I saw hip-hoppers and other black youth referring to each other as pimps, attempting to put a positive spin on a negative word. You really cant sanitize something that is filthy. So I guess its the same with the N word. One could make the argument that putting a positive spin on the N word would be equally futile and pointless. I'm still convinced that in some social settings the word clearly has no negative intent, so the word wouldn't be "degrading" in that context among people who are not offended by it. Still I appreciate the thoughtful posts today, and I certainly have to reevaluate my feelings about the use of the word. The Michael Richards incident certainly stirred up this conversation among us, and I feel its good that black America is having this debate. Now what will stir us up to talk about the genocide in Darfur, our bad schools, our unwed-birthrate problem, etc. ? I swear that some of our people who are passionate about the N-word debate are not passionate about some of the more important issues we should be dealing with.
Name: TesticAl
Comment: *Plays Dave Chappelle's NIGGAR Family skit*
Name: MorrisOKelly
Comment: DocSmooth...THAT was the best line of the day. I don't know if it was yours or you heard it elsewhere but THAT is at the heart of everything I've been saying and you boiled it down to one simple sentence. "You can't sanitize something that is filthy." That to me says it all.
Name: thechocolate10
Comment: 3 of my very dear friends are hispanic (2 puerto ricans and 1 domnican) NEVER in 30 years have i ever heard them address each other as a SPIC. i live in nyc from what i see hispanics do not call each other spics-because to them that is a very offensive word if anything they call each other the n word!! I am the quelinda(sp) morenita of the group since I am the darkest of our lil international coalition.
Name: MorrisOKelly
Comment: Exactly Chocolate10...Exactly. This type of nonsense doesn't go on elsewhere. White folks will call each other N-words, Latinos will call each other N-words, Asians will call each other N-words, but nobody except African-Americans uses their own racial epithet (the n-word) except us. There's really not much else to be said. If it were "such a good idea" there would be some example or indication that "using the n-word" has advanced us or using your own racial insult as a "term of endearment" has increased the respect factor of a people. It doesn't exist and has never happened in the history of the world.
Name: khufu
Comment: thecho10...thank you...African Americans (and I am one) got some issues.....I have never heard a Carib person call another person by an offensive name....even if a Trini had something against a JAmaican, I have never never heard them use a derogatory term...they may say "those damn Trinis"....Or a Trini may say, "Jamaicans." Could be I travel in the wrong circles..LOL...I have never heard a Kenyan call a Nigerian a derogatory term....they might say, Nigerians are......." whazz up with us African Americans?
Name: MER82
Comment: But Khufu-you don't know if more folk who are avid followers of hip hop music became interested in going to church because they had a "cool" pastor or cuz Kirk Franklin "be jamming." You have to come to people where they are. If you talk over their heads or down to them, you will turn them off. If its positive music that reaches those who otherwise would turn their backs on the word--then who is at a loss really? On the other hand, if gospel music started throwing out the N, B and F words regularly--then we would have a problem. LOL. This whole N thing -if we want to change it we got to make it uncool. We have to teach the kids that its not cool anymore.
Name: khufu
Comment: this sheet dont even sound right: "What's up my wop?" or "That's my Spic!" or "WHazz up my kike!"
Name: MorrisOKelly
Comment: MER82 - But that goes back to DoctorSmooth's point about the "other issues." If we are to "teach the kids" it sure would be nice if we had a complete family unit every now and then in which to teach them. There are a number of lessons our children will need to be taught and it all boils down to "respect." Self-respect and respect for others. Respect for women, respect for other Black men, respect for human life.
Name: khufu
Comment: mer82 I agree theoretically but what happens so often is that acculturation takes place....see, to a large extent the church has become Hip Hop instead of vice-versa....so now the sacredness of the temple or the experience has been compromised....
Name: MorrisOKelly
Comment: Never heard a Vienamese person greet another Vietnamese or Cambodian with "Gook". Never heard an Asian person refer to any other Asian as "slant-eyed." Never heard a Jew call another Jew a Hymie or a Kike... This is getting old because the truth is so very plain to see. The N-word permeates our conversation, our music, our poetry, our movies...no wonder everybody feels free to say it...in ANY context.
Name: MER82
Comment: You are right Mo. As an aside, that hispanic dude--Carlos Mencia-or whatever who practically took over where Dave Chapelle left off on Comedy Central--will call a latino a wetback in a hot minute. And that is broadcasted wherever folk have cable and satellite. We can't know what other cultures really do--he11 even whites will put down PWTs in a minute. We have to focus on us, and that is where we always get twisted. Trying to think like and be like everyone else
Name: MER82
Comment: Meant to add-that is what got us into this mess to begin with--absorbing what others thought of us and making it our own. One thing working against us is our history in this land, and the almighty power of internalized oppression. That takes a whole nother kind of healing, besides preaching about history. That is why I say focus on the In thing to do, that will get everyone's attention, on the real. We have got to stop reacting with anger and think about this, how can we change this for us, forget everybody else for a minute.
Name: MorrisOKelly
Comment: I get where you're coming from...I'm not saying we should "think" like everyone else, but there are some truths and base realities and good "examples" that can be seen and used for our own improvement. I don't want us to be "like" Asians, but I know that if you go to any Little Tokyo, Chinatown or Koreatown, Asians own the business on both sides of the street and do everything to preserve their own culture. That's something to be emulated. I don't want us to be "like" Latinos, but damnit, they will do ANYTHING to take care of their families...that is to be emulated. No matter what the job may be...their family is going to eat. That's something to be emulated. I don't want us to be "like" Whites, but the debasing of white women is not allowed and you'd never see the garbage on MTV that you see on BET...and they're owned by the same company (Viacomm). That's something to be emulated. We don't have to keep looking to keep up with the Joneses, but there are valuable lessons and examples to emulate...if we care about ourselves as a people.
Name: MER82
Comment: Khufu say it ain't so that the Church got folk hollerin' at their homies and passing the gin and juice in the pews.
Name: khufu
Comment: lol mer82....well some sistahs comin' up in there dressed like they at da club.....so......
Name: MER82
Comment: I think Khufu what you are speaking to--about the church absorbing the culture of Hip Hop-speaks back to generational differences which leads us to where we are with this 'N' word debate. One generation wants to preach at the other "In my day, such and such"-while that has its merit--does it work? If so, would all these little youngins today be so indifferent to the use of the word. We have to talk to and with people--not at them. Which is also where Bill Cosby lost his crowd. Not by telling people what they should and shouldn't be doing..We can talk all day and night about our history and the negative impact of the N word to each other, but we have all used the word--most folk on this board today-will use it again tonight. So how else is the problem going to go away? You take the power of it away by removing the cool. I am trying to tell ya'll.
Name: khufu
Comment: the impact of 400 years of slavery still haunts us......until we are willing to accept that and address it we will not heal....again Id like to recommend the book by Joy Leary: Post Traumatic Stress Slave Syndrome and DOnald Bogle's "Toms, Coons, Bucks, Mamies...."
Name: khufu
Comment: mer82 I dont disagree..however I think that generationa; gaps need to be discussed and healed within historical context....we cannot bridge gaps in our communities without the disucsion of our historical experiences especially slavery which is large reason we have gaps we have as a community and within our community......
Name: MorrisOKelly
Comment: MER82...I would go one step further...you also help "remove the cool" of the word by connecting the dots between its use in our community and our treatment in the world. There has to be some correlation made, where actions are connected to repercussions. This (like Khufu has touched upon) speaks to a generational divide and 'cool' doesn't necessarily affect or address those at the wide ends of the spectrum. The young kids aren't trying to be 'cool', they are imitating those older who they respect for whatever reasons. They are imitating behavior they see. The older folks may be doing it simply out of ignorance. "Cool" may speak to a multitude of folks, but not necessarily the influential folks in this instance. We gotta get the young folk before they start (like drugs) and somehow show young folks that actions have repercussions (like drugs). Far too many people see it as a harmless act and don't see the bigger picture.
Name: MER82
Comment: You are right Khufu-but first it has to be uncool--then it can be justified as to why its not cool. Don't ask me why that works, its just how people operate. People in general tend to move and operate like little sheep--asleep at the wheel. Even Jesus had to use parables. He couldn't come at people with all the written texts and a bunch of words, folk had to "get" him.
Name: khufu
Comment: mer82 how many young hip hop gospel artists know the history of the Black music tradition? what is the first musical "genre" that is the roots of gospel and the Blues? The slave song..the field holler...the work (plantation) song.......
Name: khufu
Comment: MER82 oh agreed! AGreed on the cool!
Name: MorrisOKelly
Comment: As they say in the 'chuch' Khufu... WEEEELLLLLLLLLLL. Uh Huhh...preach
Name: khufu
Comment: mer82....as a matter of fact, these are all components of "Blackness" and "Soul".......cool, rhythm...and from cool and rhythm come: "hip"...it's in the way we lean in our cars, the sway in the shistah's hips.....the rollig of the neck when we groovin' or when the sistah is tellin' you off.....it's in the beats we beat on a flat surface using our hands, fingers and palms....it's in the way the pimp melodiously spews his hypnotic and misleading rap.......
Name: MER82
Comment: Khufu-about what the artists know-I wouldn't know, I don't follow hip hop gospel music--you would have to ask them. But I would venture to say that there are those who know...
Name: khufu
Comment: yeah Im wit ya MER so how we gon make certain thing uncool?
Name: khufu
Comment: mer82 well the fact that they dont all know speak to the problem...and why the generational gaps exist....historical vacuums...if the users of the N word KNEW their history FOR REAL do you think they'd really use the word and try to make it a "term of endearment?"
Name: MER82
Comment: I am with you Khufu-there is definitely a method to the way Black folk do, it didn't just come out of the air.
Name: MER82
Comment: Well I ask the board--how do we make this word uncool to use? First, each one of us who has issue with it, has got to stop using it--period. There can't be no justification--like the article mentioned in the other news section of the board today. Fool writes an article about the differences between good blacks and n-----s. And some of us were co-signin. If that is the case, to make that distinction--then how are we ever going to stop using it?
Name: ladybyrd
Comment: Matlock > Yes, I remember when he was trying to trade mark the word. That was the day that I was no longer interested to see any of Damone's projects.
Name: Tiedie
Comment: Perhaps some of you who are more enlightened on the affairs of Black people can help me because I have truly given up hope for the race. I'm not being funny, in fact I am dead serious. I am so disheartened with this modern-day generation because I feel like they don't want to do any better. They don't want to succeed. They like being ignorant. I look at some of the so-called elders of the community. 40-something year old men with pants sagging and calling each other "homie" & "n*gga". 50 year old grandmothers with blue & orange weaves. All of them just shufflin' along, blissfully ignorant. Those of us who still cling to the memories of true Black Pride are the outcasts in the Black Community. To want more is equated to "acting white". To be slothful, lazy, and loud is equated to being Black. If one more monkey uses the phrase "you know how we do" as an excuse to shame the race, I am going to pass out.
Name: MorrisOKelly
Comment: You make it uncool by not standing for it...making issue of it when and however you can. Cool means "comfortable." People shouldn't be comfortable to use it however, whenever and for whatever. Take a cue from the "anti-smoking" campaign. Look at the strides it has made altering behavior. Smoking is not "cool" and has suffered greatly for it and those who smoke are seriously inconvenienced for it.
Name: MorrisOKelly
Comment: Tiedie...I completely share your frustration and threw up my hands today when I saw this story and many of the posts. I'm right there with you and at a loss to describe how I feel. I had ALREADY begun writing a column about my disappointment and hurt I felt today. You're not alone.
Name: khufu
Comment: tiedie i am with you....sadl i too have given up
Name: yelleyw
Comment: Yall Should All Get Lynched! Vid takes a look @ current state of Hip Hop. Banned on YouTube. Adult Language. What's your thoughts?http://video.earwaxrecords.com/video/324b9625 -a6db-43c3-a7c2-985901599b85.htm
Name: nycmckoy
Comment: Good how can we ever get anyone to stop seeing and calling us that f**cked up word if some of us refuse to see that it isn't cool, hip or a badge of honor. they should ban his tired Azz for life, because he really isn't funny.
Name: joyandpain
Comment: Maybe this hateful word would stop if someone stood up and called Damon Wayans' MOTHER a N*****. And for Jay-Z's MOTHER too. To Damon and Jay-Z and any other idiot that is seeking media attention - this is no laughing matter!
Name: SewRite
Comment: So good to see more and more of my sisters and brothers calling J-Zay out for the sad, sorry sell-out that he is!!! A man with a hole in his soul who has made his fortune degrading women. May what he and others like him stand for be REJECTED not embraced!!!
Name: Beezyuu
Comment: I use to like Damon Wayans but the older he gets the more ignorant he becomes. As for Jay-Z that big lip ugly azz man is just that. To sum it all up the both of them are Niggahs.
Name: edondada
Comment: Black people, our political priorities have become a joke! A Black man in NY lost his life after taking 50 shots from police bullets and here we are debating the N word? This is pathetic. Criticizing Jay Z and Damon Wayans? Who cares what they say or think about the N word? White people like Andy Dick are throwing it out for fun. Pushing our buttons for kicks. And the white racists are driving by the Laugh Factory and saluting Nazi signs (see the LA Times article). They've definitely kept our eyes off the prize. It's sad but we will sound off on some real insignificant stuff. Yeah, Jews won't accept being called kykes or hymies. But if one of them took 50 bullets, you think that's what they'd be sitting around talking about?
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