#70 - The point being, the N word was acceptable in the U.S. for a long, long, time. I'm sure your parents or grandparents probably used it without even thinking (I'm not suggesting they were racist - I'm just saying it was a word that was used without thought). I learned the word from my friends when I was a kid and I had no idea (for the longest time) that it was bad. I used it out of ignorance, not hate. When it was explained to me just what it meant, I ceased using it and don't condone its used.
Post slavery? Well, as stated above, I hear it all the time in certain circles. I hear it in music and I hear it in the movies. It's on comedy CD's and in comedy clubs. I'm sure it's quite acceptable amongst White Supremists and those that hate just to hate. So, it's "acceptable" to them.
For that matter, ANY word used hatefully (to include bitch, slut, whore, azzhole, f*cker, whitey, etc) is wrong. What it boils down to is the context and meaning in which it is used. I see no problems using the words when we are discussing their use in an adult fashion. I think it's one way where we can overcome biases and work towards understanding how it hurts or affects others.
A double standard exists in this country and I think the OP (of the banned thread) was making that connection out of agrevation. I've often felt the same way. If a word is wrong, it's wrong and nothing or nobody can make it right. If you can have Black Power, you should be able to have Brown Power and Red Power, Green Power, and White Power.
I do recall a time when Gringo wasn't a good name to be called. It was used as a slur and it's connotations weren't good by the group using it. In fact, they meant it in a derogatory fashion and it was specifically used to hurt - nothing more. And, no, I don't expect or want you to change your name nor should you. I'm not offended. I understand the context in which you are using it and I'm positive you are not using it out of hate.
So, I go back to my original point. People, themselves, have decided what is acceptable and what isn't. TV sensors have decided (for me) what my kids can hear and what they can't hear. Societal rules are changing, and not for the better in some cases.
As usual, I'm not looking for a fight or to get banned. I'm expressing my freedom of speech guaranteed by our Constitution.
(P.S. - Before anyone labels me a racist - don't. I despise and detest those words and I don't think anyone should be able to use them in a hurtful fashion. I despise racists and I can't believe they are so shortsided to think they are any better than anyone else. I fully believe we were all created equal and we should respect everyone. I don't see color, race, religion, etc, I see humans.)
