Re: Dog's bounty show suspended for racism
Ah I see your point, so I know what you mean then.
White people can hate the term haole for what it is, but they can't compare it to the negative energy behind the N-word. I mean, right here in this thread, we're making liberal use of the word haole, but not the N-word.
There is a distinct difference between cultural discrimination, which haole and the N-word can stand for, and the kind of powerlessness and corruption that lies behind the N-word. The N-word is more than just a derogatory insult, it was once a form of institutional control over blacks and poor whites to keep the rich rich, and the poor dumber.
I lived in Los Angeles, South Central mind you, for some years, and alternative term of the N-word was used often around me, which I assume is the same one your husband heard.
When said between black folk, as you may or may not know, it is a term of endearment. Other ethnic minorities are also "allowed" to say it, because there is an understanding between them that they are all "brothers" being screwed by the system. It is mostly used by blacks because they are trying to take back their identity. They have applied more positive undertones to the word, including using it as an acronym promoting self-worth and betterment. Note that most white rappers avoid using the term in their songs, despite having been accepted into the black community.
I attended many functions and meetings within the black community. I would be the only Asian, or nonblack, at these meetings. Even though they said I could use the word freely myself, I refuse to because I do not want to perpetuate the feeling that anyone can just use it. Plus, the debate over the appropriate context of the word still rages on, and until that is settled, I refuse to rely on a word with so much moral ambiguity surrounding it.
Originally posted by Kalei99
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White people can hate the term haole for what it is, but they can't compare it to the negative energy behind the N-word. I mean, right here in this thread, we're making liberal use of the word haole, but not the N-word.
There is a distinct difference between cultural discrimination, which haole and the N-word can stand for, and the kind of powerlessness and corruption that lies behind the N-word. The N-word is more than just a derogatory insult, it was once a form of institutional control over blacks and poor whites to keep the rich rich, and the poor dumber.
I lived in Los Angeles, South Central mind you, for some years, and alternative term of the N-word was used often around me, which I assume is the same one your husband heard.
When said between black folk, as you may or may not know, it is a term of endearment. Other ethnic minorities are also "allowed" to say it, because there is an understanding between them that they are all "brothers" being screwed by the system. It is mostly used by blacks because they are trying to take back their identity. They have applied more positive undertones to the word, including using it as an acronym promoting self-worth and betterment. Note that most white rappers avoid using the term in their songs, despite having been accepted into the black community.
I attended many functions and meetings within the black community. I would be the only Asian, or nonblack, at these meetings. Even though they said I could use the word freely myself, I refuse to because I do not want to perpetuate the feeling that anyone can just use it. Plus, the debate over the appropriate context of the word still rages on, and until that is settled, I refuse to rely on a word with so much moral ambiguity surrounding it.
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