A discussion on the "n" word

[manasecret]

So you're asking if the word 'nigger' can be used without being offensive?

Yeah, it can. And one day I hope it gets to the point of a word like 'fuck' or any other "bad word" that you can say openly without offending most people (there is always someone that will be offended by any such words).

But I don't think we're anywhere near that day. And I don't think it's something you can force to be just another bad word. It will kind of just become one, I guess by way of people using it openly in non-offensive ways.

As for the argument to just stop using it, I don't think there's any way to just eradicate the word like, who is it, Jess Jackson? wants to do, by simply saying, "C'mon, guys, let's not use the word." Especially when he still uses it himself. It's a cultural thing, not just a word, and only when the culture that fosters the use of 'nigger' is no more will it even have a chance of being gone. Chances are it will morph into another meaning, though, before it eradicates itself, if it ever does.

My thoughts.