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N-word Outlawed In NYC
buschmaster
Member Posts: 14,229 ✭✭✭
NEW YORK (AP) -- New York declared the n-word off limits to all races Wednesday in a purely symbolic resolution prompted by the common, casual use of the slur in hip-hop music, comedy and street slang.
"People are using it out of context," said Leroy Comrie, a black city councilman who sponsored the unanimously passed measure. "People are also denigrating themselves by using the word, and disrespecting their history."
New York's resolution is not binding and merely calls on residents to stop using the slur. Leaders of the nation's largest city also hope to set an example.
Rudis Mata, 21, of New York said it was pointless to ban the word if city had no plans to enforce it, adding that he thinks it's a violation of free speech.
"I don't necessarily think people should ban the word, but it's a derogatory term and it shouldn't be used," he said. "It's different from other curse words. It has a history."
Other municipalities have already passed similar measures in a debate that rose to a fever pitch late last year after "Seinfeld" actor Michael Richards spewed the word repeatedly at a comedy club in Los Angeles.
At New York's City Hall, supporters cheered passage of the resolution, with many of them wearing pins featuring a single white "N" with a slash through it.
Hip-hop pioneer Kurtis Blow Walker said when the resolution was proposed that blacks needed to stop using the word so "we can elevate our minds to a better future."
Others argue that use of the word by blacks is empowering; that reclaiming a slur and giving it a new meaning takes away its punch. Oscar winner Jamie Foxx, for example, has said that he will not stop using the word and that he does not see anything inappropriate about blacks using it within their own circles.
But in the uproar over Richards' outburst, black leaders including the Rev. Jesse Jackson and California Rep. Maxine Waters said it is impossible to paper over the epithet's origins and ugly history of humiliating blacks. They challenged the public and the entertainment industry to stop using the epithet.
"I forgive those young people who do not know their history, and I blame myself and my generation for not preparing you," Councilman Albert Vann said. "But today we are going to know our history. We are not going to refer to ourselves by anything negative, the way the slave master referred to black people, using the n-word."
New York's action resonated far beyond the city.
In Miramar, Fla., 27-year-old Alexa Cabrera said she hopes the resolution will at least cause people to stop and think about their use of the word.
"It's a derogatory term no matter who uses it. Like if the KKK uses it, it's wrong, but if 50 Cent uses it, it's OK? I don't understand that," said Cabrera, who is black.
Dallas bank manager Ed Romero, who described himself as black and Hispanic, said he would like to see the spirit of the New York resolution spread until the word's use is stamped out.
"It's degrading and disrespectful, and I'd like to see it eliminated completely," Romero said.
A group of black teenagers having lunch in a Dallas mall disagreed, saying the resolution won't affect their use of the word.
"We grew up saying it and it's what I say all the time," said 17-year-old Tiara Smith. "It's not going to stop anybody from saying it."
note: they didn't specify which variation of the word they refer to, with -er, -a, or -ro ending.
"People are using it out of context," said Leroy Comrie, a black city councilman who sponsored the unanimously passed measure. "People are also denigrating themselves by using the word, and disrespecting their history."
New York's resolution is not binding and merely calls on residents to stop using the slur. Leaders of the nation's largest city also hope to set an example.
Rudis Mata, 21, of New York said it was pointless to ban the word if city had no plans to enforce it, adding that he thinks it's a violation of free speech.
"I don't necessarily think people should ban the word, but it's a derogatory term and it shouldn't be used," he said. "It's different from other curse words. It has a history."
Other municipalities have already passed similar measures in a debate that rose to a fever pitch late last year after "Seinfeld" actor Michael Richards spewed the word repeatedly at a comedy club in Los Angeles.
At New York's City Hall, supporters cheered passage of the resolution, with many of them wearing pins featuring a single white "N" with a slash through it.
Hip-hop pioneer Kurtis Blow Walker said when the resolution was proposed that blacks needed to stop using the word so "we can elevate our minds to a better future."
Others argue that use of the word by blacks is empowering; that reclaiming a slur and giving it a new meaning takes away its punch. Oscar winner Jamie Foxx, for example, has said that he will not stop using the word and that he does not see anything inappropriate about blacks using it within their own circles.
But in the uproar over Richards' outburst, black leaders including the Rev. Jesse Jackson and California Rep. Maxine Waters said it is impossible to paper over the epithet's origins and ugly history of humiliating blacks. They challenged the public and the entertainment industry to stop using the epithet.
"I forgive those young people who do not know their history, and I blame myself and my generation for not preparing you," Councilman Albert Vann said. "But today we are going to know our history. We are not going to refer to ourselves by anything negative, the way the slave master referred to black people, using the n-word."
New York's action resonated far beyond the city.
In Miramar, Fla., 27-year-old Alexa Cabrera said she hopes the resolution will at least cause people to stop and think about their use of the word.
"It's a derogatory term no matter who uses it. Like if the KKK uses it, it's wrong, but if 50 Cent uses it, it's OK? I don't understand that," said Cabrera, who is black.
Dallas bank manager Ed Romero, who described himself as black and Hispanic, said he would like to see the spirit of the New York resolution spread until the word's use is stamped out.
"It's degrading and disrespectful, and I'd like to see it eliminated completely," Romero said.
A group of black teenagers having lunch in a Dallas mall disagreed, saying the resolution won't affect their use of the word.
"We grew up saying it and it's what I say all the time," said 17-year-old Tiara Smith. "It's not going to stop anybody from saying it."
note: they didn't specify which variation of the word they refer to, with -er, -a, or -ro ending.
Comments
Then they burned thier books
Then they took thier guns away
Made all the school children dress the same
but it was an old black and white video and everybody was speaking GERMAN[V]
wonder how many BLACK people will be prosecuted for uttering the verbotten?
What a shame. People are lessening the intent of the word. Heck, LeRoy what if the word became so irrelevant that it lost it's meaning all together. Wouldn't that be a great thing?
If it were not for scab pickers like this clown, racial tensions would be dead. Stupid... oh heck what can I call him? POLITICIAN!
Seattle is right. Race is irrelevant. Or is it an illusion.
The San Fransisco can start competing with more illegal words and actions. Who can gut the Constitution better with the non binding resolution.
Do they really think that's going to actually work?
Probably.
We are getting it from every side. Testing the waters at every turn. Softening the blows as they go. Misinformation, letting a certain amount of the truth out on some issues, but just enough to really stir the pot. They are truely very coordinated in their actions and what they allow us to hear and see. Our goberment is and has been out of control and is very long overdue for a good old fashion tea party sort of thing.
A lot of it seems to be focused in the New York City area. I often wonder what the average New Yorker or individual living in Mass, Conn and NJ thinks about all this PC liberal crap. They keep voting these idiots into power so I guess this is their minds eye so to speak.
How about other racial slurs? Or are blacks the only folks who feel the need for special lefgal protection for their feelings?
Idiots.
Wait so your saying N. igger is illegal to say in NYC!?!?
No, because it was a SYMBOLIC resolution and is not law.
Has anyone seen my right to free speech?
I caught a flash of it, mixed with several other things....
as it swirled down the drain.
I believe the mayors office will issue special permits so one can use the Negro word in an emergency situation or under extreme duress.
example: Like if your under attack by the Black Panthers
"yo!!!!! where did all dem negros come from?"
First trans fats now this. What is this world coming to? Don
Good one Don[;)]
(N)ot in a million years!
Former Member U.S. Navy Shooting Team
Former NSSA All American
Navy Distinguished Pistol Shot
MO, CT, VA.
black person....oops, that's the "N" word GB style
how about the "F" word???
bleen...oops, what's that mean??
quote:New York's resolution is not binding and merely calls on residents to stop using the slur.
Anyway, I can kind of see the "spirit" of this resolution, but if they really want to tone things down, how about passing a non-binding resolution asking New Yorkers not to use the F word?
Not an effin chance in hell, my nig-gentlemen!
Former Member U.S. Navy Shooting Team
Former NSSA All American
Navy Distinguished Pistol Shot
MO, CT, VA.