Cracker vs The N word

#1
NEO

NEO

Eat at Joe's
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#1
Ok, I have an honest discussion that I would like to start here.

I am a Cracker. I'm actually a mutt and honestly don't know what all I've got going on in my geneology, but I'm pretty white looking at most would classify me as a Cracker.

This word though holds absolutely no weight with me, nor do I think he it does with most white people. A black person could call me this and I wouldn't even think twice.

But the word ******. That holds alot of weight even today.

Rappers have changed it around and used it in songs, dropping the R, and many people use it as anither word for friend. I honestly don't understand this but I sort of do as they are trying to change the meaning and make a postive spin on this.

My question though is simple ... why does the N word hold so much weight?

The word cracker does not.

And how can we as a people lessen the impact of the word?

Do we all use it on a regualr basis until it becomes watered-down and mainstream?

Do we change it and drop the R?

Because not speaking of it and refering to it as THE N WORD has given it even more power in my opinion.
 
#2
#2
I would also like to state that I can't wait until we are all one big race of mutts, with no different colors, so we can move on and start looking beyond skin.
 
#3
#3
1. It probably holds more weight because of its origin. Cracker was created out of spite. ******, however, came from Caucasian xenophobia and later became a symbol of dominance over African slaves. So, to answer your question, the origin of ****** holds a lot more in the way of negative connotation. Cracker was just a "**** you" from oppressed minorities.

2. I personally see no way of lessening the impact, especially with the "haha, we can say it but you can't" approach the African American community seems to be taking in both slang and hip hop. While both are used to parody the very essence of the word, it only does more to exclude other groups.

3. Doubtful, as it has historically shown to simply change how it's used and who uses it.

4. What point would that serve? Nigga is every bit as exclusive.

5. Like I've been saying, it's more about exclusivity than power.


NEOCON said:
I would also like to state that I can't wait until we are all one big race of mutts, with no different colors, so we can move on and start looking beyond skin.
Click to expand...

I disagree. I think diversity should be celebrated. ignoring ethnicity is a tell tale sign of... you guessed it: ignorance.
 
#4
#4
NEOCON said:
I would also like to state that I can't wait until we are all one big race of mutts, with no different colors, so we can move on and start looking beyond skin.
Click to expand...

Are you white? If so You must be one of those self hating white people
 
#7
#7
The N word does hold a lot of weight and someone already gave the explination why. Yes I use it discribing my friend both black and white. I've over heard a white guy tell his white friend, "nigga please" and "you my nigga" that didn't bother me at all. If a white guy comes up to me a starts yelling ****** this ****** that I'm just gonna walk away because he's the ignorant one. Put his hands on me it's on!!
 
#8
#8
Coach Grizz said:
The N word does hold a lot of weight and someone already gave the explination why. Yes I use it discribing my friend both black and white. I've over heard a white guy tell his white friend, "nigga please" and "you my nigga" that didn't bother me at all. If a white guy comes up to me a starts yelling ****** this ****** that I'm just gonna walk away because he's the ignorant one. Put his hands on me it's on!!
Click to expand...

I'm pasty white...so I'm allowed to say cracker! If you are black it is acceptable to say both....rightfully so I might add. Cracker/redneck/trailer trash really all the same and all perfectly socially acceptable.
 
#9
#9
White meat, cracker, waldo, turkey drum, jive turkey, the man, needle dyk, tom sawyer, huck finn, sheep, bald eagle,
 
#15
#15
Doesn't bother me that it's used by those that are offended by it.

I know not to use it or to use it very carefully (e.g. repeating a Dave Chappelle skit or singing along.).

In general, I agree with Grizz that usually the intent can be discerned and that is the big factor but I don't risk it since it can be so offensive and as a result can lead to employment repercussions. (That's were the word has too much power IMO)

Cracker is nowhere close in power.
 
#16
#16
NEOCON said:
I would also like to state that I can't wait until we are all one big race of mutts, with no different colors, so we can move on and start looking beyond skin.
Click to expand...

would you really want to live in a world where everybody looked the same?

the vast majority of people are already color-blind, just watch a diverse group of kindergartners playing together. All they see are other kids their own age who are potential playmates, it's the stupidity of parents that leads to racial stereotyping, bigotry and racism
 
#17
#17
Whites are also called Woody or Wood in jails/prisons
 
#18
#18
The "mixing the colors", "soon we'll all look the same" talk always rubbed me wrong. Ironically, it's also about as anti-diversity as you can get. Personally, I like the differences in people both physically and culturally. I don't care if individuals mix but the notion that we are moving towards one big, beige race is depressing.
 
#21
#21
I had a GF with a Korean roommate. She had been adopted by a white family. She would always tell me weird stuff like "You don't know what it's like to be a minority. You don't know what it's like to be in a family where everyone is blonde and beautiful and you're not". I didn't understand it at all, and it seemed silly. But she's right...I don't know what it's like. Racial slurs don't mean anything to me. We were at an N.E.R.D. concert and somebody called her "chink". She absolutely flipped and it ruined her week. I thought it was really bizarre how emotional she was about it.

I'll never understand it, but those words hold power so I just try to be sensitive to others' world view.
 
#23
#23
As others said, its a difference in history.

And it is subjective.

The N word is so offensive because, collectively, we as a society have agreed that its use by a white person to refer to a black person is intended to be purely a racially offensive and derogatory term.

All words, by definition, take their import and full meaning based on what we, as a society, have agreed to attach to it.

You might disagree. But if you use the word in that context, others will not see it that way. And so frankly in the end you ought to go along with the social construct put on it.

Let's be honest. You don't need to use the N word. Ever. Just say something else.
 
#25
#25
lawgator1 said:
As others said, its a difference in history.

And it is subjective.

The N word is so offensive because, collectively, we as a society have agreed that its use by a white person to refer to a black person is intended to be purely a racially offensive and derogatory term
All words, by definition, take their import and full meaning based on what we, as a society, have agreed to attach to it.

You might disagree. But if you use the word in that context, others will not see it that way. And so frankly in the end you ought to go along with the social construct put on it.

Let's be honest. You don't need to use the
N word. Ever. Just say something else.
Click to expand...

Say something else, like what? Coon, darkie, spade, crow, skillet, sambo, jiggaboo
 
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