Poll: Usage of Racial Slurs

[Dean]

Ok, me and my Fiance have gotten into an interesting conflict within the Virginia People's Assembly (specifically with one overbearing activist).

The Conflict involves the following issue:

My fiance thinks that it is acceptable to use the term N*gger in an academic context - a presentation, paper or the like. Not against black people, not even casually. Just in reference to the racist character of the term, and all other issues in academia that surround the term. I pretty much agree with her.

So, I am interested in the viewpoint of the broader leftist community, at least as represented on RevLeft.

So, is it acceptable for a person to use the term "N*gger" in the context of a serious discussion of the term?

[Dean]

Please note that I changed the language to read "in an academic setting." At that time, one person besides myself had voted for option one - those were the only two votes. Please PM me if you need that vote changed.
-Dean

[Os Cangaceiros]

I think that the context of the word's use determines whether it's acceptable or not.

[Stand Your Ground]

I think that the context of the word's use determines whether it's acceptable or not.
Co-sign.

[Dooga Aetrus Blackrazor]

In an academic setting, it's obviously the context that is appropriate. I recently thought about this issue and was particularly passionate in favor of allowing the usage. Why? Literary works will use the word because it was used then and, in addition, it can also be used in anti-discriminatory fiction and argumentation.

Eliminating a word is rewriting or "respeaking" history. I used the term "negro" for a presentation once. People were rather taken aback, but the literature was using the term. That's what it was like in an academic setting at the time. Sorry, but I'm not going to mark out the "dirty words" for PC sentimentality. If you want mindless censorship of content based merely on personal offense, you should speak to your local religious leader.

[Crusade]

It always depends on the context.

[cska]

Ok, me and my Fiance have gotten into an interesting conflict within the Virginia People's Assembly (specifically with one overbearing activist).

The Conflict involves the following issue:

My fiance thinks that it is acceptable to use the term N*gger in an academic context - a presentation, paper or the like. Not against black people, not even casually. Just in reference to the racist character of the term, and all other issues in academia that surround the term. I pretty much agree with her.

So, I am interested in the viewpoint of the broader leftist community, at least as represented on RevLeft.

So, is it acceptable for a person to use the term "N*gger" in the context of a serious discussion of the term?

Certainly. If you are teaching about the racist character of the term, then you can use it.

[Die Rote Fahne]

JZCS5I80X-8

Using the word nigger in a non-racist context should always be acceptable.

Ignorant people, who AREN'T racist, use it. I have a friend who was asked, after saying the word nigger, "do you hate niggers?", he responded "no, it's just a word I use". I don't have a major problem with ignorant people, they aren't a threat.

[cska]

JZCS5I80X-8

Using the word nigger in a non-racist context should always be acceptable.

Ignorant people, who AREN'T racist, use it. I have a friend who was asked, after saying the word nigger, "do you hate niggers?", he responded "no, it's just a word I use". I don't have a major problem with ignorant people, they aren't a threat.

Now that is different. I wouldn't hold it against the person that the is ignorant. However, I would firmly request that he no longer use such a term, as it can be extremely offensive to those who have actually suffered racism.