The "N" word - a discussion

[damian_steele]

A radio DJ local to me was recently forced to quit because he accidentally played a song that had one instance of The "N" word in the lyrics.

It wasn't used by him and in the context of the song it wasn't used in a nasty manner; yet he was still forced out.

Is it right that he should lose his job over a word that some people happily use to describe themselves?

[tonyreddevil]

yes it is.its a nasty

[JanetB]

It is now 2014 and the term (here in the USA) African American is the acceptable form of 'title'.

In 20 years time, who knows what it will be.

[HaleysComics]

I personally address anyone that I talk to by their name & if it is a stranger I address them as Ms or Sir.

[emmily121]

A radio DJ local to me was recently forced to quit because he accidentally played a song that had one instance of The "N" word in the lyrics.

It wasn't used by him and in the context of the song it wasn't used in a nasty manner; yet he was still forced out.

Is it right that he should lose his job over a word that some people happily use to describe themselves?

(IMHO that would have been a good opening post)

No, I don't think the DJ should have lost his job.

I don't know anything about how a radio station is run, though I would assume the radio station must have had that record on their play list, in their library, or where ever they source songs from, if the radio station thought the song offensive they should not have had it available for any DJs to play.

[cornishmaid1961]

yes it is.its a nasty

No it isn't as it was a 1932 version of the song when that word was socially acceptable and the DJ didn't realise the word was in the song at the time. He was offered his job back afterwards but has declined because of poor health.

[MPS16]

Dont you just like the way that the left try to rewrite history.

Dam a busted flush.

[Rednosty]

Funny I just had this same discussion. Seems like the N word is bad and Yet Purchased yesterday from ASDA/WALMART clear label stated that Negro Black (as the colour of a pair of trousers) was fine but not the Other N word. How strange! Oh and Honky is fine? Why? I don't like being called a Honky!

[emmily121]

That photo has just reminded me of something. Back in the 1980s I had a friend who called her black puppy the N word, I told her you can't stand in the park and call out that word. She changed the name after a couple of weeks, I can't remember what she changed it to.

[burgyeb]

It is interesting to see the different views that are held from the two sides of the pond. The dictionaries I quoted from were from 1970 (44 years ago) and 1993 (24 years ago). Brought to mind the saying "that is so 70's".

As was stated in an earlier post, in the USA, the acceptable term now is African American. Correct me if I am wrong, but TV programming (USA shows) available on the other side the pond are dated back into the 60's 70's etc. Attitudes no doubt may vary based on location, up bringing, values, etc

Being from the North Eastern segment of the USA, I'm exposed to the concept of cultural sensitivity.This would render the use of perceived offensive labels unacceptable. It is no more acceptable to use the "N" word when addressing a group of people, than it is to use the "H" word, or the "C" word, or the "WT" words, or any other words that disparage any group of people.