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| Beyonce, Jay-Z, Gwyneth yahoo.com |
It’s no secret that Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyonce, and Jay-Z are besties. But when I read a recent article on yahoo.com that Paltrow tweeted the n-bomb when referring to a photo of the hip hop power couple, I cringed. Then I thought, there must be some mistake. I couldn’t imagine her saying, writing, or even thinking the n-word. I for one have never used it.
Growing up it was cool to call each other the n-word. I really never understood why. If you ask some black folks they’d probably say, “We reinvented the word and gave it a new meaning.” I personally think that’s B-S. I never tolerated being called the n-word, no matter the context and no matter the person. As much as I love hip hop, I always try to get clean versions of everything. I’m not always successful, but I do try. The bottom line is that I hate the word. I don’t buy into the ‘new meaning’ mumbo jumbo. It’s bad enough that I hear my own people using the word. But it’s worse when I hear white people say it. I thought Paltrow would retract the tweet or at least apologize. However according to the Yahoo article, she defended herself by saying that she was just quoting the title of a song.
Hip hop plays a major role in the world. Some rappers may claim that they’ve taken the power out of the word, but why can’t they just stop using it? We don’t need hip hop artists giving white folks the green light to drop the n-bomb. By omitting from their music, we won’t have to deal with idiot comments like Paltrow’s, and we won’t be left dumb founded when trying to explain it to our kids.
What are your thoughts on the n-word? Do you talk to your kids about the n-word?
Weather Anchor Mama
She is very comfortable saying it bcuz she’s been saying it. I think she doesn’t even consider herself white until she is in front of those big Hollywood executives. I forget where her family is from but its one of those spanish countries.
I wouldn’t get too offended by the N word bcuz if you research the meaning, it will surprise you. 1 meaning is Nigeria which means Queen. I think the slave masters knew that and mocked the name. Each one teach one and maybe we will call each other “King, Queen, Brother, SIster or another endearing gesture. =)
~Rheap Joy
The word is reprehensible ( (to me, at least) . It represents racism, oppression , goes back to the time when African Americans were considered, and treated by American society as inferior, as sub- human. Honestly, never understood when I hear some African Americans greet each other using that term. Always makes me shake my head. The word makes me feel in similar way to when I hear people use the phrase ” Jew you down “
Bruce M.
The “N” word is one of thee most or perhaps most misunderstood word(s) in the english vocabulary. Surely we know it (N-word) represents street slang as well as the definition of an ignorant person. Its sad that people in this generation use it to say “These are the people i roll with” or many use it to describe a person as if he/she is a totally different kind of species. I hate the fact that when blacks use it on each other, its totally cool, but when a white person uses it, all eyes turn to that person. That word shouldnt be used no matter what. This is coming from a black man who isnt ignorant, is well educated, and knows better when thee others just dont.
Dwayne
In addition, if Gwyneth P. uses the word as stated in thee above article, in which the writer defined her as an (idiot), then doesnt that make anyone else no matter what their race, the very same idiot. “I am just saying?”. Nobody should be considered an idiot for what he/she chooses to say, for the real idiots are the ones out there committing all the senseless violence acts, if you ask me.
Dwayne
Thanks so much for the definition. While you make an good point, that word as a history of painting black people in a negative light. If we want to call each other King, Queen, Brother etc, why can’t we use those words instead? I’m still having a very hard time when someone justifies using that word whether black, white, latino whatever.
I so agree Bruce. It makes me feel so uncomfortable when I hear people say it. I still have friends who say the n-word and I can’t even defend it. As Princess gets older, it’s gonna be a conversation we’ll have.
I totally get what you’re saying Dwayne. What makes it worse is that when black people use it, white people are like “how come you can use it, we can’t?” Believe it or not, a lot of white people feel this way. The best way to avoid the confusion and not offend anyone is to not use it at all. If you want to say hi to someone, just use their name. duh
Lol! So true!
I’m thinking she found a loop hole to publicly use the word since it is the title of a song, but I’m sure she uses the word freely around home and like minded people.
That’s so true! I sure with I could be a fly on the wall when she’s at home around like minded people.
Couldn’t agree more. I hate the word. I see no reason for anyone to use it, ever. The whole thing about changing it’s meaning is ridiculous. Why not just use another word altogether?
That’s what I’m saying. If all hip hop artists ban together and eliminate that word from their music, that would be monumental!
Whenever I hear someone use the n word I cannot help but think “How would your ancestors feel if they heard you?”. Because of rap artist putting this word in some of their songs, I rarely listen to rap. I think the whole re-inventing the meaning for the N-word is just ridiculous (and stupid)!
Thanks so much Frankie! Sorry, I was unable to leave the comment. That caption doesn’t show up for some reason