Video Link: Teacher calls student the N word

from JoeUser Forums
Originally found this new item in another forum I frequent. Well worth discussion.

See original video here: WHAS11.com Video here


Some additional information and comments:

Ok, so let me get this straight then. Student reportedly (according to teacher) uses slang term first. Teacher responds back with same slang term. Teacher is suspended (not fired) 10 days. Student claims no one heard him use the slang term, though there is some dispute about that fact. Teacher admits to having used the slang term, though not in a derogatory way, and unfortunately since teacher is white, teacher is apparently not permitted to make use of the term at all.

Yup, it's America (or the good old U.S.A. alright).

Teacher now says he'll never use the word again, though he does question why there are different standards for the word (as many ask) and who may use it and with what meaning.

Meanwhile, student says teacher wasn't punished -- what America is student growing up in? Kanye West's or Al Sharpton's? Or perhaps Julian Bond's? Did I not read correctly that teacher was *suspended*? Is the student failing badly enough at the English language that the teacher is helping them through to not understand the meaning of the word suspended?

Only in America. Only in America.


The news story and discussion about the use of the word is actually pretty interesting, though again it seems to demonstrate the double standard that exists around the use of the N word. Used by 'whitey' = very BAD. Used by a person of color = Duuuuuuuudddddde! (to be followed pretty quickly with 'sweet', just kidding).
1,721 views 5 replies
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
I think what most people are missing is the reason why the "N" word is so negative and extremely derogatory.
For hundreds of years the Black race has been subjected to the "N" word amongst other hateful slangs and stererotypical
labels. One of the reasons that most of the Rap artist use the term in their music, is to make the word powerless.
As in powerless, the word has now become an "endearment' to each other, and the word now has a different meaning and context.
When someone who is not black uses the word, it is perceived on as a racist epithet. This still doesn't make it right in either sense, but everyone has mixed views and opinions on the subject. Each time the woed is used or directed at someone, it is always in a hateful
and vicious manner. Out of all of the racist connotations,the "N" word apears to be the most negative. With every nationality there always seems to be a "Slang" or derogatory for them ,but not for caucasions. I think that the teacher shoud have used better judgement, and I think that the use of the word is unaceptable. Teachers are suppose to be positive role models , and should discourage any racial epithets. This day in age nothing surprises me. 2006 and we still haven't learned anything generation after generation.
Sins of a Solar Empire II
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top

Ever seen the movie "Down to Earth"?  It is a remake of a remake (the original was "Here comes Mr. Jordan" I think).

In it, Chris Rock is accidently snatched by an over eager angel, and must inhabit a Rich White Guy's body for a spell.  He is in a restaurant with a hot Chick he is trying to date, and there is a rap song on with the normal gutter language.  So he starts singing along.  Unfortunately, there are some blacks in there that dont like a white guy using the N word even tho it is the lyrics of the song.  So they cold cock him.

The lesson?  The word has a lot of negative connotations, but until immature blacks start respecting the loaded value of the word and quit using it like a normal greeting, it will continue in the english lexicon, and they will not get any respect or quarter for being stupid.

Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
I think it is just another example of how blacks themselves are keeping racism alive. No kid in high school in America in 2006 has ever been a slave or lived in segregation. The fact that the students don't get punished for using the word should make it fair game.

Oh I understand the whole reasoning for why Nigga is used by blacks and forbidden by whites. I just think it is absolutely senseless. I lived in a dorm in college where I was the minority and heard black on black verbal abuse like I had never heard in my life. Black guys would walk by my room and say "Nice smile beautiful" then pound on their girlfirends door and yell "Get your fat nigga ass out here bitch!"

If they don't want to be treated differently (which I would argue) they need to stop treating each other differently. I think that is where the problem is. They don't want a "color blind" society. They prefer to be treated differently.

I have never owned a slave. I have never treated anyone in a racist manner, but if I repeated something a black person said to another black person, I would be "racist"? Sorry, that's just ridiculous.
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
Very insightful comments JillUser and Guy.

Cmorton, I made similar comments to Guy's about the use of the word by hip-hop and rap artists (made elsewhere on the net). I don't care what those that use the words think they are doing, until they stop using the word and other similar ones, they aren't changing a damned thing, and they haven't taken the sting or power ouf of any of the words.

If you want to get society to respect you, and want to take the power out of the words, stop using them. Stop using them on records, on TV, in comedy acts, and everywhere else. Let the word(s) slowly disappear from the English language, and people will respect the negative connotations that the words bring.