Semi-controversial topic: the 'n' word debate on the view

'View' co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck doesn't like when black people use the n-word, and cried while trying to explain why, Usmagazine.com reports.

While discussing Jesse Jackson's alleged utterance of the word, the conservative white-host said that no one should be able to say it because 'it perpetuates stereotypes and hate.'

Whoopi Goldberg countered her table-mate's argument and said, 'We use it the way we want to use it.' Goldberg then became upset when Hasselbeck claimed that they both live in 'the same world,' and the Oscar-winning actress let her know.

'We do live in different worlds. You don't understand,' Whoopi emphasized.
'View' denmother Barbara Walters also chastised Hasselbeck during the discussion.
'You're not listening, you're just talking,' she remarked. The denouement of the conversation came when Hasselbeck burst out in tears asking, 'How are we supposed to move forward if we keep using words that bring back that pain?'


Link to video segment from The View


I think that alot of young African Americans today dont understand the negative historical connotations of the the “n” word and use it too casually. Because of the role that this word plays in racism im not sure its okay to say that if an A.A. person says it, its okay, but if youre white then its not. In general i dont like hearing it and it makes me uncomfortable regardless of who says it.

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Posted by Songstress

I think Elizabeth Hasselback was in over her head. Of course the 'N' word did have a negative meaning but in some ways I also feel like it has been de-sensitized. the 'n' word i s exactly that, a word. And just like many words, it depends on the context in which people use it. Like when I call a girlfriend of mine 'b!tch'. We all know Im not serious and b!tch is a derogatory word against women. And same with my latin friends, there are time where we will call eachother 'spics' and laugh. Its a way of desensitizing and not giving the word importance. Almost making it a joke. I think the fight against this word is always going to be a losing battle for people who take it as an offensive word because you cant stop people from saying what they want to say.

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I understand your point but I have to disagree with you opinion about its usage but do agree that Elizabeth exaggerated things a bit. Only because some people can make a joke about it and use it in good context doesnt mean another person will take it the same way. If i called an A.A. person the n word with the best of intentions and meant it completely as a joke i dont think they would think its funny. I have A.A. friends and still would never call them that. Anyways this is what websters dictionary defines the n word as, i dont see the humur in it:


1usually offensive; see usage paragraph below : a black person

2usually offensive; see usage paragraph below : a member of any dark-skinned race

3: a member of a socially disadvantaged class of persons

I dont think it should be thrown around the way people do !! When people say it ( black or white ) It makes me cringe !! I really hate the word just as much as I hate the 'C' word

I CANT STAND ELIZABETH - she urks the sH!t of of me

However I c both points so therefore I take NO side

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Posted by gemmifer

I CANT STAND ELIZABETH - she urks the sH!t of of me

However I c both points so therefore I take NO side

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I definitely see both sides too. And I really CANNOT stand her either. This battle is not hers and she had to know she wouldnt win this one against Whoopi and Sherry (?) Even Barbara was trying to shut her up.

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Posted by Songstress

Thats exactly my point. Thats what the dictionary says the word means. I feel black people are trying to take that meaning away. Do you really think when they say it to eachother they mean it in a derogatory way?? Of course you wouldnt say it, as I wouldnt say it. Not even around my black friends. And I have black family members. Its a word I choose not to use but I wont preach to anyone why they shouldnt use it because I feel it isnt my business. If the whole world stopped using the 'n' word it still wouldnt make this world any less divided.

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I dont think the n word has a positive meaning today even though A.A.'s are changing its meaning and have been trying to turn it into a positive thing for many years, which i thoroughly respect. It will always carry the notion of slavery. If it truly meant friend, pal, brother or sister, etc as some say, then it should be used by everybody, but we obviously know thats not the case. Im not preaching anything just giving my opinion as ive asked others to do so as well.

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Posted by milana

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Posted by Songstress

Thats exactly my point. Thats what the dictionary says the word means. I feel black people are trying to take that meaning away. Do you really think when they say it to eachother they mean it in a derogatory way?? Of course you wouldnt say it, as I wouldnt say it. Not even around my black friends. And I have black family members. Its a word I choose not to use but I wont preach to anyone why they shouldnt use it because I feel it isnt my business. If the whole world stopped using the 'n' word it still wouldnt make this world any less divided.

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I dont think the n word has a positive meaning today even though A.A.'s are changing its meaning and have been trying to turn it into a positive thing for many years. It will always carry the notion of slavery. If it truly meant friend, pal, brother or sister, etc as some say, then it should be used by everybody, but we obviously know thats not the case. Im not preaching anything just giving my opinion as ive asked others to do so as well.

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Well I definitely see both sides. And I didnt mean YOU preaching I meant Hasselback! I hope you didnt think I was attacking you! I didnt see your post as telling people not to use it. Youre expressing your opinion on the topic. Not preachy at all

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Well I definitely see both sides. And I didnt mean YOU preaching I meant Hasselback! I hope you didnt think I was attacking you! I didnt see your post as telling people not to use it. Youre expressing your opinion on the topic. Not preachy at all

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I definitly see both sides as well...no i didnt but i wasnt sure who you meant though thanks for clarifying

i think its a harmful, hurtful word and don't see how any good comes from ANYONE using it. from what whoopi was saying, it sounds like the justification may be to take back the power of the word by 'using it how she wants to' but I don't see the logic. how is it helpful at all? what is the point? its harmful no matter who uses it. and it may be confusing to some people, maybe to kids- to try to understand that, if it is such a harmful word, why are black people or african american people using it themselves?

some disabled people will use the slang 'crip' (from cripple), amongst other words, to refer to themselves, and i don't get it and i think its sad (being a person with a disability). it may be the same justification, to take back the power and negative tinge of the word by using it ourselves, 'using it how they want to,' but really it just seems like it may be (subconsciously) making a joke of yourself (hurting yourself or laughing at yourself- choose any number of words) so it wont hurt as much when others use the word. and i don't get that. i know these are two totally different situations but one made me think of the other.

jmo.

I always found it interesting that groups of people get to choose what words are offensive to them and who has the privilege to use it. I am sorry, if you use it is fair game in my book.

So if you don't like the word and don't want it to be used at all then make it a negative word all around. Do not say it's okay for me to use it but not you.

So interesting. I was actually there at the taping of the show (DH's cousin is the producer).

At the commercial break, they were talking to the audience about it. It's a tough subject. But I agree with jess - no good comes of using the word. You perpetuate the drama by using it. It's a total double standard.

ETA: Barbar a Walters is the worst. It's so clear (if you go to see a taping) that the other women think she's a total PIA.

oy........this is a HOT topic for me.
I have family members who are AA-THEY dont use the word.

I really truly feel that the word being used-regardless of who or what context it is used causes us to become desensitized-what I mean by that is......

I do NOT want to be called a cracker, a honky, whitey, casper-to me its just not funny-regardless-and when it becomes a joke to say it in jest to friends it no longer can be offensive->no matter WHO says it.
Therefore if the rolls were reversed I would NOT want to be called the N word.

And here is where the flame comes: I truly feel that AA people have a right to be upset about slavery and they way they are 'perceived' by some, however-if its degrading for me to say the N word and it causes so much aggravation and hate coming from my mouth then it should be the same coming from someone of African descent. I dont care if you are purple, greeen or white......call me a honky and I will punch you in the ******* mouth.

Its not cute and its not funny. By calling someone of your own race those kinds of degrading names all you do is degrade your background/culture/people of your race.....its not right and I think its disgusting.