N word views June 17

The n-word is unique in the English language. On one hand, it is the ultimate insult- a word that has tormented generations of African Americans. Yet over time, it has become a popular
term of endearment by the descendents
of the very people who once had
to endure it. Among many young people
today—black and white—the n-word
can mean friend.

Many people are uncomfortable that Larry Wilmore joshingly addressed President Barack Obama as “my nigga” at the White House Correspondents Dinner on Saturday night. It’s indicative that Obama showed no signs of minding. Words change—and ones referring to race are not somehow exceptions to that.

In the present-day English language, the word nigger is an ethnic slur, usually directed at black people. The word originated as a neutral term referring to people with black skin,[1] as a variation of the Spanish and Portuguese noun negro, a descendant of the Latin adjective niger (meaning the color "black").[2] It was often used derogatorily, and by the mid-twentieth century, particularly in the United States, its usage became unambiguously a pejorative, racist insult. Accordingly, it began to disappear from popular culture, and its continued inclusion in classic works of literature has sparked controversy. Because the term is considered extremely offensive, published written media often replace it with the euphemism "the N-word".

The president used it – to uproar – but Chris Rock and Lupe Fiasco are shying away from the word, for fear it gives racists a license to say it

Nigger verses Nigga
The term "Nigger" is a derogatory term used against Black people. The word was originated from the Span...

Good and bad do not live in the words themselves, but rather, in the mouths of those who utter them. In our language, context is important…likely vital, in conveying meaning. With any word. Two brown-skinned people who are good friends and who understand each other perfectly might use “nigga” between each other, maybe even towards one another with friendship and the intimacy which lives within friendship. I, as a white man, would practically never be able to use this word, even with the best of intentions, without it coming across as something negative or off-putting. It will be regarded, most generously, as unwarranted familiarity, and more likely as socially ignorant and offensive.

President Obama signed legislation that targets two anti-discrimination areas of US law that use antiquated language to describe racial or ethnic groups.

Florida state Sen. Frank Artiles (R) used a racial slur while speaking to a pair of black colleagues during a private conversation this week, according to a report in the Miami Herald.

The controversial moment came when the Real Time host was talking to Senator Ben Sasse about the Nebraska politician's new book.

Bill Maher, the HBO late-night host of “Real Time,” was criticized widely on social media after an interview with a Nebraska senator that aired Friday night where the host joked that he is a “house [expletive].”

AN American TV news anchor was left in tears when a white anti-Trump campaigner used the N-word during a live TV interview.

"The word was offensive, and I regret saying it and am very sorry," Maher said Saturday. HBO called his comment "completely inexcusable and tasteless" and said it would be edited from future airings.