Paula Deen fired from Food Network

[honeybunny]

What we are attempting to explain to you, since each of us replying have middle-school aged children and direct knowledge of what these kids are doing, is that THE KIDS have given the word new life (probably spurred by rap music, but I'm not sure). While the parents (black and white) cringe, the kids do not. Is the use contained within a circle of friends? Yes. It's not flung angrily. :dunno But, it's very much a generational thing. I'm not seeing it in elementary school, but it's very prevalent in middle school.

But as someone who works outside of Paulding County, I'm simply telling you that this is somewhat isolated and definitely not something that is widely practiced in Atlanta City schools (where I volunteer my time). I don't rely on what the kids tell me, I rely on what I see.

:coffeespit

 

[Grey Colson]

I strongly believe that none of them want that word to go away anymore than Jessie Jackson is willing to agree that every move a non-minority in this world makes is not based on racism. It's a cottage industry and a way of life for people like Jackson.

It goes without saying that the word is used deliberately and frequently in black culture. If it was that terrible, they wouldn't dare even use it on each other.

I think I speak for more people than just myself when I say we (I) get SO tired of hearing about it day in and day out. I believe racism is very much alive and it's no more alive than in certain segements of the black community.

You can't arrest someone without being a "racist". You can't impose discipline on an inmate or a teenage offender without being "racist". You can't say anything in private or tell a joke without being "racist".

Heck, I'd like to have my own crutch to lean on everytime someone says something to me or does something to me or when I don't get my way about every issue. :BH

 

[ShoeDiva]

What we are attempting to explain to you, since each of us replying have middle-school aged children and direct knowledge of what these kids are doing, is that THE KIDS have given the word new life (probably spurred by rap music, but I'm not sure). While the parents (black and white) cringe, the kids do not. Is the use contained within a circle of friends? Yes. It's not flung angrily. :dunno But, it's very much a generational thing. I'm not seeing it in elementary school, but it's very prevalent in middle school.

It is prevalent at the ms and hs level here. It has also caused quite a few fights and many a suspension at all the schools our children have attended in this area. (obviously I can not comment more than that, but I have witnessed both the fights and the aftermath in the last 10 years.) I have also heard it tossed around between friends and it was okay and I promise not a week later it wasn't and became ugly.
If the parents are cringing why are they not stopping it?

 

[I'm Floored]

What we are attempting to explain to you, since each of us replying have middle-school aged children and direct knowledge of what these kids are doing, is that THE KIDS have given the word new life (probably spurred by rap music, but I'm not sure). While the parents (black and white) cringe, the kids do not. Is the use contained within a circle of friends? Yes. It's not flung angrily. :dunno But, it's very much a generational thing. I'm not seeing it in elementary school, but it's very prevalent in middle school.

Exactly.

My children have been told that it is completely unacceptable. But I'm aware of what goes on. Just a couple of weeks ago, my oldest son had several friends over. About 30% of them were black/brown/African-American. I can tell you, from listening to them, from reading their FB pages, from observing the shift of culture, that they have taken the power away from the word. And it is NOT isolated to Paulding County.

Frankly, I still hate the word. But I'm not so sure that the culture change is a bad thing. Our kids look past race more than any generation before them. We can only hope that continues into the future. I'm thankful that they look at each other's INTENT when communicating rather than ASSUMING hatred.

 

[I'm Floored]

What we are attempting to explain to you, since each of us replying have middle-school aged children and direct knowledge of what these kids are doing, is that THE KIDS have given the word new life (probably spurred by rap music, but I'm not sure). While the parents (black and white) cringe, the kids do not. Is the use contained within a circle of friends? Yes. It's not flung angrily. :dunno But, it's very much a generational thing. I'm not seeing it in elementary school, but it's very prevalent in middle school.

It is prevalent at the ms and hs level here. It has also caused quite a few fights and many a suspension at all the schools our children have attended in this area. (obviously I can not comment more than that, but I have witnessed both the fights and the aftermath in the last 10 years.) I have also heard it tossed around between friends and it was okay and I promise not a week later it wasn't and became ugly.
If the parents are cringing why are they not stopping it?

My kids aren't allowed to say it. We don't use it in our home. Do I know if my kids use it at school or among their friends? Not 100%. What I've seen and heard from other kids, there's no way for me to know. They know what our expectations are and what the consequences are for not meeting those. Aside from that, what would you suggest to "stop it"?

 

[I'm Floored]

Re: Re: Paula Deen fired from Food Network

Lisa, I think that you are missing that there are a whole lot of people in the younger set that have chosen to take the power away from that word and they mean absolutely nothing bad with it. Now would they wander down unfamiliar streets in Atlanta late night on the weekends and yell it out at strangers walking by in a bad tone, I'm guessing not. But that is context, intent, etc.

A white person CANNOT take the negativity out of that word by using it at their own discretion.

now you're telling us what whites can and can't do.....

You're right. I encourage you to continue to use that word. :cantbelievemyeyes

That's quite an assumption.

 

[I'm Floored]

Just in reading this thread, I'm seeing the same type of accusations that lead to further racial divide. Those of us who have children of MS and HS age are talking about the cultural shift our children are a part of.

Others then ASSUME that we, their parents, CONDONE the use of the word, or....better yet....use it ourselves.

You want to know what perpetuates racial division? There you have it.

 

[Guard Rail]

Drivers, let's remember to keep the Hwy free of debris and keep the conversation friendly.

 

[ShoeDiva]

What we are attempting to explain to you, since each of us replying have middle-school aged children and direct knowledge of what these kids are doing, is that THE KIDS have given the word new life (probably spurred by rap music, but I'm not sure). While the parents (black and white) cringe, the kids do not. Is the use contained within a circle of friends? Yes. It's not flung angrily. :dunno But, it's very much a generational thing. I'm not seeing it in elementary school, but it's very prevalent in middle school.

It is prevalent at the ms and hs level here. It has also caused quite a few fights and many a suspension at all the schools our children have attended in this area. (obviously I can not comment more than that, but I have witnessed both the fights and the aftermath in the last 10 years.) I have also heard it tossed around between friends and it was okay and I promise not a week later it wasn't and became ugly.
If the parents are cringing why are they not stopping it?

My kids aren't allowed to say it. We don't use it in our home. Do I know if my kids use it at school or among their friends? Not 100%. What I've seen and heard from other kids, there's no way for me to know. They know what our expectations are and what the consequences are for not meeting those. Aside from that, what would you suggest to "stop it"?

If they are using it within ear shot of parents that are cringing, I would have no problem speaking up with my children or the children of my friends. If I thought it better not to speak up at that time, the coach.
I took it as they are hearing and cringing and the kids aren't, but I am thinking one of those kids might just get a little too comfortable using that word and have some bad consequences of using later. :dunno

 

[I'm Floored]

Interestingly enough, I'm listening to the Zimmerman trial. Trayvon's girlfriend, who was on the phone with him when the confrontation took place, is testifying that after first encountering GZ, Trayvon told her, "Now the n***** is following me."

And that didn't even happen in Paulding County!

 

[Grey Colson]

What we are attempting to explain to you, since each of us replying have middle-school aged children and direct knowledge of what these kids are doing, is that THE KIDS have given the word new life (probably spurred by rap music, but I'm not sure). While the parents (black and white) cringe, the kids do not. Is the use contained within a circle of friends? Yes. It's not flung angrily. :dunno But, it's very much a generational thing. I'm not seeing it in elementary school, but it's very prevalent in middle school.

Exactly.

My children have been told that it is completely unacceptable. But I'm aware of what goes on. Just a couple of weeks ago, my oldest son had several friends over. About 30% of them were black/brown/African-American. I can tell you, from listening to them, from reading their FB pages, from observing the shift of culture, that they have taken the power away from the word. And it is NOT isolated to Paulding County.

Frankly, I still hate the word. But I'm not so sure that the culture change is a bad thing. Our kids look past race more than any generation before them. We can only hope that continues into the future. I'm thankful that they look at each other's INTENT when communicating rather than ASSUMING hatred.

I believe that to be very true. Now, if the race baiters like Jessie Jackson and the NAALCP would stop dragging it up every other day, the rest of us may be able to make progress.

Foot Note: NAALCP stands for the National Association for the Advancement of Liberal Colored People.

 

[ShoeDiva]

I strongly believe that none of them want that word to go away anymore than Jessie Jackson is willing to agree that every move a non-minority in this world makes is not based on racism. It's a cottage industry and a way of life for people like Jackson.

It goes without saying that the word is used deliberately and frequently in black culture. If it was that terrible, they wouldn't dare even use it on each other.

I think I speak for more people than just myself when I say we (I) get SO tired of hearing about it day in and day out. I believe racism is very much alive and it's no more alive than in certain segements of the black community.

You can't arrest someone without being a "racist". You can't impose discipline on an inmate or a teenage offender without being "racist". You can't say anything in private or tell a joke without being "racist".

Heck, I'd like to have my own crutch to lean on everytime someone says something to me or does something to me or when I don't get my way about every issue. :BH

Them? Black people?



I have a feeling that your whole post would not be made if we had a more diverse board. SMH

 

[LisaC]

Drivers, let's remember to keep the Hwy free of debris and keep the conversation friendly.

Don't worry, I'm just shakin my head and walking away from this one. :cantbelievemyeyes :cantbelievemyeyes :cantbelievemyeyes

 

[unionmom]

Interestingly enough, I'm listening to the Zimmerman trial. Trayvon's girlfriend, who was on the phone with him when the confrontation took place, is testifying that after first encountering GZ, Trayvon told her, "Now the n***** is following me."

And that didn't even happen in Paulding County!

And Zimmerman is what color?

 

[ShoeDiva]

Interestingly enough, I'm listening to the Zimmerman trial. Trayvon's girlfriend, who was on the phone with him when the confrontation took place, is testifying that after first encountering GZ, Trayvon told her, "Now the n***** is following me."

And that didn't even happen in Paulding County!

And Zimmerman is what color?

:spitchick My gf just said that! (She is sitting here with me while her house is being painted and we are chatting IRL and on a few boards)

 

[I'm Floored]

Interestingly enough, I'm listening to the Zimmerman trial. Trayvon's girlfriend, who was on the phone with him when the confrontation took place, is testifying that after first encountering GZ, Trayvon told her, "Now the n***** is following me."

And that didn't even happen in Paulding County!

And Zimmerman is what color?

Exactly.

 

[Madea]

What we are attempting to explain to you, since each of us replying have middle-school aged children and direct knowledge of what these kids are doing, is that THE KIDS have given the word new life (probably spurred by rap music, but I'm not sure). While the parents (black and white) cringe, the kids do not. Is the use contained within a circle of friends? Yes. It's not flung angrily. :dunno But, it's very much a generational thing. I'm not seeing it in elementary school, but it's very prevalent in middle school.

It is prevalent at the ms and hs level here. It has also caused quite a few fights and many a suspension at all the schools our children have attended in this area. (obviously I can not comment more than that, but I have witnessed both the fights and the aftermath in the last 10 years.) I have also heard it tossed around between friends and it was okay and I promise not a week later it wasn't and became ugly.
If the parents are cringing why are they not stopping it?

My kids aren't allowed to say it. We don't use it in our home. Do I know if my kids use it at school or among their friends? Not 100%. What I've seen and heard from other kids, there's no way for me to know. They know what our expectations are and what the consequences are for not meeting those. Aside from that, what would you suggest to "stop it"?

^^THIS^^

I would absolutely correct my own children if I heard them use it. I would correct their friends (black or white) IF they were in MY home and IF their parents were not present. But I absolutely do not correct another person's child in their presence. Not my place at all.

 

[naturegirl]

What we are attempting to explain to you, since each of us replying have middle-school aged children and direct knowledge of what these kids are doing, is that THE KIDS have given the word new life (probably spurred by rap music, but I'm not sure). While the parents (black and white) cringe, the kids do not. Is the use contained within a circle of friends? Yes. It's not flung angrily. :dunno But, it's very much a generational thing. I'm not seeing it in elementary school, but it's very prevalent in middle school.

It is prevalent at the ms and hs level here. It has also caused quite a few fights and many a suspension at all the schools our children have attended in this area. (obviously I can not comment more than that, but I have witnessed both the fights and the aftermath in the last 10 years.) I have also heard it tossed around between friends and it was okay and I promise not a week later it wasn't and became ugly.
If the parents are cringing why are they not stopping it?

My kids aren't allowed to say it. We don't use it in our home. Do I know if my kids use it at school or among their friends? Not 100%. What I've seen and heard from other kids, there's no way for me to know. They know what our expectations are and what the consequences are for not meeting those. Aside from that, what would you suggest to "stop it"?

^^THIS^^

I would absolutely correct my own children if I heard them use it. I would correct their friends (black or white) IF they were in MY home and IF their parents were not present. But I absolutely do not correct another person's child in their presence. Not my place at all.

:CLAP

 

[Blazing Saddles]

And I think that the younger generation of black Americans have completely de-sensitized the use of the word. I cringe when I hear the word, my children don't because they hear it all the time. I didn't.

Very true. And the younger generation uses it without regard to race. I know young white people who use the term with each other in the same way others use "friend" or "amigo" or "brother".

Let one of those little white boys try saying it to an African American and then see what happens. It is easily the one word in the English language that is nothing but offensive.

:whistle

obviously you're way out touch. It happens all the time.

No, it means I choose not to hang out with the ignorant. But you go ahead.

can you not understand sometimes? You said "let one of those little white kids say that to an African American....." and I said it happens all the time without the reaction you claimed. So you're conclusion is wrong. If you don't realize that happens then you're out of touch. Has nothing to do with hanging with the ignorant...... it's just I know it happens. Sheez.

You said it "happens all the time." Really? Let's get your son out on the streets and see what happens. Ask him to use it when he passes someone of color. Just because it doesn't happen when he says it to a select few, I can promise you that it does not happen "all the time." And, ask a black person what they think about white folks calling them that, even in jest - while they may say that they are taking the power out of the word by encouraging everyone to use it, I can assure you that your son's friends know exactly which one of their white friends use the word and the ones that don't use the word. If you want to take the power out of the word, don't use it, don't give it any meaning, don't give it any thought, and take it out your vocabularly - really take the power out of the word.

And, I still think the use of that word is ignorant.

I swear Lisa, I think you have a hard time following along sometimes. Now you change the parameters of the argument to fit your wrong assessment. You have to change the scenario to fit your reasoning now. Of course, any buffoon would agree that if you dropped a white kid off in Harlem and started yelling n***er, he'd get his butt kicked but WE WEREN'T TALKING ABOUT THAT!!!!!!!!! We were only discussing the fact that kids (white and black) use that word among themselves pretty frequent and it isn't used as you think it is. That is another fact that seems to elude you and then you go off and insinuate that I can continue to use that word as if it everyday language. Wrong again woman. But keep living in your own bubble and arguing things that you know nothing about.

 

[LisaC]

And I think that the younger generation of black Americans have completely de-sensitized the use of the word. I cringe when I hear the word, my children don't because they hear it all the time. I didn't.

Very true. And the younger generation uses it without regard to race. I know young white people who use the term with each other in the same way others use "friend" or "amigo" or "brother".

Let one of those little white boys try saying it to an African American and then see what happens. It is easily the one word in the English language that is nothing but offensive.

:whistle

obviously you're way out touch. It happens all the time.

No, it means I choose not to hang out with the ignorant. But you go ahead.

can you not understand sometimes? You said "let one of those little white kids say that to an African American....." and I said it happens all the time without the reaction you claimed. So you're conclusion is wrong. If you don't realize that happens then you're out of touch. Has nothing to do with hanging with the ignorant...... it's just I know it happens. Sheez.

You said it "happens all the time." Really? Let's get your son out on the streets and see what happens. Ask him to use it when he passes someone of color. Just because it doesn't happen when he says it to a select few, I can promise you that it does not happen "all the time." And, ask a black person what they think about white folks calling them that, even in jest - while they may say that they are taking the power out of the word by encouraging everyone to use it, I can assure you that your son's friends know exactly which one of their white friends use the word and the ones that don't use the word. If you want to take the power out of the word, don't use it, don't give it any meaning, don't give it any thought, and take it out your vocabularly - really take the power out of the word.

And, I still think the use of that word is ignorant.

I swear Lisa, I think you have a hard time following along sometimes. Now you change the parameters of the argument to fit your wrong assessment. You have to change the scenario to fit your reasoning now. Of course, any buffoon would agree that if you dropped a white kid off in Harlem and started yelling n***er, he'd get his butt kicked but WE WEREN'T TALKING ABOUT THAT!!!!!!!!! We were only discussing the fact that kids (white and black) use that word among themselves pretty frequent and it isn't used as you think it is. That is another fact that seems to elude you and then you go off and insinuate that I can continue to use that word as if it everyday language. Wrong again woman. But keep living in your own bubble and arguing things that you know nothing about.

Understand that this is MY opinion and that I believe that the use of that word is ignorant, period. (As some people like to say around here, we are all welcome to post our opinions).

I know what my experience has been with the word and I know that it is offensive. My experience doesn't involve the middle schools in Paulding, but it does involve working with kids in the city of Atlanta that seriously take offense at the use of the word. They know words have power and when a white person uses that word, they react to it in a negative way. Believe what you want to believe, but understand that I will always see this word in a negative light and consider those that use it and condone the use of it as ignorant. AND, as long as parents sit back and believe that there are no negative connotations to what their kids are saying when they use that word because they are "joking" or "taking the power out of the word," you let them continue living in that dream - one day it will bite them in butt or smack them up side the head.