The *N* Word

So I finally got my replacement N95-after about 10 phone calls to stupid people at T-mobs, and a common sense-lacking delivery driver!! Only thing now is that the case that fit my other N95 does NOT fit this one. So I'm annoyed now!!

Anywho, had a discussion with my girls this morning about the whole race row thing in BB that was aired last night. A white girl (Emily) called a black girl (Charley) a n***er...Charley was shocked, but claimed that she was not offended-though she did persist to talk about it the whole entire night. Now first things first, if Emily had called ME a n***r, best believe she woulda got a swift punch in the mouth!! Emily claimed that everyone used that word where she was from....homie don't play that round these parts sweetheart!! Calling me a n***r would be a sure fire way to getting a simple beat down!! so anyways, BB kicked her outta the house-and in true media-style there's this thing now about whether BB were right to kick her out....yadda yadda. Damn right they were! But on a real, it's not like it's stops her from using the N word does it?? One other point-and one that Emily used to her defense was that Charley had previously referred to herself as being a n***r, and that it's used all the time in songs.

Now I'm not gonna jump on that whole 'n***r what, n****r who?' issue with rap lyrics and all....simply cos I'd be here all day, and will more than likely contradict myself. What I will say though, is that under no circumstances would I not be offended if I was referred to as a n***r by a white person. Simply cos of the history behind it. Shoot, I damn near slapped my colleague upside his head cos he referred to a black guy as 'coloured' I do, to some extent agree with some people's view that the word n***r only carries as much weight as you allow it, but with that said, why is it ok for other Black people to refer to themselves-and each other as such, and it be acceptable, but not from any other race?

It would be interesting to know when that word changed from being one that was and in many instances still is classed as a derogatory term, into one in which is used to affectionately acknowledge our counter parts. I dunno, the use of and acceptance of the N word will always be one that will always open up a can of worms, and unless we as Black people unify to either fully embrace it for what it is, or banish it.....then there'll always be these types of arguments! I personally would never refer to myself as a n****r, and I wouldn't expect, want or accept anyone calling me as such. If you feel like referring to my colour, for a good enough reason, then black is what I am....not coloured....other black people may use the word as they wish-I'm not here to judge, nor chastise them for such....but I for one, am not a n***r.

I actually haven't been watching BB since I saw it on launch night, but I tuned in for that episode....the way Emily said it, it did just roll of the tongue like it was nothing....but as soon as it was out, just by the look on her face, when she saw Charley's reaction, she knew she was thinking 'rah, did I just say that out loud??' It wasn't said with a malicious tone, but on a real, it was SO out of the blue, and so NOT in context to anything that was being said, that I think all of that put together made it much worse! There are rules-dunno who wrote em, but I guess the Black folks are the ones enforcing em. What a world we live in!!

On other news, I'm tired as hell.....there's just never enough sleeping time it seems!! Tonight, hooking up with the girlies, to watch BB, the season finale of Ugly Betty *wipes a tear*, and chill for the night!!!

Until next time! Sayonara..xx