The N Word: When is it OK?

[joannekwan]

Serious question here, but is it acceptable to use the N word when it's contextually appropriate for your characters?

Obviously one shouldn't use it in personal hate speech. I can see it used when a creator is presenting characters verbally attacking another with the word and clearly presenting them as antagonists. But what about black characters in casual conversation? I know it to be used casually amongst many (not all) in the community (just look at tumblr and twitter). As far as I feel, one shouldn't use it if not part of the community, like how Eminem has never used the word in his professional songs, even though he grew up in the thick of it in Detroit. But if one is presenting a character who is part of the community, wouldn't it be appropriate (without treading into stereotype territory of course) for them to use it?

I'm aware of one comic artist, who is a black female, who thinks that any Afro-American character who doesn't have other black friends or uses the "a" ending of the word, to not be realistically reflective of the contemporary culture. Say like, you wanted to write something with the casualness of the Boondocks, but you're not black yourself. How acceptable is that? And this is pertaining to a modern-day setting, for a mature historical fiction/non-fiction set during the American Civil War or like setting I would find it odd for the word to be skirted around.

Would love to hear people's thoughts, particularly those from the black community.

[Zpreader]

who thinks that any Afro-American character who doesn't have other black friends or uses the "a" ending of the word, to not be realistically reflective of the contemporary culture

Don't know when this became a thing.

As for your question, I can't say that I personally see an issue with it (especially given how obviously thoughtful you are about it). With that being said, if it makes you uncomfortable, maybe it would be best to look for a few other terms of familiarity in our vernacular to use instead. I doubt that it would have too much of an impact on the work.

At the end of the day though, use what you think is best. If you think that it really needs it, go for it. If it doesn't, maybe just avoid it to prevent drawing a storm your way (as tends to happen with these things, unfortunately )

[XzynderVexymous]

It depends. As a black person myself, it wouldn’t offend me if someone uses the N word when it’s nessesary. Technically, it’s never really nessessary, unless you’re writing historical fiction or if you’re writing dialog for a black character. If you want to keep most of your audience (Most importantly, your non black audience, because people who aren’t black are offended EASIER than those who are.) then I’d advise you not too.

Have fun.

[blackopsracing321]

Honestly as a black guy, I don't mind it if used properly and within the correct context. The word irl is used everywhere in this community, so much so that it's been almost interchangeable with words like "dude" or "guy". I understand your apprehension to use it with the state of the internet and all, but again if you plan on using it in the same way the boondocks does, I don't think it's a problem. But that's just my thoughts on it, and even if used in the right context you still might offend some more who are more sensitive to the word than I am.

[LordVincent]

I'm not from the black community which is why I choose to avoid any interaction with the word whatsoever, other than when quoting some asshole who used the word or when it's used by someone who's obviously "the villain". Black people using the word amongst each other is them reclaiming pride and control over a word that has been used against them for years upon years, and that is a right I want to leave up to them. Now I wouldn't judge anyone for having black characters use the word amongst each other, but for me personally it becomes a muddy grey area where I would feel like I'd be treading grounds that didn't belong to me. It's not my word as a white person to claim, and it's not up to me as a white person to choose if it's offensive or not.

It becomes easier for me to pick what's right and wrong for me personally as a creator when I, for comparison's sake, replace the case with an issue that is closer to me. Say, if I had two trans characters and one of them made a "my dick is tiny" type joke to the other, it would be a matter of not taking myself too seriously, making light of a problem in a "let's move on with life and be happy" type of attitude, and it would be a call to other trans people in a "ya feel me?" tone. Because I am a non-op trans guy myself, and I make jokes about that exact thing all the time. However if a cis person had two characters do the same thing, even if that cis person is married to a trans person and all that jazz, it would gain a different tone. It would feel more like stereotyping ridicule.

There are other ways to show support for a community and respect for their culture that don't tread muddy waters. At least until these words stop being so charged (if that ever happens).

[MidZM]

Mmm, this is a question I'v thrown around in my head as well. I really think it depends on the context, characters, and personalities, though as a white guy who hasn't had a whole lot of black friends I can't really say for sure .

One of the important characters in my comic is black and at some point WAAAY in the future (Though in my mini-series I already made a joke along similar lines) I'll be having to deal with this subject matter, but the context that I use it in is going to be historical, thus there's going to be a lot more of it and it will get racy, but I think it is important in explanations for his character (Even if "technically" the interaction won't be in the main comic, but in a side-comic).

Maybe I'll ask this question in the future when it gets to that point, I don't know.

EDIT: I didn't mean to reply to @blackopsracing321 I hit the reply button and it just automatically replied to you, sorry

[joannekwan]

Thanks for all the replies so far everyone! Your thoughts are invaluable!

While none of my current series will broach the subject, I do have a couple characters for a project under development where they would tend to say such things in a culturally appropriate context so I thought I'd ask now, for myself and anyone considering it. Glad I could start the conversation @MidZM haha.

I think the least offensive way to approach it now, would be to censor the word in a character's dialogue, ("n—ga"?). It can pass in a comic, where words can be censored all the time. But I don't really see censored words in prose?

[UbePie]

If you decide to use the word it doesn’t matter if you are white, black or the charcters race. Someone will always be offended. If you feel you need to use it keep that in mind.

The word Has a history of hate and a persons personal experience can color their view of the word. Example it has been used against me to bring me down and to deny mu other racial half. I am mixed and sadly that is upsetting to some people. So i do not like it, personally. I live in the south, black males use it all the time and it makes me uncomfortable. Orhers don’t mind it, but I know for damn sure their mamas tell them not to say It. I have heard a white person call another white person this word in anger. It doesn’t matter the color of skin it is a word of hate.

Idk about the A ending, I frankly dont care. Historically it is fine with me because we must realize the history of the word, but in all honesty I don’t get the whole “reclaim” thing. It just divides us more by making a word only a select group of people can use.

Sorry for the rant. I’m not gonna tell you not to use it but be dang sure you are ready, because it is hard to see the potential reactions. Even within the black community there are differences in opinion.

For example the word can be used in the community to indicate an uneducated black person that someone thinks they are supior to. The word can be used to describe inappropriate behavior. Case in point the Boondocks episode that talks about N moment. (The moment is a uncontrollable emotional response a black person has to a situation or interaction that is highly inappropriate. For those who haven’t seen the Boondocks) So there is a very grey and very thin line even within the community. The Boondocks actually follows the main charcter who looks politically and culturally at situations and the people around him. The whole cartoon is satire that at times straight up calls out cultural aspects that are frowned upon or sterotyped. Every charcter is an extention of this, and despite it being a funny show it has a deeper meaning, that maybe lost on those outside of the community.

Tread lightly my friend.

[Zpreader]

I think the least offensive way to approach it now, would be to censor the word in a character's dialogue, ("n—ga"?).

That's an interesting way to approach it. I do fear that censoring it that way might draw even more attention to it though, which may feel jarring to a reader if characters are using it in casual conversation.

[joannekwan]

@UbePie: No need to apologize for the rant. It's good to hear from all sides. I really appreciate your input! I remember that episode too, I need to find a place to rewatch it. Few pieces of media approach and comment on black and overall American culture with the finesse that Aaron McGruder does. Unfortunate that it goes over so many people's heads.

@Zpreader: That's true too. I never was a fan for censoring words, unless it's for a younger audience. Just throwing out ideas for any who might use them.

[TheThoughtfulBoxful]

historical fiction only. or the occasional "social commentary scenario" type thing in contemporary fiction.
anything else in my opinion would be in bad taste.

[Aspie_Gamer]

By the time I got to high school, (I live in a red state for clarification) people whether white or black were calling their best friends "my nigga" all the time and nobody cared that the N-word was being used.

However, I do remember the word "nigger" being used though, but it was either private conversations I overheard or used in context during English class, so it seems to me that as slang, the N-word is okay, but as an insult, its not.

[NickRowler]

I'm not black, but my sister is. And white people have called her the N-word. So no, I will never use it in my work because I know how it is harmful. And the whole "I have a friend who is black so it is OK" is a shit argument.

I just feel that most non-black people should just avoid using it especially if you are white, just in my opinion. And even if you are using it as friendly banter, it can off as stereotypical. Especially if you feel the need to have the black character say it all the time.

mature historical fiction/non-fiction set during the American Civil War

Or just don't write about the Civil War...I grew up in an area where people won't shut up about it and we have schools and roads named after Confederates. People romanticize the hell out of it. I used to edit old family photos and sometimes there would be people dressing their kids up as confederate solders like it was A-fucking-OK. I am sick of that crap.

[spadesart]

my stance is if the author isn't black they really shouldn't be using it, even in context

it could also carry bad implications and look like stereotyping even if its not intended to

[UbePie]

One of the parks in my city has a Statue of a confederate general in “honor” to all those who fell... With the recent uproar about the confederate flag many asked for it to be taken down. KKK threated to shoot any protesters that would attempt to do so. N word came up alot.

That’s another thing to consider, hitting back on the orginal topic. The climate right now is very sensitive and a lot of people feel attacked so it’s really not an appointment time to use such a word regardless. I still stand by my orginal statment, the word has a deep history of Hate, and will always offend someone no matter who is using it and in what context.

[joannekwan]

it could also carry bad implications and look like stereotyping even if its not intended to

This is very true. And it's kind of what prompted me to posit this question when I did, as the artist I briefly mentioned in my original post recently reblogged something and basically stated stereotypes and tokenism are indeed problematic and they are fed up with 90-so% of black characters they see in concepts, comics, and illustrations, both mainstream and indie on the web. But that made me think of their previous post which I mentioned above about the use of the n word. So I was just wondering what was appropriate to give a realistic representation but not get into stereotypes, since that can be a fine line at times.

[joannekwan]

Also per the Civil War topic.

I don't think people should stop writing about it. It is a very important part of history and shouldn't be swept under the rug. That's just my opinion.

But what should change is its perception. The romanticization should definitely stop, every where no matter the state. It shouldn't be about like two sides of a country fighting passionately for their lifestyles, it's about how an entire subset of the population was brutalized and treated as less-than-human and how the institution of slavery was put to an end but not completely dismantle the horrible barriers these people still face.

@NickRowler: Holy hell, I can't even imagine as a Californian growing up in such an area with that mindset.

[Vikiro_Hop]

Jesus christ I leave the site for a bit and come back to this!?

What do you animals think this is 4chan?

Lol seriously though I like all the level headed responses I've seen,

Nigga without the hard R has it's place. It's definitely part of american culture, not just african american but the whole thing, thanks to music, comedy, and other mainstream whatevers. I think ignoring it is just as silly as the whole "I dont see color" thing that popped up in the 90s. That being said be aware that once you say it you have to own up to it and not back down. It's not something your going to be able to half ass with a shitty joke or a flat character. And be prepared to have to defend your decision to use it (assuming you are not black.) to people over and over again. In the end if you think it would make your writing feel "less" without it then just go for it.

Dropping the Hard R is a hell of a lot more complex. But it definitely still has its place too. Just ramp up everything I said above to 11.

[joe_galindez]

I'm not black, white, or American, but if I have a type it runs to black women. As a kid I watched a lot of hip-hop videos and read a lot of National Geographic. I can't find it, but I'd swear they had an article on "The Bare-Breasted Maidens of the Ookaboolakonga."

Anyway, I have put some thought into this.

• In a historical context it's totally appropriate. Even the most well-meaning character is going to use it, and innocently too.

• In a modern context, it's appropriate for racist characters to use it. It would be weird if they didn't. However, the work's internal morality must make it clear that this is not okay.

• In a modern context, it's also appropriate for black characters to use it, but they must be well-written characters. We don't want to fall into literary blackface. We must approach this with sensitivity and care.

Is it appropriate for a non-black character to use the word, when the setting is modern and they're not being portrayed as racist? It's possible, but it takes a lot of work. So much that you either have to make it central to the narrative or else be a masochist of a writer. But it's doable.

The best example would be Don Rickles, the famous insult comedian. I don't know if he ever said "nigger" but the guy didn't hesitate to poke fun at you or your group. He got away with it because he never played favorites. More importantly, he absolutely radiated good-naturedness. When he insulted you, you knew that he liked you. He was that one elderly uncle who always pointed out your weight and embarrassed you in front of your girlfriend but at the end of the day you couldn't imagine family reunions without him.

It's about perceived intent. It's why comedians get away with jokes aimed at their own ethnicity even though they could very well be racist against themselves.

Will people be offended? Even if you did your due diligence and wrote a well-considered piece? Yes, a few people will be offended. But you should not be writing for them. I mean, they banned To Kill a Mockingbird for racist content!

Nothing should ever be taboo. No word or topic should be immune from criticism, or discussion, or ridicule. Because talking and writing about something is how we process it, but making it sacred is how we give it undue power over our minds.

Yes, the word "nigger" hurts people's feelings. Sometimes you have to be tactful and sometimes you have to strike at the heart. I wouldn't hesitate to use the word in my writing because I'd probably have good reason, but I'd hesitate to use it in front of strangers because they'd misread my intentions.

But that's only because I talk in a monotone. I greet my wife with a "Wassup nigga" all the time. It's okay. She knows I'm only prejudiced against Swedish people.

[Mr_B]

Here's an opinion from someone who is a complete outsider with regards to the complicated and thorny issue of race in America, and who is just writing what he thinks. So, take it with a grain of salt, I guess? And keep me in check if I say something stupid please.

So, the word as it was initially used, from what I know, was extremely pejorative and insulting. And, as any form of hate speech, that's a very bad thing. I understand that it has a deep, ugly history of hate, and that it is absolutely not OK to ever use it to denigrate someone. I also get that it reeks of stereotyping characters that use it, as if the author couldn't think of any other way to emphasize their background than through using the word.

But. If actual, real life African Americans use the word occasionally (or even frequently) when talking to their friends, I see no reason for it not to be used in a piece of fiction that takes place in a real life, contemporary setting. If an author wants to paint a picture that mirrors the world we live in, then everything has to go into the equation, including slang. There's obviously a lot of good ways and a lot of bad ways to do this, and often an author can unknowingly reveal their bias or beliefs by doing it in a bad way. Being respectful and carefully drawing the line so it is obvious to the audience that it is strictly contextual is the key.

I do agree, though, with what was said previously in the thread: it's bound to offend someone. That's just how it goes. But there are so many things in real life that are bound to offend, and that doesn't mean people shouldn't put them into their work.