New York City bans the n-word

Hammock Parties · 03-01-2007, 07:42 PM

http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/...338762050.html

New York City symbolically banned use of the word ****** today, the latest step in a campaign that hopes to expunge the most vile of racial slurs from hip hop music and television.

The City Council unanimously declared a moratorium that carries no penalty but aims to stop youth from casually using the word, considered by most Americans to be the most offensive in the English language.

The New York City measure follows similar resolutions this month by the New York state assembly and state senate, and supporters of the ban are taking their campaign to The Recording Academy, asking it not to nominate musicians for Grammy awards if they use the word in their lyrics.

Many rap artists and young New Yorkers toss the word around as a term of endearment or as a substitute for black, angering some black leaders who consider those who use it as ignorant of the word's hate-filled history in slavery and segregation.

"This could be the beginning of a movement," councilman Albert Vann said.

Councilman Leroy Comrie, a sponsor of the moratorium, said the campaign against the word has gained strength since comedian Michael Richards spewed it in a racially charged tirade in Los Angeles.

The Laugh Factory club where Richards performed has since banned comedians from using the word there and the former Seinfeld television star has apologised.

"The Michael Richards incident really brought it to another level. It has forced people to express their outrage. Many people had been seething quietly," Comrie said.

Comrie also asked TV network Black Entertainment Television to stop using the word in its shows. Representatives of BET did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A Grammy spokesman said he doubted the academy's 11,000 voting members would support any measure that might censor artists.

"They are not going to be supportive of something that excludes someone simply because they are using a word that is offensive," said Ron Roecker, vice president of communication for the Recording Academy.

The city resolution calling for the moratorium traces the etymology of the word from the Latin "niger," meaning black, to its first documented written use in 1786 as a term slave masters used to label their African slaves.

Use of the word by blacks exploded with the rise of rap music in recent years, and some black comedians like Chris Rock continue to use it in their routines.

"What, is there a fine? Am I going to get a ticket?" Rock mocked when asked about the City Council move. "Do judges say, '10 years, ******!"'

Rock said politicians were trying to divert attention from real problems: "Enough real bad things happen in this city to worry about how I am going to use the word."

siberian khatru · 03-01-2007, 07:43 PM

So much for keeping it real.

Thig Lyfe · 03-01-2007, 07:44 PM

Cracker, please.

Hammock Parties · 03-01-2007, 07:50 PM

I think "negro" is more offensive.

HolmeZz · 03-01-2007, 07:51 PM

We should symbolically ban GoChiefs.

Archie F. Swin · 03-01-2007, 07:52 PM

hope they have foot patrol at Def Jam studios

siberian khatru · 03-01-2007, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

I think "negro" is more offensive.

"You sendin' the Wolf?"
"Oh, you feel better, motherfucker?"
"Shit, negro, that's all you had to say!"

Eleazar · 03-01-2007, 07:53 PM

I'm going there soon. I'll try yelling it to see if I get arrested.

crazycoffey · 03-01-2007, 07:53 PM

do they charge demerits points if you say it? where's wesley snipes and sly stalone?
sandra bullock?

Direckshun · 03-01-2007, 07:57 PM

Yeah that'll do it.

CoMoChief · 03-01-2007, 08:01 PM

How are they going to enforce this if there is no penalty? If I read this correctly, there is no penalty for using it even though theyre wanting to ban it?

Ultra Peanut · 03-01-2007, 08:15 PM

Well, that's reeruned.

BUNCHA NO-GOODERS!

HMc · 03-01-2007, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

considered by most Americans to be the most offensive in the English language.

that's interesting. i don't hear every rapper dropping the c-bomb whenever they get the chance.

NFL16 · 03-01-2007, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cochise

I'm going there soon. I'll try yelling it to see if I get arrested.

Or shot.

el borracho · 03-01-2007, 08:18 PM

Problem solved! Let the racial harmony ensue!

03-01-2007, 07:42 PM
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4710478	New York City bans the n-word http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/...338762050.html New York City symbolically banned use of the word **** today, the latest step in a campaign that hopes to expunge the most vile of racial slurs from hip hop music and television. The City Council unanimously declared a moratorium that carries no penalty but aims to stop youth from casually using the word, considered by most Americans to be the most offensive in the English language. The New York City measure follows similar resolutions this month by the New York state assembly and state senate, and supporters of the ban are taking their campaign to The Recording Academy, asking it not to nominate musicians for Grammy awards if they use the word in their lyrics. Many rap artists and young New Yorkers toss the word around as a term of endearment or as a substitute for black, angering some black leaders who consider those who use it as ignorant of the word's hate-filled history in slavery and segregation. "This could be the beginning of a movement," councilman Albert Vann said. Councilman Leroy Comrie, a sponsor of the moratorium, said the campaign against the word has gained strength since comedian Michael Richards spewed it in a racially charged tirade in Los Angeles. The Laugh Factory club where Richards performed has since banned comedians from using the word there and the former Seinfeld television star has apologised. "The Michael Richards incident really brought it to another level. It has forced people to express their outrage. Many people had been seething quietly," Comrie said. Comrie also asked TV network Black Entertainment Television to stop using the word in its shows. Representatives of BET did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A Grammy spokesman said he doubted the academy's 11,000 voting members would support any measure that might censor artists. "They are not going to be supportive of something that excludes someone simply because they are using a word that is offensive," said Ron Roecker, vice president of communication for the Recording Academy. The city resolution calling for the moratorium traces the etymology of the word from the Latin "niger," meaning black, to its first documented written use in 1786 as a term slave masters used to label their African slaves. Use of the word by blacks exploded with the rise of rap music in recent years, and some black comedians like Chris Rock continue to use it in their routines. "What, is there a fine? Am I going to get a ticket?" Rock mocked when asked about the City Council move. "Do judges say, '10 years, ****!"' Rock said politicians were trying to divert attention from real problems: "Enough real bad things happen in this city to worry about how I am going to use the word."
Posts: 277,914

03-01-2007, 07:43 PM	#2
siberian khatru 21st Century Schizoid Fan Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Gates of Delirium Casino cash: $2544950	So much for keeping it real.
Posts: 69,185

03-01-2007, 07:44 PM	#3
Thig Lyfe Banned Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Thigpen's America Casino cash: $10004900	Cracker, please.
Posts: 25,680

03-01-2007, 07:50 PM	#4
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4710478	I think "negro" is more offensive. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 277,914

03-01-2007, 07:51 PM	#5
HolmeZz i guess its bittersweet poetry Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: NeW HaVeN, CT Casino cash: $10004900	We should symbolically ban GoChiefs.
Posts: 16,520

03-01-2007, 07:52 PM	#6
Archie F. Swin This is the way Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Wichita Falls, Texas Casino cash: $9975673	hope they have foot patrol at Def Jam studios __________________ "No Two People Will Do It The Same, You got It Down...When You Appear to Be In Pain!"
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03-01-2007, 07:53 PM	#8
Eleazar Beyond the Rapids Join Date: May 2003 Location: Langley, VA Casino cash: $-370000	I'm going there soon. I'll try yelling it to see if I get arrested.
Posts: 80,659

03-01-2007, 07:53 PM	#9
crazycoffey .......... Join Date: Dec 2006 Casino cash: $5187901	do they charge demerits points if you say it? where's wesley snipes and sly stalone? sandra bullock?
Posts: 28,331

03-01-2007, 07:57 PM	#10
Direckshun __ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springpatch Casino cash: $4373447	Yeah that'll do it.
Posts: 59,264

03-01-2007, 08:01 PM	#11
CoMoChief Mahomes Dynasty Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Parts Unknown Casino cash: $8052254	How are they going to enforce this if there is no penalty? If I read this correctly, there is no penalty for using it even though theyre wanting to ban it?
Posts: 39,156

03-01-2007, 08:15 PM	#12
Ultra Peanut v^V^v^V^v^V^ Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Holland* Casino cash: $10005177	Well, that's reeruned. BUNCHA NO-GOODERS! __________________
Posts: 39,518

03-01-2007, 08:18 PM	#15
el borracho In Pat We Trust Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Albuquerque, NM Casino cash: $6379148	Problem solved! Let the racial harmony ensue!
Posts: 11,826