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Originally posted by the
As far as double standard, I don't think that's necessarily true.

A double standard, I think, typically is when different standards are applied to otherwise equal things, people or groups. There is a lot of inequality here, based on history, so a real "double standard" is difficult to see.

Here's how I look at it here:

There are no insulting racial epithets that a black person can use against a white person that really have any emotional impact or meaning. I think that's mainly because of the not so recent (50-70 years) history in the US. Let's face it, it was not that long ago that blacks were legally second rate citizens. Riding the back of the bus. Not allowed in restaurants. And slaves before that. I don't think anyone would argue that blacks were not treated well at the hands of the governing whites in America in the relatively recent past.

The "N" word is closely tied to that terrible recent past. Many black people find it highly offensive for a white person to use that word in anger against a black person. They may not feel that way if a black person uses the word. They may even call themselves that sometimes among themselves. But if a white person uses it against them, given the history behind it, they find it offensive.

Is that reasonable? I think so. The word carries a lot of historical significance and tremendous weight and impact.

Plus, there is always a general group psychology, where words if spoken by a member are ok, but by a non-member of the group not ok. A family member can say "We are disfunctional" with no offense taken, but if a co-workers says "Your family is disfunctional" offense is taken. Recent immigrants can call themselves "FOBs" but if a Mayflower decendent calls one that, offense will be taken. A sports team member can say "Our team sucks," but it's another thing if a member of the opposing team says "your team sucks."

These don't seem like difficult concepts, but even if you don't agree with that, your not the person against whom the racial epithet is directed. So what you think is not relevant, and doesn't objectively create a "double standard."

Given the historical context, there just is not word a black can use against a white that has any real emotional impact. "Cracker" or "whitey" seems to be about the best that anyone can come up with, but they have no meaning or impact.

Why, thats mighty White of U to say so The.