“Nigger”
Certain people in the U.S. insist on addressing each other as “nigger”, even though they know full well the term is considered racist and offensive by significant portion of the U.S. population.
I heard a group of young “niggers” (their moniker, not mine) repeatedly referring to each other as such in the New York City subway this very morning (“Yo nigger!” “I was talkin’ to that nigger and he said…” “Shut up nigger!”).
I was offended by the gratuitous use of the word “nigger” this morning, but this group of young gentlemen apparently was not.
Certain rap artists also frequently use the word “nigger” in their music.
Based on these examples, if EvilJap wants to refer to themself with a name that many people find offensive, I say we have clear precedent to let them do so, OR we could mount a campaign attempting to eradicate the common use of patently offensive ethnic slurs. Of course, that might just upset the “niggers”* or “evil japs” *.
(* Meaning those humans who voluntarily self-identify as a “nigger” or “evil jap”. Yes, they exist. In fact, one started this thread.)
“Nigger” is in common, everyday use by a particular subset of (and by no means all) African Americans. Yes, I find it offensive, but apparently that doesn’t matter, because every time I opine that “nigger” is offensive even if it comes out of the mouth of an African American I myself am labeled a racist for having the audacity to question a particular culture other than my own.
EvilJap, people are telling you that “Jap” is patently offensive, even though it comes from the mouth of a self-described Japanese person, and “Evil” doesn’t do much to boost your image no matter where you’re from.
But, if “EvilJap” wants to identify themself by that name, even though they know full well (by now) that the term is considered offensive by many, then I say let them be. EvilJap will reap the consequences of choosing a nickname that many find offensive.
But why wasn’t there similar outrage last year when I tried to change my name to shithead?
Everybody has the right to make as ass of themselves, some just exercise it more than others. (And no, you will not be considered clever or witty if you point out I just exercised mine.)