# University benefactor and board chairman uses N-word **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [July 17, 2007, 11:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112 "2007-07-17T11:25:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Contrapuntal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2007, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112/81 "2007-07-17T22:22:31Z")
[QUOTE=Hippy Hollow] I guess it could go either way. You could argue a young guy was going for the word that would hurt a Black person in the worst way, which is stupid, but I know from previous threads that this rationale exists. Coming from an old guy, who lived through the civil rights movement, you would think he’d have a realization of what damage can be inflicted with that word. [/QUOTE] Except, he’s never used the word before in his life. And he learned it by listening to rap music. ---
**Author:** ![Hippy\_Hollow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hippy_hollow/32/4841_2.png) [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2007, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112/82 "2007-07-17T23:04:10Z")
[QUOTE=Contrapuntal] Except, he’s never used the word before in his life. And he learned it by listening to rap music. [/QUOTE] I wish the reporter asked him what rap song he heard. That’s about the dumbest excuse I’ve ever heard. **Captain Amazing** , that’s a good example. But I still think your granny reciting a nursery rhyme with the word “nigger” in it, versus a trustee in a professional meeting referring to people as “niggers” is pretty far apart. What’s more, she immediately recognized the error. This guy apparently didn’t do much to get in front of this before it became news. ---
**Author:** ![Contrapuntal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2007, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112/83 "2007-07-17T23:22:25Z")
[QUOTE=Hippy Hollow] That’s about the dumbest excuse I’ve ever heard. [/QUOTE] Heard it in a ra-ap song. Heard it in a RA-AP song. Heard it in a ra-AP song. Now I’m gone. ---
**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2007, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112/84 "2007-07-17T23:51:28Z")
[QUOTE=Contrapuntal] Except, he’s never used the word before in his life. And he learned it by listening to rap music. [/QUOTE] Or television, he said. ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2007, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112/85 "2007-07-18T00:33:37Z")
[QUOTE=DudleyGarrett] I can’t fucking believe that some of you are so fucking into arguing that you’re actually implying that some racial slurs are horrible and punishable by death while others are good for a small laugh – based solely on history that \ ***NONE OF US** \* have lived through. Jim Crow Laws? Are you fucking serious? [/QUOTE] Exactly how far back do you think the 1960s were? ---
**Author:** ![DudleyGarrett](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d9b06d/32.png) [@DudleyGarrett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DudleyGarrett)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2007, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112/86 "2007-07-18T01:02:01Z")
[QUOTE=Contrapuntal] Jim Crow was alive and well until 1964, at least. [/QUOTE] Not sure I understand your point. There were blacks that lived fairly comfortable lives in nearly every sector even back to the 1920s. There are blacks who are grossly mistreated based on their race in 2007. There are and have always been bigots and ignorance everywhere. Citing a government action (CRA of 1964) that changed very little in our social climate in regards to race relations really makes you look like a tool, who doesn’t have a clue other than knowing dates. People who treated blacks poorly before the Act of 1964 was passed didn’t suddenly wake up and say, “Hey, I can’t treat black people badly anymore.” Where I live in Northern Virginia, the Central and South Americans are treated just as outcasts; they have their own restaurants, own supermarkets, and own neighborhoods. It doesn’t take a social scientist to understand that this is a design of the existing whites just as much as it is the Latinos. The presumption is that they’re illegal aliens and they’re treated as such. But any of this is irrelevant to this discussion. “Nigger” should be used by no one. “Cracker” should be used by no one. “Spic” should be used by no one. “Wetback” should be used by no one. And so on. But they are. Period and guess what, that’s not going to change. So why get all worked up about it? ---
**Author:** ![DudleyGarrett](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d9b06d/32.png) [@DudleyGarrett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DudleyGarrett)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2007, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112/87 "2007-07-18T01:06:01Z")
[QUOTE=Miller] That’s easily the most surprising thing I’ve heard all day. [/QUOTE] Why, because I’m focusing on the logic of this argument instead of what _I_ and a lot of people think of the word “nigger?” I don’t really understand. Enlighten me as to why your perceive me as uneducated. ---
**Author:** ![DudleyGarrett](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d9b06d/32.png) [@DudleyGarrett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DudleyGarrett)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2007, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112/88 "2007-07-18T01:19:57Z")
[QUOTE=Hippy Hollow] This makes your position even more difficult to fathom. There’s the personal level of affront, which I think we can all agree varies from individual to individual. It’s fine to say that being called “cracker” is hugely offensive to you individually. Perhaps it is as offensive to you on a personal level as “nigger” is for some people. No way to argue that. [/quote] This is the only point I was making. I am not going any further than that – which is why I’ve said repeatedly that the way _I_ perceive the word is absolutely irrelevant. The context, in this case, doesn’t mean a whole lot, because those are the parameters of my argument. Now… > [@](#): > > There is the social and political context which you seem to be ignoring. When an old White man uses the word “nigger,” that connotes an ugly historical moment from which this nation is (arguably) emerging. (It just adds fuel to the fire that he’s old. A young White man saying this would also court a lot of trouble.) Furthermore, there’s this aspect of privilege that seems to have escaped your analysis. Whites are the most advantaged “race” in the U.S. - they hold positions of power and economic superiority. Dominant groups have the advantage of greatly shaping culture, media, and political opinion. > > I’m a man. I can be reasonably assured that I am viewed as an individual rather than “a man” or occupying “the man role.” Not so for a woman entering a field that is dominated by men - she’s the “woman executive” versus an executive who happens to be a woman. Calling a man a “bastard” and calling a woman “bitch” in such a context is quite different. I daresay most men wouldn’t be bothered one way or the other about this, and if they did, it would be because it impugns that individual man. There is no subtext about men generally from that insult. Calling a woman is not only an insult to the woman on an individual level, it is also something that carries a stigmatizing effect to all women. This is part of privilege, and just as men have it, in this particular moment in this particular time. Same is true of White Americans. So let’s not kid ourselves and pretend that the fact that these words were used in polite conversation a generation ago, and now they are not, that all slurs are created equal. I agree with almost every word of this, but this was outside of bounds of the argument I presented, and if the connotation was relevant, I would have included it. In other words – and I’m saying it again – I don’t understand the difference between and black calling a white person a “cracker” and a white calling a black person a “nigger.” Neither should be tolerated, for any reason. Period. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2007, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112/89 "2007-07-18T01:33:53Z")
[QUOTE=DudleyGarrett] Why, because I’m focusing on the logic of this argument instead of what _I_ and a lot of people think of the word “nigger?” I don’t really understand. Enlighten me as to why your perceive me as uneducated. [/QUOTE] Because I’ve been reading your posts. ---
**Author:** ![DudleyGarrett](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d9b06d/32.png) [@DudleyGarrett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DudleyGarrett)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2007, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112/90 "2007-07-18T01:35:17Z")
[QUOTE=Miller] Because I’ve been reading your posts. [/QUOTE] Gotcha. ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2007, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112/91 "2007-07-18T01:46:21Z")
[QUOTE=athelas] Of course, any protests and demands for apologies would be shut down by the [usual suspects](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=428484) as racist. [/QUOTE] Yeah, 'cuz the usual suspects are more racist and pit-worthy than the individual who’s the subject of this thread. We know no race thread is complete without a mention of our favorite punching bags. If we don’t mention them, how would people know who’s “side” we’re on? If the “usual suspects” are one-trick ponies, what shall we call the people who always warn of their coming? I think “one-trick jackasses” fits nicely. Don’t you? ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2007, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112/92 "2007-07-18T02:12:10Z")
Whenever I see people arguing over how equivalent “c\*\*\*\*\*r” is to “n\*\*\*\*r”, I’m reminded of Louis Gossett telling Dennis Quaid, “Mickey Mouse is stupid!” ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2007, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112/93 "2007-07-18T02:31:14Z")
I have a couple of meaningless factoids to toss in. Famous bad country singer: Roger Whittaker. Cracker on nework TV: most likely routines by Chris Rock, [after citing the Oklahoma City bombing and the anthrax scare, Rock says, “I’m not scared of al Qaeda—I’m scared of Al Cracker!”](http://www.vueweekly.com/articles/default.aspx?i=1399). He uses the term pretty frequently. ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2007, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112/94 "2007-07-18T02:44:38Z")
Comedian Mike Birbiglia does a bit about white people taking back the c-word: “cracker”. I guess I was supposed to be offended instead of amused by that bit? Cracker please! ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2007, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112/95 "2007-07-18T02:56:10Z")
There’s a band called Cracker. That means I have permission to use the word. ---
**Author:** ![Spit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/76d3ee/32.png) [@Spit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spit)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2007, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112/96 "2007-07-18T03:25:04Z")
[QUOTE=monstro] There’s a band called Cracker. That means I have permission to use the word. [/QUOTE] A quick Google notes there are also “The Niggers”. ---
**Author:** ![DudleyGarrett](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d9b06d/32.png) [@DudleyGarrett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DudleyGarrett)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2007, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112/97 "2007-07-18T11:16:43Z")
[QUOTE=monstro] There’s a band called Cracker. That means I have permission to use the word. [/QUOTE] Good. There’s always a rap group called Niggaz WIth Attitude. So I guess I have permission to use that as well. Please tell me your point isn’t this lame. And don’t you dare try to argue that “niggaz” is not “niggers.” ---
**Author:** ![Contrapuntal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2007, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112/98 "2007-07-18T11:44:19Z")
[QUOTE=DudleyGarrett] Not sure I understand your point. [/QUOTE] You claim to be an historian, and also claim that none of us were alive during the Jim Crow era. The second claim is demonstrably false, which casts serious doubt on the first claim. > [@](#): > > There were blacks that lived fairly comfortable lives in nearly every sector even back to the 1920s. There are blacks who are grossly mistreated based on their race in 2007. There are and have always been bigots and ignorance everywhere. Citing a government action (CRA of 1964) that changed very little in our social climate in regards to race relations really makes you look like a tool, who doesn’t have a clue other than knowing dates. People who treated blacks poorly before the Act of 1964 was passed didn’t suddenly wake up and say, “Hey, I can’t treat black people badly anymore.” That may well be true. It has absolutely nothing to do with your pretentious assertion of expertness in matters historical. Many of us were alive during Jim Crow. You said, **emphatically** , that none of us were. That makes you a dumbass. > [@](#): > > But any of this is irrelevant to this discussion. “Nigger” should be used by no one. “Cracker” should be used by no one. “Spic” should be used by no one. “Wetback” should be used by no one. And so on. But they are. Period and guess what, that’s not going to change. So why get all worked up about it? What I am “worked up about” is the remarkable excuse the idiot in the OP used to explain his behavior. Kind of like making outrageous claims to bolster a shaky point. > [@](#): > > I agree with almost every word of this, but this was outside of bounds of the argument I presented, and if the connotation was relevant, I would have included it. In other words – and I’m saying it again – I don’t understand the difference between and black calling a white person a “cracker” and a white calling a black person a “nigger.” Neither should be tolerated, for any reason. Period. That’s like saying that there is no difference between poking a guy’s eyes out, and killing him and his entire family. Neither should be tolerated, for any reason, period. Doesn’t make the equivalent. [QUOTE=Liberal] Or television, he said. [/QUOTE] Yes, that’s true. Is there a further point? Is claiming to have first heard it on television somehow mitigating? He’s been alive in America for 80 years. Either claim is patently bullshit. ---
**Author:** ![DudleyGarrett](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d9b06d/32.png) [@DudleyGarrett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DudleyGarrett)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2007, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112/99 "2007-07-18T11:46:17Z")
[QUOTE=Contrapuntal] You claim to be an historian, and also claim that none of us were alive during the Jim Crow era. The second claim is demonstrably false, which casts serious doubt on the first claim. That may well be true. It has absolutely nothing to do with your pretentious assertion of expertness in matters historical. Many of us were alive during Jim Crow. You said, **emphatically** , that none of us were. That makes you a dumbass. What I am “worked up about” is the remarkable excuse the idiot in the OP used to explain his behavior. Kind of like making outrageous claims to bolster a shaky point. Yes, that’s true. Is there a further point? Is claiming to have first heard it on television somehow mitigating? He’s been alive in America for 80 years. Either claim is patently bullshit. [/QUOTE] Why are you such a snarky cunt? ---
**Author:** ![Contrapuntal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2007, 11:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112/100 "2007-07-18T11:49:53Z")
[QUOTE=DudleyGarrett] Why are you such a snarky cunt? [/QUOTE] Brilliant. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/university-benefactor-and-board-chairman-uses-n-word/412112.md?page=6)