It appears there is a double standard in the entertainment
industry with regard to image. Why is that okay?
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
What's N a word?
Celebrity Chef Paula Dean recently lost contracts for television
shows, books and more due to her use of the “N” word. She lost her currency as
a positive “image.” Her supporters point to comedians and people in the music business
who routinely use the “N” word to create their “image.”
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Lori D. 64:
ReplyDeleteI don't think it is okay. There is a double standard, not just in the entertainment industry but across the board. I can't stand that word and never use it, but I don't believe it's fair for some to say it without repercussion and others be persecuted for saying it (not to mention that it was 30 +/- years ago in the case of Paula Deen).
Jedd D. (online 64)
ReplyDeleteI talked to many African-American people at my work and ask them about how they feel when people call them the "N" word. They said it is fine if African-American will say it to them and some Asians, and it matters to them also on how you say it, but they said when white people calls them that, then it is very insulting and disrespectful because white people knows the story behind it and it is not nice if you remind them that. To me, I believe there is a big difference on how you will say it. It does not matter if you are from the show business industry. Although it does probably a little because many people and some are children who watches them, admire them, and a later treat them as their role model in life. I believe we should really think twice before we speak and be considerate to other's feelings, especially if we are being watched by many and that goes to the comedians and musicians as well.
Keli J. 65 in response to Jedd D.
DeleteI don’t have friends that refer to me as a “N” word but I can see how people can become insulted if it comes from another race. I only say that because the word can in some instances be used maliciously.
Dodie F 64
ReplyDeleteI was raised in the South; Georgia to be exact, and I never heard the N word used in my home. My parents taught me that it was an offensive and hurtful word. The first time I heard that word used towards someone, it was as a Cobb County school bus driver. I had a group of African American students who called each other that (as in, hey what’s up Nigga?). I almost lost my mind! I gave them a long lecture on civil rights and told them if they ever used that horrible word again they would be written up. Their argument was that they were not saying nigger, they were saying Nigga, and that it was ok for them to say that because it was a form of hello from one African American to another. I could not believe what I was hearing. I still refused to let them speak the word. I explained to them that I found it offensive! I asked them a question; what if I addressed you in that manner, being a white lady? They told me that it would be disrespectful if I used the word! There clearly is a double standard in this country and specifically in the entertainment industry. I do not think it is right…it just is. Paula Deen did something 30 plus years ago and seems genuinely sorry. I think the response is over the top. It seems to be polarized because she is a white woman from the south.
Jedd D. 64
DeleteMy co-workers said the same thing that it is how you say it. They said that when you say "nigga" it is the same thing as hello to African-American. I would never use that word neither because, I, myself came from a country who have been conquered and slaved for the longest time.
Wanda B.65
ReplyDeleteI think the media is going overboard. Their is a double standard.PAULA Dean is being treated the same way Martha Stewart was treated for her mistake and bad judgement. Their are plenty people that use the N word. I think it is offensive no matter who says it. This generation of young people have no clue of the real meaning of the word. They use it as part of their every day conversation. But it is offensive. It has a long negative history and should be deleted from our vocabulary. It is sad to say though my people perish for lack of wisdom and knowledge.
I totally agree with you on media going overboard on the issue, however, that's today's media for you. Every story is beaten to death until the next news-worthy story comes along.
DeleteAbdulbari S. 64
DeleteI totally agree with you on media going overboard on the issue, however, that's today's media for you. Every story is beaten to death until the next news-worthy story comes along.
It is a double standard. People need to just let this die. I'm mean no one gets pissed when the came out with "Niggas in Paris". Did they? No.
DeleteSara A. 64
DeleteI agree with the media going overboard on the issue..
I agree with you completely. Maybe it's because we are older and remember what this hateful word represented. I still can't get over how it is thrown around today as a greeting.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I don't feel Paula really thought she would be so affected by jokes but I also think a apologize should be enough.
DeleteIt's not okay for there to be a double standard. She is being criticized for something she did years ago. She publicly apologized and appears very distraught by her comments. At the same time people are using that work in their every day life and speech as if it's nothing. There is still an element of racial stigma to this word. I don't think it will ever be okay for anyone to say this without some type of effect. S.Hammer
ReplyDeleteJoysline N 64
ReplyDeleteIt is not ok because other people used the 'N' word and were not punished so i don't understand why she should be this is discrimination and don't think its fair and ok.
Opeyemi B.60
ReplyDeleteThe "N" word is an offensive word and should not be encouraged in the society of today. As for me, it is not okay to have double standard in regards to image creation as related to the usage of "N" word. Majority in the society, especially kids, may not realized the heavy impact of the "N" word when they listen to people in the music and comedian industry using the "N" word loosely.
Sarah B 65
ReplyDeleteThe use of racial slurs is never O.K. I don't care if you are of that particular race or not. Any slur that has a negative connotation, be it racial, gender, sexual orientation, or otherwise should be banned from public language (Music, Tv, Movies, etc.). It is never acceptable to use discriminatory language towards anyone.
mary c online 64
DeleteI agree it is never okay to use racial slurs towards anyone. there use be some words that are unacceptable to use.
I agree. There are some words that shouldn't e used at all either for entertainment or on a daily basis.
DeleteMary c online 64
ReplyDeleteI think the whole thing with Paula Dean is being blown way out or portion. She said it over 30 years ago and seems to be sorry, what more do people want from her. With that being said there is a double standard whit people cant say it but African Americans say it to one another everyday. Its ever okay to use racial slurs.
Eddie W.
ReplyDeleteIt isn't ok, either we are a colorblind society or we are not. Any word that is offensive should not be condoned regardless the color of the speaker.
I dont think it was a big deal. African americans call each other the N word and call white people names all the time. It was a long time ago, she is frlm the south where it is used more than it should be. She should have never said the word she was not calling one single person that name, just in general. But its ok for lil wayne to be stomping on the american flag and saying the united states is a horrible place to live and everyone lools over what he did.
ReplyDeleteCasie m
Lori D. 64 In response to Jedd. D. 64:
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly the double standard I'm talking about - your co-workers' assertion that it's not okay for white people to say it because "they know the story behind it." White people aren't the only ones who know the story behind the word - most people in America know that story. So if it's not okay for one to say it, no one should say it.
Kara H. 35
DeleteLori, I completely agree. It is not just white people or old people that know the meaning behind the "N" word. I agree that no one should say the word whether you are white, black, young or old. It is not acceptable.
Kara H. 35
ReplyDeleteA double standard is never good. A racial slur is never good. It is never acceptable to generalize in such a way as using the "N" word. I do not agree with being hurtful to anyone purposely. There is no good that comes out of using that mean word or any other mean word.
I don't agree that it should be used in music or in conversation. I think a lot of the music that it is used in contains other offensive words as well.
It goes back to the old saying...."if you can't say nothing nice don't say anything at all." that is my philosophy and that is what I try to instill in my children as well.
Samantha Y. 65
ReplyDeleteIt is not okay the way some people can say it and some can not.Lets just make it simple by not saying it at all. The fact is the way Paula Dean has been treated is uncalled for this happened over 30 years ago. Come on people isn't there more important matters than this.
Samantha Y.65
ReplyDeleteReply to Mary C. 64
I completely agree with you this situtation with Paula Dean is being blown out of proportion. It is never ok to use racial slurs like you said. No one should use any racial comments because some one some where will be offended.
Abdulbari S. 64
ReplyDeleteI don’t support the idea of identifying others with negative words or using racial slurs, neither do I think it’s okay, because the entertainment industry benefits and contributes to the society like every other industry, so there should be checks and balances with all industries. With regards to Paula Dean’s situation, I think the issue stemmed from her responding with, “Yes, of course” as though it should go without saying. I think that if she had probably said something like, “Yes, sometime in the past,” it wouldn’t have been so bad. But then again, she was probably being truthful and the way she presented it shows the perception of constant use of the word as opposed to a one-time or past use.
Wanda B.65 in response to Adulbari S. 64
DeleteI think what you just stated is true. She probably have used the word more than she wants to admit. But that is common in the South.
Jennifer B. Online 97
ReplyDeleteI don't think there should be a double standard. I don't think anyone should use any words such as this and its ridiculous to think one would not get reprimanded for using these types of words on national television or in front of any audience. She deserved some repercussions for her actions however I think she was reprimanded far worse than what her actions deserved.
Paula Dean has been demagogued because she was frightened when she was held up at gunpoint by an armed black person. No this does not excuse her using the term, but it was a heightened emotional experience. This was 40+ years ago people! First and foremost this has been blown so out of proportion(oh and she's apologized several times) before and after this media mess. And to respond to the question. No, there should NOT be a double standard period. If the NAACP doesn't like the word, they should be spending an equal amount of time suing and demagauging rap artists for using the term as well.
ReplyDeleteLeidy Marulanda (60)
ReplyDeleteI think Paula Dean is going through a hard time becuase everytime when she tries to make an apology, she will make the situation worst. I come from a different culture ahd I have learned that you have to be very careful with what you say. For example, in spanish there are so many words that are offense in many countries, but in other countries the same words wont mean the same.
I think that as an adult and a Georgia native, Paula Dean should know better than to use that word. I'm sure this is something that was in common use around the house during her upbringing, which makes it more hurtful when she uses it now because it shows she's out of touch with reality. I do also feel that she should be forgiving and be allowed to move on with her personal and professional life. If she didn't know any better, she does now. There are no more "niggers" here. That mentality is dead.
ReplyDeleteAmanda B. 64
ReplyDeleteIt's not okay.
When Paula Dean did use the "N" word, 25 years ago, it was in her description to the police of who just robbed her at the bank where she worked. I worked at a bank and have also been robbed. The police question you as soon as they can and you don't have time to calm down. She was probably in shock, and 25 years ago, the "N" word was a commonly used word to describe the color of a person not the character of a person.
Amanda B. 64 in response to Sarah B 65
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way that the use of racial slurs is never okay, whether you are of that race or not.
Its not ok. People shouldn't use them in the media or on a day to day basis. The word in itself just needs to die. Its all a hypocrisy to use the and not allow others to say it. Either we are all allowed to say or none of us get to. Also The word itself has no more power. People shouldn't give any when a celebrity says it. Its a word. Not a knife.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the word is not a knife and I think this is the reason why a lot of people use as if it is a joke but it isn't.
DeleteBrandy 64.
ReplyDeleteSo I think peopl are blowing Paula Deens situation way out of proportion! The poor little lady made a mistake and we as human beings cant be so ignorant to all the different mistakes we wish we didnt commit. Give the woman a plate of grace. I am not saying what she did wasnt wrong and in the music ministry they are even dumber to use harmful words like that. I think we should move on as a society and start talking about the serious problems in the world like the 27 million slaves in the world or the children in Sri Lanka who are involunterly sold to be sex slaves. What about the Egyptian people, the Jews and the Gaza strip! We will never strive as a nation or people if we focus on he say and she say!
*steps down off of soap box*
Elizabeth.A.65 I dont think is okay,whether you are a celebrity or not,I think we should think thrice before we talk, because words do not die.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth.A.65 In response to Mary.c.64 I agree with you,it is never okay to use racial slurs. Words are powerful, know what to say to people,so that they dont get offended.
ReplyDeleteCarter Bragg
ReplyDeleteIts almost like making fun of your mother, if she makes you mad and you call her mean and what not its ok, but the second your friend calls your mom something you get furious. There is always going to be a double standard and just like with cursing your mother, it is wrong.
JudithB.60
ReplyDeleteWhat's wrong with people? yes they have such double standards. They have no qualms calling black people from Africa "Monkeys" and on the same breath scream when someone says "Nigger?"
Paula Deen is not a spring chicken, she grew up calling workers of color who wore tails, bow ties and worked on their plantation, the N word. All she did was express an idea and reminisce of how she would love to re-live that time when she was a young girl.
Winifred Chukwu
ReplyDeleteI find the "N" word very offensive in all terms... as for Paula Deen death and life are in the power of the tongue:....
People think its okay because the word was originally directed towards black people by white people. now it is not okay for white people to say it but black people can say it to eachother all they want. This is not okay. the double standard is ridiculous and embarrassing. I am not one to use the word, but how can paula deen lose everything for saying it, yet lil wayne and other rappers say it every other word and continue to be paid millions? An example should be made of them as well. its either okay for everyone to say it, or it shouldnt be used by anyone
ReplyDeleteMatthew B. 64 in response to Cody Kersey.
DeleteI agree about the double standard. How can one person justify that something is wrong when they, in turn, do or say this regularly?
Keli J. 65
ReplyDeleteThe “N” word in its self is offensive. When I first read the question I was like some and said you’re not black or African American you just don’t get that right. It’s technically calling someone something that no one has been for decades. But with that being said I feel like the younger generation took a hateful word and coined into their everyday vocabulary making it as common as homeboy. They don’t know they full meaning or understanding of where it originated. Yes there is a double standard, but at the same time no one expected this from Paula Dean. Some of her recent comments and jokes have made it worse for her. You can’t apologize one day and then the next day make a reference to your “close friend” being as dark as a black board. Every action has a consequence.
Sara A. (64)
ReplyDeleteIf I understand correctly Paula Deen said this many many years ago. I don't see that this should be a problem now. This happened before she made it big so all of her contracts were created after the incident. I can only see that this should be a big deal if she were currently doing it and compromising her image of the company. I am not saying what she did in the past wasn't wrong i'm just saying that it is wrong for all of these companies to drop her now after all of these years.
The problem is in the context in which see used it. It is hard for me to see it as a double standard but in the truth of things it really is. If one is going to except a black person calling another black person the n word what is the difference if a white person calls a black person the n word. It is the same thing if they mean it in the same context!!!
Matthew B. 64
ReplyDeleteFirst off, people should not be held accountable for something they said several years ago. A personality can change in the span of a few years and Paula was not the same person she was then. Even with that being true, I do not know one person who has not said, the "N" word to someone weather it be in a serious sense or just play. I have heard several people saying this word and I do not think it is right for her to have to go through so much blow back on this.
I honestly don't feel she was saying the word in the same sense of a true racist meant it. But as a celebrity of her level she should of been a little more mindful of how it could of affect her career. And as far as double standard I agree, but it's not up to a person of a non-black race to decide how it works. She knew how that word works she's from the south.
ReplyDeleteTanja K. 64:
ReplyDeleteI believe this double standard is not okay however whereever there is money involved you will always have that. Once you make money and you are in the spotlight people will watch you like hawks. Of course if you look at it closely, why should there be a difference between her saying it and people in the music business etc. saying it. But everybody knows that white people don't call black people the "N" word but black people call themselves that at times. Growing up here Paula Deen was definately aware of that fact so why even use the word in the first place? I understand it has been a while ago and I think it is ridiculous that she has been put in the spotlight for this and looses so much business now but I still believe that you need to be careful what you say because people will blow it out of proportion and twist it however they like anyways. Unfortunately this word has this negative meaning in our society and you just have to go with that if you don't want to put yourself in trouble or really stand up to make a change in the perception of the word.
Tanja K. 64 in response to Keli J. 65:
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. You do not just use this word just like that. Everybody knows that this word has its meaning and comes with consequences. That might be sad and needs to be changed but be careful what you say in the meantime.
Jennifer p.60
ReplyDeleteI feel this was inapropertiate for Paula Deen to say the (N) word in the public eye. I'm sure it was not meant in a racist way now she has lost so much just for a mistake. Today celeberties are in the big spot light they are watched critisized and one wrong mistake everyone knows about it. Unfortunately the (N) word has a bad meaning and should not be used it is disresepectful. I feel the use of the word has a lot to do with it being used as a raist word or not.
Jennifer P.60 In response to Tanja K.64
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Tanja a lot of it has to do with her being in the public eye and having money. Also the (N) does have a negative meaning in our society and people need to change the perception of the word.
Angel O. 60
ReplyDeleteI feel it is extreamly wrong for her to use that kind of language. It doesn't matter if you are famous or not, you should not be using that language, especially where everyone can hear you. You are noticed way more if you are a celebrity. People are looking up to you. You can't be using that kind of language. As for the case against her, it happened 27 years ago (give ro take a few). They need to drop it and leave her alone. she even through went throughthe actions of hiring a coloured lady to try to get the courts off her back. she was wrong in saying it. but it was so long ago that it doesnt really matter. she hasnt done it sense and I have a feeling that she wont be doing it again.
Mary T. 64
ReplyDeleteI honestly do not think it is okay for anyone to use the “N” word regardless of the race. The “N” word was originally a neutral term referring to black people. It quickly became a negative word that was used in hate crimes against black people. Why would anyone black or white use that word that has such a negative meaning behind it? I just don’t think it is okay. I also think that when black people use the word towards each other is ridiculous. You should have more respect for each other.
Reply to Angel O. 60
ReplyDeleteI don’t think she should be punished for something that she did 27 years ago. Yes, she did use the “N” word and she sincerely regrets it. Why make her loose so much for something that happened so long ago? Everyone makes stupid mistakes sometimes. I think that her manning up and admitting to what she did should be enough punishment because now her reputation is ruined.
Mary T. 64
JOseph Crowe 54
ReplyDeletePersonally, I dont think it is ok to use the "N" word in any industry, especially those that are routinly monitiored by society. It is accepted in the Comedy and Music industry only when an African American is involved with the situation. The "N" word seems to have become accepeting in the African American society due to music and comedy. Almost 100% of the time, the "N" word is used only in circumstances when African Americans are involved. This is accepted due to the cultural norms being alternated as a culture and society evolve.
J Crowe 54 in Response to Angel O. 60
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 100 percent. It is extremlty offensive and extremly wrong. As well, I think that it should be left in the pass and people should focus on the present and future. The slurr used was indeed racist and wrong, but from the interviews I saw with Paula Dean, she seemed very apologetic and sincere. I believe she should not be completly blacklisted as a celebrity for one minor slip up.
Tiffaney Davis
ReplyDeleteI feel that that is a certain environment and context that determines whether this word is acceptable or not. You have to understand your audience before using any word with such history. This word is most commonly known as a degrading name to the black community. More recently the black community has turned this word around for a type of endearment. Paula dean reiterated the negativity of this word.
I totally agree with you, you need to think about your audience when you speak. There are considerations that need to be made when speaking to the public, especially being a celebrity , you should know that you will be criticized.
DeleteHostencia.
ReplyDeleteI am one hundred percent against the use of the "N" espicially we adults who know how much it hurts when it is used.Choose your whords according to your audience,no matter who you are and of what race you belong.
Maria T (65)
ReplyDeleteI don't agree that it should be used in music or in conversation. It doesn't matter if it’s used for entertainment or not, the use of the "N" word is offensive.
Maria, I agree with you that the "N" word should not be used at all due to it's offensive nature. Although, in some cultures it does seem to be ok due to the context of the word being different, to the world the origin of the word is what is known. I think, unless you are in the company of others who know you well enough to understand what you mean, then you shouldn't say words that would otherwise offend someone.
DeleteAndrea A_98 in response to Maria T(65)
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. People should reframe from the "N" word all together because we still have a lot of racism out there and its just not fair for it to be ok for some people to use it but not others. Its all together to offensive.
Andrea A_98
ReplyDeleteI feel that she should have known better. Using the "N" word in a joking maner or not. However I think that the embarrassment was punishment enough. I dont think that she should loose any endorsements behind it. She still has an amazing talent and we all can benifit from it. I honestly feel that people as a whole should reframe from using the "N" word all together, no matter what line of work you are in or what content you use the word in because it causes to much conflict.
Sarah B in response to Andrea A 98
ReplyDeleteI agree that she should have known better than to use it, and that it isn't enough of a blunder to ruin her entire career and deprive us of her talents. People make mistakes.
There has always been a double standard in the entertainment industry. This is mainly due to the fact that those in the public eye are seen by the world. With that in mind, they are automatically role models and examples of where you are from. I think of it this way, you wanted to be seen by millions of people, you should know that anything that comes out of your mouth or every action you make will be deeply scrutinized by those millions of people. Although it can be unfair most of the time, you know the judgements you make on others, of course you will be judged the same way.
ReplyDeleteJoysline N 64 im response to Andrea A i agree the mistake she make is not enough to deprive us of her talents. people do make mistakes and should be given a second chance.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Joysline. She made a mistake. I think she deserves a second change. Everybody makes mistakes, there is just more light on Paula Deen because she is in the lime light. I don't think it is right at all.
DeleteI believe words only have the power we give to them. With that being said there is no telling what can offend someone. People especially people in the public eye need to be mindful of such and conduct themselves accordingly.
ReplyDeleteCharles W 64
ReplyDeleteI would tend to lean towards the idea that the culture that deems it ok to say the n word would have to claim the word as socially acceptable. Once that culture accepts and "claims" the word, that culture might claim exclusivity. The case of the N word the white culture has a dark history with the word so thus may not lay claims to the term without backlash to the "dark times" of the culture.
Charles W 64 in response to Joseline N
ReplyDeleteThe second chance must be earned just like any other star in their fall from grace
I don't think that the N word should be used in ANY context! I am an African-American and I don't like that word at all. I have never used it, as a term of endearment, as a compliment as a nickname.. NEVER! I myself blame the entertainment industry for making this term 'OK'. I think Paula Deen got the backlash she did because she is a Southern, white woman. Why it is wrong for her to say it, but it's ok for Chris Brown to use it in a song that we sing all the time?? I don't think it is.
ReplyDelete