Ban the Word 'Nig-ger'?

[Waffletush]

It's one of the most reviled words in the English language, but if one Texas mayor gets his way, getting caught uttering the "N-word" will hit offenders where it hurts.

Mayor Ken Corley of Brazoria, Texas, has proposed a city ordinance that would make using the word in an offensive fashion a crime equal to disturbing the peace and punishable by a fine of up to $500. But legal experts said it's unlikely the law will stand up to the First Amendment.

"I would like to, if possible, ban all racial slurs," Corley told FOXNews.com. "We chose this word because it's the most controversial issue throughout the United States today."

...

Under the proposed Brazoria ordinance, users of the N-word would be fined only if a complaint were filed against them, thus protecting those who think they are using the word as a term of endearment.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,246279,00.html

Interesting.Â*Â*On one hand it is a racial slur, on the other, you would be allowed to say 'nig-ger' if it was being used as a term of endearment.

Will it pass the First Amendment test?Â*Â*I think the word is abhorrent, but if you are to ban one word, where do you stop?

(And yes, I know there is no hyphen, but this site substitues 'person of color' if you use the unhyphened version.)

[AlonzoMourning23]

This is one area I'm indifferent on. Legal reality aside, I don't care much one way or the other.

Though I assume this is only intended for when it's used in a derogatory context.

[Elrathin]

Interesting. On one hand it is a racial slur, on the other, you would be allowed to say 'nig-ger' if it was being used as a term of endearment.

For what it's worth, blacks that I have talked to that use the word say that the "endearment term" is not "n..ig..ger" (without the dots) but "nigga". I don't personally see a difference between the two.

[Labrocca]

I think it's a terrible word. No matter how you spell it or pronounce it. I am not for censorship though. However parents shouldn't be teaching their kids that it's acceptable to use the word.

[Cobra]

Blacks around here say nigger strait out half the time not nigga but anyway.

I don't think any word should be banned.

[BoogyMan]

The word is disgusting, divisive, and reminiscent of a time that this country should work to make sure is never forgotten.

I cannot find reason to censor anyone, but do believe that there are some things that we COULD say that we just SHOULDN'T say.

[potter]

.

Will it pass the First Amendment test?Â*Â*I think the word is abhorrent, but if you are to ban one word, where do you stop?




Absolutely. Next in line would be "liberal" :D