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How dare they try to copyright the N-word
New York Daily News ^ | February 27, 2006 | Stanley Crouch

Posted on 02/27/2006 10:43:42 AM PST by presidio9

One of the most repulsively fascinating facts about contemporary black popular culture is how it continues to reach fresh lows. It finds new ways of leaping all fences that would bar it from falling into a bottomless pit of tastelessness. All of the insults and burdens of minstrelsy have been bested by black comedians and rappers who have made stupidity, hedonism, pimping, misogyny, pornography and violence their stock in trade. One defense of this amoral sense of life and culture is that black people didn't invent any of it, so why shouldn't they, like the white people, be able to make big money from it? As one imbecilic black man in television said to me, "I ain't hating on these brothers. All they are doing is dealing with a market the same way that the white people do. This is capitalism and they're responding to a market. You know the old saying, 'Whatever the market will bear.' "

Now we find that comedian Damon Wayans has spent the past 14 months trying to copyright the N-word with "iggas" instead of "iggers." He wants to put it on apparel and whatnot. So far, he has not been successful but one can imagine young American kids wearing that word emblazoned on clothes and listening to rap "songs" in which the N-word frequently appears, in conjunction with "bitches" and "hos," among other denigrations.

Of course, there is a defense. One Hollywood Negro said that "Damon is no fool. He might be pulling a Brer Rabbit move that would mean that he would take control of the word and make everyone pay to use it."

I responded rappers and others would merely put the cost in the budget. The Hollywood guy agreed.

However this comes out, it is further proof of how remarkably decadent our moment is. On the one hand, opportunistic numbskulls use the rhetoric of free speech and the liberal arts to justify the thick presence of misogyny and insult in their material, meaning that constantly referring to women as bitches and hos is an expression of their artistry and their freedom of speech. So is the constant screaming of the N-word.

Now we have a comedian attempting to copyright the N-word so that everyone who uses it will have to pay him for the right. I guess that takes its place right next to John Singleton, Spike Lee and Will Smith supporting the dehumanizing "Hustle & Flow." In the world of entertainment, the siren call of the commercial, however hollow and denigrating, seems impossible for many to resist, a fact that transcends all ethnic, sexual and religious distinctions.

When Essence magazine began a campaign against the prevalence of misogyny and insult in rap material, literally hundreds of thousands voiced their approval. This proved that this product is disgusting to millions of black women and their supporters. Unfortunately, the most important movement in popular culture since the emergence of rap itself floundered. Essence let the campaign fizzle after editor Diane Weathers, who shaped the magazine's response to popular muck, left the magazine.

If Damon Wayans wins his quest for ownership of the N-word, one wonders to whom - if any - he will have to answer.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Editorial; Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: culturalentropy; damonwayans; niggas; stanleycrouch
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1 posted on 02/27/2006 10:43:44 AM PST by presidio9
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To: presidio9
Oh, Nigga Please!!!

Opps, sorry - Not for use by Whitey.

2 posted on 02/27/2006 10:49:05 AM PST by TexasCajun
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To: presidio9

Do I dare refer to "Truth in Advertising?"

No, better not ;'}


3 posted on 02/27/2006 10:49:11 AM PST by rockrr (Never argue with a man who buys ammo in bulk...)
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To: presidio9

Only in America...


4 posted on 02/27/2006 10:49:20 AM PST by DieHard the Hunter (I am the Chieftain of my Clan. I bow to nobody. Get out of my way.)
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To: presidio9

If somebody copyrighted the F-word, they could retire off of DU alone.


5 posted on 02/27/2006 10:50:18 AM PST by steve-b (A desire not to butt into other people's business is eighty percent of all human wisdom)
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To: presidio9

One is confounded on how to react to one dissing another with the n word, but if non-blk dont you dare utter be uttering it. Also how does "people of color" be a mark of distinction but "colored people" be a slur?


6 posted on 02/27/2006 10:50:23 AM PST by brainstem223
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To: mhking

Unbelievable...


7 posted on 02/27/2006 10:50:34 AM PST by NCjim (The more I use Windows, the more I love UNIX)
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To: presidio9

I suppose it would be bad to say, "Don't get your niggas in a twist"?


8 posted on 02/27/2006 10:51:38 AM PST by Old Sarge (Fobbit = REMF ... how do you like me now?)
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To: presidio9
If Damon Wayans wins his quest for ownership of the N-word, one wonders to whom - if any - he will have to answer.

I hope Damon wins ownership, one less word that can be used against us "honkies" for hate crimes........

9 posted on 02/27/2006 10:51:58 AM PST by ScreamingFist ( Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance. NRA)
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To: presidio9
I don't know Damon Wayan's politics, or much else, but I like his show on TV. I would have to know his intent here. It may be to try to keep rappers and other such lowlifes from keeping it alive.

Anyone know anything about Wayan's "alignment"?

10 posted on 02/27/2006 10:52:48 AM PST by trebb ("I am the way... no one comes to the Father, but by me..." - Jesus in John 14:6 (RSV))
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To: presidio9; sure_fine
Niggas®. Am I reading this article correctly?

My eyes are squirting blood and I need some duct tape to keep my head from exploding! Fools, idiots, cretins and morons, everywhere.

11 posted on 02/27/2006 10:54:30 AM PST by butternut_squash_bisque (Borders, Language, Culture™)
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To: steve-b

LOL How true


12 posted on 02/27/2006 10:54:50 AM PST by Libertina
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To: trebb

Never mind - I did a search and it seems he wants to trademark the word as a company logo - going "rapper" himself, it would seem.


13 posted on 02/27/2006 10:55:25 AM PST by trebb ("I am the way... no one comes to the Father, but by me..." - Jesus in John 14:6 (RSV))
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To: presidio9
Chris Rock parody - N*gga please!
14 posted on 02/27/2006 10:56:48 AM PST by reagan_fanatic (Darwinism is a belief in the meaninglessness of existence - R. Kirk)
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To: presidio9

Just WHAT is the so-called N-word that they are talking about? Why have an article about something which goes unnamed?


15 posted on 02/27/2006 10:57:54 AM PST by 2harddrive (...House a TOTAL Loss.....)
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To: TexasCajun

Related video clip from Louisville, Kentucky.

http://www.dumpalink.com/media/1139564645/Racist_Teacher_


16 posted on 02/27/2006 10:57:58 AM PST by LanPB01
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To: presidio9

Just another indicator, along with such things as rejecting doing well in school (acting white), not snitching (refusing to cooperate with police and complaining that the police can't solve black on black murders),rap music about bitches and hos and violence, of a completely decadent, failed culture.

Yes, some cultures are superior to others.


17 posted on 02/27/2006 11:01:42 AM PST by Mogengator
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To: presidio9

Who is better off?

Black-Americans or Black-Africans?

18 posted on 02/27/2006 11:02:57 AM PST by TexasCajun
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To: 2harddrive
Just WHAT is the so-called N-word that they are talking about? Why have an article about something which goes unnamed?

Amazingly, use of the "N" word will get you banned on this forum. Us good "white" conservatives consider the word offensive.....

19 posted on 02/27/2006 11:03:11 AM PST by ScreamingFist ( Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance. NRA)
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To: presidio9

So do this mean that somebody using the word could be charged with a hate crime *and* copyright infringement at the same time?


20 posted on 02/27/2006 11:03:47 AM PST by Tall_Texan (Hate means never having to say you're crazy.)
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To: presidio9

Nigga is not the "N" word.


21 posted on 02/27/2006 11:06:23 AM PST by bert (K.E. N.P. Slay Pinch)
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To: presidio9
Has anyone got a copyright on "Cracker" yet? I'm gonna stick it on some T-shirts and make a few bucks.
22 posted on 02/27/2006 11:08:18 AM PST by Dallas59 ((“You love life, while we love death"( Al-Qaeda & Democratic Party))
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To: LanPB01
Interesting clip, I wonder if the school will be suspending the students who say the '..gga' word just as it did the teacher that used it.

Sounded like the nerdy teacher was just trying to be hip with his young students. ...well, he got the education this time.

23 posted on 02/27/2006 11:10:50 AM PST by TexasCajun
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To: brainstem223
"Also how does "people of color" be a mark of distinction but "colored people" be a slur?"

Funny you should mention that. I was just thinking about that yesterday when some idiotic liberal used the term. Maybe they don't understand that words are meant to identify and describe, and "color(ed)" is descriptive and means the exact same thing, no matter which way it is said. The only difference is on who's got the power. Any time the term "people of color" is used, it means that power has either been exercised or surrendered.

24 posted on 02/27/2006 11:11:06 AM PST by sweetliberty (Stupidity should make you sterile.)
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To: Dallas59
You'd better talk with Mr. Jack as in Mr. Cracker Jack. :)


25 posted on 02/27/2006 11:12:39 AM PST by TexasCajun
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To: presidio9

Copyrighting the N-bomb? Negroe, please.

(...I don't think they can do it, but I'm not taking any chances...)


26 posted on 02/27/2006 11:14:05 AM PST by RichInOC (Stupidity is its own punishment...but not as often as it should be.)
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To: presidio9

The only time I hear the real N-word is when it's uttered by young blacks talking to each other on the subway.


27 posted on 02/27/2006 11:14:53 AM PST by PBRSTREETGANG
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To: bert
Nigga is not the "N" word.

And MoFo isn't the "Mother......" word, but everyone knows the connotation. What's your point?

28 posted on 02/27/2006 11:15:10 AM PST by ScreamingFist ( Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance. NRA)
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To: ScreamingFist
Amazingly, use of the "N" word will get you banned on this forum.

As well it should.

Us good "white" conservatives consider the word offensive.....

It IS offensive.

29 posted on 02/27/2006 11:15:53 AM PST by Petronski (I love Cyborg!)
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To: Petronski
It IS offensive.

Agreed. I was taught to never use it, apparently all things change. Nigga is now OK. Ebonics and patents overcome common sense and good manners.

And yes, I expect this thread to be pulled....

30 posted on 02/27/2006 11:21:38 AM PST by ScreamingFist ( Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance. NRA)
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To: Dallas59
Has anyone got a copyright on "Cracker" yet?


31 posted on 02/27/2006 11:21:41 AM PST by Petronski (I love Cyborg!)
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To: presidio9; mhking

No, seriously, if this isn't "just damn"-worthy, I'm not sure I know what is.


32 posted on 02/27/2006 11:21:41 AM PST by RichInOC (...who's never quite forgotten Damon's bravura performance as T-Bone in "Colors".)
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To: TexasCajun

Same double standard by which muslims can depict Mohammed but infidels cannot (even if they are not being insulting).


33 posted on 02/27/2006 11:24:47 AM PST by weegee ("Remember Chappaquiddick!"-Paul Trost (during speech by Ted Kennedy at Massasoit Community College))
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To: PBRSTREETGANG

You might hear the word if you listen to interviews with Senator Byrd. He still uses the word and defends its use by saying their are "White N....s" too.


34 posted on 02/27/2006 11:26:15 AM PST by weegee ("Remember Chappaquiddick!"-Paul Trost (during speech by Ted Kennedy at Massasoit Community College))
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To: presidio9

Mr. Crouch speaks for millions of well-educated, decent, responsible blacks who deplore the curent state of black pop culture.

Unfortunately, whenever anyone tries to reverse the current trend, they are shouted down. The Gangstas manage to have the last word, and it is always a four-letter one.


35 posted on 02/27/2006 11:28:16 AM PST by Palladin ("Governor Lynn Swann."...it has a nice ring to it!)
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To: TexasCajun

white nigga please, what's up with the beat down; these actors and rappers are uneducated idiots they are all mad lunatics !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


36 posted on 02/27/2006 11:31:22 AM PST by dubyawhoiluv
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To: presidio9

Stanley Crouch is great.


37 posted on 02/27/2006 11:37:32 AM PST by aculeus
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To: dubyawhoiluv
...these actors and rappers are uneducated idiots they are all mad lunatics

Make that very wealthy actors and rappers.

Ever see the MTV series "CRIBS"??

38 posted on 02/27/2006 11:42:23 AM PST by TexasCajun
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To: Palladin
Unfortunately, whenever anyone tries to reverse the current trend, they are shouted down. The Gangstas manage to have the last word, and it is always a four-letter one.

Yep. Imagine. A new explicitive for and patented by blacks.....

Rev. Jessie Jackson- N.....Jessie Jackson

The ramifications are unbelievable....

39 posted on 02/27/2006 11:43:50 AM PST by ScreamingFist ( Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance. NRA)
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To: presidio9

You know what kills me is that everyone is so scared of the "N" word - but using the Lord's name in vain is considered socially acceptable.


40 posted on 02/27/2006 11:44:12 AM PST by toeknee32
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To: toeknee32
You know what kills me is that everyone is so scared of the "N" word - but using the Lord's name in vain is considered socially acceptable.

Using the Lords name in vain doesn't get you tossed in the clink for "hate crimes"......

41 posted on 02/27/2006 11:49:35 AM PST by ScreamingFist ( Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance. NRA)
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To: toeknee32

Bingo.


42 posted on 02/27/2006 11:50:30 AM PST by generally (Ask me about FReepers Folding@Home)
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To: presidio9

I gonna copyright "she-hit" for starters.



43 posted on 02/27/2006 11:50:47 AM PST by Right Wing Assault ("..this administration is planning a 'Right Wing Assault' on values and ideals.." - John Kerry)
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To: ScreamingFist

Which makes me wonder how muslim groups that spout hate against non muslims in this country don't get tossed in the clink as well.


44 posted on 02/27/2006 11:52:46 AM PST by toeknee32
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To: presidio9

If he can do that, I am definitely going to copyright wet on a t-shirt.


45 posted on 02/27/2006 11:54:35 AM PST by Graymatter (...and what are we going to do about it?)
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To: presidio9

I wonder if Moose Limbs is taken.


46 posted on 02/27/2006 11:58:25 AM PST by Octar
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To: ScreamingFist
[ Us good "white" conservatives consider the word offensive..... ]

Ivory White, Off-White, or Micheal Jackson White?..
or even Julian Bond White, or Tony Brown White..

Sorry I'm an artist.. or Obama Osama (whatever his name is) White.. I guess a conversation about white black or grey is a sidebar.. Oh! well.. Many americans are grey you know..

47 posted on 02/27/2006 12:09:07 PM PST by hosepipe (CAUTION: This propaganda is laced with hyperbole..)
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To: Petronski
I'm not in the least bit offended by the N word, its use on this forum or anywhere.

The mothers outside my window yell it at their children, the children yell it at each other, the cop at the bank on the corner yells it to the school bus driver stopped in front of the bank. I may not use it, but is far from offensive.

Rather, it has come to be an icon for the unworthiness of the entire black separatist movement: the symbol of hatred and racism they profess to despise is actually one their favorite terms.

I like its expanding use and hope it continues. Someday, the N word will have the emotional power of Honkie or Cracker and we can be done with it.
48 posted on 02/27/2006 12:09:50 PM PST by anton
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To: hosepipe
Many americans are grey you know..

I'm red, but the difference is lost on the majority of blacks and caucasians.....

49 posted on 02/27/2006 12:15:32 PM PST by ScreamingFist ( Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance. NRA)
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To: ScreamingFist
[ I'm red, but the difference is lost on the majority of blacks and caucasians..... ]

Hmmm vermillion red, pink, earthy red, henna, or rosey red?..
signed; Soaring Eagle..

50 posted on 02/27/2006 12:20:33 PM PST by hosepipe (CAUTION: This propaganda is laced with hyperbole..)
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