Quote:And the n-word has been around longer than any of us also, and for a very long time it didn't seem to "offend" many, and I would wager that many of those who were offended probably didn't have a drop of black blood in them. 

 

Or are you still using it? If not, is that an example of PC getting out of control?

 

Everything that changes is not political correctness. Everything doesn't have to remain as it was in 1955. 

 

You know, my life is a bit different.

 

I grew up in an environment where there were no blacks around.  The first time that I ever heard the "n-word" was when I watched the Roots series on television.  I was appalled and taken aback about what had happened back in history.

 

When I went to high school, I could probably count on my two hands the number of blacks in the school.

 

It wasn't until later in life when I joined the military that I was actually around "other people" that not only included blacks, but Filipinos, Puerto Ricans and southern white guys.  I did for a period of time use the racial slur after a particular group of people (the blacks) were hostile to me socially.

 

Contrary to what some may believe, the military was not "totally united" at the time, mainly on a social basis.  If you went into a mess hall, all of the different racial groups were sitting together (blacks at a table, whites at a table, Hispanics at a table etc.).  Of course, when it came to our jobs we worked together, but there was most certainly a racial divide.

 

It wasn't until I had made my way up the ranks that I realized that "people are people" and I stopped using the term, and dis-associated myself with anyone that would use the term.  I became good friends (and still remain) with people from all walks of life and a variety of ethnic cultures.

 

So to answer your questions, no I do not use that term and don't approve of it.  It is also not an example of PC getting out of control.

---