Taye's take on the n-word

Since “The View” discussion, it seems like everyone is weighing in and periodically the n-word does become a hot topic for discussion. I don’t know how much more there is to discuss, because it seems as though most people have similar opinions on the usage of the word, which are contingent upon their sensitivities, personal experiences, background, race, ethnicity, etc. Same ole, same ole.

Access Hollywood recently caught up with actor Taye Diggs, who happens to have a white wife, and I mention that, because I thought it would have been more interesting if they had asked him questions on how this word affects their relationship. Is it used? Can his wife use it? Has she used it? Has anyone ever called him it in front of his wife? Now, that would have been something worth reading. However, here is his take on the word---something we haven’t heard before:

“They can have an opinion, but… don’t take a word that you created and called me for many, many years, and then me being in my position, have the strength to change what it means in my own culture. Don’t try to take it back now. Now it’s ours. Leave it alone.”

Donald Faison, “Scrubs” actor added his ten cents:

“I don’t think Elisabeth Hasselbeck would ever have to worry being called the ‘N-word’ … For her to be offended by it, it’s kind of weird. African-Americans have used it now as a term of endearment, or how to describe a situation. So for her to say something like that, she has no idea what power it has over anyone.”

If I were conducting the interview I would ask Faison the same questions.

Reference:
MSNBC