Quentin Tarantino and the N-Word

Stickk · #1 10-17-2009, 10:25 AM

I recently had a discussion with my English teacher about Tarantino's use of the n-word. She isn't okay with Tarantino's use of the word in his works because he isn't black and didn't grow up around the culture. I, however, am okay with the useage of the word in his movies because he's not using the word in its ugly, racist context, but rather its slang term derivative. So, just curious, are you guys and gals okay with Tarantino's use of the n-word?

IconBasser · #2 10-17-2009, 10:28 AM

yes. People need to come to understand that it's just a friggin word. To make such a fuss over something soooo trivial is completely asinine. Not to mention the ridiculous double standard that exists.

this sort of thing helps perpetuate racism, it doesn't diminish it.

taquitos43 · #3 10-17-2009, 10:33 AM

I am not black either but I did grow up in a largely black neighborhood. Now, I live in a largely Hispanic neighborhood and I'm not Hispanic either.

I don't have a problem with that word in movies if it really blends with the "nature" of the movie. Using it purely for shock value, in my opinion, is rubbish. Same with the F Bomb.

As far as black people who are from that culture being able to use that word, exculsive of other people who aren't, is racist in and of itself. To think that a particular word or phrase is alright for one person but not another to use is ridiculous.

eastcoasteddie · #4 10-17-2009, 10:45 AM

Just the other day, I witnessed a hispanic guy screaming at another hispanic guy, "I'll f**kin kill you n**ga!" Neither was black. Why should hispanics be allowed to you it? I say free for all!

I'm a whitey, and I call my white friends "cracker" all the time. I even call my black friends "negro"...they laugh, we all laugh, we have a good time.

I love when Chris Rock said, "they want to kill off my beloved 'n**ga' ". Then goes on about when it's OK for whites to say it.....

Steve · #5 10-17-2009, 10:45 AM

The word is either acceptable or it is not acceptable.
The concept of a word being usable based on the the color of the speakers skin is asinine. Not to mention, more than a little discriminatory itself.

The word and it's use exists. If it's used as a point of historical accuracy, and some find it disturbing well, it should be found disturbing. That's kind of the entire point of using it in that context. Isn't it?

IMHO YMMV

emor · #6 10-17-2009, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IconBasser

it's just a friggin word. To make such a fuss over something soooo trivial is completely asinine.

Then why use it to begin with?

Pilgrim · #7 10-17-2009, 10:50 AM

Yes - it's a word that has been used throughout our history, and unfortunately it continues to be used today. Our society has a problem with facing such things, and avoidance only promotes ignorance. Tarantino doesn't always use good taste in his movies, but that's part of what you sign on for when you go to them.

Valerus · #8 10-17-2009, 10:54 AM

Tarantino can do whatever the heck he wants.

Dr_Funkdamental · #9 10-17-2009, 10:58 AM

I wish that word would die an ugly, swift death. I dont care what color you are, I dont want to hear it. Or any other race derrogatory term for that matter.

Pilgrim · #10 10-17-2009, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr_Funkdamental

I wish that word would die an ugly, swift death. I dont care what color you are, I dont want to hear it. Or any other race derrogatory term for that matter.

I agree. But I won't pretend it's going to happen. Ever.

WRBass · #11 10-17-2009, 11:14 AM

You can make a good movie without that word or any derogatory racial word. It's been proven. I don't know why these guys think they need it.

Armueller2001 · #12 10-17-2009, 11:19 AM

Just a word. People need to stop getting their panties in a bunch about everything they possibly can.

Pilgrim · #13 10-17-2009, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WRBass

You can make a good movie without that word or any derogatory racial word. It's been proven. I don't know why these guys think they need it.

Also agreed!

But that's not how Tarantino makes movies, and he's unlikely to change.

Dr_Funkdamental · #14 10-17-2009, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Armueller2001

Just a word. People need to stop getting their panties in a bunch about everything they possibly can.

I'll let you keep believing that.

::::BASSIST:::: · #15 10-17-2009, 11:39 AM

Its not "just a word". It has huge historical significance as a curse word and putdown used by white slave owners when belittling their black slaves.

Thats like saying the Nazi flag is "just a flag".

These things are symbols which represent intense emotional significance. In my opinion they need to be remembered, but certainly not "celebrated."

Many white dudes (I'm white as well) can't understand the depth of the meaning of the word because they are not subjected to racism nearly as often as our black brothers.

Language is power.

L-A · #16 10-17-2009, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WRBass

You can make a good movie without that word or any derogatory racial word. It's been proven. I don't know why these guys think they need it.

Because "no derogatory word" is not part of the magic "Good Movie Recipe".

And it's that way because there's no magic recipe. A good movie is defined by the complete and complex interaction of its parts. In some, rough language is part of the universe depicted.

I instead have something against liberal interpretation of MPAA and ESRB ratings.

ChiliPepper · #17 10-17-2009, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr_Funkdamental

I wish that word would die an ugly, swift death. I dont care what color you are, I dont want to hear it. Or any other race derrogatory term for that matter.

+ 1

btw is this the "Race Awareness" week or something ?

phxlbrmpf · #18 10-17-2009, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr_Funkdamental

I wish that word would die an ugly, swift death. I dont care what color you are, I dont want to hear it. Or any other race derrogatory term for that matter.

Same here. I'm not gonna type up a ten-page rant about it but I'll say that I pretty much agree with the lyrics of that Clawfinger song they wrote about it.

Well, for one we can't type it out here because it will be replaced by a bunch of asterisks.

\/\/\/\/

bass12 · #19 10-17-2009, 01:27 PM

I love George Carlin's sketch involving the "n-word". Personally, I would have to agree with Carlin - it's all about context. No word is inherently bad. What bothers me is that people actually refer to "the word" as the "n-word" - as if using the actual word will conjure up some demon that will destroy mankind. Unfortunately, in North America, people get fired for using the word in entirely justifiable circumstances (history lectures, for example). There's a book called "******: The Strange Career Of A Troublesome Word" by Randall Kennedy that I think everyone should read. It really helps put things into perspective. As far as Quentin Tarantino is concerned - he's making films. That's that. If you don't get off on his brand of filmmaking, don't watch his productions.

Happynoj · #20 10-17-2009, 01:30 PM

I'm not bothered by Tarantino's use of the word. At the end of the day, it's not like his films are family viewing anyway - they are incredibly violent and are full of stories about gangsters, murderers and assassins. If he is depicting a world in which a certain vocabulary is used, it makes sense to use that vocabulary.

To quote one of my favourite Tarantino lines:

'Vincent Vega, my n***a!'

IMO, if you get uptight about his use of offensive language but take no issue with the decapitation, mutilation, rape, murder, blood, gore and general brutality in his films then you have your priorities mixed up. Which do you think is going to have more of a negative effect on the viewers?