Ron Atkinson - The signs were there

[Jim Roper]

Can anyone remember who said, on national television.

"Why is it the blacks have all the natural rhythm, when it's the catholics that really need it?"

[Peter Waller]

Rabster, what can I say? No harm done, no harm intended, most of us, if not all of us had a good laugh at Big Ron's expense. No need, in my opinion, to have removed them.

[Guest Ferret1959]

NIGGER

 

Now does this put it to bed?

[Guest sslatter]

No, that doesn't do it at all.

 

I take it that your point is that, as it is a word found in the dictionary, it's okay to use it.

 

Come on ferret..any good modern english dictionary will contain every english swear word you can think of..

 

..but that does NOT make it acceptable.

 

All it means is that it is an english word that is/has been in usage, like all the other swear words, racial 'nicknames' etc. It's a vile word, IMO, and I even find it offensive to see it in print, the way you posted it as a link.

[Guest Ferret1959]

It's obviously down to personal opinion in the end, yes?

[Guest sslatter]

Not really.. it's more down to practical experience.

 

Go down Railton Road S.W. and try using it there.

[Guest Ferret1959]

Bet I'd be the only white bloke there wouldn't I?

I can nip into Oldbury in the Black country and have a word with the West Indians their and ask their opinion on the word.

 

As somebody mentioned above it depends on the context it's used.

[rabster]

I see this thread is still rolling on.

 

Just to explain, I removed the pics, (none of which I considered racist), because, being new to the forum & still finding my feet trying to suss you guys & gals out I felt from some of the responses they had caused some offence. So, I felt the only option was to remove them.

 

I did not intend to spark a debate on racist issues. Could i extend a thousand apologies if I've caused any problems hereabouts.

[jeepster]

sparking debates is what the AN is all about! sometimes you get the same people posting the same opinions everytime but thats life!

[Elton]

Graham,

 

I have black mates who use the 'N' word - it's all about context.

 

A lot of words are like that - it doesn't have to depend on colour. I get called all manner of offensive terms by known acquaintances and it's a term of endearment.

 

It's when such words are used in a derogatory sense that things become different.

 

Elton