"N" Word Double Standard
This entry was posted on 10/18/2006 8:33 PM and is filed under General Discussion.
Yesterday, we received an e-mail from a non-black member of the Air Force who requested to remain anonymous. He actually makes an interesting point. He writes:
"I'd like to complain about something that I think is very unfair. I work in an aircraft maintenance shop with a very diverse group. There are three African American males in our group who are always calling each other the "N" word. It mostly happens when they are kidding around and I know they mean no harm but I assumed that the use of the word, by anyone, was considered a serious violation of the codes. If a white person used the word, even kidding, they would be severely punished.
I've once even asked them to stop using the word because it bothers me. They looked at me, laughed, and told me that they'd better not ever hear
me saying it. Not that I would ever want to, I don't think it's right for anyone to use derogatory names anytime.
I'm afraid that if I took to matter up the chain they would just laugh too and say, "Oh it's just a fad and they don't mean anything by it". - Air Force Enlisted
Can and should a black military member be punished equal to a non-black for using the "N" word? Has this ever been tested before? What do you think?