"Nigger" the dog - Dambusters

[AlexCrowley 0]

Yes, limits to free speech that we personally find offensive is an awesome idea.

For the sake of the children.

There are limits after all.

Actually if you suck so much as a parent that you need society to help you then you should give them away.

Censorship is your friend.

TV's got them images, TV's got them all, nothing's shocking.

[Skyrad 0]

Nigger was his name. Not spot or blacky. Nigger.

When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca

[steve1 5]

I'm sure there aren't many black skydivers out there reading all this. I'm sure none of them would accept the name "Nigger" in such a jovial manner as some of these posts reflect. Is there a more degrading name to call a black person than Nigger?

It's not only offensive to that person, but to that person's heritage. At least that's how I'd feel if I were black. If there's any black skydivers reading this I'd like to hear your perspective......Steve1

[artistcalledian 0]

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Is there a more degrading name to call a black person than Nigger?

oh, i can think of lots more offensive terms... LOTS more

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If there's any black skydivers reading this I'd like to hear your perspective......

don't hold your breath, they're as rare as hens teeth you've got more chance of seeing a black person out yachting

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drive it like you stole it and f*ck the police

[steve1 5]

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You see no difference between an actual historical event and a novel?

The dog's name WAS "Nigger". And that is that.

Of course I can see the difference. All I'm saying is that it's interesting to read an old novel and pick up on that author's prejudice toward other races. It's very evident and probably in good taste for the majority of people, during that time period.

You see the same thing in old movies. Ever watch an old cowboy movie where the indians are portrayed as evil savages that need to be wiped out, so the good "White" guys in white hats can have their land. Or possibly an indian being portrayed as a drunken, no good. Maybe it's not the best way to learn history, but it is interesting and it gives insight into what racism is all about......Steve1

[AlexCrowley 0]

steve1, I think you're deftly avoiding the point.

The dogs name was nigger. Historical fact.

OK. Now, rightly or wrongly the word had/has different connotations in the UK than it did in the US. Most people my age (30s) heard it quite a bit in our early life from the generations ahead of us. While it was probably an insulting slur to an extent, it didnt have the same weight there as here.

One, there werent as many blacks in the UK
Two, they werent enslaved.

the British black/colored/whatever population really wasnt statistically significant until the 50s when the UK government invited those in it's protectorates to immigrate with assistance. The UK was so torn up after the war, with so many people dead, that there were too many jobs and not enough able bodies.

It's no more different than fanny meaning ass in the US and meaning cunt in the UK.

I realize its difficult to accept but the US is not the center of the known universe and not all media should be watered down and censored for the sake of the USA's whiny emotionally retarded population.

TV's got them images, TV's got them all, nothing's shocking.

[kallend 2,146]

"The word "nigger" originates from the Dutch and German "neger," which is their orthography and phonetics for the Portuguese and Spanish "negro", which comes directly from Latin "nigrum" (= black). The English distorted neger to "negar" to "nigger."

"Neger" (sometimes spelled "neggar") prevailed in the North American colonies in New York under the Dutch and in Philadelphia in the Moravian and "Pennsylvania Dutch" [German] communities. It did not become a racial epithet until after the American Revolution, where blacks had to be assigned lower status to endorse their inferior position under the US Constitution.

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[AlexCrowley 0]

Yes, the cold facts I understood, but that doesnt really show the cultural disparity in the word as it is and was used.

Nowadays if you interview a black UKian you will hear the same line as you would from an african american - somewhat confusing given the vast differences in heritage.

thats rap music for you, i guess.

TV's got them images, TV's got them all, nothing's shocking.

[artistcalledian 0]

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steve1, I think you're deftly avoiding the point.

The dogs name was nigger. Historical fact.

OK. Now, rightly or wrongly the word had/has different connotations in the UK than it did in the US. Most people my age (30s) heard it quite a bit in our early life from the generations ahead of us. While it was probably an insulting slur to an extent, it didnt have the same weight there as here.

One, there werent as many blacks in the UK
Two, they werent enslaved.

the British black/colored/whatever population really wasnt statistically significant until the 50s when the UK government invited those in it's protectorates to immigrate with assistance. The UK was so torn up after the war, with so many people dead, that there were too many jobs and not enough able bodies.

It's no more different than fanny meaning ass in the US and meaning cunt in the UK.

I realize its difficult to accept but the US is not the center of the known universe and not all media should be watered down and censored for the sake of the USA's whiny emotionally retarded population.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/cosmo1111/mosose4mw.gif

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drive it like you stole it and f*ck the police

[wmw999 2,584]

When the original movie was released in the US in the 50's the dog's name was changed to "Trigger."

It's just a word. But if the word would hide the meaning of the whole movie due to the feelings it digs up, it might not be the best possible choice. Even if it's historically accurate.

But no reason to do it anywhere besides the US; or you could even emphasize somewhere that the word doesnt' hold the same meaning in Britain.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[AlexCrowley 0]

Oh I know, but it wouldnt be a fun conversation.

And Im so bored I may have to commit a criminal act. or two. again.

TV's got them images, TV's got them all, nothing's shocking.

[steve1 5]

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I realize its difficult to accept but the US is not the center of the known universe and not all media should be watered down and censored for the sake of the USA's whiny emotionally retarded population.

I still haven't heard a black person's perspective on this. I met a black golden knight (at Lost Prairie), who I'd like to hear you call "emotional", "retarded", or "whiny". I'd particularly like to hear you call him "Nigger" and then watch what happens next. This might be quite entertaining. I mean it's easy to talk tough on the internet.

The fellow I have in mind has close to 20 inch arms, and isn't afraid of much. I doubt if he'd think any of these names were okay in his book....But then again he's not from Britian. Maybe things are different there, but I still have my doubts....Steve1

[AlexCrowley 0]

Hey, over here!

That was my comment.

As many whove talked to me here regularly know. I consider ALL americans emotoinally retarded (or at least stunted at the level of a pouty 9 year old).


Point 2. It's a dog. Get off your pc white horse. I understand you're laboring under the guilt of many generations here but the question is one of semantics, not whether Stevie gets to tell the bad men off who said a bad word.

You completely ignored the point of UK vs US origins, traditions and usage, something that might have some impact on the situation?

BTW, the emotional, retarded whiny thing: that was aimed at the overly gormless PC types who are incapable of having a conversation on taboo subjects because it brings up such crushing personal guilt and loathing because of their recognition of their own deeply rooted racism.


It's a word, it has 6 letters, no one was throwing it at anyone, except you. You sad sad man.

TV's got them images, TV's got them all, nothing's shocking.

[artistcalledian 0]

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The fellow I have in mind has close to 20 inch arms

i feel sorry for dwarfs, but if he's happy... thats all that matters

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drive it like you stole it and f*ck the police

[AlexCrowley 0]

maybe he just had really short arms.

TV's got them images, TV's got them all, nothing's shocking.

[artistcalledian 0]

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maybe he just had really short arms.

even worse... thalidomide then

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drive it like you stole it and f*ck the police

[AlexCrowley 0]

seems wrong that Steve would bring attention to him then. Nice way to make the gimp feel ostracized there buddy.

Nice.

TV's got them images, TV's got them all, nothing's shocking.

[shropshire 0]

<< I'd particularly like to hear you call him "Nigger" and then watch what happens next.>> - eh? Nothing that I've read here has suggested that anyONE is called a "Nigger" - it's all about a dog from the 1940s that WAS and wether that name should be changed in a film.
If the American market wont stand for it, then cut the scene.... have an advert break or something.... In the great scheme of things, it wont make a huge difference.

(.)Y(.)
Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome

[steve1 5]

I'm not on any crusade or trying to ride any white horse. I'm just saying what the word "Nigger" means to me. Several people are using the word in other contexts other than just in this movie. One person even went so far to say that "Sambo" would be a better name. I'd like to think that these forums are more than just a place for bigots to hang out.

Maybe things are different in Britian. In what respect? Do you mean it's okay to be a racist in Britian?

You know I've jumped with a lot of good people from Britian. I was proud to call them friends. I'd like to think that the majority of your country's people aren't as ignorant as you are. You can think as you like, but I've got better things to do than argue with you....Steve1

[highfly 0]

Is this racist too?



Maybe not safe for work


The Niggar Family

www.myspace.com/durtymac

[AlexCrowley 0]

Ok, is it slight retardation or do you have an issue with the concept of cultural differences?

I definitely note a distinct lack of reading comprehension skills.

When you discovered the username Steve was in use, was it you or the computer that suggested adding the number 1?

TV's got them images, TV's got them all, nothing's shocking.

[eflynn 0]

I'm Black and I jump so in a nutshell...

I think if the dog being named "nigger" is essential to the story line of the film then it shouldn't be changed. If it simply reflects the pervading thought of that time regarding Black people and that's it's main aim, then it should be changed. Other than that it's just as random as any other name in the film. But somehow I doubt it was the first dog name that came to the writer's mind.

As far as how I feel about the term, that's an incredibly long and involved discussion. You're correct in that there isn't a term more offensive or one that will get you into trouble faster. What makes the discussion about the word difficult is there is no equivalent expression for ANY other group of people with the same history behind it. So making someone understand it damn near impossible.

[eflynn 0]

"oh, i can think of lots more offensive terms... LOTS more"

No, you can't. Nothing will get you knocked out faster.


"don't hold your breath, they're as rare as hens teeth you've got more chance of seeing a black person out yachting"

In the immortal words of Charlie Murphy "Wrong!" I know seven Black people who own yachts, and five other skydivers.

[eflynn 0]

"I mean it's easy to talk tough on the internet."

What you're referring to is the classic "Email Thug."

[artistcalledian 0]

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Is this racist too?



Maybe not safe for work


The Niggar Family

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/cosmo1111/mooseking8ns.jpg

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drive it like you stole it and f*ck the police