Poll: Which is the most offensive, N-word or C-word?

[retrochimp]

So, recently there has been a controversy surrounding Rick Perry's hunting ground containing a colloquial name that is a racial slur. Naturally, the reaction has been that "there is no more offensive word in the English language." But, I've noticed whenever someone in the public eye uses the C-word, the exact same claim is made. Now there can't possibly be two "most offensive" words in the English language, because "most" in English means "above all others." I think this needs to be settled right now, for all time, and The Escapist forums are obviously the best place to decide such a thing. So, which is it?

As for my feelings, I take umbrage at the notion that words are "offensive" at all. "Offensive" means "attacking" and words are just sounds and/or pictures that cannot attack. It is intent that gives the words weight. I would've had no problem, personally, spelling out the words in question, but I suspect The Escapist mods would not have approved. That said, this is a legitimate linguistic conversation.

[EDIT: I had forgotten the British take on the C-Word seems a bit less harsh than the US's. I should state that this is within the United-Statesian lexicon]

 

[Thaluikhain]

I'd say the C-word, in general, but context is important. Calling a white man the n-word is going to be different to calling a black woman either of them.

However, this runs the risk of ending up as the Oppresion Olympics.

 

[Blestsol]

N-Word.

Theres no competition between the two.
Even a white man would be pissed getting called one.

I've been called the C-word if its the one I think and I just kinda looked like wtf? And laughed.

 

[Korak the Mad]

I will never say either of those words, for it goes against my internal morals.

 

[OmniscientOstrich]

Considering that one is a racial slur and the other is rather vulgar, but nonetheless merely slang for the female anatomy, that more often than not is directed at both genders, or uttered at no one out of frustration, I'd say the former is somewhat more offensive. Put it this way, no rational person will call you a bigot for using the word ****, there's much more of a taboo on the N-word and rightly so.

 

[Whispering Cynic]

I don't know... isn't being offended by a word a bit childish? They are just words man, don't blow it out of proportion...

 

[Section Crow]

at my school if you say the N word you will get FUCKED UP

my mouth will NEVER say that word

 

[Daystar Clarion]

Just to clear things up, we're talking about **** and ******, yes?

Well, the latter is a racial slur as opposed to the former which is just slang for a woman's genitalia.

Racial slurs tend to rank higher than female sex organs on my insult list.

Context is everything however [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3PJF0YE-x4]

 

[Jegsimmons]

hey if the N word was truly offensive, then black people wouldnt say it and it would be censored on tv.

the c word is just a word that doesn't sit well on the tongue at ALL!!! hell, even as a punchline for a simple joke it feels dirty.

 

[gigastrike]

Yahtzee hasn't said "******" yet.

 

[BloatedGuppy]

I'm not offended by either, as I'm a Caucasian man, so I'm not really in any position to judge. This thread has amazing potential to turn into a complete clusterfuck, though, going by what I'm seeing so far.

 

[GrimTuesday]

I use "the C-word" all the time (although its all ways in reference to guys), and considering it doesn't have the same history that goes with "the N-word", "the C-word is much less offensive. I honestly think that context and tone are more important than the actual words themself.

 

[TheDarkestDerp]

Just to clear things up, we're talking about **** and ****** yes?

Well, the latter is a racial slur as opposed to the former which is just slang for a woman's genetalia.

Racial slurs tend to rank higher than female sex organs on my insult list.

THANK YOU FOR THIS!!!

I am much more offended by people tip-toeing around words like "******" and instead typing "The N word" effectively saying the damn word without saying it, forcing the other party to consciously think about it. It's goddamn ridiculous how people have become so terrified of being tarred with the epithet "racist" because they simply used the word in a sentence, regardless of context or circumstances.

It's a fucking word and it's just that. I'm much more concerned with the person using it and why than just the word itself.

 

[Thaluikhain]

I'm not offended by either, as I'm a Caucasian man, so I'm not really in any position to judge. This thread has amazing potential to turn into a complete clusterfuck, though, going by what I'm seeing so far.

Actually, yeah, it'd be nice if there could have been poll options for people's race and sex in answering the question, but there'd be more combinations than the poll could handle.

 

[imnot]

Yahtzee hasn't said "******" yet.

Actually he made it the speech caption for the covenant on his Halo Reach one.

OT:

I don't know... isn't being offended by a word a bit childish? They are just words man, don't blow it out of proportion...

This.

But if you are I'd say nig*er.
What! I am alowwed to say it right!
See I used a star ! now its just a African country!

 

[attackshark]

at least i assume you mean "******". i'm also assuming you mean "cracker" and not "****". or, hell, maybe you do mean "****". either way.

the point is that it's not the word itself that has any power, but the people. i can sling "******" or "cracker" or "****" left and right, and the only way someone can get upset about it is if they decide to do so. i understand that people get upset over the history of the word "******", but that's exactly what it is: history. we need to break ties to these old ways if we ever hope to move forward.

the only way these so-called "offensive" words have any power is if we give it to them.

further more, i urge anyone here to not omit the spelling because you "find it offensive" or are afraid of offending others. exercise some maturity; no reasonable person will assuming you are attacking them. good communication is the key here, people.

in addition, the above clip from The Boondocks is based on an actual occurrence in my home town of Louisville, Kentucky. i'm not exactly sure if i'm face-palming in disgrace or rolling on the floor laughing about it. but i do know that i love that episoide [of The Boondocks].

 

[Blestsol]

If its cracker... Idk.
Does Cracker really offend white people?

 

[newwiseman]

I'm going with the C-word; just because my ancestors were Quakers doesn't mean you can call me a Cracker, that's our word.

*satire FTW