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Is 'Thug' a Racist Word?

By Lincoln Park Dem - Aug 2nd, 2008 at 9:30 pm EDT

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The very definition of the word thug refers to a person from India:

thug (thg)

n. 1. A cutthroat or ruffian; a hoodlum.2. also Thug One of a band of professional assassins formerly active in northern India who worshiped Kali and offered their victims to her.

In recent times 2Pac wrote a song about the definition of a thug, called 'Definition of a Thug':

"Definition Of A Thug Nigga"

"Nobody's, closing me out of my business" [repeat 2X]
[2Pac] My definition of a thug nigga
"Nobody's, closing me out of my business"

[Verse One: 2Pac]

I played the cards I was given, thank God I'm still livin
Pack my nine til it's time to go to prison
As I'm bailin down the block that I come from, still gotta pack a gun
Case some young motherfuckers wanna play dumb
I guess I live life forever jugglin
But I'll be hustlin til the early mornin cause I'm strugglin
Like drinkin liquor make the money come quicker
Gettin pages from my bitch it's time to dick her
I ain't in love with her, I just wanna be the one to hit her
Drop off and let the next nigga get her
That's the way it goes, it's time to shake a hoe, make the dough
Break a hoe when it's time to make some mo'
I keep my finger on the trigger of my Glock
Ridin down the block lickin shots at the punk-ass *cops*
And spittin game through my mobile phone
The type of shit to get them hoes to bone
My Definition of a Thug Nigga

[Chorus: (various samples)]

"Tis the season, to be servin" "What you doin?"
"Mob-mobbin like a motherfucker" -- [Snoop Doggy Dogg]
[repeat 3X]
"Tis the season, to be servin" [scratched by Warren G]

[Verse Two: 2Pac]

Well I roll with a crew of zoo niggaz
They're quick to pulle a nine when it's time do niggaz
Comin through like I'm two niggaz, a true nigga fuck a Zig Zag
Roll me a blunt and pass that brew nigga
I'm drivin drunk on the freeway, so take it ea-sy
Lookin for a new face to skeeze me
Everybody's lookin for a nut but I'm searchin for the big bucks
Give a fuck, rather die than be stuck
in a one-room shack, and, kickin back
Daydreamin with the nine in my lap (huh)
So how's that from the mind of a Thug Nigga
Bought a fo'-five cause I heard that the slug's bigger
Figure the first motherfucker to jump'll find hisself
gettin swept off his feet by the pump
I put that on my moms, word to the motherfuckin trigger
Before I go broke I'll be a drug dealer, a Thug Nigga

[Chorus]

[Verse Three: 2Pac]

Short than a motherfucker snatched up by one-time
Make a phone call and be back to ball by lunchtime
So here we go, we in the inner city
I keep my hand on my gat and stay cool, my attitude is shitty
Niggaz don't like me cause I'm makin ends
Roll in a Benz and I blaze a blunt, cause I'm all in
And any nigga trying to take what I got'll
hafta deal with the sixteen-shot Glock (huh)
So here we go, I can't be faded
Happy in the motherfucker, finally made it
Got my money in my pocket, finger on the trigger
And I ain't takin shit from no niggaz
I'm just tryin to make some money right
Put some motherfuckin food in my tummy right
I'm feelin good like I'm supposed to, ready to ball
Find a spot and we can serve em all
My Definition of a Thug Nigga

[Outro: (various samples)]

"Tis the season, to be servin"
"Mobbin like a motherfucker, every single day" -- [Snoop Doggy Dogg]
[2Pac] My Definition of a Thug Nigga
[repeat 3X]
"Tis the season, to be servin" [scratched by Warren G]

"Nobody's, closing me out of my business" [continually scratched to near end]

It has been said that once you are aware of a word being offensive, you refrain from using it.

P.S. Obama is not a 'thug'..a very racist and negative word by definition.

The word, 'THUG' is the new 'N' word. Now you know.

http://plaistedwrites.blogspot.com/2008/07/thug-is-new-n-word.html

http://www.620wtmj.com/shows/charliesykes/25752709.html?blog=y

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Every American I know

By WOMAN Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:36 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:36 pm EDT)

Every American I know, heck, every human being I know, uses the word "thug" in the first definition you offered, not the second.

thug (thg)

n. 1. A cutthroat or ruffian; a hoodlum

Re: Every American I know

By WOMAN Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:41 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:41 pm EDT)

Heck, Fonzy on Happy Days was referred to as a thug in the '50's.

Re: Every American I know

By Irlandese Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:43 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:43 pm EDT)

I'm sure LPD got some sort of childish thrill out of putting racial slurs up and getting to argue about them. Let's all move on, shall we?

It isn't inherently.

By Mikey Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:36 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:36 pm EDT)

It depends on the usage of the word. I take it as a racist statement when used to describe Obama, as a less divisive word could have been chosen. By the way you need to watch the "fruit", "queen" thing as well. It comes of the same way.

Re: It isn't inherently.

By Lincoln Park Dem Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:39 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:39 pm EDT)

lest not forget that the word 'queen' or 'drama queen' is/are not a racial word, but is not be used as it is offensive. I dare say that no one uses the word 'thug' in a postitive context.

I recall the 'rule' being that if you are made aware of a words negative connotations and how it offends, you refrain from using it out of common courtesy.

Re: It isn't inherently.

By WOMAN Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:45 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:45 pm EDT)

What Politically Correct school did you go to?

Aren't you referring to words used as weapons?

Those terms used against Gay males are used in the context of being a weapon. Therefore, they are offensive.

Thug is not a "race word". I think you're reaching and not quite getting there.

Fonzy was considered to be a thug in the 50's.

Re: It isn't inherently.

By Irlandese Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:42 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:42 pm EDT)

Then let's get rid of this baloney double-standard. What else is going to get called "racist" from now on? When the African-American community will quit the racial slurs against themselves and everyone else, that'll be a start. A slur is a slur. The "N" word needs to go. That is obviously a racist slur. "Thug"? Not even close. How about we do COMPLETELY away with "ho" and "bitch"? Now those are slurs I never wish to hear on MSM ever again.

Re: It isn't inherently.

By Mikey Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:45 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:45 pm EDT)

I am being honest in my perception. I think you would be surprised how many in the African American community are sensitive about being painted as thugs.

Re: Where?

By Lincoln Park Dem Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:40 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:40 pm EDT)

Are the people of India a race? Rest my case.

Re: Where?

By Mikey Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:40 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:40 pm EDT)

It is racially charged to me Paul. Maybe it is a generational thing, but that is how it feels. I wish a different word had been chosen. I'm not trying to accuse anyone, but I'm trying to explain an honest perception.

Re: Where?

By Irlandese Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:48 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:48 pm EDT)

Mikey--I know in my heart that you are a good person. But if you persist in making every , negative word said against BO a "racist" comment, you will dilute what is truly racist and what is simply derogatory. "Stupid" is an insult. "Stupid bitch" is a sexist insult. Same applies here. Thug is interchangeable with any race, religion, or gender. It is not a racist term. I will not take it off my table of acceptable terms.

Re: Where?

By Mikey Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:51 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:51 pm EDT)

I am not attacking anyone, but it is a fair question. A word like "bully" works just as well, without any other connotation being applied. I grant benefit of the doubt to those here about this, but other may not.

Re: Where?

By Irlandese Aug 2nd 2008 at 10:00 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 10:00 pm EDT)

Look up XTC's song "No Thugs in Our House". It doesn't have one single reference to anybody's race. Now please get some thicker skin. You are going to need it in the next few months when the mudslinging really starts. And quit telling me it's okay for AA's to say the "N" word. It's never okay.

Re: Pathetic

By Lincoln Park Dem Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:40 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:40 pm EDT)

I would ask you to ask an AA if it offensive...I did and thus the reason for this post.

It IS offensive.

Re: Pathetic

By WOMAN Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:48 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:48 pm EDT)

That is their personal reaction. I cannot control their personal reaction. However, I would not call a person a thug anyway.

Re: Pathetic

By Mikey Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:41 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:41 pm EDT)

In my generation and younger it is very much racial in the American mainstream.

Re: Pathetic

By Lincoln Park Dem Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:43 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:43 pm EDT)

it is a racist word. Now you aware that the word offends African American's. If you use it, you do so knowing it is a racist word.

Re: Pathetic

By Irlandese Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:56 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:56 pm EDT)

Baloney, LPD, nice try.

Re: Pathetic

By Lincoln Park Dem Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:44 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:44 pm EDT)

good. Than I'm sure you would not use a word that offends others knowing what it feels like.

Re: Pathetic

By Lincoln Park Dem Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:45 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:45 pm EDT)

Ask any AA. The word is racially charged to the point a AA wrote as song about AA' being called thugs.

Re: Pathetic

By Mikey Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:47 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:47 pm EDT)

I'm 31, and if you look at the hip hop world, the word thug has a very clear meaning attached to it. I'm not trying to argue with anyone here, so please don't take it that way. I'm just trying to state my perspective.

Re: Pathetic

By Irlandese Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:55 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:55 pm EDT)

And who popularized that term in context with the African-American community? No white person would ever dare put that kind of garbage on a CD and sell them in chain stores. You need to hold your own accountable, and quit expecting everyone else to adhere to a double-standard. 2Pac died and broke his mother's heart. He should have stuck to acting. He was brilliant in "Poetic Justice".

Re: Pathetic

By Irlandese Aug 2nd 2008 at 10:44 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 10:44 pm EDT)

The "hip-hop" world? And who created that world? Again, the double-standard. "We can call ourselves whatever we want, but you can't". If the world of negative racial slurs was a country club, I wouldn't be able to get in. And I wouldn't want to. Mikey, I think your sensitivity is directed towards the wrong place.

Re: Pathetic

By WOMAN Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:55 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:55 pm EDT)

I'm 47 yrs. and the only times I've heard it were within the AA community to discribe one another, in the same way as the N word, and when my Papa (old timer) or GrandPapa would be talking about a troublemaker (white) in the small city; so I don't ever think of it as a specific race word.

Like Jack said, I feel it's more a descriptive word about behavior.

It is, after all, a noun!!!

Re: Pathetic

By WOMAN Aug 2nd 2008 at 10:08 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 10:08 pm EDT)

Ops, I miswrote, which is why I don't edit other's writings when I have a headcold! The meds are kicking in, so I think I'll go watch tv now. hahaha!

Re: Pathetic

By Lincoln Park Dem Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:48 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:48 pm EDT)

I KNOW it offends AA's and therefore do not use it. Now you are aware.

Re: Pathetic

By WOMAN Aug 2nd 2008 at 10:15 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 10:15 pm EDT)

Linc, how often did you use the word "THUG" before? You make it sound like it was a frequently used word in your vocabulary.

Thug

By Lincoln Park Dem Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:49 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:49 pm EDT)

it is the new 'N' word:

Link

Re: Thug

By Lincoln Park Dem Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:50 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:50 pm EDT)

again, Thug the new 'N' word:

Link

I suggest you google, 'thug a racial word'. You will get over half a million hits.

Re: Pathetic

By Mikey Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:54 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 9:54 pm EDT)

I'm not blaming anyone. I'm not trying to bait anyone. Just like you I am answering this question.

Re: Every American I know

By Terry Aug 2nd 2008 at 10:04 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 10:04 pm EDT)

Here you go thought they were Italians

Link

Re: Isnt it funny.

By Terry Aug 2nd 2008 at 10:07 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 10:07 pm EDT)

Italians used it

Link

Re: Isnt it funny.

By Blueberry Aug 2nd 2008 at 10:13 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 10:13 pm EDT)

Nice. While you all are hollering...why don't you do a little research on the topic? You don't take LPD word for it? Or Mikey? FINE. Look for yourself and you'll find plenty of supporting information.....the current definition of THUG is a low-life from the ghetto....BLACK ghetto.

Now, replace thug with queen in "The word thug has been used forever" and perhaps way down deep inside you'll see that nugget of truth that you have stepped over the line here. THUG does have racial overtones out here in America....and if you ask around your community a bit, you'll discover it is true even in rural Indiana.

MARKED -

By WOMAN Aug 2nd 2008 at 10:53 pm EDT (Updated Aug 2nd 2008 at 10:53 pm EDT)

MY TIME STAMP MARKS THE TIME I NOTICED LINC EDIT HER POST - THE ORIGINAL DID NOT HAVE THE LAST THREE SENTENCES ON IT:

The word, 'THUG' is the new 'N' word. Now you know.

Link

http://www.620wtmj.com/shows/c harliesykes/25752709.html?blog =y

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