Reply #85: Huckleberry Finn used the "N word" but that doesn't mean it is ok

[yellowcanine]

to use it in polite conversation. "Little Black Sambo" was extremely popular and part of the cultural landscape for several generations as was the "Eeny Meany miney mo, catch a N----- by the toe" children's rhyme. The "cultural landscape" is not a very good place to go looking for colloqial expressions. The cultural landscape of that time reflected the culture - which was racist. This argument reflects the arguments over the Confederate flag (yes I know, there is no such thing). Yes it is a cultural symbol but it is a racist one as well. Racism is going to trump culture every time. That is why I cringe when I hear "Eeny Meany Miney mo" with "Tiger" substituted for the "N" word. Maybe it will be ok in 100 years, but not now.