Nigga vs Nage

Yesterday at work I was sitting with my asian manager working on a project. As we were talking, another asian woman walked up to us and starting speaking chinese to him. I don't know the exact conversation, but during he uttered the words Nage, Nage, that sounded like the word Nigga (in-which I immediately gave him the slanted eye look). After the conversation he noticed my look and I asked him what did he say. He started laughing because he knew immediately what I was thinking and he explained that Nage in chinese means "that." He said he was explaining directions to her and said "that" it was over yonder. (yes I use the word yonder, country and proud).

This lead into an interesting conversation about how he couldn't understand why black people used the word so freely, but get offended if someone else uses it as a term of endearment. At that moment, I paused.

Thought #1 - explain how if I called you a chink, you would get offended, but would not get offended if some other chinese person said it to you in a friendly manner.

Thought #2 - explain how unfortunately, some ignant black folk have shuck and jived there way into fame, by using the term freely and making it cool to call a black man such.

I choose thought #2, but I was thinking thought #1.

He began to talk about how in Queens, he has noticed that in some neighborhoods, (hoods as we say) the term Nigga is used by all races as a term of endearment. I personally have witnessed this. Once I witnessed 2 russians calling each other nigga during a horse play while we were at work.

Chang, as I will call him, admitted that he was not comfortable with using the term. I paused again.

Thought #1 - are you just telling me this so I don't break open a can of angry black man on you.

Thought #2 - maybe he really doesn't fell comfortable and accepts African Americans as equal.

I believe thought #1, but I played it like #2.

I had too, I was at work. LOL

The NU Kid On The Block

Let me first start off by introducing myself. My name is B.O.S.S. Its and acronym for Boldly Overtaking to Save Souls. And B4 you ask me, Yes I am a Christian. I am a black male in my late 20's, Heavyset and proud. My roots stem from being born and raised in West (by God) Virginia. Not Virginia, like the beach, but W-E-S-T Virginia, like the Appalachian Mountains. It is a separate State.

I come from country cooking, southern hospitality, chit-lins, cornbread, and pick-up trucks. Yes, dear family I AM COUNTRY. I wouldn't have it any other way. But, I live in Strong Island NY now, I date a West-Indian girl, and I have taken a liking to Caribbean food, particularly Jerk Chicken. Since I have been in NY for 6 years and counting, I guess I would be considered "Caribbean and Crunk."

This is my first attempt at blogging. I really didnt like the idea of putting my whole life on the internet, but I hear its the thing to do. People sit around all day reading your blogs, your life so they can respond and tell you how jacked up you really are. NOT FOR ME! The reason I'm here is so I have an avenue to talk about whatever is on my mind and I need to get off my chest. Here goes nothing!

1st things 1st. Barack Obama. Thank you for having the courage, to step out and go completely against the grain. For having the Skill to execute one of the most successful campaigns in the history of the USA. For jumping over the hurdles of being black, and raised by a single parent. For becoming a father and a loving husband, despite not having such growing up in Chicago. For taking every political jab thrown at you, and dodging the blows like a skilled boxer. Most importantly, thank you for being a role model for BLACK MEN!!!! I can see the gleam in every black mans eye when Obama is mentioned. I have heard so many men say "Its really possible now, I can do anything I want too." Thanks Joe Biden, for having the courage to stand behind the 1st Black Presidential Nominee, I know you had to take a lot of criticism for that.

Thank you George Bush. For being so bad at running the country that white people would rather vote for a Young, Black Inexperienced Politician and Community Organizer, than vote for a Veteran White rich man who should be receiving his IRA benefits now, instead of running for President. I tip my hat to McCain though, any 70+ white man who is still looking for a job is something to respect. Maybe now he can volunteer at the VA Hospital. Thank you Sarah Palin, for being the 1st Presidential Hottie. Sorry Hillary, you just don't do it for me. Probably not Bill either, hence Monica Lewinski.

Thank you, the reader, for listening to my first blog.