Politics and The N-Word, According to Samuel L. Jackson

Monday Feb 13, 2012 – by Thembi Ford

Samuel L. Jackson is probably not the first name that comes to mind when you’re seeking a solid opinion on the political process, and some of the comments he makes during an interview for the March 2012 is of Ebony demonstrate why. As told to Kevin Powell and reported to the New York Post:

On Barack Obama:

“I voted for Barack because he was black. ’Cuz that’s why other folks vote for other people — because they look like them,”

“That’s American politics, pure and simple. [Obama’s] message didn’t mean [bleep] to me. In the end, he’s a politician. I just hoped he would do some of what he said he was gonna do. I know politicians say [bleep]; they lie. ’Cuz they want to get elected.”

On Race and Politics:

“When it comes down to it, they wouldn’t have elected a n–ger. Because, what’s a n–ger? A n–ger is scary. Obama ain’t scary at all. N–gers don’t have beers at the White House. N–gers don’t let some white dude, while you in the middle of a speech, call [him] a liar. A n–ger would have stopped the meeting right there and said, ‘Who the [bleep] said that?’ I hope Obama gets scary in the next four years, ’cuz he ain’t gotta worry about getting re-elected.”

On the n-word:

“[It] became a part of my vocabulary when I was born . . . Because it was used on me in my house, often . . . I know the word [bleep] as an admonishment, an endearment, a criticism and an invective. So I use it; I don’t run from it. I don’t have an issue with it or wh.o says it. I always put it in the context of how it was used on me.”

I’m not even sure what to think…in one sense he is expressing some sentiments that many of us have felt. In another he’s a little bit out of order.

What do you think?

LN says:

February 13, 2012 at 12:49 pm

is he saying N**ga or N**ger? I guess you can’t fault him for being true to who he is. Was this a sober interview? Sam is one crazy mofo and I find him very entertaining, but he isn’t alone with his feelings on politics. I can’t say I respect his reasoning for the use of the N word. It’s like saying, I think it’s okay to abuse someone because that’s what was done to me when I was growing up. The reasoning makes no sense to me but what do I know. I’m not a millionaire, just an average civilian who hates the word.

↑ Reply

Elle says:

February 13, 2012 at 1:10 pm

*blank stare* I don’t know why they bother asking certain people their opinions in regards to such things.
http://www.ellecherieamour.wordpress.com

African Mami says:

February 13, 2012 at 1:19 pm

His political statement was right on: Politicians lie. It is what it is. I’m with him. Although, I side eyed him for having voted for Obama because he was black. How about voting for him on the merit of his lies?!

Now the n-word. I do not care whether you were raised in a household that used in various contexts, BUT he should know better. Particularly for the simple fact of him having born during that heightened era of racism. C’mon son!

Trey says:

February 13, 2012 at 1:35 pm

I appreciate his honesty. That resonates with me more than most politicians entire speeches ever do.

LovelyAnon says:

February 13, 2012 at 2:14 pm

I appreciate his honesty, I’m glad someone spoke up. While I dont agree with the use of the N- word. I agree with him when it comes to politics, all politicians lie, so you vote for the one you can relate to the most. I too voted for Obama because he’s black. So did a lot of other black people, but they dont like to admit it.

Rastaman says:

February 13, 2012 at 2:37 pm

I like Sam Jackson as an actor but Snakes On a Plane was a horrible role in a horrible movie. I say that because his comments in this article are equally bad as social commentary and I did not go into this expecting anything profound. Maybe on another issue he is much more insightful, so I will give him the benefit of the doubt. Since I respect the man as a performer, I will hope he is able to give those comments further thought and understand why it is important to better argue his viewpoint. .

dvine says:

February 13, 2012 at 4:30 pm

Fkn love him..

Perverted Alchemist says:

February 13, 2012 at 4:49 pm

Maybe it’s just me, but I thought the word he had the most affinity towards was “Motherf#$#er”, LMAO!!!!

oneal says:

February 13, 2012 at 8:15 pm

so funny Me and my girl was just talking about the use of the word NI**A and why our black people use it so much t o get a point across…

again I say this there is no Black Culture in America…Blacks don’t have respect for themselves here in america, not all but a good majority of them. To use such a word and have other raqcist use the word when talking, rapping or just expression themselve is sad…Why is that blacks don’t talk like that or use the word Nigga around white folks…I say Fuck you all NI**A’s!!! and I s ay that to say that my Black people would n’t mind me saying that cause I”m BLACK…SMH.

Johnny Waller says:

February 14, 2012 at 4:39 am

Well to be quite Honest his assessment of Polititions is correct!also the people on wall street are crooks… but his use of certain words in his Vanacular should not be used because the word was first used by Racist people to talk to black people and some how its become mainstream in black culture and ideology..I`m sure thats what he calls his children and family members(Ni$$ers), but i dont speak to my children like that and my father didnt speck like that!..If you could ask Fredrick Douglass is it for blacks to speak to each other that way what would you think he would say? and it has nothing to do with the times and relevance to time…what do you really believe his answer would be.If Mr Jackson wants to call his children and family and others Ni$$ers then thats his thing,but dont as a celeb figure that young children may look up to talk like a baffoon.And he is no Blacker that Me,I was a Black Panther and Marched and did things just like he did!in the Civil rights era,, I hear it enough in Rap Music!I guess Old Sam would refer to Dr,King as a Ni%%er Then. but who am I but the guy on the couch!

Alexandra says:

February 14, 2012 at 7:49 pm

Oh wow, I read those quotes in his voice. It sounds hilarious.