John Mayer Black Women, “Nigger Pass” Controversy
John Mayer is having a midlife crisis….That’s the only logical explanation for why the “Clarity” crooner lost his damn mind and sprouted off a bevy of racially-charged foolishness in an interview with the March issue of Playboy Magazine. Mayer raised eyebrows Wednesday with an excessively-candid chat in which he makes crass remarks about former girlfriend Jessica Simpson, declares that his dick “don’t do Black,” and uses the phrase “Nigger Pass” in a jovial nature.
Do White people still not understand that the “N-Word” is not one that they should be using?!
Oh John, we know you’re prone to idiotic comments, but you’ve really outdone yourself this time. Over the last 24 hours, the dickhead has managed to spread his tomfoolery far and wide by spurting racist comments, offensive language, and entirely too much information about his sex life. He even likened his “manhood” to David Duke, a prominent KKK member who used to walk around in a Nazi uniform. That is not an individual you want to compare yourself to in the post-Civil Rights era. Check out what we mean after the jump……
MAYER: Someone asked me the other day, “What does it feel like now to have a hood pass?” And by the way, it’s sort of a contradiction in terms, because if you really had a hood pass, you could call it a nigger pass. Why are you pulling a punch and calling it a hood pass if you really have a hood pass? But I said, “I can’t really have a hood pass. I’ve never walked into a restaurant, asked for a table and been told, ‘We’re full.’”
PLAYBOY: It is true; a lot of rappers love you. You recorded with Common and Kanye West, played live with Jay-Z.
MAYER: What is being black? It’s making the most of your life, not taking a single moment for granted. Taking something that’s seen as a struggle and making it work for you, or you’ll die inside. Not to say that my struggle is like the collective struggle of black America. But maybe my struggle is similar to one black dude’s.
PLAYBOY: Do black women throw themselves at you?
MAYER: I don’t think I open myself to it. My di@k is sort of like a white supremacist. I’ve got a Benetton heart and a fu@kin’ David Duke cock. I’m going to start dating separately from my di@k.
PLAYBOY: Let’s put some names out there. Let’s get specific.
MAYER: I always thought Holly Robinson Peete was gorgeous. Every white dude loved Hilary from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. And Kerry Washington. She’s superhot, and she’s also white-girl crazy. Kerry Washington would break your heart like a white girl. Just all of a sudden she’d be like, “Yeah, I sucked his di@k. Whatever.” And you’d be like, “What? We weren’t talking about that.” That’s what “Heartbreak Warfare” is all about, when a girl uses jealousy as a tactic.
John has since apologized for using the “N-word.”
“I am sorry that I used the word,” he Tweeted a few hours ago. “And it’s such a shame that I did because the point I was trying to make was in the exact opposite spirit of the word itself. It was arrogant of me to think I could intellectualize using it, because I realize that there’s no intellectualizing a word that is so emotionally charged.”
What's Hot at PopCrunch?
On February 10th 2010, Breva wrote:
What’s the big fucking deal? For real, man. I don’t see what’s the big deal with this.
On February 10th 2010, Castina wrote:
He’s white and using a racial slur used to demean African American….for me, that’s a problem. Secondly, he compared himself to White Supremacist David Duke…also a “big deal.”
On February 11th 2010, Hanna wrote:
I love that his apology only extends to the use of THAT word: not his sexualization and marginalization of black women, or better yet, descendants of enslaved Africans in America. Aside from his crass language and infatuation with the black experience in America, Mayer’s banter may well have been another pre-Civil Rights diatribe. He is talented musician, (who owes A LOT to African Americans for his musical influence), yet short-sighted and obviously thinking with his teeny, weeny racist head. Pass revoked!
He should go party with the Klan or Prince Harry. Better yet, where’s “The Bear Jew” when you need him?
On February 11th 2010, mark wrote:
What a bunch of clueless idiots people are. Blacks go all knee-jerk when Whites use their affectionate term for each other, all while missing the actual context of the comments. Grow up already!
On February 11th 2010, Jonathan wrote:
What do you expect from a mutant inbred albino?
I love it when the “white” male expresses how he truly feels after taking some coke…….The thing is Black women are so caught up in being accepted that they are begining to defend this guy. LOL
Black people get of the “We are The World” drug.
On February 11th 2010, Castina wrote:
Using that word is wrong for ANYONE. Just because someone else does something wrong doesn’t mean you should do it, too. If Blacks people went and jumped off the damn MTV Building, would you do that too, simpleton? Some of you are so mindless.
On February 11th 2010, Ebony wrote:
The Playboy interviewer asks if black women throw themselves at him. Mayer replied: “I don’t think I open myself to it. My d*** is sort of like a white supremacist. I’ve got a Benetton heart and a f***in’ David Duke c***.
Guess what John, Black women don’t want you. PROBLEM SOLVED!
http://www.ebonyinspired.com/?p=16836
On February 11th 2010, Esko wrote:
I think his “Hood Pass” just got revoked.
I hope he was being stupidly sarcastic cause I still think he’s sexy…. and If not .. I’m sure I could make him love all women of color >_>
Although, having said that…. I really think he’s gotten a little too cocky. He needs to take several steps back and check himself.
Humble John>>>Cocky John
On February 11th 2010, Deodato wrote:
I agree. I don’t see the big deal. It’s such a double standard. Black call whites names and joke around all the time. A white man says one word, all hell breaks lose. Blacks want equality, shouldn’t whites be aloud to use racists words that blacks are known to use for whites?
On February 11th 2010, Jay T wrote:
I think it’s all about context.
I work in the post office and we call each other ‘Nigger’ all the time. Black to Black.
If a white person jokes and calls us nigger we rip him a new ar***ehole verbally. Is that a double standard, yes, but we do it, because it’s joking, where as a lot of times when a white guy says it, it’s in the context of demeaning.
I give props for Mayer being a straight shooter, finally I know what a lot of white people think. They wouldn’t touch a black women.
There will never be equality, only more tolerance.
On February 11th 2010, wuh wrote:
I don’t really like John Mayer but that is not offensive in context.
It is my humble opinion that everyone who is getting upset about this is an enormous blubbering pussy.
“if you really a hood pass, you could call it a n***** pass”
I guess he really didn’t have a hood pass.
On February 11th 2010, filmklassik wrote:
Yeah, I’m confused too. What is the deal with this one (admittedly horrible) word? Blacks use it among — and TO — each other all the time.
Here is an analogy that may help to bring this bizarre contradiction into sharper focus.
Can we all agree that “cunt” is an insanely offensive word? Of course we can. Call a woman a “cunt” and, in most cases, you have made yourself an enemy for life.
But you don’t hear women using “cunt” among each other! At least not affectionately. I have yet to overhear some variation of: “You girls are gonna love Margie! She’s my cunt!”
And by the same token, you don’t see Jews using the word “kike” among each other, as in “Way to go, Rabbi! You’re my kike!”
But let’s not pretend that many blacks (particularly males) are not still using “nigger” in the most casual way possible. “You’re my niggah!” and “Nigger, whaaattt?” Etc.
You gotta admit: Labeling something the vilest word ever created and then using it casually among yourselves is pretty bizarre.
On February 12th 2010, John wrote:
First we must look at age. When older blacks hear that word, it means something different to them than a younger crowd under 30. The word was used to oppress black people and it carries hate, family members being hosed, raped, and all other meanings into the psyche of black America. So on that note, blacks especially in hip hop tried to reduce the sting of the word n**ga by using it as a term of endearment. And since Hip Hop has crossed over to whites now, (because at one point it was n*gga music) and gone mainstream, whites even use it as a term of endearment with their black and white friends. Now while I don’t agree that it should be used period, I think we all need to take a more careful approach in using that word. Whites need to be more sympathetic and not use it at all period, because of the history that their forefathers used it to oppress black people. Black people need not to use it because it is offensive to some, contradicts who we are, and it is confusing to a new generation today.
As far as blacks joking about whites and we are always on a double standard, I think that is bogus. All of us need to see what the context is, and if it is in poor taste, then address it. The problem is today that word carries too much weight and has mixed reactions among all races, including blacks.
While we may never solve this debate, we can all learn from each other and move forward with an eye of respect of self, and then others.
Peace.
On February 12th 2010, TrgdyAnn wrote:
Of course YOU aren’t offended and just don’t get it. I spent money on his music for my daughter and he disrespects me this way? I could care less who or WHAT his sexual preference is, but don’t call-out and slur Black Women, the way he did! BTW, I want my money back John Mayer!!!!!!!
On February 12th 2010, Jack wrote:
When read in context, it’s kinda obvious he was trying to prove a point.
And by comparing his dick to a white supremacist , he’s saying he’s attracted to black woman, but can’t have sex with them. Many people aren’t sexually attracted to other races. That’s fine. He was trying to be funny about it but people are a little too anal and politically correct these days.
On February 12th 2010, Ronnie wrote:
I don’t think he should thrown under the bus for his comment!he was just being honest!
On February 12th 2010, Nik-Nak wrote:
I have never referred to the term “hood pass” as a “ni**er pass”. Nobody does, so I don’t know where he got that from. Frankly, I am a little tired of white people period. They want to be like us,but when it comes to really being with us, they choose to stay in their zone. I see black influence everywhere, but we are still treated like sludge on the bottom of the human race pole. I can care less who he sleeps with. He is probably intimidated, because his tool is lacking, which is a turn off to any sista. The comparison to David Duke was the cake topper for me. Do not worry John, keep your “ni**er pass, and you can have my fan pass too.
On February 12th 2010, Joie wrote:
Point 1. John is an idiot, not a racist.
Point 2. He owes black women specifically an apology. We are a large part of his fanbase. We don’t want to f@ck you, John. You just don’t need to insult the people who buy your music.
Point 3. Most black women aren’t attracted to white men either. Too soft. Too short usually (in all aspects if you know what I mean). We breathe a collective sigh of relief!
Point 4. You owe a public apology to Jessica Simpson! If I were her I’d sue your a@@!
Point 5. Apologize to your parents for being such a freaking jacka@@!
Point 6. Get some help, dude! How someone can surpass the age of 30 and NOT KNOW when to turn on the d@mn filter is beyond me!
On February 12th 2010, Reneenee wrote:
I just deleted all John Mayer music (including his collaborations with black artists) from my iTunes. I particularly enjoyed the part when iTunes asked me what I wanted to do with the files… I chose “Move to Trash” because that is what we now know John Mayer to be- racist trash.
On February 13th 2010, Lee wrote:
“Do White people still not understand that the “N-Word” is not one that they should be using?!”
This sentence in itself is racist! Why shouldn’t “they” use it? We all live an equal society. Not allowing a certain ethnic group to use the word when others can throw it around so loosely is discriminatory. I can understand if the word was used as a direct insult at someone but when this supposedly highly offensive word is used in every other sentence among eachother in the black community it kind of loses its offensive power.
On February 13th 2010, Wayne wrote:
You were acting like a maniac, and you threatened her with a bomb!
I said I didn’t have a bomb! – You said “bomb.”
I said, “It’s not like I have a bomb.”
You said “bomb” on an airplane.
What’s wrong with saying “bomb” on an airplane?
You can’t say “bomb.”
On February 13th 2010, will wrote:
I hate the fact that we as black people are supposed to walk on our tippy toes and be afriad to pull the race card…people already know what their saying when they say it and if we do feel like somthing is racist then we should speak up….its just that certain whites dont like to be called out when they do some racist bull …..honestly what is the race card?…and what does it truly mean
On February 13th 2010, Barb wrote:
Is it me or are there a ton of socially inept dudes running around? John Mayer is clearly one of them. He doesn’t think before he speaks. Pay attention what he says or has said in the past. This goes deeper than racism. He’s a weirdo!!
On February 13th 2010, debby wrote:
White people just do not get it. I don’t care what you see other blacks saying and doing to each other. YOU cannot use the N-word—PERIOD. No exceptions. Never mind what the blacks are doing. Idiots! And why do you want to use the word anyway? I dare you to use it around a black person and see if you don’t get your butt kicked!
On February 13th 2010, Joanne wrote:
LOL. I bet when he walks the streets of atlanta, he will be getting a lot of raised eyebrows. John.. you are not a comedian but you are A JOKE. heheheh
Signed
a white female who doesnt want to f** you either lol
On February 14th 2010, MEL wrote:
It quite obvious that John Mayer is an insecure pathetic little boy, who is trying to prove his manhood by bragging about all his sexual conquests. He has yet to bed a Black woman for fear that his inadequacies would be revealed. He is a man-whore with lose lips. I know that all of his ex-lovers are ashamed that they had anything to do with him. A fool speaks before he thinks.
On February 14th 2010, Whatever wrote:
Are you all stupid or what? He said IF he really had a “hood pass” he could call it a “nigger pass”. That means, IF he was truly accepted as being the same as someone black from the hood, he would ACTUALLY be able to use the word “nigger” without anyone blinking an eye. This crazy reaction everyone is having to him saying ” nigger” just proves that he never really did have that “nigger pass”. That being said, I’m white & I can’t stand that guy, & I think his music is for tasteless p*ssies. I mean, he’s a grown man singing that g&y sh!t & p*ssifying the guitar. Only 11 year old girls should enjoy that crap. If black people like his p*ssy music, then I guess he should watch what he’s saying a little more closely so as not to offend, & lose money. I think in general, white people aren’t racist, maybe a little racial-biased, but who isn’t? Most people have simple minds that group “these people” & “those people” as all the same or completely different. Good luck changing that type of thinking in everyone of every race. Perhaps black people should stop calling themselves niggers, if they want the rest of the world to stop using that term. It’s a little goofy that you have a derogatory word for each other, but it’s only derogatory when other races use it. It just seems a little stupid to the rest of us. Us white people don’t have a secret slur we call each other that you’re not allowed to use. Think about it.
On February 14th 2010, bsbfankaren wrote:
I could care less about John Mayer using the “N” word although the mass media seems to be fixated on the term, nor do I care if he or any other White man chooses to have sex with black women. What I am absolutely upset about his is need to not only denigrate Kerry Washington in particular and Black women in general by making it clear that the only one’s he even comes close to deining as good enough are those that “act white”! It is jumping neck deep into a very hurtful stereotype, and he has yet to apologize for it in any way shape or form. And to be honest, I really don’t see anyone in the media expecting him to.
So, I would personally like him to take his KKK member of a ….welll, member…and understand that this particular Black woman will never again add to his deep pockets.
Hey! Too bad his bank account isn’t “White Supremecist” as well!
On February 14th 2010, Anthony wrote:
First and foremost, I am not surprised at all by his comment. Personally, I know (not think or believe) that he said EXACTLY what majority of white people think. I do not care for his apology for the simple fact that he did not take into consideration of its sensitivity and give thought to his answer before opening his mouth. He said what he meant and he meant what he said, period,
On February 14th 2010, imleh wrote:
An open letter to John mayer.
Dear douchebag congratulations on producing these emotions with in me filled with pure hatred against you. No other celebrity no matter how annoying he or she is has ever sparked these emotions, emotions I did not even know I had. You seem to be so incredibly arrogant, selfish, and uncivilized your mother did a horrible job rasing you.That some people compare you to BB king and eric clapton is beyond me, clearly these people dont know good music. You are sooooo fake I dont buy this whole im a sensitive guitar playing renaissance man who is a romantic at heart. You are a douchebag, no one knew who you were until you started fucking jessica simpson. You are clearly smart in some way because you manipulated your way in to some A list celebs lives and used them to your advantage.
I think this world would be a better place if you were eliminated…
On February 15th 2010, MISTY wrote:
Being a Black woman and a John Mayer fan, this is shocking. It seemed like he was being his cocky self. I think he thought that he was going to get a pass for his crude actions. Can we call that a rude pass? I don’t think so, I was just listening to a John Mayer song when I heard of that episode and I have not returned to the album. I don’t know what to do. Some people said in their comments that he should apologize to black women. That is insulting to black women if he does. It would show how more pathetic he is, it is already pathetic if an adult apologizes for their actions. He said what he meant. Don’t apologize John, keep it, and stand up for what you said and show people the real you. Kerry Washington should put a hit out on you, for making a statement that she is a co@k sucker. Now that was so rude stuff. I think we can all believe that you are a homosexual too. Perez Hilton I apologize, I should have believed you. can we be friends? I know that most would not agree with me that he can keep his apology, but that is the way I feel. I never do anything that I would regret or have to apologize for.
Next about the comment of ni**a and ni**er. People are mixing this sh@t up. BLACK PEOPLE do not call each other. ni**er. There no er on the back of that double g. it is an A, get that right. I did not read one comment that clarified that. White people stop thinking that you can use the word. We do not run around saying what up white trash or honky, so just stop. There is no double standard or misconception. There is a clear out cry of racism in the white American community. You people are not going to let the black man forget the past and you will enforce and remind us of the torment you forefathers in posed on our forefathers. You do it every day with this African American bull. Sorry last time I checked; I did not come from a bush, I did not come over here by, plan, train or any other traveling device and I only speak English. I do not call you people Anglo American or cocus American. So do not call me anything other than American. I think black are the true Americans; we are stolen and brought to this hell hole. If anything call us stolen Americans. While we are on this subject of using derogatory names towards our owe race. I can say that I have personally heard white people call eachother white trash, hillbillies, honky (that is a word that was made by whites for white men that dated black women and would honky for them to come out, instead of getting out of their cars and knocking on the door , in fear that they would get their ass beat), powder, redneck and other racist terms. I should know 85% of my friends are white. I have heard Asians and Hispanics do the same thing. This things are not as common or noticed, because we are not focusing on the issues. All the word is waiting for is the destruction of the black population and community. But the truth is without us, this world would be dull, boring and lifeless. We are what makes America, we are the favor, the vibe, and the life. So boooooooooooooo all of you who accept what john said and I WILL SEE YOU IN HELL, FROM HEAVEN!
On February 15th 2010, Shemyle wrote:
I find the fact people got upset with the african-american women statement. Did anyone catch what he said at the end? “I’m going to start dating separately from my di@k.” meaning he’s not okay with the fact that he only gets physically charged from white women, and he wants to start dating outside of the physical charge. He WANTS to open up his dating life to african-american women.
Why is it that we have to define everything by color? The questions being asked were racially charged. How else was he supposed to answer them? He tried to find a deeper meaning in his answers, though using the “n-word” is not the proper way.
Being an African-American woman, I am not offended at all. Some people just don’t understand how to get their point across. Don’t point the finger at the person when its society who has defined relationships in this world by color.
On February 15th 2010, julian wrote:
what people are failing to mention in these comments is that NOT ALL African-Americans use that word. Im african american myself and i dont agree with using it.
its obviously a part of a particular culture that has curiously and interestingly grown to be used more often. however, that does not mean that it makes sense.
white people might get upset because some black use it between themselves and they arent allowed to. one thing that people dont mention is that african-americans have gone through several hundred years of oppression while the white americans obviously didnt.
so… can you really blame someone (white, black, green or brown) for being offended when that word is used… ?
On February 15th 2010, Cracker_Arse_Ninja wrote:
While we discuss offensive language. I think everytime a rapper says ‘cracker’ of even ‘white devil’ the same stink should be made….Such double standards….
On February 15th 2010, annie86 wrote:
Not all black people use the n-word. I doubt many black women are throwing themeselves at him. So his d_k is a white supremist. Does that mean he has a desire to rape and otherwise demean and enslave black women? On one hand men like this are attracted to black women, but the racist in them want to punish us for his desires. He needs a psychiatrist. Is it any surprise that this black woman hating white man is so big with hip hop? Hip hop in its populist form is not a friend to the black woman.
On February 16th 2010, me wrote:
I think if you want racial tension to be eliminated, you need to separate race from culture. These terms correlating the word, “nigger” to “hood” has everything to do with a kind of culture, and not race. This making his comment more related to culture. The people that take offense to what he said are people that subscribe to the fallacy known as “Black Culture.
There should be no such thing as a culture that you are genetically disposed to. Being white surely does not mean you have to be a certain way, just as being a black person should not mean you are “hood”. This is most certainly a silly debate because none of you guys have studied sociology and do not understand what race does to culture and the stereotypes that result. Read a textbook!
On February 17th 2010, TrgdyAnn wrote:
What one of John Mayers fans sent me. Was this called for?
JoshluvsApril : @TrgdyAnn Mayer don’t owe u fucking niggers anything. U will always be inferior lol about 7 hours ago
On February 17th 2010, TrgdyAnn wrote:
And as far as the ‘N’ word goes, I NEVER use it and don’t glorify ANYONE, no matter what race they are, who does use it!
http://trgdyann.blogspot.com/2010/02/john-owes-black-women-apology.html
On March 12th 2010, tina wrote:
I don’t think there is anything wrong with what he said, there are tons of pple who use the n word they just dont get caught, and what is it with black people only being allowed to say it, they do not own the word, if the word is negative it should be banned all together, there are no special sets of rules for the white race or a special set for the black people, if you want equality then stop separating yourself even further. we are all human and should find things that that bring us closer instead of discriminating others further..who the hell cares about this guy’s dick, i think the readers are more pathetic than him
On August 11th 2010, Adrian wrote:
Ok so this isn’t a “white” problem this is a “moron” problem he’s too negligent to realize that its not all black and white the only time i notice race is when people bring it up i wish that people would just look at people for who they are.
-John Mayer is like every other star this shouldn’t be a big surprise that he would make a stupid statement also
@ Hanna: He does not OWE anything to anyone other than an apology
Black people are not the reason for his success it’s white and black alike it’s all his fans who flood his myspace, facebook your just ignorant
as if black peoples opinions override all others reverse Nazi
btw Black people did not create music they are a small piece of the whole of music we all have musical ties imagine if we only had one genre of music, but i like how you try and steal credit from all other races and deprive them of any recognition GOOD JOB
It’s a good thing we don’t live in youre world
On August 11th 2010, Pierce wrote:
Has everyone forgotten he has free speech, as if saying the word is a crime seriously?
it’s wrong and most people feel that way but if this is how he feels he should be able to express himself BUT he should also be held accountable to what he said i’m sure this comment affected him negatively but ultimatley it’s his choice to say what he wants
atleast he’s saying it now we know what kind of person he is he’s not some faker who holds back what he truley feels theres plenty of black people who call white people crackers and their not held accountable it’s just waved off like it’s nothing BECAUSE IT IS NOTHING if you’re too weak to take a mean comment i don’t care what word it is then you’re also too weak to have a reliable opinion .
It seems that a lot of black people are a little sensitive ive gotten mean comments but im the one standing tall when i know im just better then that person they don’t even deserve a valid response i believe standing up for yourself also if you feel hurt by it say it but don’t weaken yourself by crying over spillt milk
On September 27th 2010, whitney wrote:
I think the whole situation is somewhat disheartening because I am a John Mayer fan and I am also a Black woman. I don’t care that white women are his preference because as Americans we’re all alloted choices. He prefers white women to black women. Not a problem at all.Personally I see no issue with that, but it’s one thing to prefer, its another thing to be opposed. He is speaking about Black women like they have the plague. He goes as far to compare his dick to a well known white supremacist. That’s was just dumb. Mayer must learn to think before he speaks.
And to address a “hood pass” as a nigger pass was also somewhat insensitive. I know plenty of people who live in the hood and there not all black or “niggers.” A lot of them are bi-racial, Spanish and White. And what the hell would Mayer know about a “hood pass,” isn’t he from the suburbs in one of the whitest states.
It sounded like he was trying to be sarcastic and crack a couple of jokes, but I didn’t get the humor myself. Plus behind every “joke” is a little bit of truth. I don’t believe that he is a racist. I just think he is a jackass. I believe that there is a time and a place for everything and a Playboy interview isn’t it.