Real Niggas Don't Die

Having grown up in the Bronx, I would say I am quite the arbiter of all things 'ghetto.' I think we've all seen those prom photos of couples in matching basketball jerseys reconfigured to look like formal wear.

I bring this up because I was watching yet another vapid first episode of 'The Real World' on MTV. I must be old, because I still think they peaked with the San Francisco season. ANYWAY--as they showed a lovely highlight reel of what-to-expect in season 20 of this reality show veteran, we find, yet again, another white cast member threatening a non-white cast member with 'being ghetto.'

I would definitely agree that 'ghetto' is a state of being. Yes, sometimes people can 'act' ghetto. For example, adding water to cranberry juice or shampoo to make it go that extra mile before buying a new bottle. Even worse, adding water to your roommate's shampoo or cranberry juice. One might say this is just poor etiquette.

I feel it's the same difference as calling a black person a nigger or someone retarded or gay. It shouldn't be a bullshit adjective thrown around for lack better vocabulary.

Unless you grew up in the projects and had to use water instead of milk for cereal, you might wanna refrain from using it. It's only fair. Speak to what you know, right?

From www.urbandictionary.com:

1.

ghetto

1. (n.) an impoverished, neglected, or otherwise disadvantaged residential area of a city, usually troubled by a disproportionately large amount of crime 2. (adj.) urban; of or relating to (inner) city life 3. (adj.) poor; of or relating to the poor life 4. (adj.) jury-rigged, improvised, or home-made (usually with extremely cheap or sub-standard components), yet still deserving of an odd sense of respect from ghetto dwellers and non-ghetto dwellers alike 1. John's paranoia about triple-checking whether or not he's locked his car doors comes from his growing up in the ghetto 2. "Why you always be talkin' ghetto? Get yo'self a propa' e-ju-ma-kay-shun, kid!" 3. Jane hid her head in embarrasment as her mom shamelessly committed the ghetto act of stuffing the restaurant's bread rolls, sugar packets, and silverware in her purse 4. "A TV Guide duct-taped to a 4 foot stick?! That's one hella ghetto 'mote control!"