(Image source: ABC)


BY JESSICA SIBERT

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The hosts of “The View” exchanged some heated words in Monday’s episode.
Well, one word specifically made things a little charged up.

In discussion about Republican presidential nominee Rick Perry’s much-debated family hunting camp, Barbara Walters was criticized for choosing to say the n-word in reference to what was written on a rock.

Barbara Walters: “The name of this camp that Rick Perry’s father leased, there was a sign that said, ‘N-head.’

Sheri Shepherd: “When I heard you say it, it was fine. You said it a different way. When I heard you say it, I didn’t like that way you said it! I don’t know if it’s a semantics thing, but it’s something that goes through my body.”

Walters: “Is it because I’m white?”

Shepherd: “Yeah, it’s something about hearing you say it… I don’t like it when you use that word.”

Walters: “I’m sorry. I was just saying what was written on that rock.”

While co-host Whoopi Goldberg said she didn’t mind Walters using the word because of its context, a writer for Gather argues it didn’t matter.

“Come on, people. This is 2011. Use of that word is typically only accepted (by some) in rap songs--and then only marginally. No TV hosts, guests, reporters, or anyone else for that matter should be using it.”

A blogger for Mediaite says even though Walters is just directly quoting the word, Shepherd’s reactions to it are nothing unusual.

“Shepherd’s reaction to Barbara’s use of the n-word, however defensible, is something that has been conditioned into black Americans for generations, in unimaginably cruel ways. The use of the word, even when directly quoting, should be reserved for times when it is essential to convey meaning, and even then, a negative reaction should still be expected, and understood.”

However, CNN contributor L.Z. Granderson says for as much press as the n-word gets, nothing ever is done about it.
                                           
“Well, you know, we've been here before. You know, it seems that every so many months there's a person who's white in the media or a public figure who gets connected somehow with the n-word. We get in an uproar about it and it dies down and they may get suspended or may get fired but, ultimately, what really affects the black community remains unchanged.”                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                                                          

A rep for “The View” had no comment on Monday’s heated debate, but the show is expected to host Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain Tuesday afternoon.

Transcript by Newsy.