Someone sent me an e-mail about what I am about to post, (thanks Genevieve) and I honestly thought it was a joke. How could it not be?
They say "truth is stranger than fiction", and that old adage plays itself out more and more every day. Now I am left to wonder: did the Russians know? Is this some kind of a sick joke?
Oh, before I go any further, let me tell you exactly what I am talking about: Here is a quote from BBC news:
"Russia's energy giant Gazprom has signed a $2.5bn (£1.53bn) deal with Nigeria's state operated NNPC, to invest in a new joint venture. The new firm, to be called Nigaz, is set to build refineries, pipelines and gas power stations in Nigeria.
Analysts say the move could further strengthen Russia's role in supplying natural gas to Europe.
The agreement comes during a four-day African tour by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
As well as forming Nigaz, Russia is keen on developing a trans-African pipeline to transport Nigerian gas to Europe. This could further reinforce Gazprom's already-strong influence over Europe's energy supplies..."
You can't make this shit up. And just what the hell were the Nigerians thinking? They couldn't have negotiated another name? Yes Mr. Medvedev, we appreciate the opportunity to do business with your country, but about that name. Oh field, stop being so sensitive, the Africans probably don't even consider that a slur, it's not like the company is called Quashie Inc. or something. Haven't you ever heard of a coincidence? Just because the word might offend you A-merry-can blacks, doesn't mean that it's a bad word to the rest of the world. I could see if it was in South Africa and called Munt Inc. for crying out loud, then maybe you would have a legitimate beef.
Yes, but consider: What if say a South African company wanted to do business with the Chinese government and decided to incorporate their company as Chink Inc.? Would that be cool? I think not. Or, how about a Japanese company calling itself Doujin Inc. when doing business with an African American owned company? Or, an American company called Gook Inc. in Vietnam? See where I am going with this? Just because the folks in the particular country doesn't take offense, doesn't mean that it is not in poor taste, and it sure as hell doesn't mean that the Russians didn't know what the term meant. I can see them now, laughing their asses off over a couple of fine bottles of Vodka.....wait, that was a stereotype on my part. Bad field Negro! Ha ha ha, Boris, do you believe those Africans? We actually got away with naming the company Nigaz!!! Ha ha ha. They will do anything for money those Africans. Ha ha ha.
But take heart people, apparently some folks in Nigeria aren't so amused, and I can't say that I blame them. Hey, maybe they can get the name changed to Russki or something. I kid I kid.
Nigaz? O_o Okay I would like to see who was over that little thing? I agree with you it's stupid. Also great blog.
ReplyDeleteMan, that's crazy. I thought this was a joke until I got halfway through this post. Hope they change the name soon. That's so wrong.
ReplyDeleteI think we should be more concerned that this Russian investment will not cause the same conflict that oil has, than what the name is called.
ReplyDeleteOh come on Field, I'm so sure people are going to pronounce it as [Ny-gaz}. Have a little faith will ya. I bet the Russians have it as an inside joke. Why are we surprised. For that kind of loot, I'm sure the corrupt Nigerian officials would allow anyone to call them just about anything.
ReplyDeleteYou know, If they are willing to pay $2.5bn (£1.53bn), then they must be planing to take more than $15.5bn worth of the African resource to begin with. And with such a corrupt Nigerian government, I wonder how much of that $2.5bn is actually going to benefit the Nigerian people. What a crying shame.
oh my gosh, oh my gash. I was on the 7th paragraph before it sunk in.
ReplyDeleteI bet the majority of Nigerians probably won't even notice the name. They would probably read it as I did at first... something like Nie-Gaz.
interesting.
I mean Ny-Gaz (like LaIncongnita said)
ReplyDeleteIf rap and hip-hop artists can use the N-word in their music why can't Russia use Nigaz for their energy company?
ReplyDeleteDon't be hypocrites. I hear black folks using the N-word all the time.
Nigaz? Presumably with attitude...
ReplyDeleteField, you just can't make this kind of shit up. This is one of those things where I don't know whether to laugh or cry, probably much more of the former.
I will be off the air for a few weeks. Thanks for giving me a place to hang out recently and I hope to have a few tales to tell you when I return.
Regards.
"If rap and hip-hop artists can use the N-word in their music why can't Russia use Nigaz for their energy company?
ReplyDeleteDon't be hypocrites. I hear black folks using the N-word all the time."
Do you hear Nigerians using it?
Hathor, you make a great point about what should be an even greater concern.
Thank you RainaHavock. But it's more like a great blog community.
Gregory, we will miss you. Be safe.
I am so tired of people using the lame, racist excuse that if Black folks use the word why can't everyone else.
ReplyDeleteDo you hear ALL Black people using it? And when I have used the word myself, it's usually out of frustration regarding the types of Black people like my neighbors across the street with the 3 am blasting music-but trust, it is not a term of endearment.
I am so tired of hip hop's influence exporting Black self hatred. As if the world needs another excuse to demean Black people. How long before one of those fools chooses the word NIGAZ as the title of their new craptastic cd.
Field:
ReplyDeleteCan I steal a copy of your picture of Eric Frimpong so I can put in on my sidebar too?
Blu Topaz:
ReplyDeleteI think they've already done that. That's if your referring to rappers.
Just in time for Obama's visit to Russia:)
ReplyDeletep/s Call the Russian Embassy and complain I guess.
This won't fly at all. Especially in Nigeria. If they let them keep that name just wait and see how tha company will be run into the ground. Nigerians are way ahead of the curve on this one. They could have pulled this nonsense maybe in some other African country where there hardly exists racial consciousness but Nigeria?
ReplyDeleteSee this is typical white behavior towards Africans. Africans are deceptively docile and they will appear gullible most of the time but once they wake up, its all over. Nigeria is the worst place they could have pulled that move. Once the letters of that company appear public, expect some rioting.
Granny,go for it!In fact,I would encourage you to post the story or something about it.The more bloggers bringing attention to this young man's plight the better.
ReplyDeleteThere is a perception about the name, the pronuounciation is nye-gaz. However, the marketing team could have created a different that people would not misinterrupt as a negative connotation.
ReplyDeleteI have some questions. What is the structure of the deal? Does Nigeria benefit in the deal? Will Nigeria have control in the business, or will Russia have a larger slice of the pie? The name does not mean anything, but what will matter is if the deal means that Nigeria will be in a better or worse ecomonic position than before. A name is symbolic, and the tangible only gives the symbol greater meaning. Is there truth within the symbol? So does calling the company Nigaz mean that Nigeria comes out with the short end of the stick?
hi there sir! asking if we could exchange links so that my blog would be visible to serps. Are you accepting exchange links? Pls reply to my blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
pls Kindly delete this comment if you already done reading :)
Oh please. Spare me the posturing over nothing. How about all you 'Mericans learn you some o' dat Russian? Oh wait, ever'body speaka da Englisch.
ReplyDeleteDarkie toothpaste...there is an issue. With this, you show an irritating provincialism.
Mold
Who cares what the name is?If they want to name it daffy duck who are we to give a f*ck??
ReplyDeleteThis knee-jerk liberalism needs to stop.
This reminds me of Volkswagen naming their SUV Touareg. The Touareg people were mostly known for their slave trading. And being especially good at it.
ReplyDeleteThis Russian company knows the derogatory meaning of the name. There is no way they couldn't just like VW knew. They both just figured they could get away with it.
I'm willing to bet that most Nigerians don't think much about this name at all. The N-word ws created with slaves/Blacks in America mind, not Africans.
ReplyDeleteMost of the Nigerians I know are far to quick to disassociate themselves from American Blacks and thier negative monikers.
Did you know that the British have called Indians niggers?
ReplyDeleteNigger brown was a color to describe furniture by the Chinese.
I'm sure the racial slur for Africans in Russian is not "nigger". Since I do not know what it is, I am going to assume that most Russians do not know what the english racial slur for black folks is. Russians and Nigerians don't think about the word "nigger" cause most have never heard it, and it is self-absorbed to assume that a Russian-Nigerian company is thinking about those english speaking black people. If a Nigerian company was working on a venture with the Israelis named Kiken I bet black folks would roll their eyes if Jewish Americans got all worked up and angry over it.
ReplyDeleteIf you want something to be outraged over, look at how Louis Farrakhan was invited to Tavis Smiley's State of the Black Union. Apparently the State of the Black Union is "no standards". When even the President of this country and two of the most powerful figures in American (Condelleeza Rice and Colin Powell) in the last 8 years are black it is high time black "civil rights" leaders stop beliving they get a free pass to associate with black Nazi's. We all know how worked up black folks would get if the KKK was invited to be apart of legit "white" functions.
Hathor, once again you've made in irrelevant comment in response to a comment I've made, which is why I rarely respond to you. Why don't you stick to commenting on the topic at hand, instead of commenting on my comments??
ReplyDelete"If you want something to be outraged over, look at how Louis Farrakhan was invited to Tavis Smiley's State of the Black Union. Apparently the State of the Black Union is "no standards"'.
ReplyDeleteWhy? Who said that black people think the Smiley's State of the Black Union is relevant?
"we all know how worked up black folks would get if the KKK was invited to be apart of legit "white" functions."
You are right; I see how these Negroes were acting during the republican national convention. :)
Just great...
ReplyDeleteso now we have to have a debate over if it's acceptable with the "az" or the "er" at the end of the word and which one we should take ownership of.
I guess this gives a whole new meaning to Black Russian.
"You are right; I see how these Negroes were acting during the republican national convention. :)"
ReplyDeleteLMAO @ Field. So true though.
So now the Russians have to worry whether the name of a joint venture with a third country will match some derogatory American slang? Must be a slow news day.
ReplyDeleteFlynmy40s,
ReplyDeleteMy comment was not only about your comment. Apparently my comments are not the only ones you don't read. If this is not read, my feelings and sensitivities are not bothered, after all this is the internet.
Field:
ReplyDeleteThanks and I will do that. Did you check out my latest post on my blog about the prison resorts, which pertains to Madoff with hints of the standards of living of poverty in America?
Jane Doe must live on another planet because whites do have legit functions that KKK, White Citizens Council, White Supremacist attend all the time. For instance, Palin/McCain Rally, RNC, the tea party, and even MSM.
ReplyDeleteFarrakhan hasn't incited anyone to kill or assassinate our President, for that fact, he has never incited violence. He doesn't bite his tongue and speaks his mind, but that is about as far as it goes. Rush, Hannity, O'Reilly, Coulter, Malkin, Bachmann, Beck, and the rest of the hate crew incite violence.
"So now the Russians have to worry whether the name of a joint venture with a third country will match some derogatory American slang? Must be a slow news day."
ReplyDeleteMakes you wonder why Blacks haven't gone after the music industry and artists for using the N-word in America. Obviously Blacks are selective who they attack about the N-word.
Americans think they are the center of the universe--very self-centered and self-absorbed people. Even though black hip hop and rap use the N-word as though it's the only word in their vocabulary, they won't hesitate to jump across the globe and attack countries about any word that sounds "similar" to the N-word, which Blacks routinely use.
I have heard that ugly N-word out of the loud mouths of black kids, while riding public transportation. I have also heard it from adults..."my n****r!" followed with a grin and the slapping of a hand shake. I guess it means "I am glad to see you."
Blacks waste too much time looking for trouble 'elsewhere', while ignoring their own stinky-sick problems. Never do you hear Blacks say, "Hey, we need to look at our use of the N-word before we go to other countries pointing our fingers at them."
African Americans have complained for over a century how shaming, degrading and painful the N-word was. When Whites agreed and stopped using the word, Blacks began using it more...on themselves! Go figure.
Anon.did you say when whites agreed and stopped using the N word? Who did they agree with?I missed that one.What was it,The National No More N Word Day?:)
ReplyDeleteThat's too funny.
Amen, Field it really is. LOL!
ReplyDeleteHey Anonymous did they agree to stop calling blacks monkeys and gorillas too or creating pictures like the one on the sidebar with the 44 Presidents on it? I'm just asking because I might be missing out on some news and I'd like to think that I read a variety of newspapers and keep up with the latest news. I might be lagging.
ReplyDelete"Why? Who said that black people think the Smiley's State of the Black Union is relevant?"
ReplyDeleteSOTBU has been the typical way of Black folks...all talk, and no action. That makes it irrelevant.
Tavis supported HRC, and is still trying to hurt Obama, Imo. I think he resents Obama for not coming on his show. I also believe Tavis is beholden to corporate sponsors who feed on the Black Community. I don't trust him.
"Farrakhan hasn't incited anyone to kill or assassinate our President, for that fact, he has never incited violence. He doesn't bite his tongue and speaks his mind, but that is about as far as it goes."
ReplyDeleteI agree. Farrakhan hasn't engaged in any kind of violence. I am really sick of false accusations by racist Whites.
Granny- "Hey Anonymous did they agree to stop calling blacks monkeys and gorillas too or creating pictures like the one on the sidebar with the 44 Presidents on it?"
ReplyDeleteNope. Just the N-word. My wording was clumsy. But my point was about US.... Why is it that we don't acknowledge our own use of the N-word?
All this talk about Farrakhan make me remember I had with a white guy online a few months back where he was so insistent on comparing Malcom X to the KKK. I kept asking him were did Malcom ever talk about assassinating anyone or killing people just because? He couldn't give me an answer thought he kept insisting the same thing. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI must have missed the memo that white people agreed to stop using the word nigger. No one has stopped using the and will probably remain in our lexicon long after my foot finally slips on that banana peel. I am believe in free speech and also believe in karma as well. Everything has a cause and effect, and if you choose do or say something be prepare for the consequences.
ReplyDeleteI do not go around people niggers because it something my mother and grandmother did do while I was growing up, but it did not stop a white guy for calling me that when I was a teenager growing up in New Jersey. I have no control over who uses the word, but it is my personal choice not use the word. I no more speak for black community just as you do not speak for the white community.
Anon I were to give you a dollar, you still would not have a clue.
Side topic: The conspiracies about MJ's death with a question of him faking his death. The cirus never ends.
Sheri-"Anon I were to give you a dollar, you still would not have a clue."
ReplyDelete????
Wow. This is unbelievable. I literally have no words!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 7:16 PM:
ReplyDelete"Nope. Just the N-word. My wording was clumsy. But my point was about US.... Why is it that we don't acknowledge our own use of the N-word?"
I feel ya!
Hello Prophetess Wallace:
ReplyDeleteHave you noticed that the President is depressed about something? I can pick up on what it is right now, because I am going through a little storm of my own right now, but I know at the end of the storm it's a blessing in store for me.
I'm signing offline right now because I've got a few things to do. I might be back on later on if I get finished in time. Check out my latest post when you get a chance.
Oops, I meant to say *can't*
ReplyDeleteI think maybe if it had been the traditional n-word they'd have known. However, Nigg@z is pretty new in the grand scheme of things and is derivative of the more familiar slur. To a non-English speaking non-American group Nigaz may not have rung any bells, especially with the letter differences and pronunciation. That said, the company should change it and issue an apology for any hurt feelings.
ReplyDelete--j
Anon.did you say when whites agreed and stopped using the N word? Who did they agree with?I missed that one.What was it,The National No More N Word Day?:)
ReplyDeleteLet's be real here. White people get in deep shit if they talk about "niggers." This is as it should be. But the black population tosses it around like popcorn.
This sort of thing happens in all kinds of smaller communities. It's a defensive sort of thing to defuse the sting. But I've gotta say that working yourself up over Gazprom calling its Nigerian joint venture "Nigaz" is pretty far fetched. At least I think it is.
"I'm willing to bet that most Nigerians don't think much about this name at all. The N-word ws created with slaves/Blacks in America mind, not Africans."
ReplyDeleteFly, and the anon who accused me of " provincialism.", please read the post again. I think you missed one of the links I provided. Apparetly some Nigerians are upset about it as well.
Grinder,I never "work myself up" so I am not sure if that's a fair characterization of my post.
Still, we have to fight the small battles before they become big ones.
"I guess this gives a whole new meaning to Black Russian."
LMAO @ Rippa.
"Farrakhan hasn't incited anyone to kill or assassinate our President, for that fact, he has never incited violence. He doesn't bite his tongue and speaks his mind, but that is about as far as it goes."
ReplyDeleteDon Imus and MIchael Richards didn't bite their tongue and they spoke their mind too. Same with all those people who called black folks nigger, jungle bunnies, along with those who "spoke their mind" about blacks and crime, stupidity, lack of work ethic. Funny black folks who give props to Farrakhan for "speaking his mind" go ape shit when white folks do the same. The only difference between Farrakhan and white haters is that white folks don't look for ways to justify the unjustifiable like blacks do with some of the black Nazi's that are "community leaders"
"working yourself up" was a really bad choice of words. Made me sound like a southern sheriff. Oops.
ReplyDeleteAs for the "n-word" - who invented it? It was a name give to us to describe the type of property they wanted - people that came from the area of the Niger River. It was a brand name that was placed on us, that later evolved through concentrated - and dedicated - use to refer ONLY to us - and later, anyone else that they didn't respect, i.e.: pool maintenance - "pool nigger", the crew that operates their chartered boats - "boat niggers", etc.
ReplyDeleteAs for white people "agreeing" not to use it, as memory serves me, they stopped saying it in public during the Black Power Movement when they started getting beat down for using it - that is, Black Folks stopped taking that disrespect from the average white person. Now that armed cop... And please - among themselves they still use it, though maybe now in some circles it's considered "gauche". As for " if Black Folks call each otther n***ga..." YOU AREN"T BLACK. Sorry - take it up with the Lord. You can't use it for the same reason you can't call your co-worker's wife Sugart**s - even if you hear him call her that. And if you insist on so doing, he will probably feel justified in punching the crap out of you.
Hathor, article that you linked to says that the blame was passed to a Chinese co.
ReplyDeleteI highly doubt that managment in China would ever do something like that on purpose, they want to sell their product. Its always easy to blame another ethnicity and encourage divide instead of unity.
How many factory workers in China would know how to read English, they probably wouldn't know what these words are, just like an American factory worker probably can't read charactors.
I personally have been all over China, three times, and while I have seen some really bad translations, I have never seen that word used in any way to describe a color.
The most likely explanation is that some white asshole thought it would be funny and knew that nobody would understand what was done.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI think black people overestimate the use of the word, "nigger" among white people. I think at least some white people, probably including myself, underestimate its use.
ReplyDeleteBut "Nigaz" is obviously the contraction of "Niger" and "gaz," the Russian word for "gas." I think it's just absurd to impute a racist motive there. American hip-hop lingo doesn't necessarily rule the world, folks.
grinder-"Anon.did you say when whites agreed and stopped using the N word? Who did they agree with?I missed that one.What was it,The National No More N Word Day?:)"
ReplyDeleteWhites never 'agreed' to stop using the word n****r. However, the N-word is acknowledged throughout the MSM as degrading, shaming, ugly and wrong. IMO, some Whites are making the effort to stop, while others aren't. Blacks have, however, not done the same for themselves. That was the point I was trying to make.
IMO, Blacks use the N-word today more than ever. They use it everywhere: rap, hip hop, in the home, on public transportation, in the neighborhoods, and other public places. Many call each other "n*****r" out of anger; others use it to shame and demean each other because of their skin color, hair, lips, lack of education, poverty, etc. Hell, some of us even "greet" each other with it. Need I tell you what they call those they are gunning down in the streets?
The context of the comment @6:37PM was meant to convey that Blacks often find fault with Whites for use of the N-word but refuse to admit that they use it far more than anybody else to degrade and demean themselves.
To me, it's a way for Blacks to avoid looking at themselves. Unfortunately it doesn't make them better than the people they criticize. Blacks should model how they want to be treated--not how they don’t.
Kathy,
ReplyDeleteI left the post with a question. I see you filled in the blanks.
Jane Doe:
ReplyDeleteYeah, Imus and Michael Richards spoke their mind, but you know what, I don't ever recall Farrahkhan calling any white folk's children hoes or calling white women hoes. Or using the "N" word either. Going one on one with grown folks is one thing, but messing with children is another entirely different story.
Imus was lucky, because had it been one of mine, I would have tried to tear his head off. I don't play that!!!!!!!!
BTW, Jane Doe, when I would got through stomping Imus, hoe would have been a word completely deleted out of his vocabulary. I do not play, period, when it comes to kids.
ReplyDeleteField, what the hell is going on with all these damned comments youre getting nowandays?? DAYUM!
ReplyDeleteL
(my verification word for thsi comment as poutanni, and Im not joking, lol)
Jane Doe:
ReplyDelete"white haters is that white folks don't look for ways to justify the unjustifiable like blacks do with some of the black Nazi's that are "community leaders"
Yeah, just white haters wasn't trying to justify some of those treasoners and murderers that are tea party folks, huh?
Lola:
ReplyDelete*wink*
The N word is offensive to blacks and it will always be that way!With the use of it in rap and since Rap has ruled radio for such a long time,like Motown did in my era,a lot of the younger generation may not really understand . They know it's offensive
ReplyDeletebut are not sure why?Like the Temps,4Tops,Jackie Wilson and please,please,please Mr James Brown!
were my idol's.if what they sang would have been offensive .I would have been considered the same,because I knew every word to every song.
This reinforces my belief that some people especially oil companies believe that money makes anything OK. This is so wrong. I have Russian friends and know that most Russians speak English on at least a 6th grade level. They knew what they were doing. That name needs to be changed.
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