The use of the slur “nigger” and all other versions of the word have always been a sensitive topic considering its racial origins. Recently, cast members of “The Real World Homecoming: Los Angeles” ruffled the feathers of reality television veteran Tami Roman when they repeated the word in the middle of a conversation about some of the racist events they experienced.
During the chat, castmate Glen Naessens recalled the time the racial epithet was spewed at his friend. “The first time I’ve really felt what you’re passionate about was when I was with my friend John, and I went to a pizza place,” he said. “And they called him a nigger.”
Shocked by his blatant use of the word, Roman took the time to school him and let him know that he should never utter it in any context, insisting that he instead say “the N-word.” Naessens, however, kept missing the point. He argued that he was only recalling what had already happened, inciting a heated response from the former “Basketball Wives” star. “You don’t understand what I’m saying to you that the word ‘nigger’ should not come out yo’ white-ass mouth!” she screamed.
Latina castmate Irene Berrera eventually chimed in to back Roman’s sentiments, but she negated the point as she, too, said the racial slur. “You have no idea what it is to be a nigger, okay? Do not ever say that!” she said, to which Roman responded, “You don’t say it either, ’cause you Latina.”
In a confessional, Roman vented about the experience. “I can’t go through my life trying to educate people on humanity,” she said. “Why do we have to educate you on something you should already know. And if you’re talking to a Black person about a plight that affects them, you might want to listen.”
“I’m annoyed,” she added. “It is not my job to educate you [on] how to understand equality, how to respect another human being, that is not my job.”
Roman’s exchange with her “Real World” cast members went viral, making her name a trending topic. See the clip and some of the reactions below.