What is Wrong with the N Word?
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Let there be no doubt- the "N" word is always good for a raised eyebrow or two whenever uttered. Are you feeling insignificant and seeking attention from the media? Toss out the N word when referring to your fellow black Americans and make sure your microphone is on. You'll soon be the talk of the nation.
In all seriousness, there is nothing funny about the N word. There is nothing funny about Jesse Jackson referring to black Americans and Barack Obama as "niggers," either. Whether Jackson meant to our not, he fueled a firestorm of debate over the use of such an offensive word.
Exchange From the 'View'
The buzz in the national media was deafening. Caucasian news anchors, in particular, were stunned that a crusader for equal rights would use such a distasteful word in reference to a fellow black American. "Shame on Jesse Jackson!" was the cry of the day. Even the girls on the view had a tussle over the use of such a derogatory word to describe blacks. I am not much of a TV watcher, unless it's hockey season, but I heard about the exchange between Whoopi Goldberg, Sherri Shepherd and Elisabeth Hasslebeck and it struck a nerve.
For the record, I am completely repulsed by the N word. Maybe it is because as a white man I despise its origins. Even though my ancestors never owned slaves, I still feel a sense of shame because slavery is part of America's history. It was while teaching in a school in a suburban Atlanta School District, where my white butt was definitely in the minority, that I had my own experience with the N word.
It wasn't long after the school year started I noticed my students calling each other "Niggas" or "Niggaz." (I was curtly corrected on the ‘correct' spelling by my eighth graders) There is something about this word that grates against me like a sheet of 60 grit sand paper. I really don't know why this word offends me as much as it does. Socially acceptable among my young black students or not, I could not allow its continued use in my classroom. The bell rang, seats were filled, attendance taken, and the bomb was dropped, "Why is it ok for you to call each other Niggers?" I asked.
Silence. The stunned, shocked and horrified looks on the faces of my students as their mouths dropped let me know I had captured their attention. "How could you say such a thing?" one of my female students whispered.
"OK. Now that I have your attention, let's talk about this."
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And talk we did, as my lesson in semantics began. I was informed that black people refer to each other this way as a sign of affection as well as a way to put someone in their place for acting stupid. It can be used as a greeting, but only if you know the person. I must say, I was fascinated by the many feelings and connotations behind the use of the word. I was told that it was wrong for me to use the word because I am white and white people cannot refer to blacks by using the N word in any context. I assured my young charges that I had no intention of ever using the N word and I would like for them to refrain from doing so in my classroom as well. Thankfully, after our spirited conversation, it was no longer used on a regular basis.
As incomprehensible as it is to most of us, you must remember it is completely acceptable to many black Americans to refer to each other with the N word. But is it healthy? One concern I have is the affect the use of the N word has on attempts to bring unity between the black community and other ethnic groups. The word has such a negative origin; I worry that its constant use will cause the racial divide to remain fresh in the minds of black Americans. I am not so naïve to believe the simple cessation of the use of a word is going to heal all racial wounds, but it certainly won't hurt.
Obama Man Can- Hillarious!
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Thumbs up from me as well. I applaud your honesty in this Hub and your openness with your students in the classroom. Only through asking questions and listening to the answers are we going to start to heal deep divides. Sally
But it's a funny thing language isn't it, the way it shifts? Like the word "Gay". When we were young we used to call gay people "queer", but then they shifted the language and it was deemed inappropriate. These days gays have started calling themselves queer again, and the word "gay" - at least in England - has come to mean something slightly useless and pathetic. "Nigger" has the same root as "Nigeria" and the River Niger.
Dottie1- I raised the eyebrows of a few of my colleagues when I told them about it, but they all agreed that it was a worthwhile dialogue. It definitely made my students think, and many of them dropped the word as well.
Sally- I had the best year with that group of kids. The walls came down that day and my students and I had many meaningful conversations. It is amusing how some kids regard teachers as the “enemy” or “off-limits” and shut them out.
CJ- You’re spot on about the peculiarities of language. It is one of many reasons I enjoy its study. Having lived in different regions of the country, I have had the opportunity to learn a few of the many dialects found here in the States. It is almost as if there are different languages in each area. It would be fun to list all of the words I’ve heard over the years and their varied meanings. That just may be in an upcoming hub!
Thanks all of you for reading and your thoughtful comments… J
Ror a time, as a teen in Los Angeles, the word "bitchin'!" was popular. My parents got so mad when I bravely said it at home... but all it meant was "cool." Language evolves constantly! Thanks for helping to open our eyes and connect them to our mouth which is connected to other people's ears. Words are sensitive tools, and can cause harm or healing. I opt for healing and being sensitive to cultures that don't like certain language. It's not that difficult to be careful.
Hey Marisue-
I totally hear you- though I grew up in suburban Detroit. J
The thing that slapped me upside the head is the hypocrisy of Jackson. After coming out- however long ago it was- and publically calling for all rap artists and blacks in general to cease using the word no less. I guess Jesse subscribes to the “Do as I say, not as I do…” rule. Shame on him.
Thanks for reading and your considered opinion…
I have to jump in here again because of CJ's comment.
The N word was what white folk called black Americans for more than two hundred years of this country's existence in order to demean them and keep them in their place.
In the 20th century, that word became taboo, socially, personally, and politically, because it blocked the road to halting the demeaning of people of color.
Now, we whites are asked to accept that blacks affectionately use this term among themselves, but should we whites use it, we are racist.
About gay. Gay is a term today that means many things in addition to describing someone who is, well, gay. The term can also be understood as a retro definition of what it meant in the 1890s, the gay 90s. Fun, creativity. rebellion, abandon. When *gay* is used this way today, it's often a compliment.
The beauty of language is its ability to change in order to reflect today's reality. With the N word, however, there is no beauty when it is acceptable to use this word in a closed society with the expressed intention of closing out folks who are not Ns. It's a regression into the past. What were we holding hands and fighting for in the 50s and 60s and 70s to bring peace to a nation divided by color? Why did blacks and whites, holding hands together, lose their lives in this struggle?
The N word is a hot dagger, a firebrand. It bites into everyone's conscience, whether they be black or white.
I'd really like to see a comment on your Hub from Whoopi Goldberg.
Sally-
Love your heartfelt comments.
I would love to have this debate with Whoopi. It's a shame Elisabeth H. didn't ask her if Ted D. was allowed to call her an N while they were married.
Thank you for your passion...
Great Hub . interesting social commentary. in South Africa we have a similar taboo word the K word. it comes from Kaffir. The root of the word comes from Arabic Kefir which means unbeliever. the word came into use from the white christian missionaries who referred to the indigenous black folk as Kaffirs (unbelievers - in Christianity - that is). Over many years it was brought into the language and eventually in the Apartheid era became a hated, demeaning word for blacks. Today this word is dredged up by (black) politicians to indicate a derogatory mind-set of the people (blacks) being referred to at public rallies, causing just as much of a furore and the same kind of debate. The k-word and the N-word is unacceptable.
Hello sixtyorso-
As CJ said, the N word originates in Nigeria. I lived in campus housing with a few guys from Nigeria when I was college, but we never entered into a discussion about whether the N word had any other context than the offensive one it has here in the states.
Your point about the K word perfectly illustrates the way language shifts to suit the purpose its users. Thank you for your comment and for sharing a very relevant piece of information from South Africa. Hope to hear from you again...
As we become more socially responsible, more and more of these words crop up. Any word, used in a hateful manner, should not be used. Faggott is another one. It is used in a slanderous way most times. But sometimes you hear gay people call each other fag ....
BusinessBlogger-
It really has everything to do with connotation, doesn't it? Thanks for reading and for joining in the dialogue...
Interesting hub, thanks. I think it's like in the 50s when they showed married people having twin beds. Race is today as sex was in the 50s, taboo. I think it's a mistake and I don't like the phrase 'the n word." Nigger. Nigger nigger nigger nigger nigger. There. Why shouldn't we ban the word? It makes us uncomfortable and it should. We should all BE uncomfortable until racism in America is gone and the word becomes meaningless. Banning the word does not change our horrendous history and it doesn't fix any of our horrendous racial problems. So I say, say nigger. And then stay with how that makes you feel until you're spurred to do something constructive to change it. Just one commie bitch's opinion. Thanks for the hub!
Interesting hub stay at home dad, and now I'd like to answer the question, "What is wrong with the N word?" What's wrong with is the same thing that's wrong with the words cracker, spic, beaner, hymie, jap and countless other racial slurs. Words bred from hate only breed more hate. No matter how you change the spelling(beana or cracka), if the word came from another person's hatred or another person's fear of someone else, then the word is still hate driven. I also feel that using words that were meant to put people down even in terms of endearment helps to lower self-perception. If you shout "bitch" into a crowded room, how many women will turn around and answer, but if you shout, "What's up my nigga?" into the same room, how many black people will respond?
Stay at home dad, I applaud your hub and I also realize that with the color of your skin and the blackness of mine, there are some things we can't relate to the same way. The last thing I'll say is the advice my mom used to give me, "You only need to answer to what you feel you are."
pgrundy- I agree with your position on banning any word. Simply saying, “I will not say nigger anymore!” will not change the hatred behind its origin.
This is no different than substituting the word “darn” for “damn.” You may say “DARN IT!” to take a little of the acid off the phrase, but all the while you were thinking “Dammit!” I would argue that the expletive isn’t even necessary. Why Not just say, “Why did you do that?” Shout it if you want, but inserting “Dammit” to the front of this sentence does not enhance the language at all.
It was the media’s reaction of complete disbelief and the hypocrisy of Jackson that prompted me to write this hub. I’m not convinced that some of the “outrage” was not contrived.
talented_ink- I couldn’t agree more- which is why I insisted that my students did not refer to each other as “niggaz” in my classroom. My attempt to make them think about the effect of words was well received and for the most part they agreed and honored my request.
Teaching in suburban Atlanta gave me a unique insight into the black community of today that many do not have. I was raised in a segregated suburb of Detroit, but my parents instilled in me the importance of looking at people as people. I was taught to consider “content of Character” not “color of skin,” to paraphrase a former civil rights leader and great man.
I love the quote from your mom. I’ll bet she is a very wise woman.
Thanks again to you both…
Wowzers! Thank you for highlighting the challenges, pain, and strong emotion invoking words to this hub! It is well written and accomplishes what I believe to be your goal... to make us think! As for where I stand with the "n" word; My philosophy resonates the same on many subjects... it is the user, the receiver, the intent, its definition and the history that gives the instrument the power to hurt and/or heal; the instrument in and of itself has no power. That is why it is imperative that the user of instruments have an understanding of both the receiver, the history and have a respect for the instrument, prior to usage. It seems that not only does our society despise true verbal communication we also hate coming to terms with the fact that our actions have a direct impact on others - for if we allow ourselves to believe that way... it would require us to take extra time to think... and who has extra time! Thank you again for a hub well written!
ceounlimited-
I think the US has come a long way in the area of civil rights, but we still have much work to do. As with most wrongheaded societal stereotypes, education and dialogue are so important to reverse trends. Accurately applied Christian values are also a key component.
Thank you for taking the time to read my hub and your considered response... :-)
Stay at home dad, this is a great hub! I am from a border town (san diego, ca which borders tijuana, b.c, mexico) and it is a very diverse city. We have various Asians, hispanics, whites from all over the world, and blacks from all over the world. I love it! I grew up in the ghetto and I admit, i use the world nigga because I am very much into hip hop and I have dated black men for many years although i am not married to one. In my circle of friends, which is as diverse as the city i grew up in, I also used the word beaners, and since my cousin is gay, I always joke around with him and say "you are SO GAY!" Most of the comments on here mention the context of the word and how you use it, and I agree, even though the use of these words sounds trashy and ignorant. Don't get me wrong, i love rap & hiphop, but where do you think those artists learned how to use that word? in the ghetto! when a straight, educated white person uses the N word, beaners, gay or fag, it just doensn't seem right if you aren't from the ghetto or if you don't have any gay friends. again, context plays a huge role in symantics. with all this immigration reform stuff that is always on the table, i really think things like education should be our politicians' first priority. think about it, if everyone from the ghetto received a better education these words would cease to be in use. ya think?
Education is definitely crucial. My biggest concern is if the word nigger or nigga is continually used it will keep the racial divide alive and well. I don't call my white friends crackers. Even though it wouldn't offend them, it just doesn't feel right.
I'm not saying people should be forced not to call each other niggas if that is what they want to do, I just don't think it does anything to promote racial healing.
Appreciate your insight and perspective and thanks for reading my hub...
Very interesting hub!
Thank you for reading... :-)
Im really sickened by the views video. "Its ok for blacks to say nigger but its not ok for whites to say it." bla bla blAAA! I am so SICK to DEATH of this crap! I used to live in dowtnown riverside, ca where i would walk to my MAILBOX and black guys would call me a CRACKER. Why, Why, WHYYYYY is it OK for THEM to call me a CRACKER and its not ok for me to call them a NIGGER? Really? Not that I would but THEY would. I dont care WHAT they call each other, but when its on tv, it gets a little distracting yes. But dont sit there and tell ME what I can and CANNOT say. Sorry Whoopie, Ill say whatever I goddamn well please. For you to tell me you can say a word and I CANT, well, that makes me wanna say it even more. PERIOD.
I was married to a skinhead. (Most of you dont even understand what a skinhead really is so I dont want to hear your comments, do your research, look up what a skinhead really is) and I dont have a burning hatred racial bone in my body but really, if they can say it, I can say it. I thought we all wanted to be EQUAL. There's nothing equal about a certain person of a certain color being able to speak a word when a certain other person of another color shouldnt be saying that word. Stop using the slavery issue and move onto something more. Im Irish, my people were slaves too. You dont hear me bitching.
Bettiegurrl-
I understand your frustration. I guess for me, I just don’t like the word nigger. Even if my black friends were ok with me calling them that, I wouldn’t do it.
The View girls really upset me as well. I think it is the hypocrisy that makes me so crazy. And you are so right about the cries for equality sounding a little hollow.
I totally agree with you. I wouldnt call my friends that either. I grew up in a primarily black town (at least it was by the time I moved out) and I refused to call my friends that, if only for the fact that it would make me sound uneducated. I am so glad that Im not a teen right now, growing up with ebonics and all the other junk kids are dealing with. I feel bad for my own kids, that they will be included in this generation of ignorance. Thank goodness Ive taught them better than that and they dont use words like this.
You being a teacher, Im sure you know of the "ebonics dictionary." Really? We already have a REAL dictionary, why do we need one for nonexistant words? Here is an excerpt from a site I found to be relative:
"Ebonics is the variant of language used by black americans who were not paying attention during childhood development english when pronunciation and annunciation were being taught in grade school classes like 2, 3, 4, and 5. As a result these regulars of the "ebonics" slang language have made attempts to have these wrong sounding words become a part of the english language, fortunately there has been a higher percentage of historic english speaking people defend this nonsense at the voting polls, but there will likely be a day when americans have lowered the standards as they have since the late 60's to allow this or possibly spanish slang to overtake the american english that was taught and used with regularity in classrooms. The decay in american education has come to the forefront in courtrooms, public speaking drills like community meetings where these "ebonics" people who have now forgotten or never really did learn how to speak but were passed up by the worn-out teachers suddenly are outclassed by the american speaking groups who are in the more powerful positions at these gatherings."
Im sure as a teacher, you must be frustrated by this as well as most people are. I wish we could go back to a time when people spoke correctly and did not call each other derogatory names just for fun.
Call me an out of touch white guy, but I did not allow ebonics in my classroom. It’s like any other slang in my opinion, and I treated it as such while teaching.
It was my job to teach all of my students to speak and write properly. When they are not in my classroom, they can speak however they wish. Once they step into my room, if they expect to pass my class, they are expected to speak and write proper English.
I had many battles with students, and sadly- some of their parents. I was called names I will not repeat because little Tyrell got a failing grade on his essay because he did not follow the proper conventions of the English language. I was always amazed at how a student would feel as though he/she should get at least a “C” or “D” for simply slapping a few paragraphs on a sheet of paper and turning it in for a grade; especially when my expectations were always very clear and covered completely by the rubric. I made it my mission to convince my students that mediocrity is not an option.
I always had a few students who felt the rules didn’t apply to them. I know a few adults like that as well, unfortunately.
I appreciate your thoughtful words.
Wonderful hub, Dad. I live in Chicago, so I hear this word much more often than I ever thought I would growing up. I, too, have issues with this word: It really grates on me. While it's seen as being a way to show respect amoungst African Americans, I honestly don't see how using such an incredibly derogatory term could be seen as anything other than a way to create shock value. I guess I'm just getting old, but I think young kids these days just need a slap upside the back of the head.
Amen to the slap upside the back of the head! I had my backside smacked many times in elementary school and it didn't hurt my psyche one bit.
Thanks for reading and for taking the time to comment... =)
I feel it is negative no matter who may use it but that is just my opinion.
I feel a double standard only breeds more confusion as well.
I commend you for opening a dialogue I can't say I would have been anxous to do the same.
Very interesting hub
Thank you!
I am truly conficted over the use of this word. I guess in the end, it is just a word and the context controls the controversy (or lack thereof).
Like you, I agree that the inherent negative context breeds more confusion; and where is the logic in its use if that is the end result?
Appreciate your comments...
I started using the word 'nigger' recently. I didn't mean to, but I heard it spoken millions of times in the past few years, almost entirely by black people. What a sick prank they tried to play, inundating my mind with the sound of that word while trying to make me afraid to say it. Martin, Chappelle, Chris Rock, Nas (Nas even sells shirts with the word 'nigger' across the front). It's all I hear from black people these days....."nigger nigger nigger nigger".
I'm a human....monkey see, monkey do. I give up, and now everyone's a nigger to me.
Ok can someone help me that is to much, now is that just beeing stupit or not knowing the N word has nothing to do with the skin or rase or what ever you want to call it a N is an unediucated low level type person and it is an ignorant person to so how much wite people we have that is so dumb because the people which knows the meaning of that N word know that it could be anyone. So please before you use a word look it up so you know what you are talking about.
Hey Meverick-
Please learn how to string a coherent thought together- then comment. Sheesh!
The term nigger is negative an should never be used. It is offensive an degrading. Now there is the arrangement in urban society that the term Nigga is street lingo and is a form of urban youth taking a negative word and making it making it a part of their culture. Further more the term nigga which is used amongst urban youth is NOT used solely amongst black americans.i do not feel there is a double standard is just the context in which the word is used there is a big differnece between NIGGER and NIGGA
Either way, great hub! got people thinking!
You are exactly right about the difference between nigger and nigga. Unfortunately, we white folks don't always pick up on the subtle differences in pronunciation.
You are also right about the exclusivity not solely lying with black youth. This is another phenomenon I do not understand. I guess it is no different then when I was a teen and had my own language. I don't think I ever completed a sentence without the word "cool" or "dude" in it for a few years there.
Thanks for reading and for taking the time to add your perspective. Communication is the key to understanding...
As for Jesse Jackson's hypocrasy, yes I will applaud you, but as for using the N-word in general, I have to disagree. For the record, I am American (African-American/Black). I use the word. I don't get offended by the word. Instead of proposing to "kill" a word (which is idiotic and impossible), I propose we stop letting words have THAT muchj power over us. We shoudn't let the word die. it represents centuries of history that have shaed the current Black and White Communties today. Oh and to Dottie1, you may need to check your son and see if he isn't a racist. Since he likes to "make fun of the Black kids and how they act."
Common Sense-
I am not in favor of killing any word. Negative or not, it is part of the English language.
My displeasure with hearing my students call each other “niggas” also had to do with the fact that its use was only allowed amongst their black peers. White peers, and white teachers for that matter, were excluded from using “nigga” when referring to them. To this there is no compromise according to my students.
I do not see the good in using the word nigger, chink, sand nigger, towel head, wetback, spick, or any other derogatory term to refer to a person’s heritage.
Let me ask you one more thing… Does it make a person a racist for ridiculing someone? Does that mean Dave Chappelle is a racist as well? I love his humor and he makes fun of us white-folks just as much as he does his fellow blacks.
I am afraid we have misused words in this country for so long that they are losing their meanings. A racist is someone that hates another simply because of his heritage. Making fun of the way a person acts does not mean you hate them.
I do not know Dottie or her son, but I would be willing to bet they are not racists.
I really appreciate your input and the fact that you took the time to comment on this hub… :)
I have been reading with interest regarding the use of the word "nigger". I am in a writing class and I am trying to decide where I am on the use of this word by those who are Black. I have not ever, nor will I ever use the word myself (I am a 62-year-old white woman) and I have nine children who feel the same way or perhaps more fervently than I do about this. Blacks should be able to use this word among themselves as they wish. This is just emphasizing being different by feeling alike with their own people. We all feel different (though for less horrific reasons) and develop clannish sayings and words that make us feel like we are part of our own community. Who are we to say anything about what Blacks, or anyone for that matter, should or should not say? I do hope that as the years go by, we can all behave in such a manner that the word will not hurt so much when those of the human race hear it, although it is part of history that should teach us. Thank you all for your posts. I loved them all. cc in oregon
The only reason Black folk started using the word is to take the power from it.
Before, I was ready to kill you if you called me n****r....Now I reply with thats Mr. N****R to you .
I know its sad But thats what the mind does to ensure survival.
Interesting that you feel shame about people owning slaves even though your family did not. My family owned slaves from Virginia to Texas and I have never felt shame for it. I have met many black people researching their family trees and finding my family involved in theirs. They wanted to find out how their last names came about and it led straight to my family. During the course of one of these meetings the woman I was meeting with said " I feel we are family" in a weird sort of way she was correct, she and her family have attended my family reunions and mine theirs.
Slavery and the word nigger go hand in hand, both are wrong and both should never be forgotten, and we should learn from each other!
Your comment is a little contradictory. On one hand, you say you feel no shame for the slave ownership of your family, but you finish your comment by saying the word nigger and slavery is wrong.
Living in the south for the past 7 years has given me an opportunity to experience different perspectives on the issue of slavery. There are still a few people down here that feel there was nothing wrong with slavery.
Their reasons for this vary, but most point to evidence that the majority of slaves were treated very well. They claim that given the chance most slaves would have stayed on the plantation rather than step out on their own and try to survive off the plantation. And as much as I hate the whole concept of slavery, I can accept the possibility that many slaves were treated well. Logic dictates that slaves were too expensive to replace and illness could potentially bankrupt the plantation owner.
Problem is, I just can’t get my mind around the concept of treating people like property. And no matter the “benefits” the slave owner provided his slaves, “ownership” of any person is wrong on every level.
Words are powerful. I mainly wrote this hub to point out the hypocrisy of the use of the word nigger. It’s true that I hate the word and its connotation, but I was also trying to point out that the continued use of the word promotes negativity. You can try to change the meaning of a word, but you cannot change its origin.
I am not saying slavery should ever be forgotten, but what good is perpetuated from dwelling on it?
The word nigger, and all of its infinite spelling variations, is truly an awesome word. The history of that word comes from such a vile and hateful place, born out of the mouths of some of the most vile and hateful "human" beings to ever walk our planet. A word so explosive and hurtful, so harmful and repulsive, yet black folks have taken the word, claimed ownership of it, and utter it so often, and in so many different scenarios and contexts, one would think it was a common black nickname, like Mookie or Man Man.
The thing that I so love about that word is that it scares the hell out of white people. It's the one thing that black people do that white people cannot understand. There are some pretty big niggas, physically big, in this country. Really scary, King Kong lookin' niggas. White people don't fear them. Jane Goodall lives in the jungles of Africa with apes, for Christ's sake! But, it is a word, an abstract idea, it's "something," not tangible, but harder than the hardest man, that makes even the most low down of closet white supremacists cringe. How hilarious is it to see hardcore racists like Sean Hannity pretend to be offended by the word, saying that if everybody can't say it, nobody should be able to say it? Sorry, Sean. Sorry, moderate, fence-riders. Sorry, uppity, upwardly mobile negroes. It doesn't work that way.
They actually had a funeral for "nigger," coffin and everything. Al Shapton, who I actually like, was there. And these niggas were serious. I thought it was one the most hilarious things I had ever seen. Burying a word? Why don't you burn a book while your at it, fascist! Nigger is one of the most powerful weapons black people have in our arsenal. Who gives away their nukes? It's one of the few words a white person can say that would cause an interruption, if not an all out cessation, of them getting paid.
With that said, I don't think white folks should not be allowed to use the word; this is a free society. But, be prepared for the consequences. Don't be surprised, white folk, if, in the quest to be provocative and politically incorrect, or hip is what I think the teenagers are calling it these days, you find yourself outnumbered and cornered by a band of angry niggers. And they'll be earning that title of nigger with every blow, kick, and strike as they take sadistic joy in pounding you into the ground.
I didn't mean to take up all of your space, bro. Keep the good hubs coming.
I don't think not feeling any shame for what someone else did and thinking it is wrong is contradictory, can you explain how it is. I don't feel any shame that Tex Watson had a hand in Killing Sharon Tate and I still think it s wrong. You're a Teacher?
Killthegirls, not that I use the word on a routine basis but if I did and a band of angry blacks decided to take offense and do what you describe, there would be some dead people that should have just let me exercise my right to free speech! Make no mistake, I also exercise my 2nd amendment right!
Touche!
French words are cool
Many people, both black & not-black, find this an offensive term irrespective of the colour of the person saying it.
My children are of mixed-race and when they are grown it will be up to them whether they choose to use this word to describe themselves or anyone else. As a white person i have no right to say that they can or cannot do this.... however, as a mother i do have the right to guide my children toward attitudes which i consider moral & appropriate.
I teach my children to look at as many varied perspectives as possible before they make their minds up about anything. They understand the issues regarding positive re-definition of this word.... & they also understand how & why the word was originated & has & continues to be used.
I can only hope that when they are all adults they are not the kind of people who spout words frivilously, caring not who may be harmed by it, whether themselves or others.
Good comments all... thank you for your considered opinions... I will make specific comments to you each as soon as I get a chance...
Great hub and even more interesting comments. I commend you on handling the classroom situation as you did, ahhh the power of effective communication! I believe killthegirls actually understands the use of this word in the Black community better than any of your students. Heavy usage of the n-word is most common among a certain culture of Black people. They are young and intend to intimidate. It is a sense of power to boast such an offensive word around White people, DARING them to even consider whispering the word in response. Don't worry, most of us mature out of that idiocy. I was of the school that we were taking the power from the word, but I was very very wrong. We kept it alive and gave it more power.
I proved this to my son when I first heard him use the word. I gave him a test. I wrote down every racial slur I could think of (gook, wetback, spik, kike, etc.), and I asked him to write down what ethnic group the word referred to. I asked him not to guess, but only answer the ones he knew for sure. He got 4 right: nigger, spade, cracker, and honky. I asked him why does he know those and not the others, his response "I never heard them. I actually guessed at spade because I know it's a black card, but the other three I've heard." See, not saying the word DOES help. Jews not accepting kike, and not calling each other kike doesn't change history, but it alters the future. As people start to not know what the word means, they tend to avoid its usage. A wise man once told me that "we are the only race that embraces our disgrace". We shouldn't. However, as long as we have the power to say "I can say it, but you can't", it remains a tool of intimidation.
As for the one person that asked why is it okay for them to call her cracker and not okay for her to call them nigger - it's simple...because they can beat you. When it was okay to call Black people nigger, it was because they were outgunned and intimidated. The manpower gives them the right to be rude. If it were 2 Black guys and you were with a dozen White guys - you think they would've called you cracker then?
I would love to spend some time responding to this very thoughtful and well-written comment, but I just cannot make the time right now. Thank you for being a fan and for teaching your son how to be a fine young man.
Look for a more detailed response soon...
As a Black woman in America the word "nigga" is one that I have strayed away from. There is no connotation in which it may be used that I would not find it offensive. The only time that I do embrace its use, is in the context of a historical text which therefore relates to the time in which said text was written.
When I was a student at a Historical Black University I enjoyed the privilage of attending a forum related to the State of the Black Student and of course the use of the word was a risen topic. A panelist, Sister Souljah, defined the word as, "a person who refuses to learn, change or grow."
I have adopted this definiton for my own personal use. Everyhting about this word is derogatory to me. How can a black person look at this word as a term of endearment and not reflect on the pain that those before them suffered so that we don't have to be called "niggas."
I have heard many people say that it depends on the spelling and the pronunciation of the word and the truth is that none of that matters. What matters is whose lips the words fall from.
I could go on and on. Thank you for this post.
Bless
supasistuh-
Thank you for your comment. You are so right- and I love the Sister Souljah quote. Like T_Augustus also pointed out, continued use of a word only continues the connotation with which it originated. I suspected my young black students were not attempting to do anything but shock and push the envelope with the use of the word. 14 year old kids are all about pushing the limits and my students were no exception.
For the life of me I do not understand the arguement put forth by some that using the word somehow empowers the user. I don't feel any more or less empowered when my friends use derrogatory terms when referring to me. The word nigger is a derrogatory term.
I really tire of the stereotype put out by some that you must act "black, white, hispanic," etc. If people concentrated on acting like decent, caring (dare I say Christian!) members of society, race would not be an issue. Stereotypes exist because people refuse to resist them. I'm not saying people should not embrace their heritage, but being white does not automatically make me a slave owner or a person that cannot be trusted.
I'll never forget a stint I did as a security guard in Minnesota back in the early 90's. I could walk through the mall at which I was frequently stationed in my civilian clothes without attracting any attention. Yet, as soon as I put on my uniform, I was automatically distrusted and in some cases hated by the teens in the mall. (and though it should not matter, and for the sake of clarification, the teens to which I am referring were white) I didn't even look at them, unless they were up to something they shouldn't be, yet I was instantly the enemy because of the badge.
If we all lived by the Golden Rule, race and religion would be non-issues.
Thanks again T_Augustus and supasistuh for the thoughtful comments... =)
-SHD
Your last comment about being in uniform caught my eye... I had always thought that my sincerity and true concern would shine through the uniform that I wore, but after ten years of service I came to understand that people see a uniform not a person most of the time. I was quite saddened and humored one day when an older gentleman in a truck drove by me giving me the finger and starring so hatefully. I just yelled out, "no thanks," with a smile, but thought it a sad commentary on perception.
I have taken signifigant issue with many peoples' fear of the "n-word" for years now.
While I am not given to errant usage of the word in general conversation, I have used it and may use it again.
I believe that when considering the existence of the word in modern vernacular, one must bear in mind that just as the word "nigger" was born from an oppressive place and intended as a projection of negative perceptions onto Black people, so was most of what we as Black people currently embrace from a Black American cultural perspective.
Everyone loves soul food. This same cuisine that we all love, was originally the scraps thrown away by slaveowners and given to slaves; basically garbage. We do not find indulgence or partaking thereof offensive.
Christianity was beaten into Black slaves as a "civilized" alternative to african native spiritual beliefs. It was the very scripture we embrace as sacred today that was used to justify our subordinate status in this society and the preeminence of whites overall. We have been able to view christian scripture within context to see it's larger prophetic messages in spite of the bloodsoaked history of the christian church.
We even embrace the term "Black" when referring to ourselves, even though this term was even assigned us in the perjorative in light of it's definition: "sinister", "evil", "wicked", "sad", "gloomy", "dirty", "soiled", "sullen", etc.
Now, if indeed we are able to form an entire culture around ideas and perceptions of us as less than human, I think we are perfectly capable of collectively owning and contextually redefining this one word and it's usage amongst our community.
As far as other groups using the term, it is still offensive to me. I say this because they cannot own the term as we do, much the same way as the term "jew" can be acceptable or offensive depending on it's context (according to many jewish people).
It just happens that no matter what other races say their context for using the word might be, their usage of the term seems to typically accompany an association of it (rather direct or oblique) to a stereotype of a Black person...particularly within the hip hop dynamic. Typically whites who use the term "nigger" mean to either offend or evoke stereotypical imagery...which is basically offensive.
When most Black people I have observed use the word, it is directed at a common experience or understanding which mostly transcends words but can often be felt in the extreme nature of that particular word. This is especially true for young Black men, who often capitalize on the fear and hatred that the imagery of the term calls up.
Dottie1 says:
17 months ago
My son Sean attends Universal Technical Institute in MA where 85% of the students are black. The kids use the n word frequently in class and Sean says it can be funny sometimes but sometimes too it can be distracting. I've seen Sean get a big kick out of demonstating to his friends at home how the black kids interact with each other in the classroom using the n word. I just hope the word doesn't stick with him after he graduates.
I truly commend you for what you did in your classroom. The kids are keeping the n word alive. I say let it die. Thumbs up.