There has been a bit of discussion in chat recently about the use of the word ‘Nigger,’ ‘nigga (sic)’ by people who attempt to have it seen as a badge of respect(?), rebellion, or various other reasons.
Without going into the history of the word (I prefer not to, in fact not to use the word, but it is necessary here), there’s nothing respectful/honorable or anything else that is positive about the word. It does show the user as a rebellious person with a profound need to self-denigrate, though. And, without respect for oneself, how can that person be expected to show respect for others. Indeed the user shows that they have little or no regard for the efforts of our forebears who sacrificed and struggled mightily, and endured outrageous hatred and discrimination, in hopes that we as a people/culture could have a chance for a better life.
Think about this: When you go to a job interview, do you take the ‘n word’ with you? Of course not. Why? Because the interview would END, immediately upon your use of it. Use it in any common workplace, and it’s (rightfully) likely to get you fired on the spot.
Use it in any decent restaurant? Expect to (rightfully) be asked to leave the premises.
Think about where you most commonly hear the word without people becoming uneasy. Rap lyrics, from ‘artists’ who use it as part of their strategy to get you to buy their music. They’re not interested in the hurtful effects the words have—only to get the ‘Benjamins.’
Many comics use foul/coarse language, but most Black comics have realized that the word is OFFENSIVE TO EVERYONE, and they’ve taken it out of their sets. Richard Pryor realized that late in his career, and made a point to say how much he knew that his use of the word had been HURTFUL to Black people.
Legislation is ongoing in many localities (notably New York City) to get rid of the word to the extent possible. I think governments realize they can’t enforce that, but they want to give visibility to the fact that they recognize that it is a HATEFUL word.
Why is it that some people feel they can use the term ‘my nigga,’ even as a greeting to a friend, and then find that same term offensive when used by someone of another ethnic background? YOU CAN’T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS! When people hear the term, whether directed at them, or they just happen to be in the vicinity, it causes most self-respecting people (of any race) to feel uncomfortable, as if someone has just used a coarse, vile vulgarity (which of course, the user did).
I expect to hear comments in support of use of the word. If you do, please try to not call people who feel as I do ‘Uncle Toms’ or the like. Far less than one per cent of Black people I know use the word, or will allow its use in their presence. These are people who have struggled against discrimination, and pulled themselves up by their own bootstraps to become successful and positive influences in society. They’ll tell you how easy it is to invoke negative name calling, rather than to endure the burdens they did to make life easier for YOU. So, if you respond, at least try to put forth some intelligent rationale in your support for use of the word.
With all the strife and mistrust in the world, YOU can help make it just a little bit better by trying to NOT USE that one word. It takes only a bit of conscious effort. If only a few people think about what the word really conveys, and stop their use of it, this post will have been worth it.
DARK CAVERN might even consider deleting all references to the word, also. One can hope…
Without going into the history of the word (I prefer not to, in fact not to use the word, but it is necessary here), there’s nothing respectful/honorable or anything else that is positive about the word. It does show the user as a rebellious person with a profound need to self-denigrate, though. And, without respect for oneself, how can that person be expected to show respect for others. Indeed the user shows that they have little or no regard for the efforts of our forebears who sacrificed and struggled mightily, and endured outrageous hatred and discrimination, in hopes that we as a people/culture could have a chance for a better life.
Think about this: When you go to a job interview, do you take the ‘n word’ with you? Of course not. Why? Because the interview would END, immediately upon your use of it. Use it in any common workplace, and it’s (rightfully) likely to get you fired on the spot.
Use it in any decent restaurant? Expect to (rightfully) be asked to leave the premises.
Think about where you most commonly hear the word without people becoming uneasy. Rap lyrics, from ‘artists’ who use it as part of their strategy to get you to buy their music. They’re not interested in the hurtful effects the words have—only to get the ‘Benjamins.’
Many comics use foul/coarse language, but most Black comics have realized that the word is OFFENSIVE TO EVERYONE, and they’ve taken it out of their sets. Richard Pryor realized that late in his career, and made a point to say how much he knew that his use of the word had been HURTFUL to Black people.
Legislation is ongoing in many localities (notably New York City) to get rid of the word to the extent possible. I think governments realize they can’t enforce that, but they want to give visibility to the fact that they recognize that it is a HATEFUL word.
Why is it that some people feel they can use the term ‘my nigga,’ even as a greeting to a friend, and then find that same term offensive when used by someone of another ethnic background? YOU CAN’T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS! When people hear the term, whether directed at them, or they just happen to be in the vicinity, it causes most self-respecting people (of any race) to feel uncomfortable, as if someone has just used a coarse, vile vulgarity (which of course, the user did).
I expect to hear comments in support of use of the word. If you do, please try to not call people who feel as I do ‘Uncle Toms’ or the like. Far less than one per cent of Black people I know use the word, or will allow its use in their presence. These are people who have struggled against discrimination, and pulled themselves up by their own bootstraps to become successful and positive influences in society. They’ll tell you how easy it is to invoke negative name calling, rather than to endure the burdens they did to make life easier for YOU. So, if you respond, at least try to put forth some intelligent rationale in your support for use of the word.
With all the strife and mistrust in the world, YOU can help make it just a little bit better by trying to NOT USE that one word. It takes only a bit of conscious effort. If only a few people think about what the word really conveys, and stop their use of it, this post will have been worth it.
DARK CAVERN might even consider deleting all references to the word, also. One can hope…
