America and the N-Word
by Thought provoking topic on stereotypes that still exist in America.
“I love black people. But I hate N*****!” Those are the famous words of comedian Chris Rock. There are many topics of discussion when it comes to the problems of America. But none strike a more swift reaction from African Americans than the infamous “N” word. Not only does this word invoke a double standard between blacks and whites, but it also shows just how much racial ignorance still plays a role in society today. On March 9, 2001 the NAACP decided they would put an end to the use of the “N word.” They went as far as writing the word on a piece of paper, placing it in a casket, and having a “funeral service” to symbolize it’s death. It was their belief that by burying this word it would no longer exist. I’ve seen some pretty ridiculous things in my life but this easily qualifies as officially making my personal top 3 list.
As an African American of mixed decent, I have never been a fan of this word. Couple that with the fact that I’m also conscious of black history I also don’t like the stereotype that associates this word only with “black people.” That’s what makes this so called “burial” of the N word such an insult to the intelligence of all people. This little ritual by the NAACP did nothing but bring more publicity to an organization that wears a mask suggesting they are here to help the “cause of black people” but truthfully has never had the power to do the things that they claim they could. Before I go any further I need to clarify something about myself. I don’t believe in supporting ANY organization that promotes one culture over another. I am a fan of humanity. My 1st responsibility is to the benefit of all humanity. That means I recognize and respect the existence of ALL people. Now that I have gotten that out of the way, I want to get back to heart of the matter. This word by definition was never supposed to solely describe a particular “race.” It is a mentality.
America has taught us all to look at one group of people when it comes to the use of this word. None of you have to go very far to see that black people are not the only people you will see who wear their pants 3 sizes too big hanging off of their behinds, a white T on, and rolling in a ghetto cruiser listening to “Lil Wayne.” You can see this fact whether you are at a club, or in a grocery store. I have seen Chinese people, Spanish people, and yes even White people all act like N*****. With that being said, what good does it do to bury the word if the mentality that the word represents is still alive and breathing? We are in an age where change is upon us all. How we change is up to us. I have been asked many times how are we supposed to deal with these problem children called N*****? I think a better question would be how did this mentality get here in the first place? I believe in order to find an answer to any problem you 1st must identify the cause.
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Post CommentMorgana
On December 28, 2008 at 9:25 am
That word gets thrown around a lot around where I’m from. However, I have never heard the word being used to mean something other than “my boy”, “this guy”, “my friend”—-and the people using this word Spanish, White, African American, Asian———every nationality you can think of( I live in a multicultural city).The word has taken a different meaning to young guys these days, they relate the word to “this guy” more often than not , at least around where I live. I’m quite sure that in other places the word is being used in its original meaning.In this places however I think that the word is pronounced -”n—i–g–ga-’– which is the way I hear the guys around here say it. I know that people that mean to say its historical meaning would say it removing the last a , adding an r and o . I don’t use the word myself, not in its modern meaning and not in its historical meaning. I do use it in Spanish for negro is black , the color, in my language. I don’t know how the young guys who use the word in its modern “friendly” meaning will stop using it if they don’t think about its historical meaning. I think that if society wants young guys to stop using the word both in its modern sense and historical than that should be clear since they are young both in school and at home otherwise I don’t think it will disappear all of the sudden, especially since they are not relating it to something negative.
Linda Morro
On December 28, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Yes, it is a shame this day and age that we are not accepted as people and not judged by the content of our character. No matter how educated, clean, positive, nicely dressed, or “popular” we are, we will always be grouped with the “N” word. It breaks my heart that I still have to be a part of this “N” society that sees no difference.
misssophia
On January 6, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Interesting article! People are still very ignorant toward black history, as as well as their own. I am half Irish and half Chinese, and growing up in a predominantly white City, I always felt I stood out amongst my peers. As I have grown up and seen more of the world and experienced different places, people and cultures I am so proud of my mixed heritage and glad I stand out from the crowd.
“May 2009 be a year of unity for the benefit of humanity.” I am with you on that!
Anonymous
On March 9, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Just because today’s youth aren’t aware or choose to ignore the historical meaning of the word doesn’t take away from the stigma that it places on a whole race of people. To embrace a word that was used for hundreds of years to denegrate and destroy the self worth of human beings is incredibly clueless.
Why not use the appropriate word for “friend”, “this guy”, “boy”? Why even cling to the “N” word like it’s the only word available in the English language.
No one can ever really be sure of the intent that someone has when using the word. There are still races that use it with it’s full historical meaning in mind.
African Americans should be trying to uplift the race with positive words and behavior and not alter the meaning of a negative word that will always carry hate and the lives of millions of lynched/raped African Americans attached to it.
So many in our race want to keep blinders on or try to diminish the very things that are being used against us.
Some of us are our on worst enemies. Clinging to “hood mentalities” and the very poor behavior patterns that will never help them to achieve greatness.
There will only be mediocrity until African Americans change their mind sets and strive for better things than the right to call each other “Ni@@as”