The “N” Word

The word ‘nigger’ is a word that has a dark history. Many people today use this word and don’t fully understand its meaning. I have on occasion used the word, just not as frequently as others. Some see the word nigger as offensive while others feel it has other meanings. I find it offensive only when directed to me in a certain context. Also a word can convey different meanings when it is enunciated a certain way. Concerning the use of the word by anyone, I believe it is purely up to him or her however; they should use it in the proper context. From the handouts in class what I found most surprising was the way in which nigger was used as an adjunct to create very descriptive phrases. My ideas of the word nigger haven’t changed much since the class discussions. Older people, usually critics of the word would contest that the use of the word is the pinnacle of ignorance and slap in the face for those who fought for civil rights. Others would say that despite the hateful connotations, the word has become a unique part of American society and should be embraced because its lost it’s meaning.

I think that the discussion of such a word is healthy because sometimes words lose their meanings and history is lost. By discussing the word and its bloody and hateful history, people today will not forget where they have come from and the struggle that was going on and the struggle that is still going on in this society. Truthfully we shouldn’t hide from the word because no matter how hard you try someone’s going to say it at some point in his or her lives. It’s become that natural.

Me personally I disapprove of rap and everything associated with it. It and the minstrels of this ilk have nothing good to contribute to society in general. It’s bad enough that rappers try and promote their dirge as art, but sprinkling nigga into it doesn’t make it any better. Sprinkle is an understatement, because the torrent of N-words in addition to the horrid lyrics is an assault on any man’s ears. I couldn’t really care if a white comedian used the word nigger if it was all in joke, unlike former Seinfeld star Michael Richard’s racist rant at the Laugh Factory in west Hollywood California.