The N-Word

[Proudbrothaman]

Personally I never really read much into the N-Word as long as white folks weren’t saying it then all is good. I have to say reading this article really made me think on the subject a lil bit more. Like I said before I never got into that debate of if it’s good or bad for blacks to say the word to each other but now I wonder is it psychologically healthy to continue to use the word. I wonder what the civil rights activists that are still alive are saying. I would think they would be the biggest supporter of abolishing the word. I suppose understanding the word and it’s orgin and why blacks use it toward one another isn’t such a bad idea.
When Mark Twain's famous novel, "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," was published in 1884, readers didn't blink an eye at the liberal use of the word "******."One hundred years after its publication, it began being pulled off of school bookshelves and removed from curriculum -- all because of that dirty little word. Some parents argue the word isn't fit for young eyes. Defenders, though, maintain that the book's overwhelmingly anti-racist plot -- about a white boy, Huck, and his adult friend, Jim, a runaway slave -- make it a worthwhile read for everyone. But the time Huckleberry Finn lived in was much different than the one we live in now. Back then, "******" was a household word. Say it in today's politically correct world and it's going to stir emotions. Arguably, no other word in history has caused so much pain and controversy. So should we still use it today? Understanding its origin
In his 2002 book, "******: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word," black Harvard Law School professor Randall Kennedy explores that question. According to Kennedy, a person who is ignorant of the meanings and effects of the n-word is endangered. He wrote that the term is derived from "niger," the Latin word for the color, black. In the United States, the word was not originally considered derogatory, but merely denotative of black, as it was in much of the world. In 19th century American literature, such as with Huck Finn, there were many uses of the term with no intended negative connotation, Kennedy writes in his book. The perception of the n-word as derogatory is related to the fact that the Negro race was -- and still is by some whites -- regarded as inferior. During U.S. slavery, white slave owners further dehumanized their slaves by calling them "niggers." And because they wouldn't respectfully call blacks by their names, whites continued to use the word during the Jim Crow days. After the Civil Rights era in the 1960s, the word became taboo as blacks started to gain more privileges in America, and whites became more engulfed in black culture. Over the years, "******" was replaced with "Negro," and then "Afro-American," and later "black," before today's politically correct term, "African-American.” The late Richard Pryor used the word freely during his comedy shows during the 1970s, perhaps in an attempt to take the sting out of it, Kennedy notes. Why, his 1974 Grammy award-winning album was even called, "That ******'s Crazy." But after a trip to Africa in 1980, a newly enlightened Pryor vowed to never say the n-word again, Kennedy writes.
For blacks only
Willie Dixon, 74, of Momence, has always considered the word "extremely insulting" -- but only when it's used by whites. He understands why blacks frequently use the term today, however. Dixon, who teaches African-American history at Kankakee Community College, said blacks have endured a history of overt racism and discrimination in America. As time passed, and African-Americans gained more rights, he said blacks started using the word to take power away from whites who used it to break their spirits. For instance, blacks commonly greeted each other by saying, "What's up, nigga?" using it in place of the word "brother" or "friend." This helped promote unity among blacks."(Whites) don't share our intimacy. There are certain privileges that blacks have among themselves that outsiders don't have," Dixon said, referring to the use among blacks. Blacks also have turned the slur into a term for adoration and respect. Dixon gave the example of calling Michael Jordan "a bad ******," meaning a great black person on the basketball court. But not all blacks believe it should be used so casually.Thesley Beverly of Hopkins Park believes that blacks who were burned and lynched while fighting for freedom and equality, would "turn over in their graves" if they heard African-American people call each other niggers.
A change of mind
As a teen, Rashad Marshall, 26, of Kankakee, who's black, said he used to call his black friends, "my niggas." But since he's matured, he now refers to them as "my brothers.” Marshall also wanted to avoid the hassles of worrying about using the word in mixed company. Typically, he said it's all right for non-blacks to use the word if they have a "ghetto pass" -- meaning they're "accepted" because of their understanding and embracing of black culture. But if a non-black should use the n-word in a derogatory context, watch out -- the dividing lines aren't always so clear. Jennifer Lopez used the word in one of her songs, "I'm Real." But it was used in its casual, least racially charged form. Perhaps her growing up in Bronx, N.Y., around blacks made her feel at ease with the word. Yet, white rapper Eminen said he's never felt comfortable using the n-word, reports a 2004 Rolling Stones article. Despite being immersed in popular black culture, he just won't cross that line.
A double standard?
Marshall understands that not using the n-word can be difficult for non-blacks -- particularly white teens, the biggest consumers of today's rap music -- because the word is tossed all over many hip hop albums. But the double standard will always exist, Marshall said: Blacks can say it; whites can’t. Amanda Butts of Kankakee, who's white, learned this the hard way. Several years ago, she unintentionally offended one of her black girlfriends by nonchalantly using the term.” I stopped using the word because I knew I was hurting her, and I didn't want to hurt anyone else," said Butts, 15.Because "people can always take it the wrong way," Butts said she wishes the word could be banished from our vocabulary altogether. Dennis Kent, 62, of Kankakee, thinks otherwise. Kent, a Caucasian, dislikes the term and feels no one should use it negatively toward blacks. But eliminating it from history books, dictionaries and other reading materials is far-fetched. The word is too powerful in American history to be wiped out of our minds altogether, he said. If it were eradicated, perhaps we'll forget the history so entwined in those letters. Professor Dixon feels the same way."(The n-word) is here to stay -- whether people accept it or not. It will always be with us," Dixon said.

Written By Antonio Young of the Daily Journal

[MzKwietStorm]

My problem is the black people that get upset with white people for saying it. How can you get upset with someone for saying something, you say all the time. Yeah, I understand it's coming from a white person and they shouldn't say it, but if it hurts you to hear them say it, why speak it yourself. My thing is, you can't correct somebody when you're wrong yourself.

[Sumyr]

My problem is the black people that get upset with white people for saying it. How can you get upset with someone for saying something, you say all the time. Yeah, I understand it's coming from a white person and they shouldn't say it, but if it hurts you to hear them say it, why speak it yourself. My thing is, you can't correct somebody when you're wrong yourself.

Mskwietstorm, very good response. A comedian also said it best, "It's like white people got together and came up with a word that would make us mad for the rest of our lives. Let it go." I agree - why play to this idiotic way of thinking? The word doesn't bother me.

Originally Posted by Proudbrothaman

Personally I never really read much into the N-Word as long as white folks weren’t saying it then all is good. I have to say reading this article really made me think on the subject a lil bit more. Like I said before I never got into that debate of if it’s good or bad for blacks to say the word to each other but now I wonder is it psychologically healthy to continue to use the word. I wonder what the civil rights activists that are still alive are saying. I would think they would be the biggest supporter of abolishing the word. I suppose understanding the word and it’s orgin and why blacks use it toward one another isn’t such a bad idea.
When Mark Twain's famous novel, "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," was published in 1884, readers didn't blink an eye at the liberal use of the word "******."One hundred years after its publication, it began being pulled off of school bookshelves and removed from curriculum -- all because of that dirty little word. Some parents argue the word isn't fit for young eyes. Defenders, though, maintain that the book's overwhelmingly anti-racist plot -- about a white boy, Huck, and his adult friend, Jim, a runaway slave -- make it a worthwhile read for everyone. But the time Huckleberry Finn lived in was much different than the one we live in now. Back then, "******" was a household word. Say it in today's politically correct world and it's going to stir emotions. Arguably, no other word in history has caused so much pain and controversy. So should we still use it today? Understanding its origin
In his 2002 book, "******: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word," black Harvard Law School professor Randall Kennedy explores that question. According to Kennedy, a person who is ignorant of the meanings and effects of the n-word is endangered. He wrote that the term is derived from "niger," the Latin word for the color, black. In the United States, the word was not originally considered derogatory, but merely denotative of black, as it was in much of the world. In 19th century American literature, such as with Huck Finn, there were many uses of the term with no intended negative connotation, Kennedy writes in his book. The perception of the n-word as derogatory is related to the fact that the Negro race was -- and still is by some whites -- regarded as inferior. During U.S. slavery, white slave owners further dehumanized their slaves by calling them "niggers." And because they wouldn't respectfully call blacks by their names, whites continued to use the word during the Jim Crow days. After the Civil Rights era in the 1960s, the word became taboo as blacks started to gain more privileges in America, and whites became more engulfed in black culture. Over the years, "******" was replaced with "Negro," and then "Afro-American," and later "black," before today's politically correct term, "African-American.” The late Richard Pryor used the word freely during his comedy shows during the 1970s, perhaps in an attempt to take the sting out of it, Kennedy notes. Why, his 1974 Grammy award-winning album was even called, "That ******'s Crazy." But after a trip to Africa in 1980, a newly enlightened Pryor vowed to never say the n-word again, Kennedy writes.
For blacks only
Willie Dixon, 74, of Momence, has always considered the word "extremely insulting" -- but only when it's used by whites. He understands why blacks frequently use the term today, however. Dixon, who teaches African-American history at Kankakee Community College, said blacks have endured a history of overt racism and discrimination in America. As time passed, and African-Americans gained more rights, he said blacks started using the word to take power away from whites who used it to break their spirits. For instance, blacks commonly greeted each other by saying, "What's up, nigga?" using it in place of the word "brother" or "friend." This helped promote unity among blacks."(Whites) don't share our intimacy. There are certain privileges that blacks have among themselves that outsiders don't have," Dixon said, referring to the use among blacks. Blacks also have turned the slur into a term for adoration and respect. Dixon gave the example of calling Michael Jordan "a bad ******," meaning a great black person on the basketball court. But not all blacks believe it should be used so casually.Thesley Beverly of Hopkins Park believes that blacks who were burned and lynched while fighting for freedom and equality, would "turn over in their graves" if they heard African-American people call each other niggers.
A change of mind
As a teen, Rashad Marshall, 26, of Kankakee, who's black, said he used to call his black friends, "my niggas." But since he's matured, he now refers to them as "my brothers.” Marshall also wanted to avoid the hassles of worrying about using the word in mixed company. Typically, he said it's all right for non-blacks to use the word if they have a "ghetto pass" -- meaning they're "accepted" because of their understanding and embracing of black culture. But if a non-black should use the n-word in a derogatory context, watch out -- the dividing lines aren't always so clear. Jennifer Lopez used the word in one of her songs, "I'm Real." But it was used in its casual, least racially charged form. Perhaps her growing up in Bronx, N.Y., around blacks made her feel at ease with the word. Yet, white rapper Eminen said he's never felt comfortable using the n-word, reports a 2004 Rolling Stones article. Despite being immersed in popular black culture, he just won't cross that line.
A double standard?
Marshall understands that not using the n-word can be difficult for non-blacks -- particularly white teens, the biggest consumers of today's rap music -- because the word is tossed all over many hip hop albums. But the double standard will always exist, Marshall said: Blacks can say it; whites can’t. Amanda Butts of Kankakee, who's white, learned this the hard way. Several years ago, she unintentionally offended one of her black girlfriends by nonchalantly using the term.” I stopped using the word because I knew I was hurting her, and I didn't want to hurt anyone else," said Butts, 15.Because "people can always take it the wrong way," Butts said she wishes the word could be banished from our vocabulary altogether. Dennis Kent, 62, of Kankakee, thinks otherwise. Kent, a Caucasian, dislikes the term and feels no one should use it negatively toward blacks. But eliminating it from history books, dictionaries and other reading materials is far-fetched. The word is too powerful in American history to be wiped out of our minds altogether, he said. If it were eradicated, perhaps we'll forget the history so entwined in those letters. Professor Dixon feels the same way."(The n-word) is here to stay -- whether people accept it or not. It will always be with us," Dixon said.

Written By Antonio Young of the Daily Journal

I've thought about this subject before n' hadn't been able to come to an agreement with myself on how I feel about the "N" word until now.

I really don't know when (I'm too young) the word evolved to being used so casually amongst us blacks. But I can believe Mr. Dixon's take on the situation. I think that is why the word is what it is Today n' I've got no problem with that. With that being said Mr. Marshall probably represents me the best. I use the word moderatley myself but never around whites for I do not want them to get the idea that it is OK for the to go about throwing it around ('cause it damn sure aint). Lemme give you a brief example: you've got a white cop pullin' over a latino. The latino for no reason shoots the cop n' kills 'em. I may say somethin' to the effect of "Damn, that nigga loose." So for me, the word simply is used to replace "man" or "dude". To me, the word (with an "a", not "er" on the end.) simply referrs to a male. I have no problem with others outside of my race (whites omitted) using the word so long as it is not used to put another down.

When Kakalaka's use the word they usually have the tendancy to make sure it's used how their ancestors meant it n' it has the traditional "er" on the end. That's the only time it becomes a problem. We took something they used to degrade us for many years n' spat it right back in their face just as Dixon said. I see no problem with the word n' honestly get tired of seein' debates n' folk wantin' to "Abolish the N Word". It's not happenin', the word is rooted deep in us before we even know or understand it's meaning.

[shankems2000]

You know what I don't understand? When some black people get angry when white people say it, but Hispanics (some of whom are white btw) say it to us and each other, but those same black people that get mad when whites say it, have no problem with a "what up my nigga?" from a Hispanic or Arab or something. Crazy.

Anyway, I don't think it degrades us by using it, I believe it's just another word that can have both negative or positive meanings depending upon the context in which it's used. But that's just me.

[Samoon]

Wow....! IMO the word was NEVER meant to be complimentary. But that's just my opinion. Sign.

[love2talk]

That word is not part of my vocabulary whatsoever. Personally, I don't go out of the way to address my male friends as 'my brother', so I don't see why I would make any effort calling them 'my n*****'. Usually I call them by name or nickname and it's just that simple. Some blacks excuse it by saying it's a term of 'endearment' to justify their using it. How do you explain those who don't? Example: when a man/woman is cussing out some guy that pissed them off or really rubbed them the wrong way- "F*uck you, you no good n****!" or "I'ma f*ck that n**** up," or "That n**** ain't worth a sh*t". It's no wonder that some whites will always think it's okay to use that word as long as they see ourselves saying it to each other.

[darkreign]

I don't care for it in any form, I find it offensive no matter how it is spelled or pronounced. And the article has it wrong (at least with me), in my ignorant days, I never used that word in order to take the “string” out of the word or “power” from whites. Me and my ignorant friends used it b\c we didn’t know any better. I made a effort to rid that word from my vocabulary after I saw the movie “X”. I no longer call my people this and I don’t allow myself to be called this, nor is it spoken in my house.

[cardiyac]

Man, all ya'll ni99az sensitive....lol! I don't care, get mad if you want. I say ni99a and don't really care who likes it. Hell yeah it's a double standard. What people don't understand is that we made it a double standard because everything else was a double standard against us back in the day. White folk could say whateva to us and do whateva but when we did it, our a$$ got lynched or str8 fvcked up. Don't get mad at those of us who use it because you know yo' a$$ still says it even in your head...call me ig'nant or whateva you want, but i'm still a ni99a to all my ni99az...and still a ni99er to all them honkeys....but guess what? So are you, whether you like it or not.

It's a matter of choice though. Fvck or be celibate...cuss or don't cuss...be a vegan or eat meat....say ni99a or don't, who gives a damn? We make the damn word more sensitive when we debate it so much.

Live and let live. Peace.

[love2talk]

This isn't a matter of being sensitive, it's the principle behind it. That word is no way of commanding respect from others. Now whites will always think of us as being n***** and they have had their double standards back in the day, but this is not monkey see, monkey do. Some people don't care about the word one way or another, but a term that is the most disrespectful to call a black person has become so excusable, and then the same people wonder why the black community is always seeming to be in trouble.

* No one's getting mad. It's just disagreeing on a mature level. I mean, this is a message board for the intent of debate. And for the record, that word is not said in my head, or out my mouth.*