The word nigger comes from the Latin "niger" meaning black. However, during slavery in America it was used by white slaveholders as a term to refer to a group of slaves. Over time, the definition has evolved to "usually offensive; a member of a socially disadvantaged class of persons." Other definitions include "lowlife,"a person of any race or origin regarded as contemptible, inferior, ignorant, etc." Since the definition has such a negative connotation, why would anyone want to be embraced by such language?Many African Americans argue that the word should not be used at all. Op-ed columnist and motivational speaker Mychal S. Massie writes "people who respect themselves and honestly respect others don't show affection and respect with such loathsome and baneful language." Those who support this view feel as though the term is extremely derogatory, based on its history. In other words, the history marks the vulgarity of the word. The horrific imagery linked to the word makes some cringe at just the sound of it.
Some argue that the word is now used as a term of endearment. They argue that the context in which it is spoken and who is using it can alter the meaning of the word. Also, many argue that if one pronounces the "er" at the end of the word, then it is disrespectful. However, if the "er" is replaced with an "a," the entire meaning of the word changes, and it then becomes a term of endearment. While those who argue this point argue that it is a term of endearment, they also are often those who get offended when anyone outside of the African American race uses the word.
Now I'll ask you to consider this: if it is a term of endearment, why are only certain people allowed to use it? Most terms of endearment are accepted by everyone. What about the word makes it so special that only blacks can use it? Also, how can erasing two letters from the word change the entire meaning (when it essentially is the same word)?
Except for in historical contexts, there is no reason for the use of the word. It is not a term of endearment, and taking away the last two letters does not alter the meaning. If it truly were a term of endearment, then those who use it would have no problem with those outside of their race using it as well. Nigger should not be as accepted in the black community as it is today. The word has an offensive and grotesque historical meaning that it has not yet shed.
“if it is a term of endearment, why are only certain people allowed to use it?” I agree completely. I think it’s hypocritical that only certain people can say that word, and they get mad when they hear people outside of their race say the same thing. I don’t think anyone should be using that word because of the negative connotation behind it.
ReplyDeleteFunfact: Niger in Latin, depending on context is sometimes translated as meaning "unlucky"
ReplyDeletehttp://www.archives.nd.edu/cgi-bin/wordz.pl?keyword=niger
Our conversations about this in class have been engaging. Overall, I think people have sided with the idea that the word really cannot be used in a positive way without carrying the negative history with it. But I still wonder -- can African American re-appropriations of the word have some positive ramifications? Does it force white people into contending with that history? Does it force us to have conversations? Does it allow people to feel less harmed or violated by the word? Basically, I wonder if we might be underestimating how useful the re-appropriation might have been, even if we want to avoid the word today.
ReplyDeleteMany people may feel the need to erase the word from everyday vocabulary, but there will still be people who use it. There was actually a campaign to ban the n-word. For a few months, the word was rarely heard ( where I live), but over time it began to be circulated again. I do side with you on the issue, but I also feel that African Americans use the word and don't allow others to because it gives them a sense of ownership. If you think about history and even the present, many African Americans feel they have to work harder than their white counterparts to prove themselves. This is prevalent in jobs mostly, but also emerging into relationships. When Obama won the election, African Americans were thrilled because a black man had accomplished something important and had opened the door for many opportunities. The opportunities were always there, but with a black president many feel that their chances are higher or have the mentality: if Obama could do it, then I can to. Hence the slogan, "Yes We Can".
ReplyDeleteThe conversations in class about this word have been quite interesting. I am guilty myself of using this word on occasion, but have been attempting to stop. Even though i don't use profanity, i used to think that this word was an exception, something i could say without it being a "cuss word". As immature that may be, some younger people may have the same thought process i did. Assuming it is ok because everyone else says it. I think many people, especially parents, should view this word as profanity also, because it holds the same offense that any other profane word does.
ReplyDeleteRaney makes an interesting point. Is the "n-word" a profanity? When he says that the word holds the same offense as others, it got me thinking about other swear words. It doesn't seem like any of them really hold a candle to the "n-word" in terms of its history as a powerfully derogatory word. So really, this may be the worst of all the swear words in that respect.
ReplyDeleteI think it's safe to say that the n-word is a profanity. It is edited out from music that is aired on the radio or on tv, and most people, white or black, wouldn't say it to their elders. That being said, I like the fact that black people took the edge away from the word among each other, by pronouncing it with an 'a' sound at the end rather than how its' originally spelled. I think its cool how blacks can use the word and white people are no longer 'allowed' to use it freely nor in a degrading manner
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