Essay on the N-word & Reasons Why People Need to Stop
Tracing back the history of the word, it does come from the latin term for “black” and was first put into use at the start of slavery in America. It may not have been initially considered to be offensive, merely a word used to describe what the black slaved looked like, however the stigma of the word has changed it into an insult. The association of the n-word to this group of people that Americans/European considered beneath them was picked up by the black population and it became a racial slur. It was used in a way that became synonymous to calling someone sub-human or a lower creature and therefore unworthy of being considered a person. The n-word became common, popular even, by the use of Southern Americans, who are notorious for their racism, despite the politically correct term of the time being “coloured” Southern Americans chose to use the n-word because it was offensive. The use of the n-word became particularly malicious during the Civil War as a counterattack to all the black dissent.
Even as far as the 1600s, black people were calling themselves the n-word because that’s what thye were taught. The term became used ironically by black comedians and in blacksplotation films in the 70s and 80s, and eventually it became common use among the black community. However the history behind the term was still there and it was still prevalent. In fact a lot of people that used the term had lived through the Civil Rights movement and experienced the hateful intent behind the word and heard it being used as a weapon instead of just a term. And again with the rise in popularity of rap music in the late 80s and early 90s, the n-word was considered common use. The n-word, used in its non-malicious context, had reached widespread audiences of various races.
At no point in time was it acceptable for white people to use the n-word, but with the rise in common use of the term, people started asking questions like, “Well if they use it why can’t I? I’m not racist.” The better counter question would be “if you’re not racist than why do you care so much to use a historically racist term?” but I digress. People have attempted to make a distinction between the word “nigger” and “nigga” however there is absolutely no difference beside letter substitution. It is not the syntax of the word that makes it offensive, it’s the history and context of it that does.
Another counter argument to the asinine “if you can use it, then I can” comment is that the entire point of view is not as logical as it seems to be. If we apply the same logic to another situation, it points out the obvious flaws. “If you can have sex with your girlfriend, then I can too.” Yes, it’s a double standard however not all double standards are frivolous and counterintuitive. In fact, some double standards are necessary to avoid the spread of hate speech, racism, and general bigotry.
Black people and other marginalized minorities have this sense of community that should not be infringed upon or assimilated. The relationship that they have with each other and their shared history is going to obviously be different than the relationship they have with you or other parts of society. I’m not trying to victimize the black population or other historically oppressed groups, but the feeling of being marginalize does allow others to bond without if they are experiencing that marginalization as well. Without that linking factor, you have no right to assume that you understand that population; you have no right to infringe upon that sense of community and consider yourself a part of that. You are not able to properly understand the complexities and the problematic history behind that community and therefore are not entitled to being treated like you are.
To further relate this to krp, the use of the n-word and the controversy behind it is exclusively an American issue that only happens in an American society. Other parts of the word have their own history and their own controversy and their own versions of racism and marginalization. If you don’t have a right to use the word and you’re a part of the overarching American culture then what makes you think that someone who isn’t a part of the American culture is entitled to use that term?
