In this case I am referring to the N word, a derogatory term once used to describe black people during slavery. It is also a word used now as an expression, a figure of speech, mostly used by males in greetings and general conversations.
Many are wondering how an expression once used as a demeaning term towards blacks, all of a sudden turned out to be acceptable by blacks. But if one of another race uses the N word, blacks become irate and ready to fight, because then it’s insulting to them and disrespectful towards the black race. Older generations find the N word offensive and disrespectful to the black race, while generations thereafter embrace it. The younger generations are only repeating what they hear on a constant bases, which is why i strongly believe some repetitive patterns need to be broken, or ceased before it becomes a habit.
Hip Hop artists, videos, and cable programs have been blamed for the popular use of the N word. The truth is the N word didn’t just start being used in any of those things. During the early 70s and thereafter, comedians and actors often used the N word in stand up comedy shows, skits and black films. Rather it’s from the television or the radio, the N word’s influential power has caused criticism, which has brought about major controversial attacks. The N word has also been banned from television networks, and radio shows, but banning the N word doesn’t stop people from using it!
It is easy for a child to repeat what they hear and not know what it means. When my sons were younger they often heard the N word. The first time they said it, I immediately encouraged them not to say it again. As they became older I explained why the meaning of the word is offensive to some and why others feel more comfortable using it.
How the N word was used decades ago is different than the way it is perceived now. Even though some blacks use the term as an expression, or a general way of speaking, I don’t use the N word simply because I choose not to and it’s not apart of my vocabulary. I feel it is not appropriate to address someone in that manner. I also feel that if it’s not okay for the opposite race to use it, then it’s not okay for African Americans to use it either.
Is it a good thing or a bad thing for blacks to call one another the N word? I won’t say it’s a good thing or a bad thing, who am I to judge. However, it means the same thing no matter how you use it or spell it. I am not saying those who use it are wrong;, however, it does send off a misconception. It's no different than the holidays. How we celebrate them is different from it's initial meaning!
Sometimes we have to be responsible for our own actions and set by example. Even if we don’t have children we still should be more careful of what we say and more aware of what we do, not just for ourselves but for our upcoming youth!
By: Tamara M. Anderson
This article was orginally published in January 2011!
This is an excellent topic that you have chosen my dear sister Tamara Anderson.
ReplyDeleteIndeed it is one that is heavily discussed in several communities today and that many are being bothered with for some time.
We are dealing with skilled enemies who will use several tools to degrade and to divide and conquer us.
One may ask the question is using a word to describe how someone feel about you in a harsh way as damaging as using a word while beating you makes any difference?
Many people in today's society as well as the past use street slang to express themselves and may use a few so-called profane words to express themselves.
However I am reminded in the course of my studies that our ancestors contributed to creating and giving signs symbols language to the world among other things that are being used in this present.
Our crafty enemies has used such to harm and create havoc among our people.
However if we look at what is really being done and what we are experiencing from the hands and craftiness of our enemy is tricknology and psychology.
Little do people know, that the swastika was used by Hitler and the third right regime doing their wartime as a flag for conquer but the symbol is very ancient and it belongs to our people.
The Aryan brotherhood took the name Aryan and subscribe it to themselves but these also were our people.
Within the pages of the religious book called The Bible there you will find Simeon who was named after the place and where he lived as a Niger or in its today's no name as Nigeria.
In our ancient stories we find that the dark gods were called nagas. The Egyptian deity God Osiris was called lord of the perfect black.
Doing the decades of war we have been called several names that is an attack upon our skin due to the jealousies of those who are unlike us in skin tone.
Shwetzer, fur head, spearchucker, jungle bunny, tar baby, African, monkey, negro, nig'-ger.
Terms or labels used to make mockery or to degrade.
But when you look behind the words you will find that the word alone is harmless, but the harsh treatment and actions that one take against or upon you is the damage.
I would agree 100% that our children need to be taught as well as ourselves our parents who are willing to learn need to be taught in order to speak in a comprehensive manner in order to communicate in a way that is understood amongst one another and abroad.
I would also add that in order to move forward as a society as a community as a people we must first look at ourselves and find the value within ourselves and gain the wisdom of who we are and teach it to one another soon as we look upon each other we don't see each other in contempt we will find that if we love ourselves we can love one another and never use anything that will harm or bring harm.
However I will contend that the word isn't our enemy but it is our treatment that we inflict on one another because it has been passed down to us from our current and former slave Masters.
Our people use language that is looked upon as abusive as a comfort among the community no different than hanging out and drinking and smoking The chronic.
When you have been raised through a generation that has heard or seen the leadership of our people assassinated and our personal normal nature emasculated and exterminated and exploited, the fight becomes less important and you find a way to ease the pain and submit as many have done.
Yes the war on us is real and the fight continues. However it is the responsibility of each individual in the world to not be conformed to the world but to learn of self and save thyself from the harm by walking in wisdom and being the light.