Written By Jueseppi B.
This is a very interesting topic for many Black Americans, whether the use of the word nigger/niggah is ever appropriate or acceptable. There are many opinions and thoughts on this subject, and I will offer you something to ponder and then you can formulate your own idea about the word.
Nigger is a noun in the English language, most notable for its usage in a pejorative context to refer to black people (generally people of Sub-Saharan African descent), and also as an informal slang term, among other contexts. It is a common ethnic slur. The word originated as a term used in a neutral context to refer to black people, as a variation of the Spanish/Portuguesenoun negro, a descendant of the Latin adjective niger, meaning the color "black".
Nigga is a term used in African American Vernacular English that began as an eye dialect form of the word nigger. In practice, its use and meaning are heavily dependent on context.[5] Presently, the word nigga is used more liberally among younger members[6] of all races andethnicities in the United States, although its use by persons not of African descent is still widely viewed as unacceptable and hostile, even when used without intentional prejudice. In addition to African Americans, other ethnic groups[7][8] have adopted the term as part of their vernacular.
Now the definition of this word is listed above for all to see, but my question today is...should this word ever be used? Is it ever acceptable or appropriate? I have been hearing debate for and against the use of the word nigger/niggah for years. So here's my take on this word.
It is simply that, a word. It has no power. None whatsoever, at all. The only way this word becomes dangerous is when WE assign the word power. Over the past 40 years, I have witnessed Black Americans take this negative racial slur and transform it into something with a very different meaning, than what the racists caucasian intended. It is, and was, used by racists caucasians to mean everything negative and wrong with a human being. To be labeled a nigger was the final insult. The ultimate degradation.
Fast forward to the middle 70's, and a young Richard Pryor's use of the word in his comedy routine. Then the sub culture known as the rap scene, later to be called the hip hop culture. In the space of 40 years time, Black Americans have taken this bad word and flipped the script. It is now, among some groups of Black Americans, a word of greeting and warmth and camaraderie. And this angers a whole lot of Black Americans. I have to ask why does it anger us so? We as a people, took the proverbial "lemons, and turned them into lemonade".
Caucasians did the exact same thing with the derogatory word "redneck". Because of comedian Jeff Foxworthy, the term/word redneck is no longer a thing of contention or negativity. Many caucasians are proud to be called a redneck, because of that word being transformed.
I am informed that other Black people in other parts of the world have no use for the word nigger/niggah, and have no plans to embrace the usage of the word in any form. That is their preoperative. There are many things American culture does, and practice, that is not practiced worldwide. It means nothing to Americans that the transformation of nigger/niggah from insulting to inspiring, is not accepted in other parts of the world.
The word nigger, which means many things but can be said to describe someone who is lazy, dishonest, untrustworthy, has no morals, is a very dangerous and evil person, can describe anyone of any race, creed, color, or cultural heritage. Absolutely any human has the ability to be a nigger, based on his or her actions and character. So assigning the word nigger/niggah the power to be derogatory to Black Americans, should be over and done.
Racists caucasians detest the fact we Black Americans have taken their word of hate and evilness and turned it around, to mean something totally opposite. A lot like the usage of the word bad...which today can mean actually something bad, or the total opposite, something good.
Yes, I understand there will be many who say this word is evil, vile, and nasty and should never be used. I disagree. Black Americans have taken something negative, and turned it into a positive in OUR community. Just like taking table scraps as slaves, from the white slave owners,...and creating soul food!
That's MY opinion, Now....What's Yours??
"Disagree Intelligently, Use Facts & Truth."
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