Let's Talk About the N-Word

Let’s clear up some of the controversy surrounding the word “nigger” or variations of the word (“nig”, “nigga”, etc). Should a word that carries out so much connotation and controversy still be used today? First thing first, those who do not connect with the word, or, those who are white, have no right in participating in this discussion. The only group that should be involved in making this decision should be Black or other minorities in which the word carries some type of weight toward. The word “nigger” was originally created as a racial slur against those of African-American descent. Today, the word has been taken from meaning a racial slur, to a joke, word of endearment, or sense of brotherhood. The word is particularly used in Rap/Hip Hop music by black artists. Some artists such as Jay-Z and Kanye West view the word as something society should take back and empower from. There are other rap artists such as Kendrick Lamar who accept that his white audience use the N-word while at his concerts or listening to his music. Oprah, a black television show host believes who deem the word unacceptable to be used period (at the end of the blog there is a video interview about the N-Word between Oprah and Jay-z worth watchin) Within the younger generation in today’s society, the N-word is diminishing its value. Some think that we should say the N-word until it carries no weight, because then, we would have moved past racial barriers. This couldn’t be more incorrect, we should not forget about that weight that the word carries, history can’t be forgotten so societies can move forward and progress, and not make the same mistakes again as they did in the past. By saying a word so frivolously it begins to not carry as much weight, and in effect we as a society begin to demean it entirely. The N-word SHOULD be able to be used in art forms or sparingly in conversation. There are some words that can be thrown around nonchalantly and some that cannot, this is a word, that cannot. However, even though this is my own personal opinion as a black person, no one person has a right to decide what a community should or should not say. Who is anyone to tell someone else they cannot use a certain word. However, if the Black community united and set barriers around the N-word and protected it, this is a much viable force field that would probably be listened to and respected. Our society needs to make a decision to clear up the controversy. Without this decision, the word will become just another word without any connotation or meaning. We need to protect that word and remember that at some point in history, that word carried extreme amounts of racism and prejudices.
http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Jay-Z-on-the-N-word-Video