"The N Word: Who Can Say It, Who Shouldn't, and Why"
@MichelleLDevon (828)
United States
April 3, 2007 4:06am CST
The title is the name of a new book written by Jabari Asim about the etymological history of the word 'n*gger'.
You can read an article I wrote on the subject here:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/199880/the_n_word_who_can_say_it_who_shouldnt.html
My questions:
Have you ever used the N word?
Why or why not?
If you have, what is your race?
I have never used it for any reason other than in writing this article... and I would never use the word. There are two words that are in my absolutely, completely off limits list - n*gger and c*nt. Both are as derogatory and degrading in my opinion, and there's no reason, ever, to call names - especially ones that engender hatred - hate, racism, etc.
What are your views? Let me know what you think of the article.
Love and stuff,
Michy
2 responses
@AcousticSoul (1309)
• United States
3 Apr 07
As a african American sad to say I use the word quite regularly... and I say its sad because it has been conditioned within me as a child growing up... My people have used it for all reason for pleasure... comedy... and general conversation... its not fair that we have blown that word out of porportion mainly because of the media, and its not fair that we have contradicted the use of it as where its ok for Blacks to say it but if a White person uses the word then they are racist and prejudice...In all its not a good word and it shouldn't be used at all just like other names in which different cultures use... its just not becoming...
2 people like this
@MichelleLDevon (828)
• United States
3 Apr 07
Thank you! I agree - it shouldn't be okay for anyone to say it, black or white.
It is amazing to me just how powerful the word is.
Honestly, when I hear it, even on television or in a song, I tend to tense up and cringe inside - and I'm white! I can't imagine what they must feel like to a black person who has dealt more with racism than I'm sure I have.
My daughter is of color, and I had never had to deal with racism or experience it until she was a bit older and I started getting those 'looks' from people.
But you're right - it's a tacky word, very unbecoming.
Thanks for your comment!
@ACagedHeart (14)
• United States
3 Apr 07
Those are both on my 'Never Gonna say, write or even think those words' list. I can't see how either could ever be considered anything BUT hateful, rude and crude. Your article is very well written, thanks for a great review of this touchy subject book.
1 person likes this
