It has been said that Knowledge is Power. If that is the case, then Lack of Knowledge of Self is Destructive. The dictionary defines the word nigger as: a person of any race or origin regarded as contemptible, inferior, ignorant, etc. or a person who is economically, politically, or socially disenfranchised. Merriam Webster's Online Dictionary states, the word nigger ranks as the most offensive and inflammatory word in the English language. Even with the definition the word nigger possesses, many members of today's generation use it as if it was a term of endearment.
The word nigger has become so accepted in today's society that it is used freely on television, radio, and many other media sources. America has seemingly become desensitized to the history behind the word nigger. I have heard Blacks make statements such as: we are taking back the word or that by changing the word to nigga you are changing the meaning, I disagree with these statements. You cannot take back a word that is not yours and no matter how you change the word, the root word remains the same.
If you do not know your history, it is said that you are doomed to repeat it. Many of today's youth do not seek out their history and heritage. In my opinion, being aware of your history and the hatred behind the word nigger aimed at your race, would make it difficult to use the word in reference to one another. Most do not think of their ancestors that were lynched, raped, and killed as they were being taunted with the word nigger. They don't think about the generations before them that risked their lives to flee from the South so they would not be called a nigger any more. I feel our ancestor's sacrifices are insulted every time Blacks refer to each other as a nigger.
It was barely forty years ago that the Black race was involved in the Black Power Movement. During this period of time we would stand next to each other to fight and die if needed for equal rights and treatment. If another Black person called you a nigger at that time, they meant it in the true sense of the word. Now, some Blacks use the word to greet one another. When, where and why did we become so disconnected?
Like I said in my initial blog entry, my intent is not to try to change one's mind or force my opinion on someone. It is only meant to share my views and recieve the viewpoints of others. The use of the word nigger has been a long standing controversy and I am sure the debate will outlive me. I just ask that for those who use the word nigger to think of their ancestor's sacrifice and not disrespect their legacy.
The word nigger has become so accepted in today's society that it is used freely on television, radio, and many other media sources. America has seemingly become desensitized to the history behind the word nigger. I have heard Blacks make statements such as: we are taking back the word or that by changing the word to nigga you are changing the meaning, I disagree with these statements. You cannot take back a word that is not yours and no matter how you change the word, the root word remains the same.
If you do not know your history, it is said that you are doomed to repeat it. Many of today's youth do not seek out their history and heritage. In my opinion, being aware of your history and the hatred behind the word nigger aimed at your race, would make it difficult to use the word in reference to one another. Most do not think of their ancestors that were lynched, raped, and killed as they were being taunted with the word nigger. They don't think about the generations before them that risked their lives to flee from the South so they would not be called a nigger any more. I feel our ancestor's sacrifices are insulted every time Blacks refer to each other as a nigger.
It was barely forty years ago that the Black race was involved in the Black Power Movement. During this period of time we would stand next to each other to fight and die if needed for equal rights and treatment. If another Black person called you a nigger at that time, they meant it in the true sense of the word. Now, some Blacks use the word to greet one another. When, where and why did we become so disconnected?
Like I said in my initial blog entry, my intent is not to try to change one's mind or force my opinion on someone. It is only meant to share my views and recieve the viewpoints of others. The use of the word nigger has been a long standing controversy and I am sure the debate will outlive me. I just ask that for those who use the word nigger to think of their ancestor's sacrifice and not disrespect their legacy.
I totally feel where you are coming from. I myself have been ignorant to the word nigga and used it joking with a friend. With your blog I fel that you have changd my opinion on using that word in a positive way.
ReplyDeleteMany people who use that word don't understand that they cosign the many years that Black people were trapped in slavery, and treated as 2nd class citizens. It is unfortunate that people today take for granted the struggles that our ancestors had in creating the freedoms we have today!
ReplyDeleteYou share the opinion of many. Personally, I do cringe when I hear the word. I myself have tried not to use the word ESPECIALLY in mixed company. I do, however, take issue with the big "Hoopla" that some people make over the word. WhileI see their point, I believe that by forming movements and literally putting the word in a casket and deeming it dead only makes the issue larger. It is human nature to be defiant. Some people ONLY say the word because it causes so much controversy. In my personal life, I tend to ignore when I hear it, simply because I choose not to give the world value.
ReplyDeleteSorry! Redo, Spelling Mistakes :-)
ReplyDeleteYou share the opinion of many. Personally, I do cringe when I hear the word. I myself have tried not to use the word ESPECIALLY in mixed company. I do, however, take issue with the big "Hoopla" that some people make over the word. While I see their point, I believe that by forming movements and literally putting the word in a casket and deeming it dead only makes the issue larger. It is human nature to be defiant. Some people ONLY say the word because it causes so much controversy. In my personal life, I tend to ignore when I hear it, simply because I choose not to give the word value.