Discussion: The N-Word

Recently, I have noticed that I’ve been having a lot of conversations about the n-word. So I figured I’d weigh in on the subject and give my take. Personally, I am a heavy n-word user. I use it for EVERYTHING; not just my black friends. If you are around me for more than initial meeting then there is about a 98% chance I’m going to call you a nigga at some point in time. That’s life when I’m around, deal with it. I’m not saying it’s right but it is the truth. I happen to love the way it rolls off my tongue and seems to fit just about every situation I’ve been confronted with. But, that is neither here nor there.

Now, we all know that “nigger” is where the word “nigga” came from. “Nigger” is what white people often called black people in an effort to degrade black people. But, what amazes me is that black people simply cut off the “er” and added an “a” and it was suddenly a term of endearment. This is where most people get upset. Many black people, and other races alike, either can’t or won’t separate the two words, but in all honesty that really doesn’t matter because the word is out there to stay. Anybody with common sense knows that the word nigga is not going anywhere anytime soon. It’s all over pop culture and it has infected the speech patterns of a large number of black people and other races too. Especially the people I like to call “almost niggas.” An “almost nigga” is a person who grew up around black people and feels that he/she is black as a result, which is false. To to all you almost niggas our there: STOP THAT, you are not black because of the way act. That has no basis with your nationality.

Let's speak about the actual use of the n-word: I think it is all about context. For obvious reasons not too many people really care when a black person calls another black person a nigga. Generally, people don’t think much about it as long as it originates from a black person. BUT, as soon as somebody from another race uses it there will be an issue. Im not saying it’s right that they are using it but I can’t blame them as long as they don’t mean it in a racist way. For example, if I was a white guy (which according to a lot people I am) I would want to say the word. THAT SH!T IS CATCHY!! I can honestly say that after objectively thinking about why I use the n-word the only reason I can come up with is that I hear it all the time in music, around my friends and it's kinda fun to say. So whenever a person of another race listens to music or hangs around black people often or just slips and uses the word I don’t really trip. Here’s why: I don’t consider myself a “nigga.” I am a black male. So when they use the word I don’t care because they aren’t talking about me. NONE of us are niggas. We are black people and more accurately we are AMERICANS. The only reason a person should get mad is if they consider themselves a “nigga”…which I hope none of you do. And if you think its okay to consider yourself a nigga: You are doing it wrong. And if an actual racist person calls you the n-word for real, kindly tell them: “aye cuz, FOCK YOU” and walk away. That sh!t isnt worth fighting about it. Ignorant people will be ignorant people. Enough said.

So, is it right or wrong to use the n-word? Personally, I think it is a matter of taste and the context. I don’t think there is an answer to that question and it doesn’t matter. As long as pop culture and black people are around (and no, genocide doesn’t solve anything) the word is going to be around. So, stop being so sensitive. As a black person I feel that we should realize that our heritage is way too strong and too inspiring to trip off of one word. It does not encompass who we are and it never did. Now, you don’t have to agree with my opinion but it’s my opinion. That’s the point.

-Nick