SENPAIatLARGE
Banned
As America and the entire world becomes increasingly diverse, people are coming into contact with the N-word and all its variants at an increased rate. African- American and Biracial artists, celebrities and actors use it freely, while others call for its banning. While the Black community sorts it out, millions of white people, as well as asians and hispanics wonder if they can use it. Let this thread serve as a Comprehensive guide to the words history, meaning and usability in the modern era.
Part 1: History of the Word
Part 2: Why Black people use it
Over time, black people have taken the word out of the mouth of their oppressors, and made it their own. Even in slavery, Black people used the word nigger to identify themselves, and even used it endearingly. During the Civil Rights era, many Blacks fought to end its use, and did manage to mostly stop the public use of the n-word by whites. But times change, and language evolves, and the once reviled word found new meaning with young African Americans. Changing the hateful nigger to the better sounding nigga gave new cultural significance. an interview from the 2001 Enquirer highlights this.
Not all black people feel this way, especially older African Americans who have been more personally hurt by its negative usage. But I know what your'e thinking dear reader.
'If there are so many differing opinions, can I ever use the word?'
Its culturally accepted for African Americans, Afro Latinos and different biracial members of the African American community to say it at their own discretion.
'But I'm not any of those things! Can I use it?"
In short no. If the time arises when you think you can say it use the D.O.N.T system.
Part 3: I'm white and want to say nigga! D.O.N.T
This 4 step plan has been engineered to prevent unnecessary racial tension and awkwardness, while boosting interracial relations.
Do not speak without thinking
Observe cultural traditions
Never say the n-word
Think about how your respecting the Black community
This is a lot to take in, so lets see it in action:
Dutch is reuniting with his old friend Dillon and he really wants to greet him by exclaiming "Whats up my nigga"
Instead of bursting out, he uses the D.O.N.T system.
First he Does not speak without thinking, and then observes the cultural traditions and backgrounds that are behind the word.
He Never says the n-word, and then thinks about how his actions showed much respect for his Black friend and his community.
Instead of the planned greeting, he opts for one that isnt charged with racial undertones, and the friendship is preserved and strengthened.
Nice Work Dutch!
"But I'm a Cool White GuyTM, and my black friends let me say it"
While it may be cool with your circle of friends, dont expect it to be cool with anyone else. When in doubt D.O.N.T.
"But I had one Black friend who let me use it whenever I wanted!"
He was probably doing that to make his white friends happy. Next time you want to say it, D.O.N.T.
"But isn't it a double standard?"
Not really. Refer to the part 1 if you need a real explanation as to why white people should not say it today. Especially since its used derogatorily by whites even to this day, all in an effort to bring African Americans down.
In Conclusion, African Americans transformed a word of hate to a word of endearment, but only when spoken by one another. It still has a volatility to it even in 2016, and we are a long way from it being acceptable for everyone to say. I hope this serves as a good guide and reference point for future threads where someone inevitably uses the n-word when they shouldn't have.And remember, if you have to think if its ok or not to say it, D.O.N.T.
Part 1: History of the Word
Part 2: Why Black people use it
Over time, black people have taken the word out of the mouth of their oppressors, and made it their own. Even in slavery, Black people used the word nigger to identify themselves, and even used it endearingly. During the Civil Rights era, many Blacks fought to end its use, and did manage to mostly stop the public use of the n-word by whites. But times change, and language evolves, and the once reviled word found new meaning with young African Americans. Changing the hateful nigger to the better sounding nigga gave new cultural significance. an interview from the 2001 Enquirer highlights this.
Not all black people feel this way, especially older African Americans who have been more personally hurt by its negative usage. But I know what your'e thinking dear reader.
'If there are so many differing opinions, can I ever use the word?'
Its culturally accepted for African Americans, Afro Latinos and different biracial members of the African American community to say it at their own discretion.
'But I'm not any of those things! Can I use it?"
In short no. If the time arises when you think you can say it use the D.O.N.T system.
Part 3: I'm white and want to say nigga! D.O.N.T
This 4 step plan has been engineered to prevent unnecessary racial tension and awkwardness, while boosting interracial relations.
Do not speak without thinking
Observe cultural traditions
Never say the n-word
Think about how your respecting the Black community
This is a lot to take in, so lets see it in action:
Dutch is reuniting with his old friend Dillon and he really wants to greet him by exclaiming "Whats up my nigga"
Instead of bursting out, he uses the D.O.N.T system.
First he Does not speak without thinking, and then observes the cultural traditions and backgrounds that are behind the word.
He Never says the n-word, and then thinks about how his actions showed much respect for his Black friend and his community.
Instead of the planned greeting, he opts for one that isnt charged with racial undertones, and the friendship is preserved and strengthened.
Nice Work Dutch!
"But I'm a Cool White GuyTM, and my black friends let me say it"
While it may be cool with your circle of friends, dont expect it to be cool with anyone else. When in doubt D.O.N.T.
"But I had one Black friend who let me use it whenever I wanted!"
He was probably doing that to make his white friends happy. Next time you want to say it, D.O.N.T.
"But isn't it a double standard?"
Not really. Refer to the part 1 if you need a real explanation as to why white people should not say it today. Especially since its used derogatorily by whites even to this day, all in an effort to bring African Americans down.
In Conclusion, African Americans transformed a word of hate to a word of endearment, but only when spoken by one another. It still has a volatility to it even in 2016, and we are a long way from it being acceptable for everyone to say. I hope this serves as a good guide and reference point for future threads where someone inevitably uses the n-word when they shouldn't have.And remember, if you have to think if its ok or not to say it, D.O.N.T.
