My thoughts on…the banning of the "N" word
March 20th 2007 -
This happened a couple weeks ago, but it was recently brought to my attention. Turns out that New York has placed a symbolic ban on the word “nigger.” Symbolic, meaning that there will be no legal repercussions. This after Micheal Richards’ racist tirade. Oh, so it was okay when those red-state racist crackers were using it, but it becomes an issue when it’s said by a racist cracker WHO’S FAMOUS? This is a really dumb move, and actors like Chris Rock and Jamie Foxx agree, and will not stop using the word. The reason why “nigger” has become so mainstream is because black people took a word that once dehumanized and debased them and turned it into a word that means “brother.” They owned the word and changed its meaning from a negative to a positive, turning one of the greatest tools of the oppressor against him. Paris Hilton is still trying to do that with the word “whore” by wearing it proudly on her sleeve. Sorry Paris. It won’t ever change.
Despite this, African American community leaders regard the word as a “a throwback to the times of slavery.” I disagree. Still I can see why they would want to ban the word, but not for the reason as they claim. The meaning of the word “nigger” has changed over the years, from a symbol of brotherhood to a badge for an urban criminal. This is very worrying I’ll admit, but simply banning one word won’t make a difference. Why not focus more time and energy on improving educational opportunities for young blacks or launching a beautification programme to improve the appearance of inner-city communities, instead of some ridiculous ban that carries no legal weight, then patting yourself on the back that you’ve done something for black people? I would like all black bloggers reading this post today to publish a post with the “N” word in it within the week, as a form of protest against this stupidity.
Mad Bull Says:
March 20th, 2007 at 9:18 pm
I don’t like the word myself, I’d prefer if it went out of use.
M Says:
March 20th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
I had this whole long comment that I couldn’t post because of the word verification not showing up. I’m kinda glad my comment is not here. I’m going to wait and see what your friends write.
It’s a powerful word, I’m sure you’re going to get some good comments that I look forward to reading.
Abeni Says:
March 21st, 2007 at 5:12 am
Agreed with MB.Banning is cosmetic though since it’s the race issuses that needs addressing
Gordon Swaby Says:
March 21st, 2007 at 5:54 pm
I say ban it. I really hate when my friend refer to me as “nigga”
Crankyputz Says:
March 21st, 2007 at 6:21 pm
I think its the emotion behind a word that gives it, its meaning. Your points are well put. Banning a word is sort of like prohibition, pointless. Never used the word in my life, never intend to.
ChilledBeer Says:
April 2nd, 2007 at 12:51 pm
nice blog dude..like your take on issues…
you should visit mine..you’ll find it funny
Pat
http://blogbible-general.blogspot.com