Words: N*gg*r Part 2

When we, as youth need quick information, we refer to our friend, Wikipedia. I wanted some background information about the word “nigger“.

What an eye-opener it was! Some things I learned was the word wasn’t always used to refer to black people and at some point it was the PC term for black people. It’s mind boggling to even think that the word was the PC term! The other thing I discovered that the word went as broad as to refer to anyone who is considered ‘less-than’. The Québécois referred to themselves to explain their situation in relation to French imperialism.

One thing that really bothers me is that this seems be an American-only issue. It seems no other country has this issue, or had this issue till America had it. Many countries adopted a derogatory word for black people after Americans (so proud to be an American -__-).

The phrase ‘the n-word’ was popularized after the OJ Simpson trial. Who knew this word’s history is still changing.There seems to be a giant difference between “nigger” and “nigga”. Something I just noticed is that the racist characters on The Boondocks don’t really use the -er variation.

The annoying thing about the word is that there aren’t clear lines and people get angry because someone else doesn’t see the lines they do.

Words: N*gg*r Part 1

The ‘n-word’ has had controversy over who uses it, how to use it, and what it means. It’s no surprise that this word, which has a log history of racism and hatred, would be such a heavy package. Anytime the word is mentioned every side has a different story to tell about the word. Something/someone can be easily labeled racist for using the word.

Cartoons have been demanded to be terminated like The Boondocks or South Park for their risqué content. The Boondocks is the most notorious for being attacked for the excessive use of word ‘nigga’. I promise you that the word is said 15+ times each episode guaranteed. Like The Boondocks, what better way to make an opinion than humor. Richard Pryor and George Carlin both weigh in about the word. Both have very different, almost polar point of views of the word.

Richard Pryor takes on the view of not calling anyone by that name, which I completely agree with. We wouldn’t have all these ‘fine line’ problems if we just erase it from our vocabulary. I see it as a filthy word no matter what context it’s in. For me the history will just play in my head every time someone says it. George Carlin also brings up a good point of there is actually nothing wrong with the word, its the way you use it you should be concerned with.