The N Word

The N word has been a part of society for hundreds of years. The use has changed and much like many other words in the English language that evolve over time. Over the years there has been much controversy over the use of the word and several attempts to “kill the word.” White slave owners created the word nigger as a derogatory term to describe their African slaves. Since then the word has evolved and different forms have come from the word. Nigga is the most common of these and has long been a part of African American culture. It can be seen in music, movies, and everyday conversation between fellow African Americans. Some argue that it is still the same word no matter how you say it. I disagree with this, as the English language is full of words that sound very similar but carry with them completely different meanings. Many people who believe that we should stop using the world is because of the original meaning that is still carried along with the word when someone of another race uses it to describe an African American and African Americans become offended. This could be compared to the use of the word ese among Hispanic cultures. It is acceptable for Hispanics to call each other ese but offensive when someone uses the term in reference to a Hispanic. African Americans generally reach a consensus that nigger is offensive even when used amongst themselves, and that Nigga is acceptable only amongst themselves. Although I am not against the use of the word I feel that to some extent the word is another example of how the tactics described in the Willie Lynch letter are still being used today to pit African Americans against each other.