Nigger is not a term of endearment. This Phenominon must stop

2006-06-27T19:44:00Z

It took 350 years to end the casual use of the word nigger. In 20 years the pendulum has swung completely in the opposite direction. Our younger generation the hip-hop culture and those who use nigger as a term of endearment are giving permission for the resurgence of this word. Now, people of all races all over the world use it.

The music industry will sensor rap lyrics offensive to other cultures, while allowing nigger and other derogatory terms, used toward and by black people to be broad cast. Young people say it is only a word and they have taken the power of it back. But if that were true, why does the word still hold its sting.

In no other group do you find this phenomenon. In fact, most ethnic groups have gone to great pains to eradicate derogatory references to them and their culture. I submit to anyone who uses the word as a term of endearment, that it is much more than just a word. Those who use the word, that is their choice, but they should have a total understanding of the global consequences of their actions. When in Istanbul last year I saw a television commercial and billboard advertisement by Levy's Jeans for their Nigga cut jeans. I never saw that cut advertised in the US . I have been told by a friend that the palm dictionaries (that translates Japanese to English) when you put in the Japanese equivalent to black man the English word it gives is nigger. There must be a global respect for all in order to cohabit ate on this planet

People want to blame the rappers, Richard Prior, Eddie Murphy, even Chris Rock. People argue they had a hand in promoting this phenomenon. In their defense I say they are entertainers artists and free to express themselves because art imitates life it reflects a period. When Chris Rock talks about "niggas have got to go" it is as if he has given the outside world, that non black world a peep into a gathering of "usens" talking grown and honest. They are not disgracing the race, if their performance is true and entertaining. After all they are entertainers.

I hold a degree in Black Studies from Lehman College, and I am a member of the Morani Shujaa Honor Society in Black Studies. I have studied the journey of the word nigger from its Portuguese roots, through its bastardization during slavery and its almost eradication after the Civil Rights Movement.

This phenomenon came in a generation and can be gone in less. What a phenomenon this is. Could you imagine young Jewish kids calling each other Kike's or young Spanish kids using the term Spick as a term of endearment. Calling each other nigger should be just as ridiculous. This indiscriminate use of the word feels debasing. Now it is not just black children doing it, young white kids, Spanish kids, even Asian kids are using the term. I can only imagine racists listening to this and saying thank goodness my job is done.

The word nigger makes many people feel uneasy whether used as a term of endearment or as a derogatory term. In the tradition of the early “hush harbors” I would like to engage in a discussion that is non-judgmental. “We are all here to learn,” and perhaps through a collective exploration, we can come to an understanding of the global ramifications of the resurgence the word nigger. I would like to share my extensive research into this phenomenon and challenges those who participate to evaluate the history and come to their own conclusion.

My challenge is to all members of the race (the human race), especially anyone who uses nigger as a term of endearment to enter into this open duologue with me. I will try to open my mind an I hope you will try to open yours.

The Civil Rights laws have attempted to measure and legislate intent for the protection of all the people. I say that is a hard thing to do. In New York City we just had a case of a young white man hitting a young black man over the head with a baseball bat while calling him nigger. His lawyer argued that nigger is now a term of endearment and that is what his client meant when he was calling the young black man nigger as he hit him. Waiting for that verdict I held my breath like I held my breath in the last presidential election. Thank goodness this trial was in New York City and that defendant and his attorney was not able to pull the wool over the eyes of those jurors. Only in a climate of "politricks" and (WMD) Weapons of Mass Distraction, could a defense like that be conceived and mounted. We had better be careful this is a slippery slope. Racist's will invade any crack in our spiritual armor.

Mind your thoughts, as they become words; Mind your words, as they will become actions; Mind your actions, as they become habits; Mind your habits, as they define character; Mind your character, as it becomes destiny. Yoruba Proverb

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Nigger is not a term of endearment. This Phenominon must stop