The N-Word Let's Talk About It

I was watching the Fox News Channel a couple of days ago. The anchor was talking about a resoloution asking people to refrain from using the N-Word. This resolotion, nonbinding though it is an opportunity to talk about what many in and out of the African-American Community, including yours truly feel is a word that is hurtful in so many ways.

I can not for the life of me why anyone especially thoes of African decesent would want to use a word with such a negative connotation. I do not understand why such person would use it when they are talking about themselves, as well as other blacks. Anyone irregardless of their race knows that This word was used by slave owners in an attempt to show their superiority over their "Property." This air of superiority is prevelent in thoes groups who believe their race is better, rather than equal to the African American race.

As an American of European decesent, I abhor the use of the N-Word, and I do not see myself any better than a person of color because I am white. Like Dr. King, the content of a persons character is much more importiant the color of their skin.

The thing that confuses me most, is why African-American will use, in my opinion such a vulgar word when speaking to each other? A Florida man, in an Associated Press article published in the New York Post on 2/28/07 puts it in perspective.

"It' s a derogatory term no matter who uses it. Like if the KKK uses it it's wrong, but if 50 cent uses it it's ok ? I don't understand it."

Another Black man sees it this way.

" It's degrading and disrespectful, and I'd like to see it eliminated completely."


There are many blacks, including Academy Award Winner Jamie Foxx, who will continue to use the word when speaking to other blacks. A Dallas Texas area Black teen put it this way.

"we grew up saying it and it's what I say all the time. It's not going to stop anybody from saying it."

They say words are powerful. This word was something that helped to subjugate an entire race for a couple centuries. It helped to seperate groups in communities based on their skin color. This word attempted to denote a great deal of ignorence to a group of people. For these and many others, this word if this word is not outright banned, there should be a great deal of education to make everyone, irregardless of their race, what a harmful, and hurtful name the N-Word is. Hopefully this understanding can result in a better understanding of their fellow man.