The N Word | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The N Word

Everyone's your n****, but are they even a n****?

35
The N Word
Inklings News

Cursing in public has become less frowned upon. Vulgar language is now socially accepted and has become a part of American culture. It has gotten to the point where f***, s*** and b**** are used in everyday language, especially since they're expressed frequently in music and televised media. Cursing is still considered rude, but it is wildly practiced among the young and the old. So, with all the cursing that is going on, why is the N word of special controversy? It is used heavily in the music sector and the unofficial greeting and acknowledgement by the black community. The stigma around the word has been removed, and it is used as a term of endearment. The word is so unapologetic and publicly used, and it is not the racially derogatory slur, so why can’t everyone say it?

If you are not treated like a n***a, then if you say it, it is still offensive. It is not a matter of cultural appropriation — although some people will argue that it is a matter of cultural appropriation — but not understanding what it means to be a n****. You don’t realize that in terms of cultural media, it’s cool to be a n**** and say it, but it is not always the “cool” to be treated as one by those who are not fellow n****s. The n**** culture is frequently looked down upon when it is not profitable. It’s cool to be a n**** when your musicians address others as one. It can be cool to be a n**** when they are starting the trends in fashion, music, dance and even language, but being a n**** is not a fashion choice; it is not a costume. You do not get to wear the badge one day and then take it off whenever you see fit. No matter how a black person talks or dresses or behaves, a black person will automatically be presumed to be a n**** in a negative way. No one else has to carry that burden. It is not a trend because trends die. Once a person is born with melanized skin, that person is a n**** for life.

Why do some people get so hurt being called the N word by those who are not black? Well, if you google the N word, you get some funny memes, like "really n****," but then there are ones that are unnecessary and straight up racist depictions of black people. Certain people take the recreational use of the word as the equivalent of a joke. Jokes are supposed to be funny, not slander. Pictures based off of exaggerated stereotypes is not what it means to be a n****. The ignorance that some people have when using it conveys the wrong message about peaceful intentions. When such ignorance is used when non-black people say the word, it reiterates that it is not for everyone's use.

There is always the debate on who should say n**** or if it should even be said at all. N***a came from the from the derogatory n***er; black people took the word back and wore it with pride. When addressing others as n***a, it was acknowledgement of being from the same brotherhood. You didn’t call just anyone n***a; it was reserved for those who deserved it. Now, the word is given to anything breathing. Your friend is your n****, your mailman is your n****, even your dog is your n****. It’s used in every emotion, from happy to angry to pensive. It is just not the same word anymore, so should we be treating it differently? The word was an exclusive word used by a special elite, but it was only used by and for the people who were using it. N***a was not used in public like it is used today. Now, it is used so frequently, it has merged itself into mainstream culture. If people keep calling non-black people the N word, aren’t they going to feel like they can use it too?

Of course, that is not going to happen. There is a certain freedom black people feel in using the word so openly without having to be worried about the repercussions. If we are going to be using it so recreationally, is there so much harm in allowing others to also use it respectfully? There really is no clear answer since everyone feels so differently about the word. The only advise I can offer is this: be respectful where you use it and be mindful of those who are not comfortable. It’s only a word, so there is always replacement.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter

It's not all morning coffees and singing along to the radio.

354
The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter
morethanwheels

I've been in college for four years now. I spent half my time as a commuter and half as a resident so I've experienced both sides of the housing spectrum. One thing I've learned comparing the two is that my struggles as a commuter far outweigh anything I went through while living on campus. Commuters have to deal with the problems school brings along with a slew of other issues; I've filled up my gas tank in the worst kind of weather conditions and napped in random places in public more times than I'm proud to say of. This is a list of some of the most challenging aspects of being a commuter.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

3149
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

17460
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments