When I decided to write this post, I struggled with the terminology to use, but decided to go the Nike route and just do it. I know that the politically correct thing to say is “the N word,” but that wouldn’t be as effective. This word is so inflammatory that my husband and I argued over its use in this post.
A few days ago I was at Marshall’s Department Store shopping for my little gift basket business. When I was on my way back to my car, another car was driving through the parking lot, music (and I use the term loosely) blaring to a rap that was ni##3r this and ni##3r that. I don’t remember the lyrics, I just remember hearing that one word over and over again. I’m pretty sure my face was twisted in a manner that made me look like I smelled something repulsive. And I’m certain that the young man driving the car was amused by my obvious distaste in his choice of music.
I actually hate the N word. When I was a teenager and someone was called a ni##3r, a fight ensued. I understand it is a new day. I understand hip hop music is very popular with young people. What I don’t understand is why I would pay you to call me a ni##3r. That is insane. What is the thought process? “I have $15 I want to give you to insult me with racial epithets.” Come on guys, if you don’t have any common sense and can’t understand how disrespectful this is, at least roll up your windows and turn down your music so I don’t have to hear it.
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hey valerie. i can’t STAND the word myself. i don’t like when people use it, even black people. i don’t care what they mean by it, term of endearment or not, it’s offensive and disrespectful. kids and hip hop artist have it all twisted if they think that word is acceptable. it’s disgusting really and should not be used. not even in our own race.
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hey veda i agree the n word is wrong, but some people find it acceptable, but thats there point of view and we have ours!
Hi Corrie, thanks for dropping by granny’s blog. I’m glad you agree that the N word is unacceptable.
Agreed, agreed, agreed. Unfortunately, it’s some black people who continue to legitimize the word.
Although I am guilty of having used the word for many years (after I was “grown”), I have since been educated on its initial meaning & intent. I now do my best NOT to use it. I find it very offensive and degrading. I agree with many before me that we (blacks) are the only culture of people that use a negative term (used to humiliate us), to engage in every day conversation. We justify its use by saying- “its a term of endearment” or “I use it so that when they (other cultures) use it, it doesn’t mean anything.” Yeah right! I believe that, even with ‘free speech’, we should have enough self-respect and black pride that we would chose NOT to record such derrogatory terms and then sell it to our younger generation. They don’t know any better than what we teach them. If the older ones don’t stand for something- its effect is causing the younger ones to fall for anything.
I hear this word on a daily basis in the hallways of my school. My students know that it is not allowed in my classsroom or around me. Some use it as a greeting…what’s up my “N.” There are better hip ways to great one another. I tend to correct students when I hear such a derogatory word.
Thanks for this post. I want to use this next year for a class journal entry.
I love you Sister Valerie! I thank God for speaking through you. Thanks for your words of wisdom!!
Sorry I did not proofread until after hitting submit. There are better hip ways to greet one another.