The N Word Essay

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The n-word. The most provocatively unique word in the dictionary. On the one hand, it is the most painful insult one can ever make, that has besieged generations of African-Americans. Yet on the other hand, against the tide of racism, it has permeated the collective consciousness of Americans and over time, evolved into a popular term of endearment used by many youths in the black community – the children of the very people who formerly had to tolerate this pernicious term.

You might’ve probably already heard of phrases such as ‘what’s up my nigga?’ or ‘for sure my nigga!’ for it is not uncommon in the colloquial everyday language in the black community of America in the 21st century. Many young African-Americans (like me) recognize the n-word as a term to indicate ‘solidarity, friendship or affection’ for one another, similar to words such as ‘bro’ or ‘homeboy’.

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I see it as a transformational dysphemism employed by many African-Americans and hip-hop artists in order to oust the negative connotations attached to it.

Some of you might think, ‘How about the double standard? Why can’t white people use the word?’ Well, the n-word still remains controversial. In practice, the use and meaning of the N word are heavily dependent on the context; it is not a taboo word as young blacks address one another frequently with it, but it is considered racist when it is used negatively. For instance, it is obviously wrong when a ‘white southern male’ uses the n-word to demean and ‘re-enslave’ a black person – “you god dam nigger”.

Since this chameleon-like term can be perceived as divisive, should people continue to use it? Some of you might believe that the n-word should irrefutably be eradicated from our vocabulary and be never used. Think

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