You aren't one… and most definitely wouldn’t want to be one so let the word go.
This is for my white folks and non-black identifying folk that think that they have exclusive rights to the n-word for whatever reason. Before I break this whole thing down for y'all, I am going to list some excuses that non-black people say to preserve their “right” to say the word.
“I grew up in x area where everyone would say it… it was apart of the culture”
“I only say it when I'm singing or rapping my favorite songs…”
“I have black friends and their comfortable with me saying it because they know i'm totally not a racist”
“Black people say it all the time… why can't I?”
“I’m saying the n-word without the hard ER… they’re not the same thing lol”
So first, let me start off by saying that n*gga and n*igger are synonymous… they came from the same exact place. The only difference is the n word with the hard ER was used and still used to demean and humiliate black people. The n-word that ends in an “a” was a revamped version created by black people to regain power from the original word. Initially, the term n*gger was used to describe a specific labor category. After a while, that named category turned into a collective term to describe black laborers. The term is like a sponge and soaks up all of the harmful narratives about black people. It acts as a way to keep negative stereotypes about us alive… the term means uneducated, unworthy, less than, dangerous, superhuman strength, etc. The term acts as a reminder that black people were not seen as equal to white people; it worked to keep us “in line.”
So, everyone can agree that the n-word with the hard ER is racist but can't understand why it's just as harmful to say it with the soft a. I’ll tell you why...
Well, knowing that the origins of the term “n*gga” came from an anti-black and hateful place, you as a non-black person should automatically feel uncomfortable saying it. Especially since the effects of and the ideology surrounding the word are still ever so prevalent in our world today. It’s the reason black people are disproportionately affected by diseases, fill up most of prisons and are not provided the same opportunities/resources as their white counterparts. This still might not move you to stop saying it so we’ll move onto fact number two.
As I said earlier, black people coined the term “n*gga” in an attempt to reverse the traumatic history and use it as an endearing term for each other. The term is largely used in hip hop culture and this is where many of you would say “I love hip hop… I’m just enjoying the music.” Remember hip hop culture is a part of black culture and was created by black people for black people. Let us not forget that the Hip Hop genre was created out of the desperation to end racial injustices endured by black people. It allowed black people to cope with and combat institutional racism. Hip Hop was a means of story-telling and a manner in which the community reclaimed their humanity. Not a lot of people focus on the origins of hip hop culture but solely where it is today. Regardless of the common use of the n-word within this genre, there is a way to appreciate artists and music without repeating a word that holds a different weight when it comes out of your mouth and was not intended for you to use.
Regardless of where you grew up and the people you are constantly around, if you do not associate yourself with the black experience, there is no reason for you to be using the term “n*gga”. It is not your culture or your identity. While you might feel cool saying it, the word literally would not exist if your ancestors did not think their life was worth more than my ancestors. Let that sink in. Also, if the majority of a marginalized group says they are uncomfortable with you using a term that was initially used to harm them and you decide to ignore that and seek validation from the two black people you know would take no offense to it, you clearly don’t really care. You must think that your comfort takes precedence over black lives. I’m here to remind you that it doesn’t.
Also, the “pass” to say the n-word doesn’t exist… You are demeaning your black friends by saying a word that is not meant for you. Additionally, if you need a pass to say it, why say it at all? If you want to really prove your status as a non-racist, respect the black community and steer clear of the word. Because regardless of how much you condemn the n-word with the hard ER, you are just a syllable away from saying it…
Remember this is not about you or your feelings…the origins of the word was constructed by your ancestors to tear mine down. It may not seem like a big deal to you. You might continue to say it but every time you do remember you are the reason black people are still treated as second class citizens in society. You refuse to listen to our discomfort in order to preserve a “right” that was never yours to begin with. Placing your selfish desire above the feelings of the black community is exactly what has been happening to us for centuries. Oh, is slavery killing off black people and the conditions are inhumane? Well, we need that cotton and rice so get to work. Oh, is saying the n-word with the soft “a” offends black people? Well, I enjoy singing rap songs. So, tell me again how black lives matter? Right…
Hope y’all hear me.
Stay safe and empowered!
Love,
The EBW
