IT NEEDS TO STOP (trigger warning: use of n-word)

The different forms of the n-word, along with words like “hoe” and “bitch”, used by blacks to describe each other in our communities, has a damaging psychological, economical, political, social and racial effect on us as a people, a culture and a race.

The word "NIGGAZ", "NIGGA" derives from the word "nigger/negro". "The term nigger is now probably the most offensive word in English. Its degree of offensiveness has increased markedly in recent years, although it has been used in a derogatory manner since at least the Revolutionary War."

Research also confirms that "the word nigger was first used as an adjective denoting a black person in the 17th century, and has long had strong offensive connotations. Today it remains one of the most racially offensive words in the language."

In today's society, the word "nigga" is used more liberally among younger members of all races and ethnicities in the United States and now in other countries. Some of the reasons given for using this word are: it's origin trace back to Africa, if used by black people it is not offensive, the spelling has been changed. It is used in a positive way etc?

Photo by: Yogendra Sinsgh

One must take into account that words and language are used to identify and classify an individual, race, culture, community, heritage etc. Words define ones identity!! The word "nigger" is still used in a derogatory term by billions of people from all cultures around the world. It is also used in books and dictionaries to classify black people. In my opinion, to use the word "NIGGAZ/NIGGA" to classify, or identify a black person shares the same degree of negativity. It also defines us as black people, in the minds of millions, if not billions, consciously, and subconsciously as inferior to other races, history, and slavery has proven that. If we continue to use these terms we are helping to promote negative images in the mindsets of many, when defining black people.

Photo by: Tyler Nix

I end my argument on a reseach study done on young black and white children at the ages of around 3-6 years old. They were shown black and white dolls, then asked which was the good doll and which one was the bad doll. Almost all the children from both races identified the white doll as good, and the black doll as bad. This evidence shows the long lasting effect, in today's society, how negative words, images and racism etc influences how the black race is identified and classified in the mindsets of of people of all cultures, and even from a very young age.

Using the the word "NGGAZ/NIGGA" has no benefit in today's society. In fact it hinders the liberation of black people to share an equal place in society. Not just in opportunities, equality etc. but more importantly, and fundamentally, in the mindsets of mankind !!

IT NEEDS TO STOP

Jason C Sylvester

Jason C Sylvester lives as a martial arts, Wing Chun instructor and Youth Worker in Birmingham, UK. He is a guest blogger for Nordic Diversity Trainers. Jason C Sylvester is well known for decades of activism and as lecturer. Jason is lectoring the Community Safety “Working with Gangs” course. He is a father of three and grandfather of one.