Arguments for & Against the Usage of the “N” Word
When discussing the definition, effects, and the history behind the “N” word, it is interesting how this word has managed to change over time from having a descriptive meaning, to a negative connotation, and to a positive controversial meaning. That is why there are those who believe that the “N” word should and should not be used, and there are those that believe that only some (or the accepted ones) should use it in order to avoid conflicts. This essay will go over some of the argument against and in favor of the usage of the “N” word. Starting with arguments against, the older black gentlemen in the first couple of videos believe that using the word is reverting back into history (slavery, discrimination, and segregation) from an offensive use. In other words, why would you want to use the “N” word, when it was used to refer to blacks in a derogatory sense? Shouldn’t it be viewed offensively? It is understandable from their point of view because they actually lived and felt what it was like to be referred to with the “N” word, when the “N” word had a very derogatory and negative connotation. There are those, a black male and female from Stanford University, who believe that it can be used, but it should not be used so frequently in rap music. In other words, is kind of like using “S!@#T and B!@#H” all the time; is not about the meaning of the word in itself anymore, but the frequent usage of profanity in their lyrics. There is also this double standard argument, which is that some can use it, but others can. In other words, blacks among themselves may use it because they are black but whites, unless they are accepted in the group or community, they can; but not freely. The fact is, that whites do use it among their own conversations, and in most cases, it contains zero racism or hate; although it was first used