"Too Late to Ban the "N-word"
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Posted By: Jehan Bunch on February 12, 2007 Too Late to Ban the "N-word" By the Famuan Editorial Board Black College Wire We, as blacks, have been raised with a strong sense of pride. Whether we used our strengths in the music industry or fighting for civil rights, we have been groomed to express ourselves. Controversy over the racial epithet has prompted a new book by Jabari Asim of the Washington Post. Ken Corley, mayor of Brazoria, Texas, proposed a $500 fine for anyone who says the N-word in an offensive or aggressive manner. He has since dropped the idea, which came about, Corley said, because he felt inspired by speeches by the Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson calling for phasing out use of that word. Still, many of our elders say they feel the N-word should be prohibited. But why? The word has been hanging over blacks' heads for nearly four centuries. Once a generation finds a way to change the connotation of the word, a mayor comes along and wants to fine people for the usage. Why weren't there penalties for the slur once blacks gained their freedom? Or better yet, why wasn't there a proposal for fines when Martin Luther King Jr. was called the N-word? It is odd that once blacks begin making money off the word, and its negative implications have somewhat changed, its usage becomes a problem. All of this in the name of rewriting the wrongs that were done to blacks. It is beyond that point. With a word that carries so much history, whether positive or negative, you can't just throw it out the window. If it is that serious, then we might as well rewrite the other slurs. As a young generation, we have reached a point where we haven't accepted the word, but we have accepted life. It's not fair, but it's real. Dontaye Carter, a student at Florida A&M University, wrote this on behalf of the editorial board of the Famuan. To comment, e-mail bcwire@hotmail.com Posted Feb. 6, 2007 If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Jehan Bunch
From Columbus, OH Central State University class of 2005 Member Since January 2006 |
Comments
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One day someone I knew approached me and said what's up my niger. Niger as in Niger River. Niger means Prince over in Africa. I was so used to hearing the N word that I assumed he was using the N word. He took the time out to teach me where the word comes from and what it really means. The orginal spelling of the word was NGR. The N word does not bother me anymore because someone uncovered the truth to me. I'm a king and you are a queen and that is all that matters. research it for yourself and start making history by say HI to your STORY.
Friday, February 23rd 2007 at 3:34PM |
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In my opinion, there are two uses for this word, and they are equally pointless. I'm no longer offended by its use, but it's time to leave it in the past. Sunday, February 25th 2007 at 2:52PM |
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