I had a white student ask me, "why do black kids call each other the "n" word, but if I or any other white students use that word they try to kill us!" I responded in a way that may or may not make much sense to any of you, but once again I put my thoughts out there for all to scrutinize.
I told this young man that its not what you say, its how you say it. I have heard many white kids use the word "N-i-g-g-a" when talking to other white kids, and even some black kids. The word "n-i-g-g-a" is a spin off of the oridinal word "n-i-g-g-e-r" used to demoralize and dehumanize African American slaves during the Jim Crow Era. I told him that its amazing what a simple "er" at the end of that word brings back many racial sensitivities in the black community. I explained to him that the word "n-i-g-g-a" is a non-chalant term of endearment directed toward another black man. Not that I advocate the use of this word in refrence to a black man, I simply told him that I understand the point, and I think that the spin off use of the word give less power to the purpose of the original word.
The word "n-i-g-g-e-r" in my opinion represents a sub-conscious hate message that apparently is sent in order to establish superiority over the oppressed reciever. I told him that the word "n-i-g-g-e-r" cannot be justified in my eyes because it is more than a word, it is a concept formed to deem the African race inferior.
As I said, I dont necessarily agreee with my brothers and sisters calling each other n-i-g-g-a, but I think I understand.
Thoughts? Comments? How do you guys think I did in schooling this young white kid?
I told this young man that its not what you say, its how you say it. I have heard many white kids use the word "N-i-g-g-a" when talking to other white kids, and even some black kids. The word "n-i-g-g-a" is a spin off of the oridinal word "n-i-g-g-e-r" used to demoralize and dehumanize African American slaves during the Jim Crow Era. I told him that its amazing what a simple "er" at the end of that word brings back many racial sensitivities in the black community. I explained to him that the word "n-i-g-g-a" is a non-chalant term of endearment directed toward another black man. Not that I advocate the use of this word in refrence to a black man, I simply told him that I understand the point, and I think that the spin off use of the word give less power to the purpose of the original word.
The word "n-i-g-g-e-r" in my opinion represents a sub-conscious hate message that apparently is sent in order to establish superiority over the oppressed reciever. I told him that the word "n-i-g-g-e-r" cannot be justified in my eyes because it is more than a word, it is a concept formed to deem the African race inferior.
As I said, I dont necessarily agreee with my brothers and sisters calling each other n-i-g-g-a, but I think I understand.
Thoughts? Comments? How do you guys think I did in schooling this young white kid?