Notes

As the English language has developed with American society, many words have arisen for the sole purpose of offending people. Perhaps the most derogatory term is the n-word, which has had a far more perplexing evolution than any other word we know. Society has attempted to uproot its original definition to the point that many claim it is now innocuous. There have been books written and even classes taught about the meaning of the n-word, as well as the critical debate over whether or not it should be used today. The truth is that although the modern, endearing use of the n-word has hollowed it of a lot of its original racism, not nearly enough time has passed to consider this transformation a full evolution. Its unforgotten history, undecided present, and unknown future leaves people unaware of what they are truly saying when they utter this word, so it is often best to not say it at all.
This word was birthed around the 17th century and became popular among slaveowners in the 18th century. Many argue that while the “er” version relates to its degrading history, the “a” version simply signifies the sense of triumph and brotherhood that emerged from that history. I believe those words are still far too closely aligned to ever be fully independent of each other. It is such a small distinction that a slight mispronunciation could deem someone racist. Others also claim that this name can sometimes be used in a positive and acceptable manner, but say that the difference is who is saying it. If a Caucasian uses the n-word, racism is immediately assumed because it was initially invented by Caucasians for racism. Poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou said, “The n-word was created to divest people of their humanity.” The problem is not who invented it, it is why it was invented. We cannot maintain a double standard in the English language, allowing black people to use a word, but judging white people for the same action. That only perpetuates skin-deep inequality that the n-word was invented for to begin with. Yet, that double standard is the only way the 21st century knows how to cope with the ambiguity of the word.
The 21st century is a liberated era, which means a large increase in social activism battling a large increase of controversial free speech. Equality has become so ingrained in this generation that suspicions of racism are higher than ever. Cameron Dallas, Paula Deen, and many other celebrities have faced opprobrium for saying this word, even when used in neutral context. With all of this demand for equality and Black Lives Matter protesting, you would think that the n-word would have long since been dismissed as atrocious slang. However, it is actually so prevalent on Twitter that it is nearly beyond banning, at about 500,000 uses every day. To give you a better idea, “bro” and “dude” are only used about 300,000 and 200,000 times daily. I hear the word constantly at school, in Vines, on video games, and most commonly, in hip hop music. If my rap playlist was scanned for the n-word, it could probably be found in at least half of my songs. Why has the n-word become such a ubiquitous lyric in a genre that, statistically, caters most to white youths? Well, since it was reclaimed by African Americans, it is now an esoteric expression of their ethnicity, the same ethnicity that dominates the rap industry. So black rappers will often use the n-word to indicate their authenticity and masculinity. One of my favorite rappers, Dizzy Wright, said, “Call me a hard-working n*gga. I shouldn’t use n*gga, ‘cause that’s what was used against us. A lot of stuff’s changed, but something’s installed in us.” It’s true that African Americans still often presume racism in Caucasians, and Caucasians have maintained prejudice associations about African Americans. Something is certainly still installed in us, but the question is, can it ever be uninstalled?
As an idealist, I believe that the n-word truly could rise above its history and evolve to be spoken equally as a reminder that despite our history, we are all equal. Evolution is a wondrous concept, as it seems to rid entities of all negativity, and redefine them for success. However, they say that the process of evolution takes about one million years, and yet it has only been 153 years since slaves were freed, and a mere 52 years since African Americans were granted equal rights. There are many black people still alive today who were around to hear the n-word used to degrade and disparage their race. We forget how recent extreme racial discrimination occurred in our country. Aggressive hip hop and black equality are both growing at rapid rates, so society could either accept it as modern slang or shun it as abhorrent language just the same. My hope is that society increases both its positivity and tolerance towards the n-word and continues to negate its underlying, corrosive meaning so that it can obtain eventual global acceptance. It is truly up to future generations to determine the fate of this invective. On one hand, many people get offended by the word “black” and insist on being called “African American.” People argue that “gay” is too homophobic and should be replaced with “homosexual,” and that “babe” is too sexist and should be replaced with “sweetheart.” As long as opinions are liberated, there will always be an offended crowd. Yet, on the other hand, if you follow the development of the word “b*tch,” you will find stunning societal change. This word was often used by wifebeaters to degrade the women they abused, and was seen as nothing but negative until the early 1900s. In the 1920s, when women gained the right to vote, and with that a general aura of autonomy, the b-word was then used to describe ferociously independent women. Perhaps the n-word will take a similar path, but that kind of national progress will not be possible until the wounds of history have healed.
Since America is the land of the free and of free speech, it is up to each individual to decide for themselves what contribution they want to make into the evolution of the n-word. My only hope is that this generation bears in mind that the last generation is not nearly desensitized to the original meaning yet. I suggest society respects the n-word and its history, as well as the history of African Americans. Regardless of intent, the speaker should attempt to be as deferential as possible and the listener should attempt to be as tolerant as possible. Everyone should try to remember exactly what meaning this word can hold, and why it still holds that meaning to so many people. My conclusive thought it that the n-word is still racist, but it doesn’t always have to be.