The "N" Word
By. Maddie Ruud
I am a white woman. I have never, and will never, be called a "nigger," by virtue of this fact. Some might say that renders my opinion irrelevant. I beg to differ. The debate over the infamous "n-word" is not unique; "cunt" and "bitch" spark similar debates among feminists, along with "fag" and "dyke" in the queer community, and "flip" for Filipinos, to name merely a few. While the words may be different, the dilemma is the same: can a word ever be truly reclaimed?
I am a white woman. I have never, and will never, be called a "nigger," by virtue of this fact. Some might say that renders my opinion irrelevant. I beg to differ. The debate over the infamous "n-word" is not unique; "cunt" and "bitch" spark similar debates among feminists, along with "fag" and "dyke" in the queer community, and "flip" for Filipinos, to name merely a few. While the words may be different, the dilemma is the same: can a word ever be truly reclaimed?
As a writer, I hold firm belief in the power of words. I see their import, not in their dictionary definitions, but as derived from the subtle texture and color that use has given them over the years. For how else do words gain meaning? Words can only be defined in terms of each other, and therefore, without the connotations of each's individual history of usage, would all end up synonymous. As George Santayana famously said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Thus it is that in order to effectively use a word, I must know its history, and I realize the implications it may have on what I am attempting to convey, depending on the context, and the sensibilities of my audience.
Does this mean I should never speak a word that has insulted or oppressed? On the contrary. Just as I believe that criminals should be rehabilitated, not punished, I would hope for the successful reclamation of "past offenders," and this can only be achieved by a systematic and deliberate use of the word in a positive way, creating new associations... in effect, changing the very meaning of the word. Can this be done in practice, with a word with such a rap sheet as that of "nigger," or "cunt?" In all honesty, I do not know. I do not believe one can predict what path the flow of language will cut through the future. But just as I strive for perfection every day of my life, knowing I will never achieve it, I think there is some value in the attempt.
Writer Bio:
Maddie Ruud is a performance artist from Berkeley, California. View her blog at www.maddieruud.blogspot.com
The "N" Word
By. Vickie Blair
The word "Nigger" is a generational attitude handed down by the 'Olds' of our society. We all have been brainwashed by our 'so wise' parents and grandparents into believing we are superior to blacks. It is fear-based in the fact that we as whites are terrified at becoming the minority, and that we may get our come-uppins regarding the way we treated blacks if the tables are turned. We have the belief that we have to suppress all that is a threat in order to remain on top of the power chain, since it has worked for us in the past. Demented as it is in a 'civilized society', we believe our white power has given us the right to screw whom-ever we want.
Our so-called heroes of generations past didn't stop with just blacks however. They self righteously condemned Women, Indians, Jews, Orientals, etc. as well. As a woman I am appalled at how we still can be called Cunt, Bitch, Whore, and the like in song, with no consequences to the offender, but one is condemned for the use of Nigger in our music. There is no balance of justice in that.
Regarding the black's attitude; You teach people how to treat you. If you have no respect for yourselves with your own offensive rap against your race, and your women, then you can't promote change, so stop whining. Rationalize your actions if you wish, but you are the offender in which others like Imus follow, because you do it as well.
I am also appalled that we still have this illusion that our "Heroes" have the right to steal what we want by force, just like we did with black people. We have simply changed the color of skin to attack, so to speak. My statement to our black citizens is, if you want restitution stand in line. You aren't the first to be raped by the whites. Our white fore-fathers, and their offspring owe an apology to just about everyone on the planet. Have you forgotten how many women and Indians were slaughtered and sold by the so righteous whites? You are not the lone victim. There are many before you.
Brainwashing our children into believing it's okay to use Nigger in rap music is an insult to ourselves no matter what race we are, in my view, but I won't apoligize for my stepfathers attitude or my fore-fathers attitude just because I'm white. They own that, not me.
Writer Bio:
Vickie Blair is a Song Writer, and Author of her Novel 'Seekers'. It is a spiritual adventure regarding reincarnation. She believes strongly in the freedom for anyone on the planet to voice thier opinions regardless of what is politically correct.
The "N" Word
By. Vickie Blair
The word "Nigger" is a generational attitude handed down by the 'Olds' of our society. We all have been brainwashed by our 'so wise' parents and grandparents into believing we are superior to blacks. It is fear-based in the fact that we as whites are terrified at becoming the minority, and that we may get our come-uppins regarding the way we treated blacks if the tables are turned. We have the belief that we have to suppress all that is a threat in order to remain on top of the power chain, since it has worked for us in the past. Demented as it is in a 'civilized society', we believe our white power has given us the right to screw whom-ever we want.
Our so-called heroes of generations past didn't stop with just blacks however. They self righteously condemned Women, Indians, Jews, Orientals, etc. as well. As a woman I am appalled at how we still can be called Cunt, Bitch, Whore, and the like in song, with no consequences to the offender, but one is condemned for the use of Nigger in our music. There is no balance of justice in that.
Regarding the black's attitude; You teach people how to treat you. If you have no respect for yourselves with your own offensive rap against your race, and your women, then you can't promote change, so stop whining. Rationalize your actions if you wish, but you are the offender in which others like Imus follow, because you do it as well.
I am also appalled that we still have this illusion that our "Heroes" have the right to steal what we want by force, just like we did with black people. We have simply changed the color of skin to attack, so to speak. My statement to our black citizens is, if you want restitution stand in line. You aren't the first to be raped by the whites. Our white fore-fathers, and their offspring owe an apology to just about everyone on the planet. Have you forgotten how many women and Indians were slaughtered and sold by the so righteous whites? You are not the lone victim. There are many before you.
Brainwashing our children into believing it's okay to use Nigger in rap music is an insult to ourselves no matter what race we are, in my view, but I won't apoligize for my stepfathers attitude or my fore-fathers attitude just because I'm white. They own that, not me.
Writer Bio:
Vickie Blair is a Song Writer, and Author of her Novel 'Seekers'. It is a spiritual adventure regarding reincarnation. She believes strongly in the freedom for anyone on the planet to voice thier opinions regardless of what is politically correct.
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