Definition Essay: Should We Use The N-Word?

The n-word, whether it is spelled nigra, nigger, or Negro, is seen as a term used to inflict pain on colored people. "The poison is still there. The word is inextricably linked with violence and brutality on black psyches and derogatory aspersions cast on black bodies. No degree of appropriating can rid it of that blood-soaked history", everybody is using the word as a term of endearment, but neglect to realize that however you say it has a history behind it. Today's society is using it and have no knowledge of how the word where the word originated from, " It’s not just a matter of overt discrimination. Societies don’t, overnight, completely erase everything that happened 200 to 300 years prior.” Racism still exists today and the n-word is one of the many reasons why it is still alive.
“African-Americans need to get together to get rid of the word...it meaning anything. This is such a stupid issue the fact that we’re still sitting here discussing a word. Do you realize how many black people don’t have education, places to live, food and shelter - and like ...we’re discussing a word?! Who cares? ...Call them ‘niggers’ all day long but don’t put them at disadvantage positions. Because it doesn’t matter what you calling people, you can be calling them ‘niggers’ or anything - anything you want. If you’re gonna do the things that you do or if the overall dominant power structure is gonna do whatever is done to these people then it doesn’t matter what you call them .”3 What this source is explaining is that African-Americans are allowed to reappropriate the word but they should not dwell on whether a word should be banned or not. Understandably, there are many issues that are much more of concern than a word. Why focus on something very little when change can be made over something with