The N Word Controversy

The N-Word is said to be one of the most unique yet controversial epithets in the English language. While it is considered the ultimate insult that has tormented generations of African Americans, alternatively over time, it has become a term of endearment by the progenies of the very people who once had to tolerate it. As early as the 17th century, “negro” evolved to the N-Word and we still have not overcome its burdens in the 21st century. The still very racist world we live in today is struggling with whether the word should still be used or if it can be considered a non-controversial word that still holds its original meaning.
Dr. Cornel West, along with the five panelists in The Stream, inform us that the N-Word used by our generation in this day and time has become a term of endearment. Jay-Z also says, “Our generation, we took that word and turned it into a term of endearment.” So what exactly does that mean? Black people can express love or affection to one another by using this word considering it is a part of their culture, a part of who they are.
Considering I am a white person and because of the way racists have …show more content…
Even if one day the word was restructured I still wouldn’t say it, simply out of respect, however I do agree with one of the excerpts in the article that states that we should only use the N-Word in appropriate occasions. “When journalists are reporting the word, when the word comes up in literature and where there’s a discussion of a historical nature or even a discussion of contemporary race relations in which the word is relevant.” Personally, I find it extremely disappointing and saddening that Americans are still struggling with this debate and I hope that one day it is only meant to mean what it originally was, and to simply belong to the African American culture, not as a discrimination against