The notion of completely doing away with the “N-Word” is an on-going debate with no clear end in sight. Some people find it offensive, cringing anytime it is heard whether it be mainstream or locally; some others come across nonchalantly, seemingly careless. Some say it has no meaning left to it and that it is simply a word. Some agree that “n***a” is different than saying “n***r” because one has malicious intent and the other simply a way to address an individual of any race. With several opposing sides the debate seems unsolvable.
The “N-Word” is used frequently in Hip Hop and often defended by the artists. DJ Khaled, Palestinian descent, most recently defended his use of the word in an interview with GrindHD.com saying “I’m a n***a. If somebody ever took that in an arrogant – if someone thinks it in another way, they dumb.[…]I grew up like that. It’s slang. It’s actually a positive word the way that I use it, the way that Ace [Hood] is using it. If you think like that, that goes back to the internet.”
It is evident that the “N-Word” isn’t taking a vacation anytime soon, the question I pose for you is, as an African American are you more offended when other races use the word ‘n***r’?” In 2008 Fat Joe, Puerto Rican/Cuban descent, said “N***a, b***h, hoe/some chicks is b****s, some chicks is hoes…Now who gonna tell me I can’t say n***a?”
Does that comment sting more than it would if it was coming from a black person? Lets try this line from Jay-Z’s song “N***a What?” which uses the word throughout the song: “N***a what, n***a who? n***a what, n***a who? Switch ya flow, get ya dough, can’t f**k with this Roc-a-Fella s**t doe.” Jay-Z uses the same “N-Word” as Khaled and Joe but being that he is doesn’t get penalized. Does that make it easier to cope?
Let me know in the comments…
‘The Situation’ Jokes About Slavery At Comedy Central Roast
Radio Host Dr. Laura Schlessinger Apologizes For Using N-Word
