From major media outlets like CNN to social media
controversies on Twitter there has been ample conflict around who can and can't
use the N-word, or whether the term should be banned altogether. As Hip-Hop
continues its reign as the dominant popular music genre and black culture
continues to be commodified, discourse over the N-Word has raged on. For some,
especially older, black folks the term is considered derogatory to people of
African descent and should not be a part of any person's vocabulary.
Colloquially, for many younger African Americans, the term holds less meaning
as a slur, but is simply a part of the vernacular, or in some cases is used as
a term of endearment. The term means different things to different black people
depending on context and social situations.
Hip Hop artist, Kendrick Lamar, who is known for his
consciousness, comments on the use of the N-Word by black communities on
the hit song "i" from his 2015 soul-infused album, To
Pimp A Butterfly. At the end of his song "i," Kendrick
defines his understanding of the n-word in an acapella verse saying,
"Well, this is
my explanation straight from Ethiopia
N-E-G-U-S definition:
royalty; King royalty - wait listen
N-E-G-U-S
description: Black emperor, King, ruler, now let me finish
The history books
overlook the word and hide it
America tried to make
it to a house divided
The homies don't
recognize we been using it wrong
So I'ma break it down
and put my game in a song
N-E-G-U-S, say it
with me
Or say no more. Black
stars can come and get me
Take it from Oprah
Winfrey, tell her she right on time
Kendrick Lamar, by
far, realest Negus alive.[1]”
Kendrick chooses to define the word as an affirmation of
black identity rooted in African royal ancestry. By defining the term under
these terms, his intent when using the term is to be positive, demonstrating
solidarity with other black folks. His understanding of the word is only one
opinion and does not reflect the thoughts of all African Americans. This
diversity of opinion in discussion surrounding the word is indicative of the
diversity of thought among all black folks. Opinions of the word can be influenced
by region, class, age, and family upbringing.
Regardless of black Americans choice to abstain or intent
when using the N-word, the use of the word should be exclusive to black folks.
As many non-black individuals are avid fans of hip hop and black culture, white
people constantly wonder, "Why
Can't I Say it?" In some cases, white people consider it a badge of honor
to be "allowed" to say the N-Word by the African American friends and
peers. Some believe, because they hear it in rap music then it is okay to
repeat. It's been said many times by white folks that "no one should be
allowed to say it." In each way, white folks yearn for access to this
aspect of black culture. As African-American author Ta-Nehisi Coates states in
response to a question the N word during an event at Evanston Township High
School in Illinois stating,
"When you’re
white in this country, you’re taught that everything belongs to you. You think
you have a right to everything. … You’re conditioned this way. It’s not because
your hair is a texture or your skin is light. It’s the fact that the laws and
the culture tell you this. You have a right to go where you want to go, do what
you want to do, be however — and people just got to accommodate themselves to
you.[2]”
In this, Coates displays how it is a function of white privilege
that white folks believe they should have a right to say the n-word. Similarly,
white folks who believe black people shouldn’t say the n-word either are
attempting to police the speech of black folks, because they cannot have access
to this portion of black culture, since they are used to owning everything, as
Coates points out astutely. The practice of using the n word is exclusive to
blackness, through a shared racialized experience, which is not all inclusive.
Pledged Cody Stockton.
FWC=709
[1]
Kendrick Lamar. “i,” To Pimp a Butterfly.
https://genius.com/Kendrick-lamar-i-lyrics
[2] “Ta-Nehisi
Coates on words that don’t belong to everyone,” https://www.youtube.com/embed/QO15S3WC9pg.
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