Nigger: Should It Be Used?

Nigger: Should It Be Used?

Nolan Johnson

University of Phoenix

"Nigger": Should It Be Used?

Where did the word "nigger" originate? Honestly, the whereabouts of the birthplace of the word nigger is still being debated. The immersion of the word however will never be forgotten. It would seem that "nigger" would come to be a derogatory nickname for African Americans. There has never, since the creation of the word "nigger", been such a word that has had such an extensive impact. However, over the course of time, the "nigger" has evolved in pronunciation, usage, and meaning. "Nigger" is frequently traced to the Latin word niger, meaning black. The appearance of the word, at first, had no negative intentions. By the early 1800s it was established as a derogatory nickname. Ironically the area it was first used in this context in America, during slavery. Whether spoken, written, or shown in the media, reflect on the mass network of the anti-black prejudice. "Nigger" carried with it the anger, hatred, and disgust with it. It was used as noun, verb, and adjective to enforce the stereotype of Blacks being ignorant, lazy, dirty, and worthless. "Nigger" was used to strengthen words such as: Niggerish, Nigger-flicker, Nigger rich, and many, many more. The ladder of power suggested that the intimidation, deceit, and exploitation of blacks, was to help keep them in their place. From ministers to scientist the desire to prove that whites were superior to blacks was, in every way, socially acceptable. Of course with no choice but to take the demeaning abuse, blacks endured the ridicule.

A common debate is the difference between the terms African American or Black and "nigger". Being Black is defined as being respectable and middle-class.