Dear non-black people
Creative Commons
Dear non-black people, if you say the n-word to a friend, sing along to the n-word in your favorite hip-hop songs, or use the n-word regardless of the context: stop. It is not your word; it is a word that is deeply rooted in racism and hatred. I am not black, so I cannot speak for the black community, but I think it’s time to call out its usage by our predominately Latinx school population.
Chiaku Hanson of the Huffington Post writes, “Regardless if one uses the ER at the end of the word or not, the meaning, roots, and circumstances associated with the word remain the same. History can never be changed.” That’s the thing: the negative connotations embedded into the word is still intertwined with its modern usage. The difference between people who are not black saying it versus those who are, though, is that there is reclamation of the slur by the latter. The environment of when black people use it amongst one another is different because their ancestors dealt with being demonized and belittled by a word while those of today still continue to deal with such racism. They understand that it is much more than “just a word.”
If non-black individuals generally know that it’s wrong to say the n-word around or directed toward a black person, then why continue to use it when a black person is not around? Recently, YouTube stars like Pewdiepie and Jake Paul have been rightfully called out for saying variations of the n-word. Influencers like these two individuals rightfully received backlash and comments on social media asking for them to apologize, learn from their detrimental mistakes, and to not use it again as they have impressionable audiences.
A common reaction to asking not to say the n-word word because of its racist roots still prevalent today is, “Well, I’m not racist.” This idea is further explored in “Why Explaining ‘The N-Word’ To Non-Black People Is So Damn Exhausting,” by Zeba Blay of the Huffington Post: “That moment when you’re asking another person to respect you by not using a word that you find demeaning and offensive, and that person makes it all about them, suddenly focusing more on the perceived jab at their character than on how they’re making you feel.” It all comes down to seeking resources and listening to minorities when they call out a problematic word or action that is seen as derogatory, just like the black women cited above. So, please, listen to black people when they ask us to not use the n-word.
Below is a link to a Twitter thread with further information on the Linguistic and Pragmatic use of [the n-word]
Let’s discuss the Linguistic & Pragmatic use of the word “nigga”:
— festive synonym toast crunch (@Luckwman) May 10, 2017
Fun Facts:
Let's get one thing straight, I'm not.
I think I'm obsessed with Starbucks.
I had a mohawk in elementary.
Franco Chavez • Feb 1, 2018 at 6:05 am
If this word is rooted from hatred and racism, then why are you just addressing non-black people? You should be addressing everyone for that matter.
Elizabeth • Feb 6, 2018 at 2:41 pm
He focused on the latinx community because it is frequent in our daily language. He clearly said that he is a non-black latinx, therefore, he can’t speak for black people. If they choose to say it, it makes no sense for a non-black person to get mad. They don’t get affected whatsoever.
Victor • Jan 30, 2018 at 4:20 pm
I honestly stopped reading after the first sentence. It is ok to make statements but don’t start with a command and telling me what to do.I am still wondering who allowed the author to publish this.
Alexis Rodriguez • Jan 31, 2018 at 5:46 pm
Hi Victor,
My name is Alexis Rodriguez-Mejia, and I am a co-editor-in-chief. If you have any problems as to how or why this was published, I’m happy to answer them. If you are looking to be comforted, you might consider looking at other articles. Please note, this an opinion piece, and I would appreciate it if you do not promote negativity in the school newspaper. Thank you for your time, and please consider being respectful.
Miguel Marquez • Feb 28, 2018 at 12:32 am
Victor, he was allowed to publish this because it’s not only his opinion but the opinion of others as well. You’re entitled to your opinion to but let others share their thoughts too without being so condescending.
Miguel Martinez • Jan 30, 2018 at 11:58 am
I’m with Dylan on this one. Such a “derogatory” term for black people is used most commonly among themselves.
Miguel Marquez • Feb 28, 2018 at 12:35 am
You missed the point of the article. He as a section where he clearly points out that this word is not about non-black people, it’s about the black community. Therefore, if they use the word amongst themselves it’s their right to do so.
Franco Chavez • Jan 30, 2018 at 11:56 am
Why is it just with this word? Don’t other cuss words have a bad history as well? What makes this word so special above all the others? I get it’s a controversial word, but you have to keep in mind other words that are equally offensive and have a bad history. It;s ok to say other words, yet this one gets the most hate? If people want to use the word then let them use the word. There is so much focus on this word, yet not on others that have an equally offensive meaning. Put other offensive words in the “spotlight” as well if this word is causing so much grief.
Miguel Marquez • Feb 28, 2018 at 12:40 am
The n-word is not a cuss word. There’s a reason why we don’t type out the n-word. or use it in a professional setting. It makes people uncomfortable and rightfully so. It’s important that we start discussing why that word makes us uncomfortable. Once we learn, we can become more empathic and socially competent.
Dylan • Jan 29, 2018 at 1:56 pm
You talk about when non-black people throw around the word, but what about when black people say it to other black people? Are they subject to the same criticism, or is it okay for them to say it?
Elizabeth • Jan 29, 2018 at 10:49 am
This article is great, and challenged the mindset many non-black latinx have. Good job!