Recently there was a video that re-surfaced the internet. The video included legends such as Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Louis C.K. and Ricky Gervais; from a comedy special seven years ago “Talking Funny”.
In the special Chris Rock was the only black comedian present; when speaking to Louis C.K., he was interrupted by him and asked “so you think I’m a nigger”. Rock agreed with him, Jerry Seinfeld interjected asking if Louis should be using that word…
At one point it seem to be a pinball effect amongst Gervais and Louis, they seem to really enjoy using the N-word.
Rock referred to Louis as being the “blackest white guy I know”, “the n*****est white man”
The only person that seem to really have a sense of concern when the word was used was Seinfeld who is of Jewish descent.
Now, some reported that people were “outraged”. Were these people REALLY outraged? Or were they just media a wave because it was trending.
In history the N-word was used to refer to black slaves, so in popular opinion of course the N-word would be considered disrespectful or offensive.
Although this video is old (2011), Twitter had a field day. It was a trending topic indeed!
According to Webster dictionary, the n-word ranks as almost the most offensive and inflammatory racial slur in English language, an expression of hatred and bigotry.
If used by a person that is not of black descent, the term can be seen as a deliberate expression of contemptuous racism. Let’s be honest! In today’s age and time, most will be offended if you said the N-word to them or around the wrong person. People will not accept deliberate disrespect in this manner.
Which could be understood why most will show concern. Especially when someone of a higher platform (that is black) not being a voice explaining using the N-word just isn’t cool.
Yes, it has been common to use the N-word as an urban term within the Black community but it still doesn’t make it right.
It has been said the word nigger was once defined as “ignorant person” which in popular belief was just a way to make it acceptable. The word nigger originating from the Spanish word “Niger”, “Negro” which meant black.
African Americans/ African descent fought to be respected for who they were, not what they were labeled as being.
If we as a people was sent back to the 1800’s, would we loosely use the N-word? Or would we actually think before using it or referring it to ourselves or others?
Times has change, and will forever continue to change, but one thing that is clear the N-word will never be a term that is cool on any level. If you don’t know the real history behind it, think before using it. Period..