Should We Ban the Use of the N-word?
I came across this story on USA Today’s website, and was intrigued by it. The term “nigger” is one that I would never have dreamed of using as a teenager, and still would not dream of using today. I’d also punish my daughter for ever using it in any context, unless it had to do with a history assignment.
I’m a white person who was raised in the rural south. My parents used that word. They were raised using it, and did not mean it in a derogatory way, but that still does not excuse them. I learned early on from watching TV (one of TV’s positive influences) that people were insulted by the use of the N-word. I tried to get my parents not to use it, but to no avail. After my daughter was born, I refused to allow her grandparents to use it in front of her.
I still find the use of it uncomfortable, but, apparently, some teenagers do not. This USA Today article deals with attempts to ban the N-word. It also mentions that the word has has been adapted by black entertainers and youth as a term of endearment. What I found really interesting were the quotes by teenagers concerning the use of the word.
*”We grew up saying it, and it’s what I say all the time,” said Tiara Smith, 17, of Dallas.
“It’s not going to stop anybody from saying it.”
*”Some people are really offended by it, but me personally, I think there is much more out
there to worry about than some word. There are actual, physical problems that can be
fixed,” said Sabrina Vidal, 19, of New York, who says it doesn’t bother her to hear the
word in music lyrics.
Are these teens being more mature than I am? Does that word really not matter so much any more? I’d like to hear from others out there how they feel. Do you think use of the word should be banned? Do your teens use it, and how do you feel about that?
race, race relations, racial slurs, USA Today, teens, teenagers, parents, parenting
March 6th, 2007 at 6:33 am
Is banning a word going to solve anything? Education, manners, and respect for others are the best solution.
March 6th, 2007 at 6:57 am
Those are the best solutions, Char. That word just makes me cringe. I’ve heard it used in really derogatory ways over my lifetime, and I really can’t blame people for disliking it.