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The N-word. A word that conjures intense emotions and continues to haunt the Black community. It signifies disrespect, disgust and has a strong psychological force behind it. The history behind it is dated centuries ago and has a mentality that surrounds it. Black people were living in a society that repressed them and had to work around the repression that had been established.
It is important to educate our Black youth about the origin of the word and the negative connotation behind it. Our youth seem to be desensitized to using the word so casually. They use it as a form of endearment to their homeboy or homegirl. There is nothing endearing about it. The word is used in rap music lyrics that our youth can quote word for word. If our youth were to sit down and listen to a person who experienced the civil rights movement and would share their experiences regarding the word by recounting how strong, water hoses were sprayed on them as they were being called the n-word, the lynchings, burnings and hatred behind the word, maybe it would enlighten youth about how the word causes a person to reflect on past history. They need to know the forms of cruelty that are associated with the word. If we continue to allow our youth to be miseducated about the use of the word, the cycle will continue to repeat itself. The memories of the past are not easy to discard and the effect of slavery still lingers to this date.
We are a strong race of people to have endured those times. We were considered to be inferior, second-class citizens and that is why it bothers me how we are so quick to turn against one another and make negative comments due to jealousy, envy and self-hatred. This self-hatred began in the holes of Western slave ships. It seems so hard for our people to form a united front about anything. We are quick to judge one another before sweeping around our own front doors.
It is also hard for us to celebrate each other’s successes. Why? Because we are so busy wondering why he/she has this and that. It is like there is some kind of constant competition going on. Well they have these things because they worked hard and sacrificed to get them. The intrinsic motivation, tenacity, and perseverance were there.
There is a dire need to uplift our race. We must teach our future youthto love what they see when they look in the mirror. They should not have to depend on others to feel validated or important but learn how to stand together as one. The history of our race proves that we have the strength and endurance. Do not let anyone negate your value. Knowledge is power. Do not get caught up in mental slavery.
Make a decision to eliminate the n-word from your vocabulary and do not call one another that word ever again. It is an insult. We must learn to respect, take care of one another and for once in our lives unite around common problems.
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