So many things come to mind when I think about the words, and given meanings of "Blackness" and "Nigger". First off, having read 'The English Language is My Enemy' by Ossie Davis, I was appauled by the synonyms that are used for the word "BLACKNESS"- "Evil, wicked, malignant, unwashed, foul, dirty' and the list goes on. Just because we're Black- technically speaking, doesn't mean we are ant of these things. It makes me furious knowing that people who are pale think of mee in that way.
However, when it comes to the word 'Nigger', I see it as being a double standard; this is because:
1. It's considered okay for your "hommies", people you're "cool" with, or people who are the same color as you- to call you "Nigger".
2. It's considered derogatory when someone "White" refers to you as "Nigger".
This is because there is a dfferent meaning when someone black or white calls you a "Nigger". For the Black it refers to being my "homie" or "my boi" or "my brother from another mother"; and as for the White, on the other hand, it refers to the synonyms listed above that are used to describe "Blackness".
All in all it is not a great feeling knowing that this is what people who didn't have to work hard to get where they are; people who fit into the American System with ease; and/or people who are considered "perfect" at no everything they do and try to attempt- think of blacks.
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I agree that it might be easier for white people to get integrated into the mainstream instituions of the US, but saying they ''didn't have to work hard'' is a bit of a stretch.
ReplyDelete''...and as for the White, on the other hand, it[Nigger] refers to the synonyms listed above that are used to describe "Blackness".'' And how would you know that? Again, this is all based solely on your prejudice(unless you're a mindreader), which leads us back to the original problem. Racism haunts the minds of American people: either of those who are racist, or those who are trying hard not to be one. In both cases, however, people are obsessed with racism,constantly thinking about it, and that ultimately makes them see it even when it's not there.