The “N” Word a Question of American Values

The controversial discussion of the “N” word has made its way onto national television.
Discussing the issue on television without resulting in the violence and hatred usually associated
with the subject, shows how much we have grown as a nation. We should be proud of this fact.
Although the discussion is healthy, there are still major issues with the use of the word.

First and foremost, there is a reason why the word is referred to as the “N” word. Through time,
it has lost its popularity and its function. It is safe to assume that it would be highly
inappropriate to add the word to any school spelling bee. With such a strong sense of negativity,
why debate the legitimacy of the word? As a nation, we have grown leaps and bounds since the
time the word was considered appropriate. So, what real justification is there for the use of the
word? Based on the first Amendment of our constitution, no one needs justification for the use of
any word. It is your right.

Some debate the word has transformed from being hurtful to a new term of endearment. Is it
really a term of endearment or have we adapted its use with the help of commercial
assimilation? The word was used to describe, demean, and strip Black slaves of their humanity.
The constant use of the word in reference to Black slaves became so common slaves adopted the
word within their culture. This word has not transformed from its original meaning more so it
was accepted into the Black culture. Today’s Black culture has been very successful in
commercializing the word to the point where a small portion of society has adopted the word and
decided to alter its meaning. Has the meaning truly changed or is this reasoning a terrible
cultural habit that Black America is unable or unwilling to change. No one that I know has ever
owned a slave or has been a slave. The time did exist and it has passed. It’s time for Americans
to wake up and have more respect for ourselves, each other, and the nation.

America it is time to review our standards and expectations. The huge melting pot we call
America, has a tendency to sway its value system as well as its morality all in the name of
freedom and rights. It’s time to realize that you cannot legislate doing the right thing. Our
country’s moral compass has lost its calibration in its efforts to please the grossly opinionated
and the most sensitive. The “N”word controversy speaks of more than just a word. It exposes
our compromise of standards, our lack of morality, and most of all a lack of accountability.
Standards, morality, and accountability among other valuable traits and characteristics should
accompany freedom. There are a lot of self-proclaimed leaders that scream for rights however,
they lack in decency and seldom hold themselves to the same accountability as they hold others.

There can be no double standard when discussing decency and freedom. The use of the term
“the N word” instead of actually saying nigger or niggassays there is an issue. We are doing
ourselves, our children, and our nation an injustice by discussing this issue without calling it what
it is and that is wrong. How silly is it to say one group is allowed to use a word and the other
group is strictly forbidden. Black America if you want this word kept alive then it is just as good
for all other Americans. We cannot be upset if a comedian chooses to says, “You might be a
nigger or nigga if ...” because the comedian is someone other than a Black person. We either
accept the word or condemn it.

We should have the decency and respect for past leaders, activists, and all those who had the
courage to contribute to the freedomswe enjoy today. The freedom that many have died
instituting and defending. Their efforts have given us the right to freedom of speech without the
worry of imprisonment or punishment and we should show some respect. Show respect by not
smearing their efforts by choosing to abuse the privilege. These efforts should be honored and
praised. I can only speculate that the further you go back in history the more appalled Black
leaders would be to see how this word has been adopted into Black culture.

There will always be those who maliciously or with perceived good intentions serve our country
injustice. We should never forget that freedom is a double edge sword for those who lack
morality. Just because you have the right, does not mean you are right. Remember the majority
sets the unspoken standard in our country not the few. We should be intelligent enough to
consider the ill effect of our actions on our nation and future generations. Just remember when it
comes to exercising your right to use the “N” word there cannot be a double standard, so if it is
good for Black America it is good for the rest of America. Take a minute and look deeper into this
controversy and something good will come out of it. The very same freedoms that make this
country great should not be the contributor to weakening its moral standing.

Wake up America and have the strength and intelligence to put this word where it belongs, and
see where our decency is being determined by those who wish not to stand for right or wrong,
but by those who wish to maintain chaos for profitability and shun morality. Stand up for the right
thing and at the least give some resistance to those who stretch the bounds of decency. Stand
up and realize our society and country is becoming powerless through the desecration of
freedom.

Give all who wish to build a better world the support needed to be able to show our children a
better tomorrow and calibrate our moral compass to strengthen our nationthrough our children.
As for the “N” word, it has as much value in the English language as the ”F” and “C” word, and
for those who chose to use these words let them be known for their ignorance not as champions
of the first amendment.