Sunday, December 30, 2007

Catch a Nigger by the Toe

I had heard tell of this, but did not make anything of it until I read it on my twin’s blog.

Damn it, I always start these blogs off in the middle the story. What I am referring to is the fact that hip-hopper, Nas, has chosen to entitle his most recent CD, “NIGGER” (I refuse to refer to it as the “N” word. Call a spade a spade, I say-which is a saying with racial connotations in its own right). And he uses the word NIGGER in all its glory. None of that sissified “Niggah” mess for Nas. No, sir. If you gonna go you gotta go hard, Damn it!
Of course, people like the Rev. Jesse Jackson and my twin, Ivent…are extremely pissed and put off by the use of the word, but I want to reserve judgment until I hear the CD. I want to know the method behind the man’s madness. After all, look at the title of my blog and it is in no way meant to offend, but to enlighten, poke fun at and possibly even empower (maybe a little?).
Okay, who am I kidding? I am totally old school and don’t really get into this artist, such as Nas and the rest, so I will by no means ever listen to this nigger’s CD, but I say if the man has good intentions behind naming his album what he has named it, and he says he is doing it to take back the word, then more power to him. I personally don’t see how you can take back the word nigger. Hell, that word never belonged to us; it was just used against us. But I do understand the concept of trying to take some of the sting out of the word. And if the songs on his CD do that then I say, don’t hate, congratulate. We, especially as black people, are so quick to pass judgment on our own folks. Give the nigger…I mean brother, a chance before you start casting your stones. Damn!
The word nigger does not offend me. I think we give the word too much power and because of the power we give it, people are still able to use it against us in a hurtful manner. Don’t get me wrong, I know that the word, itself, is shrouded in racism, hated and a whole shrew of other adjectives. Hell, I am trying to get my family not to pass it on to another generation, i.e., my little two year old nephew, but alas, I am too late.
I’ll admit that when I hear a group of youngsters using the word to express themselves, especially when those youngsters don’t look like me, I have a tendency to cringe. But I am so over allowing that word to have power over me. Well, not completely. This white man, so I am told, called me a nigger a couple of weeks back when I yelled at him for almost hitting my squad car with his eighteen wheeler (dumb ass). He didn’t say it until I was out of ear shot, but the young blacks around me made a point of letting me know he had called me the word. I told them that words didn’t hurt me and to leave me alone, but the reality was that I was pissed that the bastard had used the word against me and if he had been man enough to say it to my face, he and I would have had all kinds of issues. But what can I say? I admit to still being a work in progress. But that’s my whole point. People who use that word are just pussies. Why even give them the satisfaction of letting it get to you. If we can take away the power of the word it might just die on its own, but a long as we keep fighting it the more power we give to it. Am I the only one that sees that, or am I just a blubbering old fool? (Don’t you niggers be calling me no blubbering old fool. LOL).

-One Man’s Opinion. Peace into the New Year and beyond.

Who the hell is Nas anyway?

39 comments:

Mz.Bria2U said...

Twinnnnnn, I know you felt me coming over here, didn't you??

Ok...even siamese twins have independent thoughts, so while I hear you..I don't agree.
IF, and that's a big IF, Nasir Jones was attempting to say something PROLIFIC, thus his reasoning for using that disgusting ephithet...why not COME ON OUT BEGUILE, AND IMPRESS US?? Why dangle that word out there as bait?? You know why? he's doing what Usher ALWAYS DOES...stir up controversy before his CD release...publicity stunt. If that's what the hell you have to do to sell a CD, maybe he oughta go sell shoes, or go parasailing. Nas has fallen off in recent years, it's no secret, and I believe he's playing us-BUT MOSTLY himself like a fool.

It pains me to hear a youngster say "nigga, nigger" I've told them that terms comes with a responsibility their shoulder can't bear.

When I've heard my kids' friends say those words (in ignorance)...they had to write an essay, 12-font, spell checked, w/out chicken grease or now & later smudges, telling me WHY IT' OK TO SAY THAT WORD...if they can't do that then tell me why IT'S NOT OK to say that word-with parental permission of course. If parents say no, or they decide they didn't want to do it...then they couldn't come back to my house...my kids'll see them down the street or at school. Only one boy didn't turn in the essay. Months later he came to my house thinking I forgot...I asked him if he had my essay? he said "No." I said "remember my words? you gotta go. love you...but i make the rules here." and my son said "man, i told you."

Every child who turned in an essay-wrote about "Why it's NOT OK to say Nigga, Nigger" These children could think of NO GOOD reason to use the words!! They wrote some of the most beautiful words that were ever put on paper. I framed the essays, graded them and put words of encouragement on them...These were ALL BOYS. They just weren't challenged...but I'll challenge them...and I still do, twin.
As I've told them...say nigga enough, you'll believe you're a nigga, and they'll treat you like a nigga. It takes NO SKILL to be a nigga. So why be something that's so EASILY attainable???? These aree 13-15 yr old boys...who had no dreams- that now know if challenged , that intellect is in them...waiting for them to pull it out and use.

Nas is making a fool out of himself, and is giving niggas the go ahead to act even more niggerish, as if we need these idiots to act even more foolish.

That's like lighting a match and putting it on something flammable, walk away...and then come back with a water hose 2 mos later...FOOL THE DAMAGE IS ALREADY DONE!!

Twin sorry, had to get it out.
love u much!
Ivent :|

One Man’s Opinion said...

Damn, Twin...You said that and touched me to boot. I have no rebuttal and you know that crap pisses me off. Don't be coming over to my site, speaking the truth.
I wish I could have read some of those Essays. What a wonderful, thought provoking idea. I wish there were more people like you out there, because of course I agree with you one hundred percent. I'm not saying that we should use the word cart blanch, little sister. I am just saying that if stop being so openly offended by it, maybe it will die out. Don't you think it's at least worth a try? I have this idea for a painting called "Nigger Child". It is a wonderful idea, but after reading this beautiful comment that you've posted on my blog, I am second guessing the whole concept. Damn you, Twin! You know you make me sick, right? This why your butt has never been invited to my house.

Jazzy said...

I personally think it's a publicity hoax...I just don't believe that's the title of his album. Time will tell.

Jazzy said...

OH...see ya in 2008!

Mz.Bria2U said...

Sorry twin...i can't stop being offended bcuz that'll be the day my kids'll use that word! my grandparents who raised their kids in Bogue Chitto, MS (yes that is the name of the town) were called every kind, type,shape and form of nigger-my grand dad had blue
community...you're not throwing it casually around-there's NOTHING casual about NIGGER, NIGGA! just like how we dumbfoundedly call each other 'trick, bitches and hoes!' that it wasn't funny. NO...i'll never accept it..and i hope my kids (when they aren't around me) doesn't accept it either.
On everything I love-if my kids hear someone say 'nigga' they look at me,cuz THEY KNOW i'm gone say something. Whether that person likes it or not...i'm showing my kids i'm not going to make that word acceptable with some people and not others.

My cuz (female) would call me (very recently) and say 'what up nigga?!' and i'd reply "what up douche bag hoe???" She'd become so hurt and ask 'why would you say something like that..that hurts my feelings' i said 'good cuz EVERYTIME u call me nigga, my feelings are hurt-so everytime you call me nigga-you're gonna be a douche bag hoe!'

it took about 3x's and being called diff versions of a douche bag hoe...b4 she began to catch herself! she now calls me, Bree!
YOU BETTA RECOGNIZE..OK???? :)

Mz.Bria2U said...

meant to say my granddaddy had "blue eyes"

Anonymous said...

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Misty

dejanae said...

*two cents bein thrown*
Everybody knows the history behind the word. it's roots in American history, slavery, subsequent subjugation of supposedly free peoples of color etc.
In the same vain, i know that most of the time i've heard people utter the word 'niggah', it wasnt said with ill intent. There are people who say don't argue semantics ."Niggah and nigger; however you spell it, it's the same thing". These folk are not living in the real world. That little inflection at the end can mean the difference between hate and love. Words have power not in and of themselves, but because of the meaning assigned to them so when that brother comes to me with a hug and says "You my niggah for life. Held me down when i couldn't even count on my own family." I'm not feeling the same way as if a white man who almost hit my squad car with his 18-wheeler says it.
The original word has taken on a life of its own; spawned an alter-negro if you will. To deny that and ask the word be stricken all-together is to enter dangerous territory.

iventbyblogging.
just wondering. What if one of the boys did do an essay on it being ok to use the word? What would your reaction have been?


wishin u the best in the 08

Don said...

How did brother Malcolm X once sum it up...

"The chickens are coming home to roost."

Is that what he said?

Nah seriously, I think Nas has a strategy.

One Man’s Opinion said...

Don, hell yeah he has a strategy. To make some money.

Dejanae, I like what you had to say about the spawning of the word Nigger and the different intent in the word by people. I have said, in previous post, just how powerful words can be. Hit me with a stick or a stone, because words hurt, damn it. I'm not for banning the word, in any form. I think the word has a purpose. I also like the question you post for my twin. So, what's your answer to Dejanae's question?

Unknown said...

As a man of color and one that has suffered the 'nigger' epithet tossed in his direction, I don't care for it or understand how some African Americans believed that trying to give a word rooted in such hate any type of positive spin. It just was a really bad idea from the jump. As I've said countless times, you'll never hear a Latino person call another, "My spic..." or a white man call his buddy, "My honkie..." It's foolish pa. Now don't get me wrong, it has taken such a life on its own that we (folks of color) use it almost as a reflex. I don't know if it will ever lose its negative effect...I think anytime a white person uses that word my heart hurts and my fists ball up...go figure.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Mz.Bria2U said...

@Dejanae- love your name, that's my beautiful goddaughter's name :)

In answer to your questions (A)"What if one of the boys did do an essay on it being ok to use the word? (B)What would your reaction have been?"
Answer:
(A) If one of the boys produced an essay that justified their use of nigga/er...as long it was 12-font, chicken grease-now & later free etc, i would've accepted it, and graded it, critiqued it objectively. A great grade was achievable...not bcuz of the subject..but cuz they followed directions.

:::I mean...I gave a persuasive speech in my speech class on why YOU SHOULD SMOKE=got an A btw! lol:::

(B) My reaction would've been that of sadness, and pity. Also,any of those children could say nigga(er), and I'm sure they do still...just not IN MY HOME-AT MY HOUSE. I understand parents teach their children differently than I teach mine's. My children see how differently people are perceived and treated right here in Prejudice a** Michigan.

IF you want something in life-like it or not-sooner or later you will have to tow the line. Do you think Jay-Z or Russell Simmons, Sean Combs or even Jermaine Dupri (bless his heart) act like a nigga in the boardroom?! HELLLLZZZ NAW! But on the other hand, who'll take that boy ummmm, what's his name...lil Wayne, serious?? He'll NEVER achieve that stature of success w/out change. Have u heard that rascal give an interview? He's a joke. Even Ludacris, and Nelly understand, the concept u-can be a nigga-but u can't stay a nigga if u want to be taken serious. Niggadom, will not bring success.

Katt Williams, makes a living being a nigga...for a CHECK. Have u read his bio? That man is SMART!!

Niggadom will not give u a better credit rating (nigga don't care about credit), won't get u in college (they say to hell w/school), priorities are screwed (won't pay child support-still make babies)::rims worth more than entire car:::will spend rent money on outfit, shoes, nails and treat everybody to the club-but you're scratching and scraping to scrounge up rent money, mortgage whatever::look for female on section 8 to live with for cheap rent, look for man who can get hair/nails done::teach little kids to cuss, and hold their crotch (i've seen this w/my own eyes) but can't spell their name, don't accept responsibility for what they've done-always someone else's fault, will get MAD when someone in the crew decides to change their life( go to school, stop getting high-drinking, go to church) for the better..i can go on and on.
I won't talk about SETTLING for being a wifey, but not good enough to be a wife! WTH?!

These are just some characteristics that if continued will not enhance your life, but detract. Most of ua at 1 time or another have been niggas...but there comes a time when we SHOULD want better for ourselves, and niggadom will not serve the purpose. Ok, I'm turning this blog back over to my Twin SORRY TWIN-AGAIN ;)

Mz.Bria2U said...

1 more thing...I believe as adults we should be teachers, while remaining teachable. I'm not opposed to children/young adults breaking something down for me-I encourage it..my kids have taught me many things. I may not agree--but I'm NEVER against my knowledge being enhanced. And I was sure ONE of the young men was going to produce an essay that was FOR the word. but it didn't work out that way.

One Man’s Opinion said...

I love my Twin...she is so cute and edjamacated and stuff.

fuzzy said...

Strategy or not, I believe that the key here is to educate! Inform, not just about "nigger" but "spic" "polak" among other terms that need not to be tolerated anymore. it has to be a mass effort and once everyone is informed then reduce the use of the word. The goal, maybe not a reality (just being realistic), is to remove the word from our diction.

This is not an overnight task, it involves repition and devotion. we have to prevent the wrong and disrespectful use of the word!

oh show yourself friendly and make me remember you and you will definately get an invite to my next party. I avoid inviting strangers and despise party crashers. lol

Mz.Bria2U said...

Thanks Twin! I have a great role model :)





daddy, lol

The [In]Urbane Goddess said...

I am certainly guilty of using the word in the company of my close friends and family. It's generally something we say to poke fun at one another. Granted using the word is a rarity, I do so with few regrets. I can thank Nas for making me realize how un-funny the word is. The thought of David Letterman introducting him on the show and displaying the "Nigger" CD angers me. Like Opinionated Diva I hope this is not truly the final title of the CD. I know who Nas is, but do not know anything about him as an artist. This ploy does not pique my interest in the least. It's truly an embarassment.

Mz.Bria2U said...

@inurbane-great post! :)

One Man’s Opinion said...

Very good post, goddess. I too only use the word around certain people, in gest...and like you it is a rarity. I'm tell you...you good people are truly making me feel bad about the title of my blog.

Don said...

@ one mans opinion: lol @ hell yeah he has a strategy to make some money. Too funny.

dejanae said...

iventbybloggin
thnx for responding i understand u perfectly
lol@ the grease stains tho
im kinda mad u had these lil kids writin essays.lmao. u know they was just tryna get their play on
and dead at the douchebag ho thing

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"A Blog dedicated to taking a look at my people and trying to uncover why it is that we do and say the things we say that only lead to our own detriment"

"my people" -- the ultimate "racist" attitude? (maybe that's the problem)

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