Nigga Hate

Indian giver

I’ve come to realize that the pride I have is not necessarily rooted in the usage of the word nigga, but in the idea that Black People was the only ones who could say the word without repercussions or being offensive to anyone.

On the other hand I believe other races disdain and anger of Blacks use of the word stems from them not being able to say the word around Black folks and offending them. One of my white co-workers once asked mehow can y’all have a word that you can say, but if I say it -I’m wrong?” My response was: “That you can say whatever word you want, but there will be problems if you say that word around me.” I made no apologies for my bravado or sensitivity from hearing the word from someone other than a “brother or sister.” I honestly thought that particular situation was a litmus test from her to see how I would react if she said it. So I felt compelled to inform her that my feelings were not an experiment. 

This love/hate relationship associated with the word nigga has been an interesting subject within the Black community for years. Legendary comedian Richard Pryor famously announced that he was not going to say the word anymore after taking a pilgrimage to Africa. Paul Mooney and other celebrities in recent years have also denounced the use of the word.

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