Reclaiming the word Nigger
How to defeat racism by appropriating derogatory language
The First Amendment is the cornerstone of the American Constitution-and equally susceptible to interpretation. Who defines offensive and protected speech?
NIGGER
I AM the nigger, Singer of songs/Dancer. . .Softer than fluff of cotton. . .Harder than dark earth/Roads beaten in the sun…By the bare feet of slaves…/I am the nigger, Look at me…I am the nigger.
Thus begins a verse by the American poet Carl Sandburg. Clearly, he intended not a slur, but high praise. Sandburg’s message, while dated, demonstrates an essential, underlying truth: the power of a word is relative to its context. As language evolves over the course of history, the meaning of words fluctuates.
Twenty-six letters comprise the English language. On its own merit, each letter is essentially benign. However, in varying combinations, these innocent letters hold the power to propel human beings to deeds both noble and treacherous. Nowhere in our language is this more obvious than word "nigger." The power of this word relates to its most common usage–the establishment and the continuation of racial superiority.
The origin of the word "nigger" is obscure. However, historical sources point to the Latin word "niger," which means black in English. Throughout history, "niger" experienced numerous modifications. The final version, in one sense, represents the pinnacle of historical and cultural bigotry. In hushed meetings, both public and private, and on internet web pages of 21rst century cyberspace, this word-weapon continues to perpetuate the violence of racism.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “nigger” as “any socially disadvantaged group of people.” Unfortunately, the collective subconscious guilt of the ruling class determines the taboo associated with its usage. Reactionary voices suggest the elimination of its usage altogether. Politically motivated restrictions on free speech move society one step closer to fascism. If only bigots and hate-mongers are empowered to use the word “nigger” then the word indeed becomes hate’s best weapon.
Yet, before we permit collective guilt to guide us, before we sacrifice this word to the nightmarish pyre of political correctness, important questions arise. First, we must compile a very long list of “offensive” words. Then, who will define the meaning of “offensive?” Will we confine ourselves to the area of race, or must we include gender, religion, anatomy etc.? How will we punish word-criminals?
The way to defeat an enemy is simple–steal their ammunition. A perfect example of this is the word “queer.” For centuries, queer meant odd. With the emergence of gay culture, the definition of queer evolved. Queer became synonymous with perversion. Then, the queers reclaimed the word and made "queer" cool.
When political became personal, the gay community responded by disempowering hate speech. Rabid, persistent exploitation of the First Amendment ensures our freedom of expression. We must use language fearlessly, or democracy is lost and we are all niggers.
