Why Redefine the N-Word?

Why Redefine the N-Word?
4/9/07
Editorials
Howard University The Hilltop (subscription), DC
http://media.www.thehilltoponline.com/media/storage/paper590/news/2007/04/09/Editorials/Why-Redefine.The.NWord-2829990.shtml

The debate over the N-word has gone on for years, decades even, and it will probably continue.

Those in support of the word argue that it is acceptable because it has been “flipped,” taking what was once negative and turning it into a positive term of endearment without the negative connotation.

Some who stand in support of the N-word, like the late-great 2Pac, have even invented new definitions of the word like 2Pac’s acronym, “Never Ignorant about Getting Goals Accomplished.”

This frame of thought has been extended to other words with negative connotations such as bourgeoisie, ghetto, uppity and even pimp.

We at The Hilltop believe that those who attempt to do this have good intentions at heart, but their methods are fundamentally flawed.

Regardless of what new definition you give to a word or what type of spin you try to put on that word, it will not change where the word came from.

Many of these negative words are deeply rooted in pain, oppression, hatred, discrimination, blood, sweat and tears.

Despite how we may want to change how these words are currently perceived, it is impossible to erase the history that they will forever be tied to.

And although these newer definitions may make sense to us and may be accepted inside of our communities, we must remember that many will not define them in the same way.

Those who exist outside of the black community as well as many inside the black community will always hold to the traditional definitions of words like pimp and ghetto.

What is even worse is that in order to transform the definition or perception of a word, one must first embrace the initial comprehension of the word.

By embracing these derogatory terms one is, in a sense, accepting the stereotypes and prejudices that travel hand-in-hand.

It is time to stop trying to alter the meaning of hurtful and derogatory terms, and it is time to remove them from our vocabulary completely.