I think its safe to say that for quite some time, who should and should not say the N-word has been a debate.

People try and substantiate its use with context. “Well I meant it in the same way as homeboy, or friend, or buddy.”

People bring up the oh-so obvious excuse say “I’m not saying ‘nigger’ though. That’s the bad one. Not ‘nigga.'”

There is occasionally those few Black people that don’t care about the word’s frivolous use. “My Black friend lets me use the word. He’s cool with it.”

Ok Billy, but your one Black friend doesn’t represent all of Black people’s views on the word being used. Your Black friend is probably cool with it because he doesn’t have the time or patience to explain to you why its not okay for you to say it.

Oh wait. My favorite one is where people try to justify it with that double standard and say “Well if Black people are using it, then that means its okay to use it.”

Especially if its said so much by Black artists in Hip Hop music, the most popular and highest grossing genre of music in the world.

WRONG.

It is never okay for an individual who is NOT of African descent, to say the word “Nigga.”

I personally do not understand why its even up for a debate.

But let’s go ahead and discuss why its not okay…period.

As you may already know, the derogatory term “nigger” started being used by Whites (or Anglo-Saxons) in the 1800’s during the Atlantic Slave Trade.

The word was used in reference to their human cargo, African slaves. It stemmed from the Spanish words “Niger” or “Negro” meaning black.

From then on, the word was used as a racial slur and insult to those of African descent.

There is some speculation how the slur went from “nigger” to “nigga.”

But after researching multiple sources on how it came to be, I ultimately reached the conclusion that it really does not matter.

The oppressive history behind the word is the main reason why people who aren’t Black should know that it is NOT OKAY to say it.

I hate to admit it, but even though I really don’t like the use of the word, even by Blacks, we have earned the right to say it. Its apart of our culture. BLACK culture. Regardless of it being started by Whites (who know like hell its not okay for them to use it.)

Our ancestors got called names like darkie, mammy, tar baby, jiggaboo, and multiple other despicable slurs.

Yet, through the growth and evolution of Hip Hop culture and the Civil Rights movements and other powerful pieces of our history, we have turned the word “nigga” on its head and used it ourselves in a different context.

And I am in no way, shape, or form discrediting or comparing other races and their struggles with Blacks. Its not a contest to see who suffered more.

I am merely stating that using words like “nigga,” no matter how you use it, is disrespectful. Specifically if you don’t care nor know the history behind the word.

It doesn’t take much effort to skip over the word in your favorite song.

There is countless other ways to refer to your friends, homeboy or girl.

Its a matter of discretion and respect.

And I know this article may not make any difference to people. But I know that you’ll rethink saying the N-word in my presence.