Comments on: The contributions of the N-word to Modern Racism https://contemporaryracism.org/2655/the-contributions-of-the-n-word-to-modern-racism/ An academic blog about whiteness, implicit bias, and systemic racism Mon, 19 May 2014 18:43:08 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Chris Chaky https://contemporaryracism.org/2655/the-contributions-of-the-n-word-to-modern-racism/comment-page-1/#comment-319 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 01:53:06 +0000 http://contemporaryracism.org/?p=2655#comment-319 The topic of reclamation is such a difficult one for me to figure out where to stand on. On the one hand, I totally agree that white use of the n-word perpetuates the idea that racism is a thing of the past. I’m less sure about the use of the n-word by Black Americans, however. I think there’s a certain kind of power in taking a word that has been historically used for oppression and changing it into a word that is used to show community and solidarity.

I’m also interested in the common complaint of White Americans that they can’t use the n-word. “Black Americans say the n-word, so why can’t we?” It makes me wonder, why do so many White Americans feel the desire or even the need to use that word? I think it has to do with modern racism, as you suggested, as well as aversive racism. Both of these kinds of racism require a denial of discrimination in contemporary America. Perhaps some White Americans feel the need to use the n-word because its use would again reinforce the idea that there is no racism anymore. Not allowing oneself to use the n-word, as a White American, would not only imply that prejudice exists but that white privilege also exists. In essence, I think many White Americans want to use the n-word so they can avoid the recognition of white privilege and the ensuing guilt.

]]> By: rachelbrookland https://contemporaryracism.org/2655/the-contributions-of-the-n-word-to-modern-racism/comment-page-1/#comment-316 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 00:16:47 +0000 http://contemporaryracism.org/?p=2655#comment-316 I briefly saw the ESPN special on “The N-Word” as well and I could not agree with you more. I think it is extremely appalling and concerning that the word is becoming a greeting and socially acceptable among the high school students. In my opinion, no matter your race or ethnicity no one should be using that word as it is extremely offensive. It would be extremely interesting in hearing what the older athletes think about the younger kids using this word so nonchalantly. I think that the evolution of the N-word has made it seem as if racism and prejudices no longer exist, which is completely false, as you also mentioned. I hope that they kids who are using these derogatory terms come to understand what they truly mean.

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