Along with the coronavirus, the Black lives matter movement has been an extremely big aspect of 2020. Because of the Black Lives Matter movement, black history has been given the recognition at long last it finally deserves. From underappreciated black leaders like Jane Bolin, who paved the way for future Black leaders to Black creators like Shirley Jackson. Among important people, another thing that has come to the attention of many people is the significance of words and in particular one word: the N-word.
In the past, many music artists like Eminem and Nav have been accused of racism through using the n-word, but many people did not acknowledge or care until the Black Lives Matter movement. The classic phrase “do now, ask later” is not the best thing when it comes to using the n-word. Of course, if you are not Black you should not say that word, but without knowing the history behind that word, it can be difficult to understand why Black people are allowed to use it and other people are not.
The n-word originated in the 15th century from people in Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. It was used a word to express the thought that white people were a superior race simply due to the light color of their skin. Slaves were used to taking care of plantations, the master’s children, among other things, however, though they did so much work and helped families become rich and successful, white people continued to use the n-word in a derogatory way against Black people, even when slavery was abolished in 1865.
Period point-blank, it is not that hard not to use the n-word. African-Americans have been under systematic racism since slavery started and they are trying to reclaim a word that has been used in a derogatory way toward them in a way that is empowering. Still not convinced?
Here are a few podcasts links on racism that are truly eye-opening and are sure to change your mind.
https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510312/codeswitch
https://crooked.com/podcast-series/pod-save-the-people/
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/g32816869/podcasts-about-race/?slide=6
