The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #134052 Message #3049985
Posted By: Lox
09-Dec-10 - 06:54 PM
Thread Name: BS: Racial Slurs in Quotations
Subject: RE: BS: Racial Slurs in Quotations
Bobert,
I have had your exact same experience.
I also did not use it in reply.
After years trying to work out why, I'm glad I followed that instinct.
I would add that there are many black people who are 100% opposed to the use of "nigga" as a token of fraternity.
I put it to you, that where we perceive it being used as a token of fraternity, it is in fact a representation of camaraderie under tough circumstances: "we're all in this together, and under no illusions about where we sit in society"
This doesn't change its derogatory meaning, it just makes its usage more sophisticated. In this context it represents defiance in the face of everything that "nigger" represents.
As such it becomes a source of strength and for some an exclusive club.
To be an honourary "nigga" means you are trusted.
Often it is said with affectionate irony, with a twinkle in the eye.
But it would make no sense for you or I to use it as we have a ticket out.
No matter how accepted we are as "nigga's" we always have the choice not to be one - which means we can never really be one - because the whole point is that we have the freedom to be "whitey" too if we want.
"Nigga" represents "bondage"
And not the voluntary kind.