Nigger verses Nigga
The term "Nigger" is a derogatory term used against Black people. The word was originated from the Spanish word "Niger" and "Negro" meaning Black, which was used to describe Black people. The meaning of the word "Nigger" is -an ignorant person. By the late 1800's, particularly during the Atlantic slave trade, the word was used in a derogatory manner, and often used as a racial slur against Black people. The word "Nigger" has often been used as an insult against people of African descent. The word is extremely offensive and often not mentioned unless one is intended to insult another.
In the song 'Woman', rapped by Talib Kweli, he states "she went from being called Nigger to Negro to colored to Black to Afro, to African American and right back to Nigga". His statement shows the racism behind the word "Nigger" and how people of African descent fought to be labeled respectfully, to reflect the beauty of their race, yet ended up going back to the original roots of being called "Nigger", yet justifying that "Nigga" has an entirely different meaning. "Nigga" used as a form of slang is one of the most popular words used today. The term is used in today's slang, among African American groups predominately and hip hop musicians. This outrage of the word being used by African Americans was done so to desensitize the derogatory message behind the word. The term has become so popular that it is now a part of culture and many other groups, considerably; non-African American people are now using the word as well.
The problem with the usage of the word "Nigga" is its roots stemming from "Nigger", which is harsh in its nature. Some things can't be turned around. You just can't take a negative word and turn it into a positive word by changing its meaning. The roots still has its imprints. Also, other cultures, many which have used the word "Nigger" against Black people as an attack now have access to the slang term "Nigga". The word should not even be used by people of African descent, let alone someone who is non- Black, whose ancestry doesn't revolve around the sufferings pertaining to it. Some Black people might say they are more entitled to the word, due to the slavery, oppression, racism, and segregation of their ancestors, which came alongside with being called the N word. Some might say, they've earned usage of the word because their ancestors died during the middle passage, and civil rights movement, when the N word was used for derogatory purposes only.
The term 'Nigger' has evolved into "Nigga", and its usage is much more popular among all cultures today. Some do not mind letting their non-Black friends use the N word, however, many African Americans suffer because of this. Many African Americans to date are educated, politically aware beings and do not stray from knowing the historical facts associated with the word and therefore do not use the word in jest nor do they allow other cultures to use the word in their presence. I personally do not use the word, nor do I allow others of different cultures to use the word. I am highly against the word being used, even among my African descent people. I think the word should be banned and should be illegal.
Many non-Blacks who use the word justify that they are not using the ER at the end of the word, and that they don't mean it in a derogatory sense, yet when upset, many other cultures have used "Nigga" as an insult against a person of color. Many non-Blacks have explained to me that, their Black friends use the word, so they feel it is okay for them to also use it. Many non-Blacks have also stated that some of their Black friends gave them permission to use the word in their presence, without explaining to them that it may be offensive in the presence of others.
There are so many contradictions behind this word. Some feel they can use it, while others shouldn't be able to use it. Some people don't understand the influence they may have on other cultures by constantly using the word in their presence, and especially in music. Some defend the difference of context associated with "Nigger" vs "Nigga".
Having to constantly separate the intent behind the word is very confusing for many. While some may say there is a difference between the word "Nigger" and "Nigga" and both words have different meanings, there are many cases where racist people have used the term "Nigga" as a racist attack against Black people. Regardless if one uses the ER at the end of the word or not, the meaning, roots, and circumstances associated with the word remain the same. History can never be changed.
I petition the N word be banned from the mouths of people of African descent, and especially be banned from the vocabulary's of non-Black people. We have to stop justifying the n-word and its meanings. "Nigger" vs "Nigga" has the same meaning and its intent is not positive and every time the word is used, it is not used in a positive manner. Just think about it. Almost every time the word is used to describe someone or something, there is a negative connotation behind the usage of the word. If a word cannot be used in court, chances are, it's a bad word.