The debate regarding the use of the word(s) “NIGGER” and “NIGGA” is one that often is talked about in the African-American community and beyond. Many are embarrassed by the term; others use it without remorse. One of the fundamental questions, including whether the word should be used at all, is whether the word can be turned from a negative into a positive to take the historical pain away.
The Breakfast Club co-host, and a powerful voice in Hip-Hop, Charlamagne Tha God has used the word casually in the past and has previously defended his use of the word on social media. the radio personality even gave the “O.K.” to some non-African-American artists like Kreayshawn and Justin Bieber to use it in the past.
Times have changed. Yesterday, a video of Justin Bieber telling a racist joke surfaced on TMZ. His punchline at the end? “Run n***a”. Charlamagne Tha God may have given the Canadian approval to use the word before, but doesn’t want th eterm in anyone’s vocabulary, including his own.
I have tried to stop using the n-word because I don’t like being a hypocrite. If it’s wrongw hen we use it, it should be wrong when other races use it as well. It’s hard to get upset at someone for doing the same thing that you’re doing. Plus, I’m 33 and I come from the era of greeting people with “Peace God, Peace Queen. What’s up my brother? How are you sister?”
The book “From Niggas To Gods” by Akil changed my life. And now that I know better, I should do better.
You have to teach people how to treat you. Jewish folks, Asians, gays…they don’t allow anyone to disrespect them and they don’t disrespect themselves. I’m ont ok with Justin Bieber making that joke. It always hurts when you hear someone using the N word. THat;’s how you know–no matter how you try to flip it and bounce it, ‘nigga’ is not a term of endearment.
I don’t care if its -er or -ga at the end–it’s a word with too much blood attached to it to ever be positive.
If people are going to really try to change the word nigga, don’t let it be exclusive to us! White people, Mexicans, Spanish–they’re all niggas too. If it’s really a term of endearment like we claim it is let it be that way all across the board for everybody. But in the context JB used it in that joke? That’s never right. Only black people can joke about that like us.
L. Londell McMillan Esq., prominent entertainment attorney and Chariman of The Northstar Group which owns our The Source Magazine, congratulated Charlamagne on his recent decision. See the conversation below.
Very proud of @cthagod for having the courage to admit he changed his mind & no longer supports the use of the N word! #Evolution! #Wisdom!
— L Londell McMillan (@LondellMcMillan) June 3, 2014
@LondellMcMillan Gotta keep growing!!
— Charlamagne Tha God (@cthagod) June 3, 2014
What’s your stance on the “n word”?
