Are we really conscious of what we say things? Can our words mean something completely different for other
people?
We all know that communication is based on specific
words with connotative meaning of each language. But we often forget that there
is also a denotative meaning given by the historical, social and cultural
context of a particular group.
When we start learning a new language is important to
recognize that the words given by the dictionary will not always be useful for
us to communicate properly, because if we do not understand the context in
which they apply, we will not achieve the receiver to understand our message
clearly.
The N-Word in North American is attached to a past of
violence, segregation, discrimination and slavery associated with black and
brown bodies, treating African Americans as second class citizens or worse. As early 17th century the word “negro” evolved to
“nigger” as intentionally derogatory, and it has never been able to detach
itself from this unwanted and painful meaning.
The conflict with
this word lies on two different yet current perspectives:
On one hand it is the
word as an insult that has tormented generations of African Americans. Linked
to a history of violence, brutality and derogatory actions rooted on the
psyches of African American people.
And on the other
hand, is the meaning used lightly on the pop culture. For instance, the popular
song call "My Nigga" by American rapper YG, that shows off for the
world the N-Word as a synonym of "dude", "brother" or
"friend".
All this leaves at
the discretion of each, old or young, the use for this word. This could be dangerous because It can be used just as word but it can also be somethins way more meaningful.
Here I leave a video to help us understand the perspective of real African American people nowadays. Lets not forget that language is powerful. And as U.S Supreme Court Justice, Oliver
Wendell Holmes Jr. posits:
“ A word is the skin of a living thought”.
