An End to the N-Word
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While Sojourn to the Past spreads the message that language is power and hateful language is a form of violence, the use of the n-word is on the rise in high schools across the United States. A recent Clarion Ledger article by Sojourn Speaker Jerry Mitchell discussed the results of a survey of Jackson, Mississippi high school students that reveals the n-word is frequently and casually thrown around in everyday language. Students who admitted to using the n-word rationalize their use of the term with excuses alleging that racism is no longer an issue and that it’s meant affectionately.
Do you think this word can be detached from its historical implications? The n-word has been and still is used as a hateful way to diminish African-Americans. Through language, a group is made out to be inferior and so begins the process of dehumanization that may lead to violence. Elizabeth Eckford, one of the Little Rock Nine – the first nine black students to desegregate high schools in the country, argues that this ignorance and use of the word is actually racial self hatred. Those who include it in their vocabulary are further hurting themselves and their communities by refusing to take a stand to eliminate such a hateful term.
Consider the language you and the people around you use. If there are any discriminatory terms in your vernacular, think of the various other words that can be used to replace them. For example, if you use the n-word when you mean to indicate friendship, consider using words like friend, brother, sister or buddy.
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and take the pledge promising that you will not use the n-word or other hateful language ever again. Join others who have pledged like Jerry Mitchell and Myrlie Evers-Williams, NAACP Chair Emeritus and widow of late NAACP field worker Medgar Evers, in ending violent language and spreading the word on to others. Pledge today to spread peace and nonviolence!
