AFRICAN AMERICAN'S WATERLOO...THE N-WORD

Interest for a National March Day on November 3, 2007, has grown from the more recent tragedies—particularly the Megan Williams heinous act— taken place in the African-American community; the urgency to make African Americans aware of the self-destructive, psychological ramifications the n-word perpetuates; and the necessity to quickly eradicate the term from human vocabulary.

 A “n**ger” is defined as a sub-human, three-fifths of a human being. The term, as it relates to any living being, is demeaning, degrading and belittling; its only purpose is to sabotage the heart, mind and soul of whomever the term is aimed, psychologically placing the receiver into a catatonic state of mind.  For more than three centuries, “n**ger” has been used to identify the African-American race, and because of its very definition, any and all brutal acts against African Americans were—and still are—justified.  

Since the days of subjugation, the civil rights movement of the ‘60s, and recent tragedies and atrocities—such as Jena 6, Skylar McCormick, and Megan Williams, the n-word remains the common igniting factor in these acts: The six white assailants who performed those dastardly deeds on Megan Williams did not view her as a human being, but a “n**ger.” Because they perceived her as something less than human, they felt their acts were justifiable.

Many African Americans argue and downplay the seriousness of the n-word’s ramifications on the black community. They have failed to understand the consequences of defining themselves with such a word. The majority of African Americans do not realize the mind state associated with and the power in the word, nor do they understand how other races truly perceive them—as expendable animals, so they continue to utilize the term in everyday vernacular as if it is something in which to proudly represent and use in preserving their race.  

This word contains a negative energy of power regardless of its use, be it endearingly, affectionately or as a racial slur. Its sole intent is to undermine African Americans. The n-word has dramatically impacted the progression—or regression, complacency—of a peoples. Assuming that “n**ger” is just another pointless, “filler” word is not in the best interest of the black community. 

Need proof that the term has successfully undermined the African-American community, pushing the race further and further from progression? Take a look at the incarceration rates, drug addictions, homelessness, and poor school conduct among African Americans. Contemplate the misogyny, and blatant disrespect African Americans have for themselves and one another by calling each other “n**ger.” 

Today’s dismal factors are manifestations of the n-word thrust upon black ancestors centuries ago to oppress them. Present-day African Americans steadily hide behind this ideal, shifting the blame to white America for the continued demise of the black community. Black America can point its finger at white America all it wants, but until African Americans realize they are the lifeblood of this inferior mindset, resolve, unity, and group advancement will never come for the black community. 

An all-consuming energy is needed to successfully promote and execute the National March Day on November 3 in honor of Megan Williams. In other words, the black community fails to see the n-word as an adversary, and, therefore, do not have any sense of urgency to corral users of it within their own community. Non-blacks have a bulls-eye on their backs; the same mentality should be directed at black users of the word who will defiantly, disrespectfully and purposely attempt to browbeat the black community into accepting its use. If efforts are not made to also hold black dissenters accountable, the magnanimous energy of those forming the National Day March will be wasted. Black dissenters, as well as non-blacks, must be held accountable for their actions.  

African American rapper Nas and Boondocks creator Aaron McGruder should be feeling the outrage from the black community. Nas, who has intentions of titling his album N**ger, is an insult to the African-American race and an embarrassment to the sacred memories, struggles and sacrifices of ascendants and present-day blacks everywhere. The Nas’s and Boondocks are traitors to the countless number of millions of blacks who were dehumanized amidst the jeers of the n-word. They are modern-day Benedict Arnold’s. As a result, United Voices for a Common Cause, Inc. has inducted Nas and Boondocks creator Aaron McGruder into its “Benedict Arnold Hall of Shame.” 

Honoring the memories of black ancestors should be a race-wide goal; blacks referring to one another as “n**gas” are committing blasphemous and sacrilegious acts. If one truly endorses the National March Day in honor of Megan Williams, and Al Sharpton’s proposed march on Washington D.C. November 11th, then anti-n-word supporters and the like must start honoring the millions before her who endured more brutal, dehumanizing experiences. The n-word is no joke. Zero tolerance should exist toward anyone who dares to invoke that word–even if they are black.