Black Military World Forum

"N" Word Double Standard

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This entry was posted on 10/18/2006 8:33 PM and is filed under General Discussion.

Yesterday, we received an e-mail from a non-black member of the Air Force who requested to remain anonymous. He actually makes an interesting point. He writes:

"I'd like to complain about something that I think is very unfair. I work in an aircraft maintenance shop with a very diverse group.  There are three African American males in our group who are always calling each other the "N" word. It mostly happens when they are kidding around and I know they mean no harm but I assumed that the use of the word, by anyone, was considered a serious violation of the codes.  If a white person used the word, even kidding, they would be severely punished.

I've once even asked them to stop using the word because it bothers me. They looked at me, laughed, and told me that they'd better not ever hear me saying it. Not that I would ever want to, I don't think it's right for anyone to use derogatory names anytime.

I'm afraid that if I took to matter up the chain they would just laugh too and say, "Oh it's just a fad and they don't mean anything by it".  - Air Force Enlisted

Can and should a black military member be punished equal to a non-black for using the "N" word? Has this ever been tested before? What do you think?


 

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    • 10/18/2006 10:37 PM D White wrote:
      Why can't white people use the N-word is a question they always pose to blacks. They say if whites use the word they will be punished. This is reflective of narcissism and white privilege, growing daily. Here's why. One, they are not upset because they can't use the word but because they can't get away, theoretically, with calling a black person Nigger to their face. The fact is, there are over 5 million, yes, count them, 5 million web sites with white racists openly using the word, along with too-crass-to-mention slurs against blacks, Jews and others. They are protected by the 5th amendment. No one is telling the white sites to stop using the word and I don't believe for one moment that they stopped using it when no blacks are around. This question, as I said, reflects an anger that they can't do what they want to do around people they feel they own, with regards to the destinies, actions and thoughts of the black man and woman. They would never ask, why can't I call Jews, Italians, Asians or any other race a derogatory name. They cannot stand a closed participation amongst blacks that does not include them. It's a psychological problem having little to do with the actual word and more to do with their perception of being our masters, superiors and bosses. Number two, they created the word, and as I said, continue to use it. They just hate the fact that we think they don't and more, hate the fact that they can't. Blacks have been using the word for 400 years, since THEY introduced it. I read dozens of slave narratives and the slaves referred to themselves and other blacks as nigger so many times, I realized how entrenched the word is in the black culture and how entrenched it will always be. When whites come up with questions as the one posed in this posting and then say, if white people did it, (as if they didn't), they'd be...(whatever), it reflects the fact that they think no wrongs have been perpetuated by the white race, that they don't acknowledge their white privilege, which is dishonesty at its maximum, and that they want to pretend all is equal in this country. One must ask themselves why whites are so preoccupied with what blacks say and do? It runs so deep it's not funny. A white guy can say to his friend, I hate niggers and then turn around and ask a black man or a group of blacks why it's not okay for him to use the word. How sick is that? Simply google in the n word, surrounded by quotes and then, after you check out the results, tell me that the white man is not allowed to use the word. Then tell me why he'd ask such a question of a black man instead of the white men who sanctioned the rule after 400 years. Then ask him why prussia blue, the little girls who sing about annihilating blacks are protected by the 5th amendment. White people are blinded by the arrogance of our laws and their privileges and white privilege is the biggest creator of whining victims. The question is, why can't I continue to insult you with impunity?
      Reply to this
      1. 10/20/2006 6:58 AM Ted K, SFC wrote:
        If racial discontent is what you are looking to emphasize, you seem to have made your point. If total equality is the goal....You must educate. In order to educate someone who is ignorant to something, you MUST understand their side completely or it becomes a session of reeducation which creates animosity. I have been advertising this web site both through word of mouth and on my EO board to help EDUCATE people and possibly change some views of non African Americans. Though your statements seem extremely valid, this site is dedicated to the African American military community, NOT MILITANT community. So please, talk to, not at.

        Thank you,
        Ted K, SFC
        Reply to this
        1. 10/28/2006 12:39 PM George L Stone wrote:
          I believe that every free thinking Black person is considered a militant by those on the outside looking in. So why must we exert effort to educate those who don't seek to be educated, that would be an exercise in futility. The fact is the word has been around for centuries it is ingrained in our culture unfortunately. I don't use the word and I don't like it being used in mixed company, but I don't harshly judge my friends or family members when it is used in a setting where it is "just us". I am tired of understanding everyone else's culture and having to educate them about mine.
          Reply to this
        2. 11/12/2006 4:35 AM Diane wrote:
          It's disheartening to express oneself as requested and then to be labeled a militant or be excluded as if I didn't belong tot he military community. Also, having this viewpoint considered talking at vs. talking to, (and I have no idea what that means), I am disheartened and afraid to ever express myself again. No one said total equality, which is impossible to achieve until heaven, was a community goal. I am deeply entrenched in the military world, as was my father, who died for this country. I do not belong to a militant community, as you stated. I still wish you the best with the needed site, despite its blog's restraints and unspoken slant.
          Reply to this
      2. 5/8/2007 5:46 PM charles griggs wrote:
        as a black man in my 50s and an army vetran combat officer, i do not think any one should use the "n" word. the word was invented and attached to a group of people for negative, descriptive purposes.
        Reply to this
      3. 10/23/2007 8:22 AM Anonymous wrote:
        I really had to reply to your remarks. You contradicted yourself so many times. I did a google search and here's the results:

        Nigger:4,650,000 times
        Honky:5,290,000 times

        Seems odd considering white people don't call each other honky. These terms are inappropriate work always. I don't use them and those who do degrade themselves. Don't blame others for holding yourself down. Like it or not, we're all brothers and sisters.
        Reply to this
    • 10/19/2006 5:21 AM Ted K, SFC wrote:
      This is a reply to the "N" Word Double Standard". First off, let me say I have seen and heard the same in the Army. As an "EO guy", I can actually take immediate action but you already have. I recently did a class on Racism and Sexism where I had a very culturally diverse audience. I asked a group of African Americans why they called each other "nigga" if they wanted so much to be looked at as stellar soldiers instead of anything else. The response I got was that it was part of "their culture's verbage" and means no harm when said to each other based on the tone and expression. That was a good learning point for the rest of us however, most EO guidelines will point to a section that should state something to the nature of "finds offensive or demeaning". It will also fall into the category of a "Hostile work environment". The bottom line is, weather it is part of ones culture or not, if it really bothers someone, it is not conducive to a healthy work environment. You already took the first step of a legitimate EO complaint by putting the individuals on notice by letting them know it bothered you and asking them to stop. My recommendation from here is that you get hold of the Air Force EO guides, find the regs that apply and try to educate those who you are talking about. If that don’t work, recommend an immediate training session for EO and ask the question on an open floor so the EO rep can spell it out. If that don’t work, look to file an informal EO complaint. Normally, our steps would be:
      1. Put the individuals on notice that (---) is bothering you.
      2. Tell your supervisor
      3. Inform your CoC
      4. See the EO representative and request an informal or formal complaint.

      I don’t see these individuals calling each other "nigga" to try and offend you. Like I said earlier, this is a slang word often used as a friendly sign of gesture based on the individuals up bringing. So give them the benefit of doubt and explain by military standards how wrong it is.
      Good luck Air Force,
      SFC K.

      "One team, One fight"
      Reply to this
      1. 1/15/2009 9:44 AM Ingrid wrote:
        You are right on. I am in the Air Force and it definitely must be emphasized that if it is creating a hostile work environment that it must be reported. If the individuals don't respond to your requests to stop using the word, you must first use your chain of command. We cannot let this type of behavior continue not only in our military but in the civilian sector as well without correcting it. That is how that Master Sgt someone mentioned got to be where he is and still uses language like this without giving it any thought. It must become a conscious effort to tame the tongue whether joking or not.
        Ingrid
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    • 10/20/2006 2:20 PM calvinthurston wrote:
      Brother,your response to"N"word was a real eye opener.your perspective was right on the mark.I would like to thank you for showing me another veiw,from another angle.Again thank-you ,calvin
      Reply to this
    • 10/23/2006 10:50 AM Air Force Enlisted Young Woman wrote:
      In my opinion, there isn't a double standard with the "N" word. It should never be used. Last week, I was joking with the E-7 in the office and he called me the "N" word (jokingly of course). Needless to say the joking stopped immediately, and I let him know that I've never been nor will I ever be a N----. He apologized and let me know that he's trying to stop using the word, he said it slips out every now and then. I let him know next time it slips (whether its towards me or not), we'll be in the Commander's office explaining why I had to turn my "Brotha" in to "The Man".
      Reply to this
      1. 1/8/2007 1:35 PM LK wrote:
        The N-word, along with numerous other words in the american language, mean different things to different people. Some of us are quickly insulted to hear blacks use the N-word, "too many have died because of that word". Even knowing the history of that word and the plight of the black race, doesn't make the N-word offensive in it's self. It is and always will be the conitations that one associates with the word. Brothers (even that is offensive to some) use the word amoung family and friends do not associate any negativity with the word. As an individual, you have the right to use the word or not, but why have a man prosecuted for saying the N-word when you know the individual and know that it is not meant as an insult. If that well make you feel better and prove whatever point you hope to prove then go for it. Like I stated in earlier, many words have different meanings now then the orginal meanings. How do we deal with them. The term BOY was used by whites to demean..do we put that on the don't use list too?, what about "Dope", "Pimp", the list can go on and on. The point is, the meaning of words change regularly, from generation to generation. What ever happened to sticks and stones.....? Words should be taken at face value and not have to past the "historic meaning" test. Finally, those of us who are critical must be sure that we are not guilty of the same game with a different name. Redneck has not always been a term of endearment, so if you're laughing at the redneck jokes or using the term or any other racial term that's used in "exclusive circles" and you're not in that circle......maybe we all need to go before the Commander!
        Reply to this
    • 10/23/2006 9:48 PM crbattle wrote:
      Hello Everyone! I am a writer for the District Chronicles Newspaper in Washington, DC, and I am currently working on an article on BlackMilitaryWorld.com. I have already spoken with the founder of the site, Gregory A. Black, and I would love to talk with a couple more people about their feelings and experiences with the website. If anyone is interested, please feel free to email me at crbattle123@yahoo.com. Thank you in advance for your interest!
      Reply to this
      1. 6/13/2008 8:38 PM Anonymous wrote:
        I have a story to tell. I am a 29 year 10 Months and 2 days retired Cheif Warrant Officer 5 of the United States Marine Corps. I retired 1 June 2007.
        Reply to this
    • 10/26/2006 7:20 AM Marcus wrote:
      I think it is a shame that the "N" word is used so freely by African Americans with one another as if to say "It's no big deal, as long as no other race uses it. I am a Non-Commissioned Officer in the Military and I don't understand it. How are we repaying our parents and grand parents who struggled to rise above being called the "N" word? To me we are slapping them in the face. I challenge those who use it, even in a friendly manner, to go back and do a little research and find out what it means. Once they do that, I hope that it would used less. Yes I think there should be a punishment no matter who uses it.
      Reply to this
      1. 11/27/2006 12:46 AM marshall wrote:
        First I want to thank you for your service to my family and the rest of the US. Let me help you out here. If someone uses the N word in a fit of anger, or as a put down then that person is using hateful language -whether black, brown, yellow or white. If a group of people liberally use the N word to refer to those within their group, no foul. It's not that difficult to understand really. I mean if an Asian couple has a fight they don't call each other the N word, but they use words that they think will hurt the other person. That's what Michael Richards did; he said what he thought would inflict the most pain. So you see the word itself doesn't carry any weight -it's the emotion you put behind it that really counts. Just pretend for a minute that I ended every sentence with "Officer". Do you see how that positive way to address you becomes a negative?...
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    • 10/29/2006 9:36 PM Everett Hayes wrote:
      I am 27 year Limited Duty Officer in the Navy just recently selected to the rank of Commander. In my career I am saddened when hear the young and sometimes not so young Sailors use the "N" word. Not just because it is in my opinion a violation of he UCMJ, but doing so really lowers their respect level among their peers and in the command. I realize that this is not IBM, XEROX, or some other white collar environment but it should be just as professional. Our young men who want to express themselves by "sagging" their uniform clothing, playing "Gangsta Rap" on the job, putting false gold on their teeth, spending more than their car is worth on rims and stereos and just being immature is a mark against all of those who want to be thought of as professional adults. I assume there is a time and a place for all of those things although I can't really think of when and where that would be, it is not on the job or in that environment. As mentors to the young black men we need to help to raise their self image and lead them in more than just their military careers. Remember, most of them are away from home for the first time, have their first real job and their first chance at being responsible. Sorry I have been so long winded but this is a subject that is so close to my heart. Be Blessed!
      Reply to this
    • 11/2/2006 6:34 AM Young Enlisted wrote:
      Listen in no way should the "N" word ever be used. The "N" is a derrogetory term used and created by people who i believe didn't understand the gravity of a word in the first place. Its a word that should be bared from ALL PEOPLE cause no matter how you say it or use the word it hurts. The word was used to referr to our ancestor as ugly, stupid, and every other mean word ever known to man, to degrade them to make them feel lower than what they were. Which what they were was just a bunch of GOD's children with a black tan and a different dilect. So WHY USE THAT TERM? a term that degrades, and furthermore a term our people (African-Americans) have tried so hard to break away from. Martin Luther King Jr, Malcome X, Rosa Parks and so many have fought so hard and some have died over trying to get freedoms we have now. Also as a African American myself i feel its disrespectful to those who fought for us to be free from racism to accept this word as part of our culture and its like picking up and putting on the same chains we JUST took off. So using or referring to the "N" to me is another form of bondage that hurts us,our culture and hinders us from educating people about our WONDERFUL RACE.
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    • 11/27/2006 12:29 AM marshall wrote:
      The N word is just a word until you put emotion behind it. If A group of retired buddies refer to each other as "retard" to play on the fact they're retired, they wouldn't take kindly to a stranger calling them retard in a fit of anger. So it's the emotion behind the N word -Michael Richards wanted to hurt those guys so he he used what he thought to be a sure fire put down. If they were white he still would have used nasty words to hurt those he was talking to. That's why there really is no double standard at all. I don't understand why this is so hard for some folks to get. If you're a retired, let me know so I can help you. See there, you didn't think that last sentence was nice even though I didn't use a bad word...
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    • 1/27/2007 4:04 PM Anonymous wrote:

      I hate the word! I just hate it! At one time in my life when I was younger I thought that the word was an endearing so to say. Now that I am older, I hate it. When you get the fact that those you used it (slave masters) never used it to build up the brotherhood of black people. It was to tear them down rip them of the pride of being called Africans. We have no one else to blame put ourselves for this usage now.


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    • 2/14/2007 1:43 PM tony harris wrote:
      I think you should push the issue , the only way that word will go away is to treat anyone and everyone the same black or white.As an African-American NCO I had no problem jacking up soldiers(African-Americans) using that word in my presents and I had my CO's support. Any S--t detail I could find they got it . It will take people like you to help us destroy that word and the hurt that accompany it. I wish more people would step up and challenge the N word when it's being used .
      Reply to this
    • 2/15/2007 8:48 AM Adele B wrote:
      The N* word by definition has been in reference to a person considered inferior, contemptible or ignorant. Any use of the word toward anyone (regardless of familial stature or race/color) is derogatory and meant as an insult. It should not be used in any forum. Too many of our African ancestors died because of the perception of our inferiority toward other races. Too many of them died to prove the perception wrong. Who are we to neglect the legacy of our African ancestors whose backs we are able to stand upon today to reach our goals? The way ahead has been covered in African blood and that blood is still being shed on current day streets by individuals who believed their 'N*' did them wrong. Let go of the ignorant perceptions and stereotypes. Show the world the true educated brothers and sisters that we really are. There is no joking regarding the N* word. I applaud the Airman (forgive me if I demoted you) for standing up to REMIND the African American males that the N* word is offensive in nature, and not just to African Americans. If you want to joke with your 'boy', 'gyrl', 'sista', or 'brotha', then call them by a more respectful and positive name. Do not insult them with a smile on your face by calling them 'N*'. We continuously battle racism from individuals who smile in our face on a daily basis. It shouldn't come from our own.
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    • 3/4/2007 10:14 AM Tony Harris wrote:
      Thanks you so very much ... we are all hero's when we stand up and do the right thing.
      Reply to this
    • 5/10/2007 7:39 PM ERJJ wrote:
      Very good post and great replies! Who has the right to tell you or me what words we can speak? The government did not give the right of free speech! I was born with it. All people were born with it. Use of the N word should not be reserved for just one group of people. I can understand a group like AA who has used it for years using it in a non-work environment. After all what you do at your home is your business. At work I think that all should remain professional in actions and speech. This applies to all whites, Hispanics, Islanders and such. In the DOD we have rules and policies that govern our actions. If the person thinks that a group’s use of the N word is offensive then I guess it is. Some will argue that he is only doing it to get back at the group. I cannot say, as I do not know the people involved in this situation. But investigate first, then judge. In my 21 years of service I have served with all types and have found that talent, smarts, common sense, and leadership is not limited to just one group. I have been blessed by the different attitudes and perspectives of the people I have serve with. I have also seen people of all colors blame others for their failures, lack of drive and them just being lazy. I think the biggest obstacle we will ever face stares back from the mirror every morning. So folks I think that the golden rule is still good advice. If this were brought to my attention in my shop. I would talk to everyone about the issue, and tell him or her that this has to stop. That it is offensive and will not be tolerated any longer.
      Reply to this
    • 9/4/2007 4:00 AM Anonymous wrote:
      How can we, as humans, expect to help each other when we have barriers out up like this? i am white, but i am very much the minority in my community. In the issue of the N word, as some refer to it, i cannot say this word. However, others in my community can racially demean my family and i in any way they please. Why that is, i am not sure. i have never put myself above my friends, it is not important to them what color i am, nor vice-versa. I have never "considered myself to be a master" over them. We have all had nothing but friendship among us. But there are some who seem to seek out hostility. and even though i am the minority, they do not treat me as such. they treat me as though i have wronged them in some way. They treat me as if i had something to do with events hundreds of years before my birth. They act as if i owe them something. I don't. My ancestors came from ireland far after slavery was abolished and done with for many years. It is hard for me to take claims of deeply seeded prejudice seriously when no one i associate with has any reason to either. i actually feel sorry for those that do take offense to that sort of thing. if we can just get over these petty differences, we would be one step closer to being less "Us and Them" and more "Us".
      Reply to this
    • 9/21/2007 8:43 PM Ben wrote:
      As a white male in the military, like so many before this post have stated, I am held to a different level of responsibility than ordinary civilians. This specific topic of word usage has recently become a very personal interest to me. I personally do not take offense to the word. I suppose it’s due to the fact I am not black. It is not in my heritage, nor is it apart of my daily life. I don’t personally know the effects of the word mainly because of my geographical location and sheltered upbringing. I have heard the term used so frequently by many people in today’s society by both white and black, that I don’t even get shocked when I hear it. I am not a racist, I have not, nor will I ever, discriminate against anyone for any reason. If this simple word is so horrible, and brings about such animosity between people or groups of people; then there can not be anyway possible for it to all of a sudden have a change in meaning and now be acceptable even in the black community. This “word” should not be used by anyone then, be it by blacks or whites. There is however, a double standard in society when it comes to the usage of the word. It is accepted by mainstream society to be used by blacks to other blacks. Even if you personally disagree with this, mainstream society has accepted that as truth. I believe the definition of the word has changed some in today’s world. It can now be used to describe anyone regardless of the color of their skin. That doesn’t make it right, but still… If equality is what people are looking for, and putting the horrible past behind then it’s time to take a stand and end ALL divisions among us. How about we stop placing labels on people all together! If you were born in Brittan, you’re British and that’s your only label. If you were born in Mexico, you’re Mexican, if you were born in Africa, you’re African, and if you were born down the street in Baltimore, then by God, you’re an American. Take the stupid labels off everything and call people what they really are! I’m not a European – American, I’m an American because I was born here. My only label is jus that, and American! My ancestors were driven out of Brittan, but I don’t hold the British people accountable for my ancestor’s problems. The labels of being anything-American are divisions that will be fought in the future just like this one is being fought now. Let us stop that fight before it happens by ending it now and uniting on the fact that we are all human!
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    • 11/6/2007 1:29 PM Dr John R Dabrowski wrote:
      I am the historian for the US Army Aviation Center at Fort Rucker, Alabama. I recently received a query from the son of the first African-American Command Sergeant Major here at Rucker, CSM Alexander Sylvester Anderson, who retired in 1974 (now deceased). I have no information on CSM Anderson in my archives and would like to assist his son on gathering info on his father's career. If any of your readers have any information on CSM Anderson, I would appreciate hearing from them. I can be reached at 334-255-9151 or e-mail, john.dabrowski@conus.army.mil. Thank you
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    • 12/16/2007 9:26 AM Celogen wrote:
      Regarding the 'N' word double standard, let me state up front that I'm a civilian and have only worked in that world, as a Black person. I don't use the 'N' word in my public or private life because it is my prerogative NOT to use it since I personally don't care for the word. As for how its use by Black people affects the comfort level of those who are not Black, I could care less. Some who are not Black have whined here about a double standard where the use of the 'N' word is concerned. Get over it. You don't have a clue about what double standard means in areas much more important than who gets to use the 'N' word when and where. Black people have lived with double standards in every facet of their (our) lives beginning with catchment in Africa. Find something else more relevant to focus on.
      Reply to this
    • 12/19/2007 5:32 PM Trip wrote:
      I thank God I was born free. And I have remained free all the days of my life. From my youth I was taught I'm a child of the King whose God is The Almighty. And by Him being my King, His God is my God. And when I became of age I bowed and humbled myself to His sovereignty to reign in my life. Therefore I don't ever have to bow down to no man. And at this point in my life, I will die than bow. For even though I was born free and gave my Lord reign to live in His grace and mercy in His Kingdom, I had to learn obedience. So, there was a time I would knock you out, being of a different race, had you ever referred to me or anyone in my family as a nigger,nigga, or black bastard. There was a time in my school years I would have knock out another of my own race if he would have called me black. But I had to learn obedience. And before James Brown came out with "Say It Loud", I had grown more in "Love thy neighbor as thyself", not to throw the first punch. At that time all of my neighbors were as I, of the country of Ham. What you in this generation refer to as the "n" word was used commonly among us as a pronoun/adjective with affection and endearment. However if it was ever used in pejorative, you had a fight on your hands. And anyone standing around who heard it, felt it, and understood your anger. And condone you kicking that ass because they were just as angry with that person who spoke that from their heart. Even the word black, when used in pejorative would bring the same results. For in that sense in its' use the words are the same expressing your worth, and their desire for you. Another race using nigger,nigga,or black automatically cause you to be ready to defend your life. You knew from experience and family history that coming from them, you are less than a cockroach. And killing you is as easy as killing a cockroach. In this country's efforts in "trying" to overcome or overlook race discrimination, one of the watered-down methods is the dictionary. An attempt to even now justify as to applying that "n"word in reference to a caucasian or any other man. The definitions now found in dictionaries, the "n"word is applicable to anyone. For "once upon a time",the definition specified one of African descent or black, who were shiftless, lazy,etc,. If I recall correctly, even the word shiftless and possibly, lazy had reference the "n" word as one of its examples to help understand its meaning. It is amazing that everyone want to make things better in this country, even to risking life and limb to fight unjust wars. Not understanding 2Corn.10:3-7 in the truth in its meaning. I've had many associates, not many friends. I've had 3 caucasian friends whom I'm certain would have fought to the death to help me. Regardless of your race. They would not use the "n". Because they understood. Even the thought was traitorous. For it is not in the letter, but in the Heart. Take the "n"word black and refer it as a caucasian. Can't.Unless you rewrite the dictionary
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    • 2/18/2008 4:15 AM C. Ellis wrote:
      I have always felt the "N" word should not be used by anyone, and whoever attempts to come up with a reason why this word is not a bad word is truly not thinking. Every time I hear that word, I am reminded of all the African Americans who had to deal with the trails and tribulations of Slavery and the aftermath. Sure there other races that demean one another, but must we continually do this to ourselves? Comparing the "N" word to Officer? Are you serious?! No!, we can't do that. I owe it to every young African American male to mentor him wisely. One day I was working in my clinic and a young white soldier came in calling an African American male N this and N that. I came out of my office and sat every soldier in that room down and explained to them the derogatory nature of that word and it's origins. When I was done, their views had change and that young African American soldier never hung out with that white soldier again. I don't understand things like "the blackest white man I know" it makes no sense to me. I can't understand how growing up in a bad neighborhood makes someone black. Many African Americans work hard to leave the bad behind, and move on toward success. We have got to remember to go forward not backward, and starting at that word is only the tip of the ice berg.
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    • 2/18/2008 4:13 PM Trip wrote:
      I'm going to be very brief,for due to serving, it hurt me to type. I've pass up two comments because of it. But not this time. For anyone of color who insults and demean my ancestors is either unlearned, inexperienced, a "Tom", or white-washed. The last sentence covers that of "anyone attempting to give or show a reason as to nigga not being a bad word is not thinking clearly." But if the only knowledge or understanding you may ever have had in life in reference with the Word is through T.V., movies, history books, hearing a man called nigger, or you yourself (by chance), was called one, then you can only and will always note Nigga as a "bad word". Tell me, young man, how would you have lectured or mentored to your great granddaddy if you had been living with him and working on that plantation, or digging that ditch, or whatever they had him doing, as you say, "in the past?" What you think you are in your Heart today, is the same Heart you would have had yesterday. My Family knew they were not "niggas" then, when they referred to each other as niggas in front of their slave owners. It was just reassurance to each other that we're in this together. For the "Tom's", it was different. Because they felt everything the massa felt. And the "Toms" did all they could to make sure the massa could see they thought just like him. It made them "look" smart, in front of the massa. Tell me something, these afro-americans you mentored, were any of them from South Africa? Had it been me, I would have mentored the white soldier as to why it is not good for him to use that word, at all. Then would have wrote him up for using it on that occasion. At least you had the understanding of it that the white soldier should have had. Think your lecture helped by itself? Many have been crying about it for a couple of hundred years. And when the ones who has the power and the authority backing them to do something to prevent, or stop it, you find sympathy. But you can't find enough in your heart to be what your ancestors were in their hearts. Because you were only taught one way. And that is the only way you can see, because white ways are always right. I like the way my Bro. Dr. King put it,"It may be true that the law cannot make a man love me, but it can keep him from lynching me." While I was in booth camp at Parris Island, many years ago, the drill instructor said everybody were green. He took his D.I.belt off and went around to every marine and held it to his face and ask him what color he was. I told him I was black. Yes, I was the only one out of sixty or so. And they beat me in my face each time I answered that question. And when they had finished, I still answered, "I'm black". Then I told them "I can be Black, and do my JOB too!" My ancestors couldn't do that and live. I'm what they, (my family) are. And if they could stand today and live, I'm certain they would say, "That's My Nigga"! And I would smile. But, you couldn't say it to me. Know Thyself!
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