The N-Word

As we have studied this particularly powerful word I keep asking my self why non-African Americans would even want to use the word. I wonder why non-African Americans feel the desire to use that particular word. Why don't we as a society have a moratorium on the use of the word by non-African Americans until that community decides how the word should be used. I realize that some people may find this abstinence to be very difficult, but in the end society will be better for it. By allowing the community that is affected by the word to deal with its use the community is empowered. The affected community would be empowered because as a society we would be saying that we have confidence that community has the ability to make the decisions for its self. Where the word was used to oppress it would now become an example of the communities ability to rise above the past.

For people not in that community it would be like any other objectionable word. For instance although I have worked around people that choose to use the F-word I choose not to use it. It simply becomes a matter of self control.