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Last week, students and faculty at Grand View were asked to join a language experiment designed to confront them with a word that divides opinion. We asked them to say the “N” word and later followed up with questions about their feelings and opinions on the word and its uses both around campus and in today’s culture. Many reactions can be seen throughout the video, and this reflects the complexity of the term and its uses. Fair warning: the video and the story that follows contain language that some might find offensive. 

In the United States, “nigger” was first used as a derogatory term in the early 19th century. In the era of enslavement, the words “nigger” or “black” were inserted in front of a common American first name given to a slave to distinguish the slave from any local white person with the same name. Many at GV still see it this way and, as such, avoid it altogether. Yet others are questioning if avoidance is the best way to handle the word going forward.

Today, questions still remain surrounding the “N” word and the usage of it. Who can use it? Who can’t? When is it not acceptable? Is it ever? What is the difference between the word “nigger” and its slang version, “nigga”? In order to know, we need to ask those around us. Students of different genders, races and beliefs at Grand View were asked for their views on this sensitive subject.

“I think it is an offensive word that is a part of the black culture,” Derek Fulton (Sr.) said. “I don’t feel like I know enough about their history or am in the position to be saying that word. Some people choose to take offense to that word, and I don’t want be offensive to them if they find that word offensive coming out of my mouth or anyone’s mouth, so I guess I just choose not to use that word.”

Lacie Gwinn (Jr.) also disapproves of the use of this word.

“If you don’t understand the meaning behind the word or if you are not a part of the group that uses the word — if you are not a black person — you should not use that word — period,” Gwinn said.

Sophomore Claudia Farrell also takes a stance against the use of this word.

“If I heard someone saying that, I would be pretty alarmed,” Farrell said. “Personally, even if someone told me it was OK to say, I would still feel uncomfortable saying it because I’m not in that ethnic group.”

Today, use of the word “nigger” in African American culture is complex in that it can be used affectionately, politically or derogatorily. Although this word is widely considered an abusive slur when used generally, this is especially the case when used by white people. In the right context, however, the word can be powerful, and some claim the word can become less offensive through reclaiming it.

“I was teaching a class last week, and that word was used in a performance piece,” English Professor Dr. Paul Brooke said. “I thought in context it worked really well from an African-American student. I think other students and myself don’t feel comfortable saying that out loud, so I am not going to. But I think in the right context it can be powerful and be important for change.”

In the past 20 to 30 years, the word “nigger” has gained prominence through song lyrics, stand-up comedy routines and movies. When used properly through the context of art, literacy and explaining the culture of African-Americans, many people believe the word “nigger” is powerful and brings strength to the black community.

“You can take ownership of that word and change it,” Brooke said. “I think for African-American people, they have (retaken ownership) with that word.”

Andi Bagley (Jr.) was brave enough to say the word “nigger” aloud, as seen in the video. She said she hears the word used more often than it should be. “People like to come off like they are a good person and say, ‘Oh, yeah, I don’t say that,’” Bagley said. “But behind closed doors, they say it all the time.”

Students at Grand View have different viewpoints when it comes to the use of “nigger” and its slang version, “nigga.”

“’Nigga’ is a little less offensive because you hear people saying that and calling each other that,” Farrell said. “With the hard ‘er,’ people have negative feelings towards that.”

Within the African-American community itself, there are mixed feelings on the distinctions between the two words.

“It doesn’t make a difference because for me I tend not to look at everything with a racist context immediately,” Kenan Jackson (Jr.) said when asked about his viewpoints on the usage of the word “nigger.” “Even if they say it out of context to make it offensive, I still don’t take offense to it. I don’t accept that.”

Many side with Jackson and don’t accept its derogatory meaning as its only interpretation, but others, such as Godwin Cutler (Jr.) find all variants of the “N” word to be disrespectful.

“When you say words like this and throw them around, these words have meaning to them,” Cutler said. “I feel like we should take the words more seriously as a community so if someone does say it, there is a punishment for it. Black or white.”

Racially-charged language takes on many forms and is not limited to the “N” word. Terms such as “jigaboo,” “coon,” “cracker,” “gringo” “and spick” are derogatory and racist toward various ethnic groups. We asked Grand View students where these terms belong in the racism conversation and how to make various ethnic groups comfortable on a campus where all of these words are spoken.

“I think we can make people more comfortable by making a bigger deal (when these words are used),” Cutler said. “When you say something about the Holocaust or make a joke out of that, people take that seriously.”

Farrell had a similar take: “Encourage people not to use it. Just because you hear somebody else saying it, doesn’t mean its OK for you to say it.”

Many of those who took part in the experiment agreed communication and holding those around us responsible for what they say and how they say it is the key determining how these terms will be used in the future.

“I think it’s just about (having) conversations,” Brooke said. “The truth is we often don’t — we shy away from them. There is some fear attached to them.”