Challenging words in a changing world
As our world evolves, language does as well. But does that make certain words acceptable to say?
Cameron Segraves-Kimball
Issue date: 2/1/10 Section: Opinion
Lets take a step back 50 years. Where were we as a country? What kind of language did we find offensive? What wasn't? These questions come to mind when thinking about the impact of words used today.
The word, which I cannot write in this publication, is the "N-word." Over time, mainstream media has seemed to make the word seem acceptable.I see this word not only in music, but in movies, speeches, even on YouTube.Lots of pop culture artists such as Rihanna, Jay-Z, T.I., Kanye West, and Wiz Kahlifa have used the word many times in their songs. The popular movie(s) 'American Histoy X' or 'Be Cool' are notorious for using the word, among many others.
The word can be used as a sign of brotherhood among some. It would be the equal to saying "What's up bro?" or, "Hey, buddy." Some cultures and areas accept it, they em- brace their past and use the word that was used for hate, now for a sign of brotherhood.
Because pop culture has made it seem that the "N-
word" is a positive thing to say, it is being thrown around as a slang term such as "dude." I find the word usage to be acceptable in some contexts such as songs.
Its not something that we would have said in this context 50 years ago, but then again look what has been accomplished, and look at the way we now talk. What does that word mean for our culture today?
It seems that as a culture we have become desensitized to the word's meanings. As time has passed and our culture has developed, it no longer has a racist connotation because we are so desensitized to its true meaning. However, I believe that this
word does still have an impact in some parts of culture. For instance, would you say it to a nun? A priest?
Here at NDNU, the N- word tossed around between friends. In light of who and what influences us, it does not have the same amount of punch as it did before.
Therefore, I believe that it has become more socially acceptable. I know personally that I hear people on a daily basis say as a joke or as a simple response to something.We are influenced by music and movies; pop culture in general to the point where nothing has the same meaning. If people don't believe that the word should be used, then it shouldn't be thrown out in mainstream media.
Our vocabulary has changed so much over time and certain words no longer seem bad to say. Think to yourself how many times you cuss or say words like the "N- word" in a day, be in singing along to a song or just in daily conversation. We have to realize that our culture will not stop changing. Now let's step forward 50 years... What will be acceptable and unacceptable to say?
The word, which I cannot write in this publication, is the "N-word." Over time, mainstream media has seemed to make the word seem acceptable.I see this word not only in music, but in movies, speeches, even on YouTube.Lots of pop culture artists such as Rihanna, Jay-Z, T.I., Kanye West, and Wiz Kahlifa have used the word many times in their songs. The popular movie(s) 'American Histoy X' or 'Be Cool' are notorious for using the word, among many others.
The word can be used as a sign of brotherhood among some. It would be the equal to saying "What's up bro?" or, "Hey, buddy." Some cultures and areas accept it, they em- brace their past and use the word that was used for hate, now for a sign of brotherhood.
Because pop culture has made it seem that the "N-
word" is a positive thing to say, it is being thrown around as a slang term such as "dude." I find the word usage to be acceptable in some contexts such as songs.
Its not something that we would have said in this context 50 years ago, but then again look what has been accomplished, and look at the way we now talk. What does that word mean for our culture today?
It seems that as a culture we have become desensitized to the word's meanings. As time has passed and our culture has developed, it no longer has a racist connotation because we are so desensitized to its true meaning. However, I believe that this
word does still have an impact in some parts of culture. For instance, would you say it to a nun? A priest?
Here at NDNU, the N- word tossed around between friends. In light of who and what influences us, it does not have the same amount of punch as it did before.
Therefore, I believe that it has become more socially acceptable. I know personally that I hear people on a daily basis say as a joke or as a simple response to something.We are influenced by music and movies; pop culture in general to the point where nothing has the same meaning. If people don't believe that the word should be used, then it shouldn't be thrown out in mainstream media.
Our vocabulary has changed so much over time and certain words no longer seem bad to say. Think to yourself how many times you cuss or say words like the "N- word" in a day, be in singing along to a song or just in daily conversation. We have to realize that our culture will not stop changing. Now let's step forward 50 years... What will be acceptable and unacceptable to say?
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