Michael Jackson, without question, was an enigma, but a prodigy in his own right: His personal life was sketchy—at best. However, his life as an innovative, history-making, high-achieving, second-to-none, world-renowned and –loved entertainer and artist was clearly absolute and inarguably the grandest of stature. His sudden death was unthinkable and shocking to me, as I am sure it was to many others. Yet in the midst of all of this jaw-dropping news and heart-wrenching time of sorrow—fore America has lost an entertainer, but the African-American race has lost a brother, a true representation of our race’s abilities, I am even more so stunned at a tribute released by Diddy and The Game, entitled Better On The Other Side, where they refer to Michael Jackson as “my n**ga.”
Michael came from a generation of performers who did not incorporate the use of the n-word in their music; therefore, he should be shown the respect of not being referred to in such a manner. Rappers and others alike may refer to Jackson by the n-word as a way to show their connection to him in terms of race. However, given the history of the term, to refer to Michael Jackson, or any of our brothern, as such is utter disrespect and blasphemy to his name and all that he represented—just as it is blasphemy to our ancestors, all of the struggles they endured, and the accomplishments they attained.
Speaking on the topic of the n-word, all kinds of excuses are devised to justify blacks’ use of the n-word, including changing the meaning of the word through alleged desensitizing and new-age pronunciation, as well as limiting the use of the term. However, all of these “justifications” are senseless, add no validity to deeming the term acceptable for use, and prove that a great majority of the black race remain blinded to their prominent role in the continued stagnation of the black community.
Proponents of the n-word often say that by using the term in an endearing manner, they have desensitized the word—removed the sting. Yet, in a fit of anger, the term is used for its true intent: to disrespect, demean, destroy. Such a paradox illuminates the self-deception and self-deprecation which is so prevalent within many throughout the Black community.
Some argue that replacing “-er” with an “-a” changes the meaning of the term. ‘Brother’ and ‘brotha,’ ‘sister’ and ‘sista,’ or ‘mother’ and ‘mama’ are all the same words, respectively, which means they carry the same definition no matter how they’re pronounced or suffixed! And believe it or not, ‘n**ger’ and ‘n**ga’ falls within this same line of thought. In all of these examples, the “-a” suffix is nothing more than ghetto vernacular.
There is also no appropriate time to use the word. The immoral history behind this word remains intact and cannot be erased. African Americans are descendants of those who were victims of this word in the most abominable and sinister way imaginable. Each and every time we use or condone use of that word, we are in effect condoning all the heinous acts perpetrated upon our ancestors.
In modern terminology, the n-word has been reduced to nothing more than a racial slur. However, during the slavery era, the n-word was born with a despising purpose: It spurred terror into the hearts and minds of our ancestors. The n-word meant they were categorized before they were humanized. It was meant to demote slaves to a sub-human status, easing the conscience of a racist society to do whatever they pleased to them since they were not considered human but “n**gers.”
And as such, this term will continue to live on with this same purpose standing resolute at its core. It will live on, UNLESS African Americans choose to bury that “sucka” once and for all. Some believe it’s impossible to stop using the word, but it can be eradicated from the vocabulary of all Black African Americans if we summon the WILL and DESIRE to do so.
Though things have changed, they remain the same in many ways. Black America is still brow beaten to accept the categorization of being defined as a “n**ger,” only now its blacks serving as a ventriloquist of white supremacy to help keep other blacks mentally enslaved.
Proponents of the n-word obviously think nothing of desecrating the sacred memories of their ancestors. If they did care, then just out of respect, they would not embrace the word. And though all Black Americans are not users of the word, there are far too many of us possessing a cavalier attitude to n-word users.
I adamantly disagree with any African American who refers to self or another with the cold, harsh term, “n**ga,” but to refer to Michael Jackson as such just doesn’t even “sound right.” Michael is a phenomenal icon who never once reflected the mentality or definition associated with that of a savage, beastlike creature—a “n**ga.” A golden heart has stopped beating; hard working hands have been put to rest. All should allow the King of Pop, Mr. Michael Jackson, to rest in peace...with well-deserved respect, dignity, and admiration as our brother, not our “n**ga.”
Written By H. Lewis Smith For BlackNews.Com
}
Comments