If You're Not Black, Don't Say It

Amidst Gina Rodriguez’s viral video of her singing along to a song by the Fugees, Black people across America have sparked the debate on who is able to say the n-word.

The debate starts with the question—if it is such a controversial word, then why are so many Black people still using it?

In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2009, rapper Jay-Z proclaimed:

People give words power. For our generation, what we did is that we took the word, and we took the power out of that word. We took a word that was very ugly and hurtful into a term of endearment…We pretty much took the power out of the word. If we just start removing words from the dictionary, they’ll just make up words the next day. So we don’t address the problem. The problem is racism, that’s really the problem.

The use of the n-word whether in rap lyrics or casual conversation amongst two or more Black individuals, is used as a term of endearment reflective of their experiences.

That word shouldn’t have to be removed from our vocabulary because it makes others uncomfortable, or because we have set certain rules and regulations to it.

It has been reclaimed.

White people and those without Black descent questioning why they aren’t capable of using the word comes across as insensitive. 

It is obvious that words have history and meaning behind them. This is a word whose origin came from a place of malice and hatred. It was used by the oppressors of Black Americans—white Americans—to make us seem less than. It was often what was heard moments before the death or injury of said Black people. 

There was a sense of empowerment that was found once Black people decided to reclaim the word.

But was it ever truly reclaimed?

It is evident that Black people influence the culture. In a social media era, we are studied and examined through a lens. What we like, dislike, how we talk, what we listen to, what we wear are all being sought after by big corporations and influential celebrities.

We can’t have nothing.

Megan thee Stallion’s viral catch phrase “Hot Girl Summer” was immediately picked up and used by big corporations and fast-fashion brands in promotional posts. 

Black culture is “cool”. 

Rapidly-growing social media app TikTok has brought about an influx of young non-Black teens who are emulating caricatures of blackness as a means to be “one of the cool kids”—whether it be through dance crazes, dialogue, or diction.

It’s digital blackface—non-black people acting Black because they want to be more desirable.

We have the influence, so should we be more responsible and attempt to censor ourselves?

Simply put, no.

Everybody wants to be black, but nobody wants to be black when it matters.

Singing the lyrics in a rap song, does not excuse you—even if there is no malice or negative intent behind it. 

Next time you are unsure whether you can use the word, ask yourself:

Am I Black? Do I identify as Black? Why do I wanna say nigga so badly?