Just Looking ...

I don't think that I dreamt this... but I do remember, earlier this year, some kind of political debate where either an individual, group or member of Parliament was lobbying for the outlawing of the word "nigger". I recall listening to a talk radio station as people called in to give their two cents on the topic. Some agreed that yes, it should be banned as it was a derogatory racial slur while others felt that the banning of a word would infringe on their freedom of speech. My sentiments on this? As a "black" individual myself, sadly I don't think that it would make a huge difference. This just ties in with the point raised by Prof K in class with his son having to write "n-word" when referring to course material. This begs the question: if they're so concerned with the vocabulary used in the novel, then why, pray tell, is it a part of their curriculum?

Then there's the other spin: I've also heard that there's a huge difference between "nigger" and "nigga". Nigger would be the derogatory form whereas nigga can be used to imply some kind of camaraderie without intentional prejudice. Then the other fun rule that only "blacks" can use either without consequence. Many argue that this is a means of reclaiming the word and dispelling its previously negative connotations. Again, my thoughts? To tell the honest truth they both make me cringe a little every time I hear them. Any thoughts?