By Chidozie Ehirim
Editor
Conservative MP Anne Morris's recent use of the n-word once again sparked debate over the use of the offensive term, it's context and free speech.
Morris, who was meeting with fellow MPs and eurosceptics, when describing what would happen if the UK were not able to secure a favourable Brexit deal described the conundrum as the 'real n****r in the woodpile'.
The term originated from the US and was mostly used in the late 19th and early 20th century to describe something of significant importance that is hidden, suspicious, innacurate or incorrect.
Anne Morrison who was unaware she was being recorded clearly felt comfortable enough to use the term and perhaps thought nothing of it. Perhaps a term she had heard growing up and felt perfectly within her rights to say.
Either way, she was wrong to have used it. Equally as shocking was the distinct lack of reaction from anyone else in the room.
Anne Morris MP later apologised, strenuously insisting that her use of the word was
unintentional and that she did not mean any offence. Debate soon ensued, some applauding her suspension, others disagreeing with it.
It is true, we all have free speech but we must also accept the consequences of the words we say. Anne Morris will no doubt learn form the experince and hopefully be educated that the word she used in any context she intended, is and always will be offensive.
One of the common refrains from some non Afro-Caribbean individuals who feel as if they have every right to use the word is this, "well black people use the word so why can't we?".
This is a common protest and it's one that more and more people are using. It's also something that should be addressed.
The n-word is a highly offensive derogotary term, used to dehumanize and psychologically brutalize people of African descent. A weapon that has been used by racists in the past, is still being used and will continue to be.
Take a moment to read the following words:
"Once upon a time, I shot a nigga on accident, I tried to kill him but I guess I needed more time practicing"
Are these the words of a Klu Klux Klan member who had an encounter with an African American? A violent racist with murderous intentions perhaps?
Actually, they aren't, they are the words of Dr Dre, lyrics from his track 'Deep Water' taken from the album 'Compton'. Dr Dre is one of the most well known, most successful Hip Hop producers and rappers. For those who aren't aware, he is also African American.
These lyrics aren't the exception. Similar lyrics can be found in the songs of other Hip Hop artists as well as Hip Hop and Grime artists here in the UK.
And herein lies the problem.
As people of African descent, some of us claim to have 'taken ownership' of the word and have changed it's meaning, transforming it into a term of endearment by substituting the "er" at the end of the word with "ga".
However it is spelt, in whichever way it is pronounced it is still a word that carries tremendous weight and we must be very careful with it's use. It is still a weapon and with any weapon, it cannot be waved around carelessly.
If we continue to use it so wrecklessly we unfortunateley give racists and others ignorant of the word's impact, an excuse to use the word so willingly.
Those before us, fought and died to obtain equality, basic human rights and freedom. They halted or at the very least slowed down the cycle of dehumanization and abuse perpetrated by the twin scourges of deep seated hatred and systemic racism.
We cannot afford to continue this cycle subconsciously. Sadly however, we run the risk of doing this simply by using the word amongst ourselves so casually.
For this reason, it should be consigned it to the dustbin forever where it belongs.
Editor
Conservative MP Anne Morris's recent use of the n-word once again sparked debate over the use of the offensive term, it's context and free speech.
Morris, who was meeting with fellow MPs and eurosceptics, when describing what would happen if the UK were not able to secure a favourable Brexit deal described the conundrum as the 'real n****r in the woodpile'.
The term originated from the US and was mostly used in the late 19th and early 20th century to describe something of significant importance that is hidden, suspicious, innacurate or incorrect.
 |
| Anne Morris MP |
Anne Morrison who was unaware she was being recorded clearly felt comfortable enough to use the term and perhaps thought nothing of it. Perhaps a term she had heard growing up and felt perfectly within her rights to say.
Either way, she was wrong to have used it. Equally as shocking was the distinct lack of reaction from anyone else in the room.
Anne Morris MP later apologised, strenuously insisting that her use of the word was
unintentional and that she did not mean any offence. Debate soon ensued, some applauding her suspension, others disagreeing with it.
It is true, we all have free speech but we must also accept the consequences of the words we say. Anne Morris will no doubt learn form the experince and hopefully be educated that the word she used in any context she intended, is and always will be offensive.
One of the common refrains from some non Afro-Caribbean individuals who feel as if they have every right to use the word is this, "well black people use the word so why can't we?".
This is a common protest and it's one that more and more people are using. It's also something that should be addressed.
The n-word is a highly offensive derogotary term, used to dehumanize and psychologically brutalize people of African descent. A weapon that has been used by racists in the past, is still being used and will continue to be.
Take a moment to read the following words:
 |
| Dr Dre |
"Once upon a time, I shot a nigga on accident, I tried to kill him but I guess I needed more time practicing"
Are these the words of a Klu Klux Klan member who had an encounter with an African American? A violent racist with murderous intentions perhaps?
Actually, they aren't, they are the words of Dr Dre, lyrics from his track 'Deep Water' taken from the album 'Compton'. Dr Dre is one of the most well known, most successful Hip Hop producers and rappers. For those who aren't aware, he is also African American.
These lyrics aren't the exception. Similar lyrics can be found in the songs of other Hip Hop artists as well as Hip Hop and Grime artists here in the UK.
And herein lies the problem.
As people of African descent, some of us claim to have 'taken ownership' of the word and have changed it's meaning, transforming it into a term of endearment by substituting the "er" at the end of the word with "ga".
However it is spelt, in whichever way it is pronounced it is still a word that carries tremendous weight and we must be very careful with it's use. It is still a weapon and with any weapon, it cannot be waved around carelessly.
If we continue to use it so wrecklessly we unfortunateley give racists and others ignorant of the word's impact, an excuse to use the word so willingly.
Those before us, fought and died to obtain equality, basic human rights and freedom. They halted or at the very least slowed down the cycle of dehumanization and abuse perpetrated by the twin scourges of deep seated hatred and systemic racism.
We cannot afford to continue this cycle subconsciously. Sadly however, we run the risk of doing this simply by using the word amongst ourselves so casually.
For this reason, it should be consigned it to the dustbin forever where it belongs.
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