#24147 by Craig Maxim
Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:24 am
Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:24 am
Irminsul wrote:
I still have a problem with that view, because Blacks using the "N" word has an element in it of taking the word away from those that hate them and defanging it.
I really don't think that is the case. I haven't investigated it, but I imagine that they were called that in anger, knowing that it was an insult, and when they were mad at another black person, they may have used it themselves with one another, in anger, almost without even thinking. Imagine the recipient, looking up in astonishment, like "What? You're gonna call me what that cracker calls me? And you're a brother???" and maybe they laughed their asses off at it, and it became more humorous, and not necessarily an insult when used amongst one another.
There may have been any number of ways this began spreading, where blacks were using the term with one another, but it seems a little unlikely (to put it mildly) that while manning the plow in the field, one "brother" turned to the other and said...
"Hey man, let's take this word back, by using it on one another!"
"Damn, Charlie, that's the best idea you came up with yet!"
Doubtful
I think it occurred quite by accident.