VN AfterTaste

This (The N-Word Defined) is an excellent column filled with history and cultural occurrences. I recommend it.

Excerpt:

Several activists, such as Dick Gregory, have said the use of “N-word” instead of “Nigger” robs younger generations of the full history of black people in America.

The term nigger has sometimes been extended in meaning so as to refer to all disadvantaged people. For example, Ron Dellums, an American politician, once said that “it’s time for somebody to lead all of America’s Niggers".

Knowledge is power. Understanding the definition of a derogatory term helps in how you perceive it. Although, I don’t condone the usage of the word at all preferring to steer away from it’s double-connotation, I am not phased by it if I hear it. The white woman I spoke with used it and I didn’t bat an eyelash. I felt nothing although she paused for a second after she had said it. I assured her that it was okay as I knew she was not using it as a slur.

If you let something as simple as a word hurt you, then you need to take time to really readjust the view you have of yourself. No strong-willed black man or woman should feel anything if they hear the word when used as a deliberate slur. We live in the 21st century, for christ sake… we as a race (and I mean the human race) should be looking beyond color and focus on the survival of the homo sapien species in the coming centuries.

Also from the same source: “Remembering the Black Panther Party“

related: Seattle Black Panther Party History and Memory Project

Often glossed over in Black Panther history is the inclusion of several Asian members. Richard Aoki, who spent his childhood in Japanese internment camps, was an early member of the Panthers and was a “Field Marshal” in the group.

“I’ve seen where unity amongst the races yielded positive results. I don’t see any other way for people to gain freedom, justice, equality here except by being inclusionst.”
- Richard Aoki