Self-hate does not just stop at our skin tone and facial structures and negative portrayal in music videos, it continues with the way we address one another. The N-word more specifically nigger, nigga, or negro derives from the Spanish language meaning black. There is a general belief that the word “nigger” initially meant “an ignorant person”. This interlinks with how much it is used within the black community but frowned upon when used by someone who is not black.
There are various negative connotations attached to it, its offensiveness is not new in the dictionaries. They have been making note of it for hundreds of years. When used amongst black people its intent isn’t to be derogatory. However, it plays into how we are seen in society as “ignorant” and if we keep calling ourselves ignorant (nigger) then can we expect to move forward. Lastly, we are struggling with an element that is very disturbing the perceptions of “acting black” this causes detrimental effects for both academic and social achievement. They are five specific underlining issues attached to this phrase. Firstly, it is affecting the sector of academia, secondly aesthetic, thirdly behavioral, fourthly dispositional, and lastly impressionistic. Acting black is negatively seen when talking of aesthetics.
A study suggests that there needs to be an altering for those wanting equal outcomes for black and white people in academia. Additionally, for social achievement, the “bad is black” effect seems to be showing the darker the skin the closer one is too evil deeds. It is a societal view that individuals have the tendency of perceiving darker skin as more threatening or automatically thinking one has committed an immoral act. The psychological programming that fuels this fear is systematic and the only way one advances and emancipates himself from untrue statements. Is by coming out of ignorance, educating yourself on history thus loving yourself. In order to love someone else you firstly need to love yourself.
Thanks for raising awareness of this vital issue.