Why is it that we, as African Americans or blacks are cool with calling each other the N word but as soon as someone else does, we’re ready to fight, sue or kill? I mean, isn’t it the same thing? If you are referring to yourself as the N word then isn’t it cool for you to be called that? If someone hears you referring to yourself or your friend, brother or sister as the N word then wouldn’t they think it’s cool to call you that? (I would) Don’t get me wrong, someone who is racist is just that, racist and no amount of money or time will change that because a person will be exactly who they are. However, I’ve lived to learn that it’s not about the name you’re called but it’s about the name you’re given and then what you answer too. See, you can call me Lakisha (or Marcy) and I’ll answer to it because that’s my name but when you call me anything other than that I keep on going. You can call me blessed and I’ll answer because that’s what I am. You can call me living and I’ll answer because that’s what I’m doing. You can call me God’s chosen and I’ll answer because that’s who I strive to be. What you can’t call me is a bitch because that’s defined as a female dog, a difficult thing or situation, a nagging complaint, a vulgar woman, a woman considered to be spiteful or overbearing or a man considered to be weak or disgraceful; I am none of those things so I won’t. You can’t call me a hoe because that’s defined as a gardening tool used to weed; I am not that either so I won’t answer. You can’t call me a hater because that’s defined as to dislike somebody or something intensely, often in a way that evokes feelings of anger, hostility, or animosity; not me so I won’t answer! You can’t call me jealous because then I would feel bitter or unhappy about the things you’ve got and nope, not me either so I won’t answer! Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” So, go on and call me what you want because I know my name! Go on and talk about me, I know who I am! Go on, if you will because I know whose I am! Proverbs 10:7 says, “The name of the righteous is used in blessings, but the name of the wicked will rot.”
It doesn’t matter what folk call you, it’s what you answer too and act like. Yea, I know that words hurt but that’s only if you let them get close enough to pierce your ears and heart. Stop using the N word if it offends you to be called that. You can’t call yourself that or allow some to call you that and get offended when others do. Plus, the N word isn’t the only word that should be taken out of the language. Just like you get offended when Whites/Caucasians call you the N word, they get offended when you call them cracker; it’s a double edge sword. Learn and then do better. “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them, Ephesians 4:29.
Lakisha, the Author 