Nigger

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at the origins of the word "nigger" and the evolution of the meaning of the word that has taken place over time. The paper points out that, originally, the term had no negative connotations; the negative implications of the word came later. Also discussed is the contemporary meaning of the word and how, when used among the African-American population, it is a term of endearment.

From the Paper:

"The origin of the word "nigger" comes from the Latin for black, niger. Originally, there was no derogatory intention involved; it was simply a designation of a different color of skin (English, 2003). Unfortunately, it didn't stay "just a word" for long, and it began to be used as a racial slur by people who believed that African-Americans weren't much better than apes. There was a time, not all that long ago, when the word "nigger" was the worst kind of slang. It was demeaning, rude, and offensive, and it was used when people who were not African-American wanted to put down those that were."

More papers on Nigger:

• Book Review # 87883 : "Twain's "Nigger"
• Analytical Essay # 61969 : "Up From Nigger"
• Analytical Essay # 63340 : "The Nigger of the Narcissus": Conrad's Examination of a Race"

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