“Nigger vs. Nigga: A Double Standard”

Although some people overlook the difference in their spellings and assume these words share the same derogatory connotation, others feel that their distinct spellings constitute very distinct meanings to varying societies. To begin with, the term “nigger” was given to the black slaves during slavery because of their dark-colored skin. It was a racist insult. Living with the identity of a nigger, these HUMAN BEINGS were economically, politically, and socially disenfranchised. They were nothing more but of monetary value to their slave masters. Showing the least amount of respect to a “nigger” was out of the norm for the white society. Therefore, due to such harsh living conditions and constant abandonment, many African Americans find it very offensive for a Caucasian to refer to them as a “nigger” because it resurrects the awful memory of slave treatment.

On the other hand, some African Americans have adopted a new spelling of the word- “nigga,” and used it within a contrasting context. The word is used more liberally among the younger black generation. Saying “what’s up my nigga,” and “how are you doing my nigga,” signified a symbol of endearment and brotherhood they shared for each other. Within this defined social group, it harbored the same fondness as the words “bro,” “brotha,” or “sista.” Soon thereafter, the cultural influence of the word expanded massively within the entertainment industry, particularly in hip-hop music and comedy. In hip-hop music, examples include: hip-hop group Niggaz Wit' Attitude (N.W.A.), A Tribe Called Quest's "Sucka Nigga", Notorious B.I.G.'s song, "The Realest Niggaz", Jay-Z's "Jigga That Nigga" and Snoop Dogg's "For All My Niggaz and B**ches". These titles of songs incorporating the word “nigga” emphasizes how they found self- confidence and friendships, and most of all fame. Comedian Chris Rock’s routine "Niggas vs. Black People" distinguishes a nigga, which he defined as a "low-expectation-having person", from a "black person". In contrast, Tupac Shakur distinguished between nigger and nigga: "Niggers was the ones on the rope, hanging off the thing; niggas is the ones with gold ropes, hanging out at clubs.” Tupac said his song N.I.G.G.A. stood for "Never Ignorant Getting Goals Accomplished."

In conclusion, there is conflicting popular opinion on whether there is any meaningful difference between the terms nigga and nigger. Many people, both black and white, consider the terms to be equally devaluing, yet many African Americans embrace the term “nigga” and detest “nigger,” due to its derogatory history. They also feel offended when individuals from other races, particularly Caucasion refer to them as a “nigga” because they are not part of the “brotherhood.” Because of this, some critics along with others have deemed this controversial issue as a “double standard,” because it takes the form of a word in which certain concepts are perceived as acceptable to be applied by one group of people (blacks), but are considered unacceptable when applied by another group (whites). Personally, I don’t find it degrading for black people to refer to each other in that way because I feel that it helps them to find laughter and comfort within a word that once subjected them to a lower form of life. After all, I’m in total agreement with Tupac’s perspective on the meaning of a N.I.G.G.A-“Never Ignorant Getting Goals Accomplished.”