Why do black people call each other "niggas"?

[Anonymous]

I'm a black man, and I'm just wondering why we call each other that. I don't have a problem against it. It's just that I want to know why.

[Anonymous]

As a black man, we say it as like saying wassup man or homeboy.

The use of the word "nigga" by some Black people is a complex and controversial issue. Historically, the word was used as a derogatory term to insult Black people and dehumanize them. However, over time, some Black people have reclaimed the word and use it as a term of endearment or camaraderie among themselves.

This reclamation of the word is often seen as a way for Black people to take back the power that was used against them for centuries, and to redefine the word in their own terms. Some people argue that using the word "nigga" can be a way for Black people to bond and show solidarity with one another, while others argue that it perpetuates negative stereotypes and reinforces racism.

It is important to note that not all Black people use the word "nigga" and some find it offensive or disrespectful. It is important to respect individual preferences and views on the use of the word, and to approach the topic with sensitivity and understanding. Ultimately, the decision to use the word "nigga" is a personal one that should be made with consideration for its historical context and potential impact on others.

[Anonymous]

My guess is that at least at one point, some popular people decided they were going to use the term, either to "take it back" or somehow try to diminish the meaning, perhaps (which I don't think worked); I think for example, to a lesser extent, some feminists decided "Slut" or "b*tch" was something they would call others or themselves and "turn it on it's head." Which, I would argue, hasn't really always worked, either. I mean, it's worked in that it's become popular among women, but personally, I'd avoid someone who calls themselves _________________ and acts proud of it. Same as if someone was proud to call themselves an N word. I'd take it as a warning that you're telling how you see things or see yourself.

Historically, there have been words that ended up becoming overused, and ended up sort of becoming a washed out version of the word, or even a positive (or negative when first positive), usually not considered as bad as the N word is considered, but... "Guy" was an insult (after Guy Fawkes), either like a cuss word (almost) or calling someone a terrorist. Now it's simply... a casual word for a friend or bunch of friends.

I think it was Chris Rock who had a routine about how everyone - black people included - can't stand people who are "N-words." and that there is still a large difference in the community.

I think a small part of it is common usage; often in music; someone will copy thinking it's cool, but not really processing. So a lot of teens hear casual cussing from mom, dad, tv, movies, their friends, so the F word becomes a noun, verb, adjective, adverb, etc. and it becomes every other word because they think it sounds cool or rebellious or whatever.

Other than that, I don't know. Just some possible guesses.

[Chrystalynw1]

Because we can. Lol but I call everyone nigghas anyone is capable of being a niggha no matter the race. To me it just means you’re ignorant.

[Anonymous]

I remember Ice Cube once giving and interview about this. Because he uses it so much. And he said "It's our word now". He said, "It was a word used to demean his people for over 400 years. And we use it to show you that it's OUR word now and you're not getting it back". He said when you come right down to it it's just a word. But words do have power and he says he just feels differently about hearing a white person say it vs. A black person given the history of this word. And he personally can't help but feel that it's meant negatively when a white person uses it vs. a black person.

To me common sense applies. Why would you use a word that you know hurts another person. I have no use for that word in my life. I think any white person that would complain about not being able to use that word is being silly. They're acting like a 5 year old complaining because somebody told them they can't use that word. So they want to use it simply because they were told they can't.

[FunkyMonkee]

No self-respect!
As my neighbor puts it, you want us to respect you and NOT call you that but then you go around constantly calling EACH OTHER that?

[LiamJHayden]

It is flipping the narrative, taking something from abusers/oppressors and making it their own. Think of it as akin to calling a close friend a-hole or sh*thead. Between friends it is funny. From an outsider those are fighting words.

[AnusNdaPainus]

People give that word too much power

plus that’s why blacks are so cool because they own their own racial slur

[Iron_Man]

Because they like to kid around with each other

[Fromdusktilldawn]

We why do we whites not call each others snowy, blanco or pale pal

[Hispanic-Cool-Guy]

As a term of endearment for them.

[Anonymous]

that means theyre gang to each other