Embracing the ‘B-word’ is a mistake

Published 9:00 am Sunday, March 17, 2019

It seems the entire world loves everything about black or African culture except being a black person.

I understand the love for our culture and the fear of being black. There is a difference in fear and being proud of who you are no matter your ethnic background. I sincerely believe most people of African descent are proud of who we are, however, exceptions do exist.

It is dangerous in most countries to be a person of color, which brings me to my next point.

How dare we survive being transported across the Atlantic Ocean to be enslaved, endure having our families torn apart, abused, tortured, raped, murdered and forced to work without compensation until death for 400-plus years just so we can embrace negativity. It makes no sense to me.

The “B” word defined is a female dog, fox, otter or wolf usually in heat and ready for breeding. However, some dictionary has felt it necessary to include the “B” word to mean: a woman who is rude or inconsiderate.

Urban dictionaries say the “B” word can be used as a term of endearment. Black women call each other female dogs and hoes as terms of endearment and respect. “Hey female dog in heat, you look amazing. Female dog in heat, I love you.” I would rather not have the “B” word used in any meaning except for what it was originally intended.

Hip hop is not what it used to be. Once upon a time, it was a way we expressed ourselves about our beliefs, lifestyles and some even used hip hop to protest injustice.

Hip hop has become a means to fast fame and money by belittling who we are. African American rappers are paid to criminalize an entire race.

Some rap about lives they have never lived. Every African American person did not grow up in the “hood.” And even if he or she did, the experiences vary from home to home and person to person.

Because of media hype, the persona is we all grow up in slum-type areas. We have all experienced sexual promiscuity, used or sold drugs, have multiple fathers for our children or shot and killed someone.

None of this is true of every African American in this country. Some media outlets would have you believe the images portrayed are the absolute value of truth for all of us.

Maybe the “N” word should be included in my rant about self-loathing. I cannot think of another race willingly embracing racial slurs and making the slurs a part of everyday conversations and using them as terms of endearment.

The “N” word has and always will mean enslaved Africans who are about three-fourth human beings, a useless thing except for work. They are hard workers or at least they used to be hard workers when they were slaves. The slave handlers called Africans the “N” word.

It is believed the word Negris or Negus which means brother, prince or god used by Africans was heard by the Europeans which the Europeans translated to the “N” word. However, no matter the origin of the word, it is derogatory no matter who uses it.

Think about it, are these really words you want to embrace?

Some dare to get upset when people of other races use the word that we toss around so loosely.

This is the one aspect of our culture no other race has embraced. No other race uses derogatory terms in music or in general speech to belittle women or their entire race.

I know it will not happen overnight but it sure would be nice if we would eliminate self-destructive words from our vocabulary. 

Angela Penn is a resident of Valdosta.