The History, Impact, and Controversy of 'Nigger' in American Culture

"Black memorabilia" often refers to items from past eras that depict how America historically viewed people of color. This includes items like ashtrays, dish towels, and dolls. The nigger stereotype, however, has a deeply entrenched and harmful history that continues to impact American society.

Defining Nigger: A Racist Term with a Toxic Legacy

Susan Payer, a Spanish Ed. graduate from the University of Colorado in 1996, explores the origins and impact of the term 'nigger.' This term, rooted in Latin niger, has taken on a derogatory meaning in English, especially in the context of American racism. The evolution from negro and negress to nigger reflects a linguistic shift that aligns with racial prejudices. Social scientists classify terms like 'nigger' alongside others such as 'kike,' 'spic,' and 'wetback' in categories of disparaging nicknames and explicit group devaluations.

The Culture of Racial Slurs and Discrimination in America

Throughout American history, racial slurs have victimized many groups. However, no group has endured as many derogatory names as African Americans. Slur names such as 'coon,' 'tom,' 'savage,' 'pickaninny,' 'mammy,' and 'buck' have become normalized and even literary and cinematic fixtures, perpetuating negative stereotypes. Terms like 'nigger' served as a powerful tool for exclusion and discrimination, reinforcing harmful stereotypes of Black people as lazy, stupid, and worthless.

The Derogatory Use of 'Nigger' in Popular Culture

Throughout the 20th century, the term 'nigger' appeared in various forms of popular culture. Publishers like McLoughlin Brothers produced children's games and stories with the term, and sheet music from the early 1900s often featured the word. Even in literature, such as Agatha Christie's Ten Little Niggers, the term was widely used. Despite the civil rights movement and anti-racism efforts, the term continues to be used and perpetuates racism.

The Controversy of the Term within African American Communities

Interestingly, the term 'nigger' is also used by African Americans within their own communities. Poets like Imamu Amiri Baraka have used the term in their works, reflecting a complex relationship between the term and its abuse. Writer Devorah Major highlights that the term's continued use, even by Black individuals, reinforces negative stereotypes and perpetuates racial divisions. Within the context of social hierarchy, the term 'nigger' remains a powerful instrument of discrimination and racism, despite attempts to remove it from mainstream discourse.

The Debate Surrounding 'Nigger' in Historical Memorabilia

Historical memorabilia, such as dolls and other items, often feature the 'nigger' term. This has sparked debates about whether these items should be preserved for historical purposes. The Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia is an example of how such items are used to educate about the history of racism. However, debates around preservation are complex, as these items reflect not just history but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

Efforts have been made to address the use of the term 'nigger.' In 2003, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) worked to have the term removed from dictionaries. However, the term remains in popular culture, with instances of its use continuing to cause harm and perpetuate racism.

In conclusion, the term 'nigger' has a long and troubling history in American culture. Its legacy continues to impact society, and efforts to address its use and impact continue. Preserving historical items with the term 'nigger' raises important questions about memory, education, and the ongoing struggle against racism.