Racial Slur There has been a lot of debate around the issue with the Eagles Wide Receiver

Riley Cooper. During a Kenny Chesney country music concert at Lincoln Financial Field in June, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper was caught on video saying a racial slur. The Riley Cooper video has sparked a somewhat confusing debate about the use of the N-word. Riley was a concert when he got in an argument with a black security guard, and stated I will fight every N -Word here! Although N-Word is the more appropriate word for this content Riley was not so edited. There is a lot of debate around this subject whether it is offensive, I have broken it down in different viewpoints generational approval and disapproval, racial offense and usage, and using this term expressively. Starting with a little background, the usage of which this term has evolved throughout the generations is extremely different. The N-Word is a noun in the English language. The word originated as a neutral term referring to black people. Often used slightingly, by the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States, it suggested that its target is extremely unsophisticated. Its usage had become unambiguously pejorative, a common ethnic slur usually directed at blacks of Sub-Saharan African descent. The older generation of today uses this term in a non-offensive term at times, this is because thats the term they were raised with and has become common. Our generation uses the term in various uses. For example, we hear it used in music to indicate friends or a name for our close group of friends. In the article Its time to retire the N-word 00 for everyone. Jehmu Greene writes Renowned black studies professors, cultural anthropologists, historians and entertainers poignantly describe how blacks have reclaimed, reshaped and refashioned nigger. Like we put on a pair of nigga spanks to help even out the

legacy lumps of slavery. Though there is a certain logic to that, as hip-hop historian Davey D writes, "We can't possibly believe that we have the power to change the meaning of the word and expect other people to follow along with this mentality.

Another perspective, if you listen to the audio of Riley Cooper he is using this term in an aggressive tone and seems angry. This can also be a way to express your feelings, this definition form the Urban dictionary: The slang term nigga is used by and among Blacks usually as a term of affection or endearment or a form of non-offensive address that developed as a way for Blacks to re- appropriate (claim) the word nigger to convey affection rather than hatred. The word is increasingly being used among non-Blacks in a similar manner, especially young people. Yet, the word can also be used offensively in the same manner as nigger by Blacks and non-Blacks alike. This being in Riley Coopers place he used this in an aggressive term so we can see he is not using this N-word as a friendly manner. Although, if this were in the same context but to a white person this would not be a problem this simply never would have hit the web. From a racial point of view this is extremely offensive term, blacks see this a demining or offensive in the upmost meaning. Human behavior expert Wendy Walsh provided context to the history of the n-word and how people are punished for merely saying them. She said, The more they become taboo, they more they keep their power, and we get even more nervous about using them. Lemon marveled at how the n-word was perfectly acceptable to say on television in the 1970s, but not in the present day. MarcLamont Hill said its perfectly fine to use the word in context, but white people should absolutely not use it. The term nigger is now probably the most offensive word in the English language. The words degree of offensiveness has increased remarkably in the recent years, although it has been used in a derogatory manner since at least

the Revolutionary War. The senses labeled Extremely Disparaging and Offensive representing meanings that are deeply insulting and are used when the speaker deliberately wishes to cause great offense. An article written by Anderson, Luvell said: It is so profoundly offensive that a euphemism has developed for those occasions when the word itself must be discussed, as in court or in a newspaper editorial the n-word Isnt it racist to say that only some people can use the word while others cant? Doesnt this create some unfair double-standard? These are some of the questions one often hears in a discussion about the N-word and permissible use. There are really at least two questions that should be addressed. First, what is going on linguistically? Uses of the word by African Americans typically arent offensive, so-called appropriated uses, whereas uses by others (with some exceptions) generally are offensive. That African Americans (and some Latinos) are able to use the N-word freely while others are not is, I take it, an obvious fact. In one particular form, the N-word carries connotations of camaraderie. The expression is used, as rapper Q-Tip has pontificated, As a term of endearment. However, it is also widely known that this use is typically not available to non-black language users. The fourth point of view, would be Riley Coopers point of view. In this content he was angry and was trying to express his anger. I believe he was trying to be tough and let them know he is not afraid of them. Wen Riley used the N-Word it could have simply been because of the black people he was talking about. I think Riley Cooper was acting in anger and realized he was wrong. As a statement here from ESPN I am so ashamed and disgusted with myself," Cooper said in a statement. "I want to apologize. I have been offensive. I have apologized to my coach, to Jeffrey Lurie, to Howie Roseman and to my teammates. I owe an apology to the fans and to this community. I am so ashamed, but there are no excuses. What I did was wrong and I will accept the consequences." Riley was initially fined for his statement but then the media

continuously blew this up and it got bigger and bigger. To the point where he was asked to no longer participation in team activitys and the speculation is that he will never return to the NFL to no longer play due to this statement. In conclusion, Riley Cooper may have been raised or even in constant situations throughout his team interaction where the n-word was acceptable. As stated above that in todays lyrical presence the N-word is used as a term of endearment rather than a derogatory term. I personally think that in a professional setting this term should never be used under any circumstance. This term is unclear on its meaning and it is always better to be safe than sorry, the appropriate term should be blacks. As I agree with the unfair double standard with this term, at this point in time it should not be used for any reason. I can see both sides frustrations with this outburst by a public figure, Riley Cooper has recalled his statement and is doing everything he can to apologize to his teammates and to the offended.

Work Sited Wikipedia, "Nigger."Wikipedian.page. Web. 5 Aug 2013. < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigger>. "Nigga." Urban Dictionary. Urban Dictionary, 03 Jan 2013. Web. 5 Aug 2013.<http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=nigga&defid=1610837>. "nigger." dictionary.com. N.p.. Web.5 Aug 2013. <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/nigger>. Anderson, Luvell . "Why Black People Can Use the N-Word: A Perspective." African American English .N.p., 22 Oct 2010. Web. 5 Aug. 2013. <http://africanamericanenglish.com/2010/10/22/why-black-people-can-use-the-n-word-aperspective/>.