How Is The Word NIGGA Is Perceived In Africa?

July 25-2005:

How Is The Word 'NIGGA' Perceived In Africa?

Hello,
In response to an article that dealt with the term 'nigger or nigga' that was used in Egypt by some store owners, who felt that it identified them as being COOL, with American Hip Hop & the Rappers persona.

So here is my take on this article.
I read the article, and the impression I got from this article was that is was acceptable in Egypt, for some folks to identify with the word 'nigger,' and not feel that is a derogatory term. They even used it to identify the Rapper P. Diddy's music, and the American Rap Music Genre.

You might be surprised my friends that this word that is so abhorred by Blacks here in the USA, means very little in other cultures, who just see it as another description of Blacks or Africans. They see nigga or niggers as a term (knowingly or un-knowingly) to identify a certain group of people who are dark skinned or not European or White. This might seem strange to many Black Americans, but those of us who travel to Europe or other foreign lands are surprised to see just how natural this term, and it's identity for Blacks is used so casually, with little or no inhibition.

This question can be debated for ever in this country of America, but when you go abroad in other cultures, being referred to as a 'Spade' (like they do in the UK), a 'TU' (like they do in France), 'a monkey' (like they do in India), and several other names too numerous to mention. You will realize that Black Americans are the only ones who seem to take this description so seriously.

Incidentally, Tiger Woods do not see himself as BLACK. No, he identifies as ASIAN American. Like so many dark skinned Asians, they do not self-identify as BLACKS. (Just thought I should mention it here)!

Do you know that most young South Africans & other African nationals use the 'nigga term' when addressing each other? Do you know that many African Youth, feel being called a 'nigga' is COOL. Of course they have not had our history of Slavery. At least it was not perceived as such in several African States. In some African States, even today, forced labor is still used by those who own vast areas on land. The peasantry is seen as just a means to an end in acquiring wealth.

And in these cultures, this practice have been the tradition for centuries, and is accepted as normal.

Furthermore, most Africans do not see Black Americans or Blacks that are not African born as equals. They have a different perception of us. They see us as Blacks with European aspirations, European culture, European education, and European values.
So when we say 'nigga" or African American, or Black American, these terms may not necessarily mean much to a foreign born Black or an African.

Om Shanti.
Derryck S Griffith.
Political Educator & Advocate.