>I too would not mind if
>we did away the word,
>but since thats not likely,
>I would rather erase the
>negative connotations with the word,
>and transcend it beyond what
>THEY would have us to
>believe it means...but i do
>see where you are going
>with this...
>
>One Love

Once again, convincing, that-makes-alotta-sense argument. Feel proud: no artist or anyone else for that matter has ever made me consider the other side of this debate this seriously before. So forgive me if this reply seems like arguing for the heck of it.

The average person does not use the word in the subversive manner you described. The average person could care less about transcending what the Man thinks in terms of the language they use on an everyday basis with their friends. But it's worse than that. Think of any song in which someone referred to themself as a 'nigga4life' (Redman, Ja Rule, many others). Each time, what does this title entail? I can think of no instance where the positive aspects of black culture led someone to proclaim proudly "I'm a nigga for life!"

Here's my point: you're right, the chances of the word disappearing are slim. But while others claim a word whose history and PRESENT represent regression, anyone who chooses to abstain is demonstrating (1) their values and strength of character and (2) their recognition that a white kid rollin in his Lexus shoutin "Whassup NIGGA" is not part of how they would like to see society change. To all: do you call women bitches and hos in everyday conversation? Not trying to judge if you do, but if you don't, why is that? A lot of women use those words; isn't it time we get past the negative aspects of language? Let me hear you say it loud: "Hell no!" Stand tall if you would rather use language that uprades (ie. woman - sister - queen - see the progression) instead of degrades.

Peace.

P.S. To refer back to people saying certain ways of talking make you sound fake, pretentious, etc., that is true to a certain extent. Different situations call for different terminologies. I probably would use 'queen' mainly for romantic or poetic value. But I promise myself, even if I might slip up and say stuff I shouldn't in my head, to stay around the middle of the scale (girl, honey) in my speech rather than descend. Cuz I love my momma!