The overused, repulsive “N” word needs to be washed out of everyone’s mouths. Black, white, Indian, Hispanic, Asian – any and every race, I absolutely hate the use of it.

Being African-American, I see this as an enormous issue in our community, which is why I specifically want to address other African-Americans saying it.

Using the “N” word does not make you cool or hip. It is sometimes said that people use it to replace, “Hey, my brother!” This is ridiculous. If it’s that hard to use your head and think of an alternative to the “N” word, then carry around a damn thesaurus.

It’s just as bad as when people use the word “gay” as a derogatory term. Slurs such as these are unacceptable and should be a crime. Our ancestors were beaten and killed because of their race, and the “N” word was used to humiliate and hurt them. People today, especially rappers, use it freely as though no one notices. It has spiraled out of control.

I get extremely upset when people say, “Oh, we say it now because we have changed it into something positive. Since we all use it now, it has brought us together.”

It hasn’t brought anything together – it has torn people apart with all the rules placed on how and when it can be said. For instance, if you say it with an “-er” you’re racist, but if it’s with an “-o” or an “-a,” you’re accepted and down with the in-crowd. The only thing you’re down with is ignorance, a disrespectful attitude and a bad vocabulary.

There’s an unspoken rule amongst African-Americans who throw the word around that other races can’t use it. Well, why not? If you’re all going to be thoughtless people, then why not let others join your little club of stupidity? There’s no copyright that says only blacks can say it and others can’t because it would make them either racist or “trying to act black.”

You can’t “act” a race!

Other African-Americans have judged me for not using the “N” word, telling me that I’m not black enough. My mind can’t even comprehend that logic.

African-Americans who use the “N” word, understand that it is you who make it harder for us to break the barrier of discrimination. It is you who make the stereotypes about us true. It is you who is setting us back 150 years.

Is this all we are to be known for, an idiotic word? This is what our culture is? African-Americans can’t speak correct English? I tell you to rise!

For those who don’t use the word, I applaud you, I appreciate you, keep it up. For the rest of you, especially my African-American brothers and sisters, remember that every time that poisonous word leaves your lips, you’re putting another whip on our ancestors’ backs.