skin color intensified. The process of creating the nigger was observational ‘science’ of comparing blacks to dogs, parrots, and apes.
This language married the non-person to non-human creating both race and the nigger simultaneously to protect the legitimacy of slavery which translated to wealth and power. Thus, the nigger became an object of trade for the elite and an object of contempt and violence for the created white race. So, racial oppression is as prevalent today as it was during and after slavery.
The effects of racial oppression (toxic stress) on the mental and physical health of African Americans is well documented. Some of the psychological impacts include depression, anxiety, PTSD, PTS, and somatization. The physiological effects include cardiovascular and inflammatory disorders such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
While we understand racial stress from dominate culture sources, we have yet to understand the impacts of internalized racial oppression. Internalized racial oppression is defined as the incorporation of racist attitudes, beliefs, and ideologies into one’s worldview; the process of absorbing the values and views of the oppressor and coming to believe all or some of the stereotypes and misinformation.
If using this word might create a stress response, perhaps limiting your exposure would be helpful. Maybe listen to the radio version of the song. How about an experiment? Pay attention to hearing the word over the next several weeks and notice your own body’s response.