Recently there was an article published about singer Rihanna in a Dutch magazine in which she was referred to as a “NiggaBitch.” Now, before you go getting all up in arms and making this a racial issue, which it’s not, let me finish explaining what happened. Apparently, the writer and editor of the magazine derived the term from “American music.” They first called it a joke, telling the singer and the audience not to be so “sensitive.” When Rihanna responded, the nail came down and it lead to the editor resigning. Now, you may be thinking, Great! That’s exactly what she needs to do! Well, I disagree.
There are so many things wrong with this whole debacle that it’s ridiculous. First of all, I don’t believe it’s a racial issue. I think Black people will make it a racial issue despite the fact that in the same breath they will tell you when they use the N-word it’s a term of endearment. Also, women who call each other bitches will tell you it’s a term of endearment. So why NOW is it a racial offense? If “nigga” is the equivalent of “homie” why be upset because a magazine called Rihanna one? If “bitch” is a loving term among women and something to be proud of like the songs “5 Star Bitch” (Yo Gotti) and “I’m a Bitch” (Alanis Morissette) suggest, then why are we angry?
But beyond that, it boggles the mind why a woman who refers to herself as a “Cunt”—even walking around with the matching necklace—would be upset because someone calls her a “NiggaBitch.” Is it because it was in a well-read magazine? Is it because it was a white person? I don’t get it. She goes around cooning on camera and on stage but then she’s upset to be called a “nigga.” The reality is, not only were these words picked up by American culture/Black music, but they’re appropriate. The writers were probably wondering, What do you call a woman in jean panties, fishnet stockings and high heels, with gold teeth and a pimp cane that’s constantly writhing around simulating masturbation? Hmm...well rappers would call her a bitch...and because she’s so “down,” we’ll call her a nigga.
I don’t see this as a racial issue because I don’t think this magazine would refer to Beyonce as a NiggaBitch, nor would they refer to Michelle Obama as one. I just think it’s time to take a cold hard look at what we put out. Rihanna doesn’t garner respect. She’s sexed up (x-ed up) and doesn’t want to be respected; she’s quick to let folks know she’s not a role model.
Racism does exist, but so does ignorance in “American culture/the Black community.” We okayed the words “nigga” and “bitch” so we shouldn’t be upset when they’re used against us. You can’t put these words (and coon-energy) into the universe and not expect people to label you with it. If you want to be upheld with the highest respect, then start acting respectable. If you want to be called something other than “NiggaBitch” quit calling each other “niggas” and “bitches” and quit acting like ‘em. Guess these words aren’t so endearing after all, are they?
There are so many things wrong with this whole debacle that it’s ridiculous. First of all, I don’t believe it’s a racial issue. I think Black people will make it a racial issue despite the fact that in the same breath they will tell you when they use the N-word it’s a term of endearment. Also, women who call each other bitches will tell you it’s a term of endearment. So why NOW is it a racial offense? If “nigga” is the equivalent of “homie” why be upset because a magazine called Rihanna one? If “bitch” is a loving term among women and something to be proud of like the songs “5 Star Bitch” (Yo Gotti) and “I’m a Bitch” (Alanis Morissette) suggest, then why are we angry?
But beyond that, it boggles the mind why a woman who refers to herself as a “Cunt”—even walking around with the matching necklace—would be upset because someone calls her a “NiggaBitch.” Is it because it was in a well-read magazine? Is it because it was a white person? I don’t get it. She goes around cooning on camera and on stage but then she’s upset to be called a “nigga.” The reality is, not only were these words picked up by American culture/Black music, but they’re appropriate. The writers were probably wondering, What do you call a woman in jean panties, fishnet stockings and high heels, with gold teeth and a pimp cane that’s constantly writhing around simulating masturbation? Hmm...well rappers would call her a bitch...and because she’s so “down,” we’ll call her a nigga.
I don’t see this as a racial issue because I don’t think this magazine would refer to Beyonce as a NiggaBitch, nor would they refer to Michelle Obama as one. I just think it’s time to take a cold hard look at what we put out. Rihanna doesn’t garner respect. She’s sexed up (x-ed up) and doesn’t want to be respected; she’s quick to let folks know she’s not a role model.
Racism does exist, but so does ignorance in “American culture/the Black community.” We okayed the words “nigga” and “bitch” so we shouldn’t be upset when they’re used against us. You can’t put these words (and coon-energy) into the universe and not expect people to label you with it. If you want to be upheld with the highest respect, then start acting respectable. If you want to be called something other than “NiggaBitch” quit calling each other “niggas” and “bitches” and quit acting like ‘em. Guess these words aren’t so endearing after all, are they?
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