I am disturbed with your “attack” on those who disagreed with your title- “For My Niggas.” I too disagree with the use of the word “nigga.” But of course, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. You asked the two students to look beyond the title, that it was used figuratively. Was it a catchy title you needed to get your article read? And, the fact you were encouraged that you stirred up controversy, stating it showed signs of good journalism- dangerous. By using the word Nigga, whether to stir controversy or for shock journalism, you are giving whites, Asians, Mexicans, and Hispanics the okay to use it too. Why is it you can identify with nigga but not white trash, chinks, or wetbacks? I know quite a few graduates of PV, and many who have sent their children. I am a black professional working for the state of Texas. Racism is alive and well. My charge to you is to be careful how you represent your institution. Those students were right; any others do still equate niggers and blacks as one in the same. So, we have to be careful not encourage it. Think about it, how many times have we read the title, and not the whole article? Now imagine a non-African American doing that. It might leave an impression that we don’t mind being called such names. You are in a great position at Prairie View. People on the outside will see your publication and “judge” the whole university. Let’s leave the word “nigga” for the truly ignorant – gangsta rappers who continue to degrade our race, women, and children.
– Valencia Taylor