A Nigga By Any Other Name

Daman Wayans has been denied a patent on his "Nigga" clothing line, because the U.S Patent Office will not approve brand names that are disparaging, derogtary or prejudicial. Imagine that.

Mr. Wayans has been fighting this ruling for 14 months on the grounds that the Hip-Hop Culture has redefined the term. Living in a very racially diverse area, I understand that there is certain nomenclature that can be used with impunity within a given demographic group by members of that group. However, I am hard pressed to understand why a term that historically has been used to marginalize, subjugate, oppress and terrorize an entire race would then be adopted by that race as the vernacular of brotherhood. It just doesn't make sense to me.

I am a member of one minority group by virtue of my sex and there is plenty of offensive slanguage that has been applied to us through the ages. But I don't see any of them making a resurgence as some kind of uber hip pop-culture designation, unless you count that whole fat/phat thing.

Maybe I'm just not ancillary enough to understand taking ownership of a word to overcome its negative connotations. Maybe I should try owning Fat Honky Bitch. I'll use it to refer to all my PTA and Sports Mom and Coffee Klatch friends. I'll design a logo and wear it on a big silver chain around my neck. We will create a culture of acceptance, respect and solidarity for Fat Honky Bitches everywhere, but only those who belong to our ranks will have the privilege of using the term. We will consider everyone else who uses it ignorant and bigotted, especially minority women who are skinny and well-mannered. I'll even create a line of FHB clothing, and pretty soon, everyone will want to be have FHB emblazoned upon their posterior. It will be super cool and not even a little bit stupid or offensive.

On second thought, I think Mr. Wayans might be on to something. I think this could work if I can get it past the Patent Office. Otherwise, I'll have to call my clothing line Overweight Caucasion Shrew and that just doesn't pack the same punch.

Wow...decades of stereotyping and prejudice eradicated in just moments. Who knew? And why isn't everyone doing this? Somebody prepare a press release, this is gonna be BIG.