I no longer use the N-word since February 25, 2015. Thinking back to the first time I heard that derogatory word, I distinctly remember that we lived on Long Island, New York, and on this day specifically my father and I, while driving down a very busy street in an old pickup truck, while turning into our local Home Depot, my father made a very wide turn causing a white lady to lose her turn. He yelled out the window, “Stupid nigger.” At the time I didn't understand the meaning of that putrid word, but it didn't take me long to realize the strength and hatred behind it. The word “Nigger” was a term used in reference to a slave. A slave meaning, you were the lowest scum of the earth, illiterate and ignorant in every sense. Today, the use of the word is widespread in different contexts, it is used to refer to one another. Many children today use the word freely, not because they are ignorant of the history and putridity of the word, but only because they are not really offended by it and the only time they hear it, it is said by someone else who is of color. As I look back over the years, I can't really remember anyone ever distinctly calling me the N-word, or better yet, not in a derogatory way. I don't think anyone has ever called me that to my face or within hearing distance. Growing up in New York City, the only time I heard the word “Nigger” was from people named “Nigger.” I remember sitting in class daydreaming about that word, thinking to myself, "How can you call yourself a nigger and be proud of it?" Still, it's hard to hurt me with words, but I've never heard that word used with such vengeance. What does this word mean in my daily life? I de...... middle of paper ......there is a similar correlation. They use words like "Friend" to refer to each other. The context is exactly the same but one variable is missing. This variable is the story in which the word accompanies. I have found several techniques that help me refrain from using this word and other words of its caliber. I started replacing it with words like friend. Lately I have found great satisfaction in improving my vocabulary, although sometimes I feel "naked" with the word to fill my gaps. I find the best remedy for me is to become more articulate. Whenever I feel that the situation calls for such a word, I choose one among many other words of equal importance. Ultimately, I will remain committed to abstaining from using the N-word. Continuing the techniques I have learned to employ has really helped me abstain. I haven't used that word since February 25.