The "N-Word" and The NFL's Announcement Banning the Use of the Word By Players and Staff

What's really behind the NFL's recent announcement to ban the use of the word "nigger?" And honestly, what impact, if any, will it have on the players and the NFL personnel who are the immediate subjects of the ban?

I personally don't see it having any significant or truly meaningful impact on curbing the use of the word. As most of us realize, "nigger" has become a household world per say, that is. Sherly Underwood, comedian and talk show host, readily admitted during the Talk's segment on February 24, 2014, that she uses the word "nigger" quite often. Underwood even went on to state that if she were subjected to a ban on using the word "nigger," it would adversely affect her social life. Wow!

I wasn't that surprised by Underwood's comment because, in some people's minds, the word takes on different meanings based on who is using it. To that and to those who think like that, I say bull****.

The word "nigger" has a long, vile, venomous, and bloody history, and it doesn't matter how many black NFL players, black rappers, black comedians, etc., etc., use the word or believes it's a cool, cute, or socially acceptable word, will change the history that comes with "nigger." I don't use the word, period! Some of us must set the example to be followed.

What trips me out about these very same individuals who use the n-word constantly is that they claim to be offended when Paula Deen, "Dog" the Bounty Hunter, Madonna, and the long list of other celebrated personalities have said "nigger."

If you are reading this, share your thoughts on this with me and the world. It's important to hear your thoughts because it goes far beyond the NFL's locker room and sidelines.

Mr. Lakeith Amir-Sharif
Ramsey II Prison Unit
Rosharon, TX 77583