We are very fortunate to live in a country where people have equal opportunities regardless of race; however our country was once one with a dark period of racism, slavery, segregation, and discrimination. Although our country has made immense progress in the past few centuries to reach equality, racism still exists today. Under the law, everyone is equal no matter the color or their skin, but socially, are we? In society, through pop culture and language, discrimination still occurs through derogatory statements.

Don Lemon, host of “CNN Tonight” at 10 p.m. started off his show last night in a very controversial manner. He held up a poster with the “n” word on it, asking viewers, “Does this offend you, this word?” Bold move. While the term might not offend you, it should.

Words that once carried a hateful, negative meaning are now common and desensitized, and part of our youth’s everyday language. People have lost the true meaning of these words, and are not educated on their historical presence. The people who are not educated on the historical presence of these words are unaware of their ignorance on the topic and, unknowingly, disrespect not only themselves, but also the people the word is directed towards.

The “n” word is a derivative of the Latin word meaning black. It was once used to simply classify a black person, like calling white people “Caucasian.” However, in the early 1800s there was a shift in its meaning, making it a derogatory term. It was extremely belittling, demeaning, offensive, racist, and was used to mock or make fun of black people.

This word has later become slanged and desensitized due to its excessive use in the hip-hop and rap industry. The industries are aiding the desensitization of the “n” words. Artists have a platform in which they are able to reach millions of people within a few minutes.

According to a survey by the Survey Public Data Bank, 45 percent of the people who listen to hip-hop and rap music are under the age of 21. Furthermore, 64 percent of the people surveyed, believe that the lyrics in hip-hop and rap music positively influence today’s youth.

Lil Jon, said the word over 130 times within five minutes in one song. In one of YG’s songs, the word is used over 120 times in almost four minutes. In the context, however, they aren't being offensive, racist, or belittling. Artists have altered the meaning of the word to be very casual, desensitizing it and allowing it to be an acceptable form of vocabulary for today’s youth. This should not be okay.

Dictionary.com defines this word as “the most offensive word in English,” and “extremely disparaging and offensive.” When did its meaning change? Over time there has been a shift in how this word is used. People need to be aware of the history behind this term as a demeaning way to discriminate and form prejudices.

As our country has made so much progress, why would we allow six letters to bring us back to our past? These words are extremely offensive. They hold a greater meaning filled with centuries of oppression, racism, and hate. Where people might think it's funny to call each other the word, or use the word in conversations, they need to educate themselves and think again.