Why QB using the N-word is simply not okay

Singer Qurat-ul-Ain Balouch, or QB, as she is affectionately called, recently found herself in hot water for a tweet. The performer, who is quite vocal on Twitter, was caught up in rallying people to support former premier Imran Khan after his arrest. However, it seems like her emotions got the better of her while she was responding to people on the internet.

In what seems to be a series of deleted tweets, a Twitter user called out QB for rallying troops while resting comfortably abroad. As a response, the Woh Humsafar Tha singer weaponised the N-word in her response.

Social media backlash

The now-deleted tweet did not sit well with a few. “At no point even amidst this unrest did I expect a racist tweet from Quratulain Balouch,” penned one user of the microblogging site. “For her to be from the US and still use the N-word is disgusting, to be honest. You can’t even play the ‘I wasn't aware’ card. Shaking my head.”

QB seemed to double down afterwards, in what seemed to be a half-hearted apology. “Shame on me for the N-word, shame on you for your misplaced priorities,” wrote the artist. Some Twitter users seemed to stand firmly by her, asking her to not waste her “precious words” on justifications, while others simply applauded the performer.

Why is the N-word problematic?

The use of the term N-word is problematic and offensive due to its historical context and derogatory nature. The term originated as a racial slur used to demean and dehumanise African Americans during periods of slavery and racial segregation. It carries a deeply hurtful and racist connotation that perpetuates stereotypes, discrimination, and systemic racism.

The issue of using this racial slur extends beyond specific nationalities or ethnicities. It is generally considered inappropriate and offensive for people of any background to use the term, as it reinforces racial inequality and undermines efforts toward equality, diversity, and inclusivity.

Reclamation and usage

The reclamation of the N-word by some black people is a complex and nuanced topic. It is important to recognise that not all black individuals or communities agree on its usage and there is diversity in opinions regarding its reclamation.

For some black people, the reappropriation of the N-word is seen as a means of reclaiming power over language that has historically been used to demean and dehumanise them. By reclaiming the term, they aim to redefine its meaning within their own community and assert a sense of camaraderie, familiarity, and shared experiences.

However, it is crucial to understand that the reclamation of the term is specific to the black community. The context in which it is used and the power dynamics involved are intricately tied to the historical and ongoing experiences of anti-black racism. Non-black individuals, particularly those who have not experienced the systemic oppression faced by black communities, do not have the same historical or cultural basis for reclaiming the term.

Thus, when non-black individuals use the term, it perpetuates the harmful historical context and reinforces the power imbalances and racial inequality that the term represents.

Local context

In the context of Pakistanis, it is essential to understand that racism and discrimination exist in various forms and affect different communities worldwide. While the historical context and experiences may differ, the fundamental principles of respect, empathy, and cultural sensitivity apply universally.

One can make an argument for the fact that most Pakistanis have learned the word from their consumption of rap music or TV programming about African Americans, without fully understanding the context. One can even argue that there are far more offensive terms used in Pakistan to describe local communities. Both of these truths can co-exist. However, when one can know better, one must also try to exercise the ability to do better, when corrected.