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  • Burris Clements posted an update 10 months, 2 weeks ago

    Not Just a Card—A Conversation Piece: The Social Power of the N-Word Pass Card

    The word “N-word” has a long and complex background in America. It has been used a derogatory term towards African Americans for centuries, and its use remains hotly debated in the present. In recent years there has been a increasing use of cheap n word pass– the card that is believed to grant the non-black population the right to use the term without facing consequences. Where did this idea originate? And how does it relate to engineering? In this blog post we will examine the precise engineering behind the N-word pass card and it’s social implications.

    The N-word card is not a new concept. It has been around for a long time, but it gained attention with the rise of social media sites like Twitter as well as Instagram. These cards are often made by non-black people who believe they are entitled to use the word “N-word” because there are black people in their lives or enjoy rap music. They claim that if black people can say it, then why wouldn’t white people?

    But what many fail to realize is that language has power and meaning beyond just dictionary definitions. The word “N-word” has been used for centuries to justify oppression and violence towards people of color in America. The word was once used to be a weapon to denounce them during slavery and continues to be used as an insult today.

    How does engineering fit in all of this? Let’s take a look at the steps involved in creating an N-word pass card.

    First, there’s precision forging – creating things with extreme precision and detail. In this instance it is the creation of an image or a electronic representation of an “N” word passcard with specific words such as “This person has permission to say the N-word.” The precise meaning of this language is that there are guidelines or rules for the use of this word, but it is not the case that there will be any exclusions.

    The second is socially designing, which is the process of shaping something to be able to fit in a particular social context. N-word pass cards are frequently made and distributed via social media platforms where they can quickly go viral and be read by hundreds of people. This design allows for the usage of the word “N-word” since it is described as a normal and casual act to perform.

    Conclusion: the N-word pass card may appear to be a harmless gag and trending on the internet, however they hold deeper implications for the race relationship in America. The precise technology behind these cards propagates negative notions about the ownership of language and entitlement, while socially designing them normalizes the use of words that have so much history of violence against black people.

    As engineers, we need to be aware of the ways in which our work can affect society beyond their intended goal. We should also be aware of our privilege, and actively strive to create an inclusive society for all people, no matter their race, ethnicity or religion. Let’s use our skills to benefit society instead of being a part of the harmful system of oppression.