"Mommy, what does 'nigger' mean?"

The Naylor's essay is an explanation about the meaning of nigger for some communities, in this case for black and white people. But in a serious tone, the main aim of the essay is to examine the ways in which words can take on meaning depending on who uses them and to what purpose. She states the importance of language as oral as written one in social contexts. Words in isolation are "innouous", it means, they do not have any effect or meaning until they are produced and the consensus gives them true power. As the consensus governs our society because of the power it holds and states what it is right or wrong. The oral language depends on the tone of voice, the intention which words are said and the who. Gloria Naylor shows that African-American minorities can reclaim the power of the consensus and give new, equal meanings to words that have plagued African Americans for ages.
The author's thesis is explained later on when she narrates her experiences at school. Although she had heard the word "nigger" many times, in her family context, she was shocked for the first time when the white boy told her "nigger". Maybe the white boy had learned the word nigger as a mode of humiliation, probably from his parents, showing how white America views the meaning of the word nigger. The oral language is powerfull because of the malicious manner in which the words are used, in this case, nigger. On the other hand, the author establishes an implicit comparison between how black community gives the word nigger another meaning; a positive view of the meaning of the word.
Instead of using nigger as a term of humiliation, her family uses the word as a term of distinction. It is clearly exemplified when she explains her family origins and some other examples
The age, social groups and the rules imposed by the majority are crucial elements that build the meaning of the words in certain contexts.
Degrading words can have a profound impact, but the true power comes from a person that can withstand such remarks and render them worthless.