As I was driving to a doctor’s appointment and listening to a Peruvian “vals” (song), I was astounded by the words as the singer affectionately called his love “negra”. I couldn’t help but reflect on the power of words. The connotation and impact of a word depend heavily on how it’s used. For example, the word “negra” or “negro” (masculine gender) in Spanish is a sweet a word of endearing, it means “my love” when saying it with yes, love.

Growing up, my father sometimes affectionately called my mother “negra” or “negrita”, meaning “my love”. I didn’t think much of it then, understanding it simply as his term of endearment. It wasn’t until I encountered the english translation much later that I grasped the immense difference – a word now considered so offensive in english it’s almost taboo. The power of a word, I realized then, how the intent and delivery can transform a term of endearment into something hurtful.

The song I was listening brought back memories of my parents’ affection, highlighting how a single word can be loving, endearing, tender, and caring. It’s interesting because my mother is white, while my father had darker skin; if anything, he was the “negro”. Recently I heard a neighbor call her husband “el negro”, which brought back a comforting memory of my parents’ affection.

It’s not the word itself that carries the weight of hurt or love, but rather the intention behind it and the manner in which it’s spoken. Therefore, we must take responsibility for how we speak, understanding that our tone shapes the effect on others. Choose your words and your delivery to inspire love, not hatred.

Maria Noack
Written April 6, 2025