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Blogs by Brian S. Pratt
About the use of the 'N' Word 7/21/2008 6:39:49 AM
I can't believe we're still talking about this Ever since the blowup on The View, it seems this controversy has been overplayed on the news channels. One can't escape it. And why on Earth are we even still talking abouit this?? I had thought the whole thing was over.
For myself and my family, that word is grouped in with all the other words a respectable person doesn't say. Words such as f***, sh**, etc. Words that only detract from a conversation, that make the speaker seem less intelligent. We put it that way so our children will understand why they shouldn't say such words.
Frankly, such words are out there, have always been said with one meaning or another, with one tone and inflection or another, since time began. It annoys me to hear them, but I understand free speech and all that so try to turn a deaf ear to those who use such words.
One thing about this whole new controversy over the 'N' Word usage that I have noticed, is that the only people who seem to have the most problem with it being said are black people while at the same time, they are the only ones defending it. The white community seems to be unified in its rejection of the word. I know there are white people who still use it, but they aren't the ones being interviews on tv saying it's 'okay' to say it, but 'only in certain circumstances'.
And let's talk about those circumstances shall we. They are allowed in the black community but not anywhere else. A white person using it is considered a racist. Seems to me that is saying one race can do something while another can. Which I do believe is the definition of racism.
Frankly, I don't care who uses the word, it's wrong. But then, they've glorified the word pimp, a word standing for the degredation and for the most part enslavement of women. But no one seems to care about that.
Words change. And I guess what I'm trying to say is that if the black community wishes to utilize this word, then they should not complain when it is said by others. If they don't want it used, then better education of the young, and setting the example by not using it, is the only way to erradicate it. I hope they ultimately choose the latter for the word is not appropriate.
