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A Modest Proposal: Freedom to Use the N-Word
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by cconyersjr | August 18, 2010 at 07:10 am
467 views | 3 Recommendations | 5 comments
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Dr_ Laura Schlessinger Announced to End 30 Years on Radio Show
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It seems like the P.C. Police are at it again, infringing on the God-given First Amendment rights of an insignificant Conservative talk show host.
Dr. Laura Schlessinger announced yesterday that she will be leaving her nationally syndicated radio talk show (but not retiring--she wants to make that clear), out of frustration of too many people trampling on her rights to speak her mind without people getting all up-in-arms and angry about things that she says. This comes in the wake of an episode last week when she repeatedly used the word "nigger" over 10 times. Or was it 7 times. Whatever-- she said the word "nigger" a bunch of times, when talking about how frustrating is was that Blacks can use the word all the time, but Whites are "not allowed".
This is the argument that I used to hear from kids in grade school. I went to predominately White suburban schools from 3rd to 12th grade. The White kids I went to school with (I was one of a small number of Blacks in the schools) complained about two things. The first being their lack of understanding as to why there was a Black History Month, and no White History month (my answer to that was "EVERY MONTH is White History Month"). The second complain was why they were not allowed to use the word "nigger". It seems as if a great many White people, then and now, have absolutely no concept or perspective of American History. Not surprising. So I would like to address this issue once-and-for-all, just so there are no longer any misunderstandings.
Dear White People,
You are, have always been, and always will be able to use the word "nigger". Period. The only people that have drawn a thick, hard line in its usage, both for and against, are White People. There was a time in America when you used to word often-- almost constantly-- when addressing or speaking of Blacks. It was White People, in the wake of international attention from Southern White reaction (or repulsion) towards the Civil Rights Movement, that decided to suspend widespread usage of the word, to save face. And it was the rap/hip-hop community, in the late 80s, that pushed the word back into the nation consciousness as a way of taking control of it. So now, that the word "nigger" has been transformed from 'nasty' to 'neat', Whites would like to be able to join in the fun.
For many Whites, particularly younger Whites, that have no perspective or interest in history, you are now hearing your favorite Black artists use the word in you favorite songs. You're hearing your favorite Black comedians, or your favorite Black actors, using the word in movies. And you want to be able to sings those songs, or do those bits, or quote those movies. White kids that don't understand the history, use it...and may unexpectedly get attacked or called racist. Older Whites that know their history, and understand the context of the word, are torn. You may not be a racist, but you may feel insecure about saying the word-- especially when there are Black folks around. And racist Whites, well, you guys don't give a shit-- you'll say it in spite of the reaction; unless you're a coward, and are surrounded by other Whites that you feel will have your back (like at a teabagger rally, for example).
The recent made-up controversy about the so-called "Ground Zero Mosque" is very similar to this issue. You don't seem to understand how people-- these Muslim people-- could be so insensitive as to not understand why it would be wrong for them to build a Mosque (or community center, which is what it really is) two blocks away from the site of the World Trade Center Towers. You may think it's insane that people don't understand why it's so crazy for them to even consider that. Just as Black folks (and rational White folks) understand why it may be offensive to use the word "nigger". I mean, there are no slaves anymore, right? Slavery is over, and the Civil Rights Movement is over, right? And Blacks are allowed to use it, right? So why shouldn't White people be able to use it, right? It doesn't matter, in the case of Muslims, that the radical fringe element is miniscule in comparison with the whole of the Muslim world. So, should it matter that at one time in America (as recently as 60 years ago), Whites lynched/murdered/raped Black men, women, and children, all the while calling them "niggers"?
So now, White folks like Dr. Laura feel as if they are being attacked. Poor Dr. Laura, right? The only thing she was guilty of was saying "nigger" while being White. Think of the countless number of White folks that have been assaulted, either verbally or physically, for using a word that their ancestors used while verbally, or physically, assaulting Blacks. Hell, there are still a great many number of White folks that use the word without shame-- knowing full well what it means. Does it matter that White racists to this day still say "nigger"? Sure, it doesn't really do much to identify which White people to trust-- but why should that stop them from using the word? Maybe, just maybe, we all need to bend over a bit further to accomodate those poor, unfortunate Whites that are missing out on what so many non-Whites get to enjoy.
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Satire aside, there is a difference between racist and non-racist Whites using the word "nigger". In this political climate, when so many White conservatives pundits and politicians are using race and religion to gain votes and political points, it's very easy to create controversy. Politics is a dirty game, especially when race and religion are involved. It says a lot when those are the only tools you have to win a debate or an election.
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cconyersjr
Nyack, New York, United States
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (5)
at 09:39 on August 19th, 2010
You are, have always been, and always will be able to use the word "nigger". Period. The only people that have drawn a thick, hard line in its usage, both for and against, are White People. There was a time in America when you used to word often-- almost constantly-- when addressing or speaking of Blacks. It is true that there was a time when "nigger" was overused by white Americans in 'our' history. However as a middle aged white women whose engagement in commerce brings me in touch with blacks of all age groups and all classes ($worth), I must say that you are incorrect that my group is responsible for the banning of the "N" word. Young blacks are responsible for this action. Older black americans, knowing the history, are for the most part able to shrug off the word when used in casual conversation (certainly not when used as a direct racist slur; and I wouldn't expect it), but the young blacks do not understand the difference. They become instantly upset. I personally have been told that I could not use the word by a group of young black females. (Too long a story to add in now). I choose not to use the word. Everyday in my work I hear it repeatedly used by blacks to blacks. These same persons use the words "cracker" and "honky" also when talking about my 'kind'. To end this conversation, I am simply going to repeat myself by saying; it is true that there was a time.....
at 10:26 on August 19th, 2010
I have to disagree with your claim that young Blacks are responsible for banning the word "nigger", because young Blacks are the ones that use it. When I talk about "banning" the word, I am referring to its usage in mainstream society. Whites, as the dominate racial group in this country, used the word constantly. For example, "Little Nigger" Banks were a very popular toy/novelty in this country. That's what they were called, and that is how they were marketed. Just like there would not have been a successful Underground Railroad without the help of Whites, the only way the word "nigger" would disappear from mainstream acceptance is if Whites decided that they did not want to use it anymore. I'm sure Blacks "back in the day" did not want to be called "nigger"...but that's what White folks called them...
As for your experience with young Black kids, you have to understand that when we were growing up (I'm 38, not young but not too old either), you hear stories from your parents and your grandparents (and great-grands as well) about what it was like to deal with White people. You hear horrible things. If I had a dime for every story I heard from my grandmother or my dad about when they were called a "nigger" by some White person, I'd be able to buy this website.
It's only recently in this country's history that a Black person can tell a White person to "shut the hell up", without having their lives' threatened...or worse. And many White folks are not used to that. Especially people like Dr. Laura, who should either be old enough to know better, or old enough to not care-- and then be confused about why she should not be able to say whatever she wants to say. The world has passed by people like her, and she is left on the side of the road angry and confused. And that's too bad...for her.
at 06:13 on August 21st, 2010
Well, I grew up down south during the 1950's when the word "nigger" was very popular. It was used in newspapers, TV, and signs all over the south and the only objections came from Colored people who hated the word. Racist Whites desire to still use this word because it represents power for Blacks who have a "Colored pass" to use it whenever they please. They do not want Blacks to have any advantage over them including the use of specific words. I can definitely understand this idea because why should any race have an advantage over another. My opinion has changed over the years and now believe that anyone can use any word they desire as long as they accept the consequences that arise. Personally, if anyone calls me a "nigger" then be prepared for dire consequences because it reminds me of the horrors imposed on us for hundreds of years. Likewise, I know better than to use any words that are insulting to any group of people. Only a jackass would knowingly insult people for fun!
at 02:37 on August 25th, 2010
Well, I wanted to paste a formal definition but was unable. First, I am of the Caucasian persuasion. Doesn't that just roll off your tongue? Now say "the N" word. Abrupt and non-caring. dr.laura schlessinger, get a grip. Did you stumble into the 21fst century or are you still dragging yourself out of the 16th century? Mary Alice frank
at 17:01 on October 22nd, 2010
I agree with all of these comments. Its pure disrespect for whites or let alone any other race to use the word. I as an African American refuse to use the word. Its your ancestors who put African Americans through all of the pain and tramatic experiences, not you. We dont hold that against you, so it only makes you look ignorant to dangle the word over our heads. You have no reason to use the "n" word. It sounds like you simply want to cause trouble and hatrid as well as contribute to even more racism. You midas well just be a destructor of America, because that is all you are doing. But, as they say, karma will come right back to you so watch what you say. If you chose to continue to use the word then one piece of advice is to stay away from African Americans when you say it. Although you are pathetic and have inferior views, I hope you learn to grow up and join us in being a part of the 21st century.