Jun 24 2008
n-word…they can’t use it; can we or should we?
Last week, many of us participated in a day of action to keep Dog the Bounty Hunter off the air for using the n-word. My Dog post, received a comment from Missy who just “put it out there” regarding our continued use of the n-word. As indicated in my response, I continue to be conflicted about our use of the n-word in our everyday (unprofessional) life.
Tonight, I ran across this post by H. Lewis Smith entitled A Healthy Self-Esteem is Essential at BlackNews.com. Smith puts forth several compelling arguments for eliminating the n-word from not only our vocabulary but also from our psyche. He cites that:
Some black African-Americans…understand the significance attached to a healthy self-esteem, and refuse to be referred to as a n**ger. …they realize the term is an antagonist…, and will not…refer to themselves as such.
He further purports that rappers have poor self-esteem and ofttimes perpetuate this to their fans.
The latest exhibition of a rapper’s low self-esteem is Nas’ soon-to-be released video entitled “Be a N**ger Too.” …Nas extends an invitation…to join him in reinforcing dehumanization, subjugation, and oppression…to keep this word alive. Unknowingly,… he is sabotaging the sacred memories of his black ancestry in this preposterous attempt at keeping the n-word alive.
Smith brings his point home by stating that:
Myriads of…African Americans have achieved ambitious goals without the need of referring to themselves–or audience members–as the n-word.
I remain conflicted. What about you? Your thoughts?
Speak the Truth!
Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner’s Place ain’t got nothing more to say.
