Whether we like it or not, there is something in our country known as the First Amendment. Among other things, it guarantees the right to Free Speech. Despite what the Rev. Sharpton said today, ignorant and hateful people DO have the legal right to call Jews, blacks, and anyone they choose abominal names. There was even an instance where a student at an American university hung a Swaztika (sp?) from the dorm window, and the student's right to do so was upheld in court. If current KKK members wish to use 'the N word,' unfortunately they have the right to do so.
In our country, we must be willing to take the good with the bad. There are many people in this world who wish to spread only poison while they are alive. But there are so many others, many born to the United States or who have made their way here as immigrants, who strive to spread good. As the young lawyer said today, when we are confronted by evil we have a choice. We may walk away. We may also fight it, if it is within our means to do so.
'The N word' as it was known during the time of slavery and Jim Crow laws is indeed a poisonous word. But there is a salient point that I did not hear mentioned today on The Dr. Phil Show: The word of old and the new slang term of endearment are not the same two words. In fact, they are not even SPELLED the same way. The former is spelled 'n****r' while the latter is spelled 'n***a.' While the first is a despised curse, the second is one used between friends and intimates.
I went to college with a highly diverse racial student body. 'N***a' could often be heard used among friends. Once I, as a young white woman, became accustomed to the practice, I saw nothing wrong with it. As I see it, both blacks and whites need to learn to let go of the past. The younger generation has done so by making this once ominous word safe for ordinary usage. As to using the word 'n***a' around an elderly black woman, there are many words and phrases which may be common usage among youth which should not be spoken in front of their elders. To do so shows disrespect for their station and their history. This is one of those instances. It has often been so in generations past and will continue to be so in generations to come.
Thank you for opening the discussion of an important topic to the American public. It is my prayer that everyone who reads this may walk away with a little hope that we have made progress in this country and will continue to do so. As for the ignorant, hateful people who continue to live in the past, let them stew in it. It will only bring their own misery. They no longer have the power to hurt as they once could, without impunity. The country is more educated now, and so is the world. Thanks to the efforts of our forefathers, we may communicate with one another with respect and affection, whether we be white or black. That's progress, and I personally thank God for it.
This two-syllable expression is arguably the most divisive word in society. Dr. Phil tackles this touchy topic with help from a panel of outspoken luminaries: civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton; legendary comedian and writer Paul Mooney; CSI actor and author Hill Harper; comedian Sheryl Underwood and conservative radio talk show host Michael Graham. First, is there a double standard that allows African-Americans to use this sensitive word, while non-blacks are forbidden? The debate heats up when Rachel, a white guest, says she calls her husband the N-word all the time. Then, should hip-hop artists be censored or fined for using the N-word in their songs? Becky says rappers promote negative stereotypes with their lyrics, but find out who Rev. Al Sharpton thinks should face the music. Plus, does tone or intent make a difference when using the N-word? See what Dr. Phil thinks and share your thoughts here.
