Quote From: steam2954I just watched your show aired on September 12 regarding the N-word. It saddens me, that in this day and time, people feel it's okay to use this word. To use the comment, rappers and other musicians use it, and that it can be used as a term of endearment, is the most rediculous statement that can be made.
The word originally was used as a way to demean Black people. To say the word is poisoness is an accurate, true statement. I don't see the word as a positive. It can never be used as a positive word especially when it subjects the person it is directed to as demeaning, making an indvidual feel inadequate and substandard.
The comment that was also made was that racisim does not exist is ludicrous. Racisim unfotunately is alive and well, and using the n-word only exemplifies that. I would never call a white person out of their name, and using that word is a form of calling a Black person out of their name. It should NEVER be used under no circumstances. The word should be listed in the books only, and never uttered to another person.
For the woman who said slavery is gone and we need to "get over it"! Is she serious??!! Apparently, she has no idea what that has done to Black people as a race, and that we as a whole can never forget about our ancestors who came here in the bottom of slave ships and held against our will. She should do the research before having such a cavelier attitude about our history.
Thanks so much for bringing this matter to light.
Two points. First, in the discussion of traumatic experiences an individual may be subject to in the course of their lifetime, be it abuse, neglect, rape, or surviving some other horrible experience. There is a point in your life that, in order to have a meaningful and productive rest-of-your life, you have to "get over it". That doesn't mean forget it, that doesn't mean never acknowledge it, it means stop using it as an excuse for anything...it is in the past, it is done, and you can influence the rest of your life to be different if you get over using it as a crutch. To do so takes great conviction and courage, but it can be done.
To ask Mr. Mooney to get over an experience (slavery specifically) that was not even his, is not an out-of-the world response. Many people more directly affected by traumatic instances do it every day. I am appreciative of his experiences in being judged by the color of his skin, and his passion for it, but to use slavery as an excuse for his own behavior is inexcusable.
Second, in response to the discussion of use of the "N" word; the word is either wrong or not. Evil or not. Poison or not. It should either be used or not. So, don't like it? Quit using it. Quit holding yourself to a different standard than what you hold others to. No one should use it. There is not a SINGLE activity on this planet in which participation should be regulated based on the color of a person's skin, and the use of this word is no different.
