Readers,
We touched upon a subject this week that really made me think. It was the subject of race and racism. The part that was troubling me was when discussed words and terms that are considered racist. Most common among these was "the n-word." Presumably a word so vile that we could not even say it out loud. But, we discussed that many African-Americans, especially males, commonly use this word to refer to each other. No one called this racist. However, when the idea of two white males calling each other the exact same title came up, people were horrified. It was racist. And even more so if a white male called an African-American "the n-word." It makes me frustrated to hear this point of view, because it doesn't make sense to me. I recognize that the word stands for decades of horrible slavery and African-American repression, but it only remains a word. And no matter how vile, I want to be able to say it. Not because I want to go around insulting people, but because I hate the idea that there is a word I can't say solely because I'm white. And to imply that this is true can only be described as racism.
I understand that your desire to fight racial discrimination by equalizing the word choice here, but I don't think your argument is justified. First of all, not all African Americans call each other the n-word. It is still derogatory, and I read in Caroline's post that the people on the south side also mock and swear at their teachers, to their faces. Is this the kind of language you want to be able to use? Still, the fact that they can say it without being considered racist only aids your argument. Second, they have to use it with an understanding between them. I feel that I can call my friend an idiot in a joking manner. I would never say this to a stranger. I understand that you think this particular instance is racism, but I think it is only a matter of circumstance.
ReplyDeleteI see where both of you guys are coming from. I understand Andrew not seeing why he is not able to say this word because he is white and I understand David how it is still derogatory and rude to use. It is a very controversial topic. My thought is that the n-word is just not a positive, productive, or kind thing to say to someone of any race and gender. So my first thought is, why would you care whether or not you "can" use that word? I find that to be a very interesting aspect of Andrew's statement.
ReplyDeleteAndrew, I don't think the limiting of the 'n' word's usage to african-americans is so much a matter of racism as a matter of recognition amongst themselves, after years of oppression at the hands of white slave owners. It's an earned right so to say, which white people are not entitled to, having been responsible for african american ancestors' enslavement. Our not being able to say it isn't racism, as it's not oppression of white people, but a small, and truly very small consequence of our ancestor's actions.
ReplyDeleteDaniel -- I understand your idea that we can't use the n-word as a consequence to our ancestors' actions, but at what point will whites stop having to be punished for what our ancestors did hundreds of years ago? At some point African Americans and whites will have to recognize the need to move on from past historical events.
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