Letter: Fred Ford Stop using the N-word Friday, June 28, 2013 The “N” word. In my opinion, in the public discussions on racial slurs, I find it very interesting that a word, which appears to be so malevolent to a particular race, can be spoken by that race with “no harm/foul done.” Yet, when spoken by a member of any other race, it is a racial slur to be punished to the fullest extent. If the word is that bad, why would it be commonly used among the offended race? This is used at such a huge level that the word can be heard verbally in schools, shopping places or being boomed out of automobiles, etc. My point is about a “word.” If hearing the “word” is offensive, then it should be offensive to all when used by anyone anywhere. In his famous speech in 1963, the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stated this: “But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.” If the “N” word is a word of “bitterness and hatred,” Dr. King states: “Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.” I’m under the impression he would mean, in this case, don’t use the “word.” By the ongoing use of it, within a race, it lends approval to the use of it by those who hear it because it displays that it’s not such a bad, bitter word of hatred after all. Either the “word” is offensive to and by all or it’s not. In this, because of hearing it ongoingly within the race, I’m convinced that it’s not an offensive word, as claimed, because of its ongoing use. The argument that says, “I can use the word because I’m of that race,” with me, is not valid. It’s not about a race; it’s about a word. How do we expect anyone to really take us seriously about not using a word when many of those who claim it to be a racial slur use it so freely and profusely? I’m also convinced that it’s not the “word” that is hated; rather, it’s the person who said it who is the recipient of the hate. I’m convinced if the word were truly that offensive, it should never pass over any lips. On one hand, it’s said “that word is offensive.” Yet, on the other hand, it is used so easily. By the use of it, the speaker of it convinces me it’s not offensive. In trying to convince folks to quit using an offensive word, it is wise, then, to stop using it ourselves. Otherwise, our complaint is not valid and is taken by others as meaningless words of gibberish. I’m just say’n … Fred Ford Martinsville
Posted on: Sun, 30 Jun 2013 11:28:42 +0000
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