This is the last time I’ll mention this, not only to abrogate the experience itself but no one is going to tell me what I can and cannot write on my fb page. Not to belabor the point, I know this is a divisive issue at the current conjuncture, but all the more reason to ask everyone that I know. I understand this may sound like a stupid question to some, w/an obvious answer, but I value others people’s opinions and perspectives, so please tell me yours. What is worse? a. When a person nonchalantly uses a dehumanizing, racist slur like “wetback” and then attempts to rationalize their use of the term, counter-arguing that they weren’t using it in a derogative manner therefore did nothing wrong. OR b. When a person shares their anecdotal experience of hearing a person use the word “wetback” and writes about this experience to emphasize their deploring of such language, then shares it on their facebook and pokes fun at a conversation of the person who said it. Please leave your answers and comments below, I would love to read them. Thank you! Here is my take: Both activities are counterproductive and do not get to the heart of the issue, the latter of which (letter b) I am currently guilty of. However despite my answer would be biased since I framed the question, if I were a person w/any sense, the answer would be A. In my opinion, if someone thinks they can use racist terminology in a euphemistic manner by taking words out of their historically pejorative context then they’re essentially, perhaps inadvertently, being a racist apologist and I cannot and will not compromise for them. The people in question can defend their backward perspectives on maturity, conflict resolution, courageous outspokenness or social media etiquette by saying that sharing such experiences on social media is not “appropriate” however this perspective is inherently flawed and beside the point. It actually speaks volumes about the level of ignorance and fallacy that pervades some American’s character. How do you get rid of dehumanizing, racist discourse on the ground level? One way is to call people out, whether on social media, in person, in writing, through song, whatever means necessary…you should never have to be afraid of being chastised or marginalized for voicing your opinion on such salient matters! Moreover, it is disturbing to see is how some people are getting better and better at fulfilling the status quo’s social conditioning of denying racism, engaging in historical amnesia and partaking in scrutinized surveillance of their peers; espousing a hypocritical meta-narrative of political correctness, encouraging only narrow parameters of debate or dismissing it altogether. In conclusion, if one is worried about their reputation because of apparently problematic thinking and offensive speech they have engaged in: then maybe they are the ones in the wrong, perhaps they are the ones inadvertently perpetuating everything that is wrong with American society. If they feel guilty, it’s for a reason, despite not admitting or examining the reasons why in depth. In my opinion, no matter how you spin it, you cannot justify the casual use of ANY racist terminology, whether in public or private. There is an ethical component, regardless of ones perspective on free speech and personal liberty, one must compromise in order to do so. I’ve learned in life there are things, as mentioned, you DO NOT compromise, at any time, for anyone, anything, anywhere. At times you end up standing and fighting alone, but I’d rather stand and fight alone, dignified and conscious then be worried about “fitting in” and conforming to the absurd.
Posted on: Wed, 28 May 2014 16:20:36 +0000
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