One of my friends posted a worthwhile link on Facebook to a Morning Edition interview with John Ridley and Steve Inskeep. There was also an article from npr's "The two-way" that made an interesting point about Dr.Laura's "Black guys say it all the time" defense. The fact that she would use this defense is an arresting one, given that she is not a "black guy". Obviously, she got issues.
She also has gall. To claim that she is quitting radio because her First Amendment rights are being infringed upon is disingenuous. She did and does have the right to say what she wants to. However, there are and were consequences. The fact that she doesn't like the consequences doesn't mean that her free speech is being taken away. Callers, readers, sposors, and listeners also have the right to say and do what they want to.
Anyway, I'm done with Laura Schlessinger. On a side note, Richard and I got into a debate about the N-word because he said "It's just a word", and I disagree. I said that "there is no worse word in the English language". Other racial slurs, while upsetting, still don't pack the punch of this word. Am I wrong, or just biased? Can anyone tell me a worse word? Inquiring minds want to know! Thank you! And thank you for the excellent comments!
Outfit:
This outfit is pretty lame, but I did not go out in public, so the world was spared the eyesore. I stayed at home and cleaned up today, so it was fine for that. I also got to visit with my talented cousin, and I think I get t be a bridesmaid at her wedding! I've never been a bridesmaid before!!!
Shirt: Gap.
Skirt: Thrift store. This was a dress that I cut for some stupid reason. I truly wish I hadn't, but I didn't save the top so I can't put it back together!
Shoes: No shoes on these tootsies today!
Below is the scene I walked into when I came back from taking my pictures. Oh, those crazy kids! My camera is still broken as you can see...
Posts
There are some pretty heavy duty ones about Jews but I don't want to repeat them. I think your first instinct was good. Enough! why give any of this junk any more than its due - she's had enough publicity. Let's promote peace and understanding and beautiful families instead.
ReplyDeleteRichard needs to be reminded that words have power. And I read an article recently written by Cornel West and he emphasized that we all need to know our history so we can improve the future. I really believe that if the rappers that spew that word so easily understood all that blacks have had to go through in America and around the world, they would not spit that word out so easily. Adults must set the example - it is more than just a word - it is an insult to your children, my children, and the children of all of those rappers who use it so indiscriminately - ps your children will pick up what is said when you two argue - I hope they heard what Layna said....Aunt Janine
ReplyDeleteYou're right Maia. Enough! Aunt J, the kids were not around when we were having this discussion, and of course, neither of us would ever use this word in front of them. Or not in front of them. It's not really a word that we use!
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that the ONLY word white America feels compelled to say is the "n word." What?, it wasn't said enough when first created and the hundreds of years following?
ReplyDeleteLatinos have words that they say amongst one another that I have been privy to that I would NEVER say simply because the word isn't for me. Same thing goes for the Gay community, the Asian community, other cultures at large and even words women may choose to use towards one another that would be offensive if a man came up and said it to them.
Furthermore, "rappers" aren't the ONLY people who use the word, they're just the people you hear because it's in pop culture. And some rappers use it every five seconds due to a lack of their own intelligence while some may drop it once or twice. They're INDIVIDUALS and do not represent the culture at large. They represent an aspect of it but more importantly, themselves.
While I agree the word in itself is troublesome, to try and dictate the notion "if we can't use the word, no one else should" is bullshit. I strongly disagree that it's "just a word" but like any other word, there are times when it has it's place to effectively get a point across and most critical thinkers know that.
For example, Dave Chappelle isn't setting a bad example to society at large when he uses the word and he's HIGHLY intelligent. I think he uses it when he deems it necessary and it's his right. He's also made interesting points about white fans using it inappropriately towards him as well as skits showing the use of the word as his own social commentary on the power of its use. He isn't the poster boy for the demise of the culture because of it.
*steps off soap box*
At the end of the day, Maia's right, "let's promote peace and understanding and beautiful families instead." Totally agree.
Touche Freshmaker! You can always step on your soapbox here! You have some excellent points, as per usual. And you are right about Chappelle and others who use the word with some discretion. I guess when you put it that way,there are definitely worse words... So in the end it's the intent that matters, I guess. And, I do think it's a word people should avoid using unless their ancestors were brought here against their will, a few hundred years ago... Sorry, offended parties!
ReplyDelete