Blog #14: N-Word Blog Two

“The best way to get rid of a problem is to hold it up to the bright light and look at all sides…” Andy Rooney of “60 Minutes” said this about Mr. Randall Kennedy’s book. I believe that after reading this book, I do agree with this statement. This certainly is a sensitive subject to many Americans, and is perhaps the largest of its type. While examining the issue brings up protests and debates, I believe it to be necessary in resolving this issue. As the quote goes, “Anything worth doing takes time and effort,” and along with that goes opening up a severely sensitive issue. I believe that this book does more than its fair share of doing just that. Countless stories of harassed employees, students, and teachers show that while it may be hard, the discussion of this topic is vital to the advancement of abolishing the evil nature behind the N-word.

In 1990, Stanford University passed a school rule that “prohibited harassment by personal vilification.” This was passed as a result of an increased number of incidents around the country dealing with whites using the N-word against blacks. While Stanford’s rule didn’t have the effect they had hoped for, due to odd wording of the rule, nevertheless it provided an example for others in the form of action against those who use the N-word violently. However, there are many debates about this topic, stemming from the violation of our freedom of speech to the classification of the N-word as a “fighting word.” Also included in the debates is perhaps the most debated question: who is allowed to use the N-word, and under what circumstances? This also asks that if blacks can use it with other blacks, how is that all that different from whites using it, in terms of social acceptance. If whites see that blacks are “ok” with using the word within their own social groups, then it gives a false reading to the whites as to what is really acceptable. In the television episode of “Boston Public” that we viewed, they addressed this debate. The white teacher wanted to explore this book and adjoining discussions with his class, but the administration told him he could not. The administrator was black, and the teacher was white, and due to racial tension issues, the white teacher was told to forget about this topic. The class was going to discuss who was able to use the word, after a confrontation between a white and black student erupted from the use of the N-word, used affectionately.

There is one thing certain in all of this confusion, and it is that the N-word sparks controversy and protest when used, no matter what the context. “The word is simply too important to ignore.”

The webpage abolishthenword.com contradicts this when it states that the use of the N-word should be limited to only historical references, and that it should be removed from everyday language. I believe that eliminating the word will not solve anything, as too many people already know and possess the knowledge to use it against others. Plus, the concept of controlling the removal of the word would be impossible.

The N-word certainly has power. It is the people who give it its power though. Just mentioning the word brings discussions and petitions from both blacks and whites, and that certainly is power. The N-word is unquestionably one of the most demeaning terms in the English language, and to most, it is taken in that context.

In closing, I believe that there is a benefit to examining the N-word, even though it brings debate whenever mentioned. Sadly, I do not believe that the intent of the word can be changed without the immense amount of work that would be educating people about the origins of the N-word and proper replacements for it. However, with the acceptance of this by my generation, I believe that slowly, over time, the violent side will diminish until the word becomes obsolete, both because people don’t care about the word itself, and because people don’t care what you are, but rather who you are. I believe that as time continues, this will happen, and that the N-word will no longer have the power that it does now.

Blog #13: "N-Word Book - Chapter One"

After reading chapter one of the N-Word book, I found the perspectives that Mr. Randall Kennedy offered to be of the same nature of my own for the most part. One in particular that I especially agreed with is found on page 41, and directly deals with this quote from Ice-Cube. “When we call each other [the N-Word] it means no harm. But if a white person uses it, it’s something different, it’s a racist word.” Kennedy then proceeds to question why it is that African-Americans are okay when they use the N-Word with each other, but not when a white person uses it. My question is if the African-American people who use the N-Word towards one another are offended when white people use it, why don’t they stop using it within themselves? All that accomplishes is spreading the wild fire that eventually reaches the whites, and says “we are okay if you use it, because we use it.” This gives whites who don’t have a lot of interaction the wrong message, that the N-Word is acceptable is society, when in reality, it is the complete opposite. I absolutely agree with Kennedy’s thinking on this argument. The whole “Be the change you want to see in the world” quote could take hold here. If the African-American population (the ones who use the N-Word with each other in a warm, comfort-type way) were to stop using the word in that way, then soon the white population would as well. It’s just that the whites are getting reinforcement for their actions from the African-Americans who use the N-Word towards one another.

Part of the confusion or chaos of the word, comes from the fact that because two different ethnic groups are using it for two different uses, it takes on two different meanings. The N-Word has been put into a variety of situations and can mean a variety of definitions. Some African-Americans use it as a comfort word, to reassure others, yet some white use it as a demeaning, ugly, evil word that it ultimately is. To eliminate it would solve all the problems associated with it, yet a practical solution cannot contain this step. Perhaps America will find a way to deal with this, but for now, it remains a certainly touchy subject.

Blog #12: "Bowling for Columbine and the Socratic Method"

After watching “Bowling For Columbine” and viewing Michael Moore’s style of creating documentaries, I do see a connection between that and the Socratic Method. Both used styles unique to themselves to prove their respected points. Socrates used long dialogues to persuade both his fellow philosophers and readers of the book now, while Moore used “creative” editing techniques to prove his point on the silver screen. Both men truly believed in their opinions, and it is evident in their work. When someone is passionate about something, the reader or viewer knows it. While some may not agree with the opinions of these two, they both were able to take the opposing view and defend their own. In Socrates’ case, he was defending his choice to remain in prison and be sentenced to death to that of Crito, who wanted him to escape and avoid his death. Socrates answered with many points that made Crito think, and as a result convinced Crito that he was making the right decision for the circumstance. In the case of Michael Moore, he was accused of changing and editing out certain parts of his video footage, in an effort to make it smoother, and convince others of his view better. Since those accusations, Moore has publicly defended his ideas and techniques, saying that everything seen in his documentaries that is presented as the truth, is the truth. His views, however, remain his views. While he doesn’t present the other side in his documentaries, he acknowledges them and defends his opinions against them. His website also explains more of what he was trying to say in his documentaries. Both men use the method of getting people to think in order to force them to come to their own conclusions. The quote “the unexamined life is not worth living” comes from Socrates, and summarizes this entire topic. Those who use their power to question and think are the ones who make a difference in this world.