The Dreaded N-word

Manifesto

In light of Michael Richards's racist rant, people, including people who should know better, want to ban the word n-word. What is interesting is that I strongly disagree with the idea and even I won't type the word. Nevertheless, here's a good editorial summing up the foolishness behind this type of action. In part:

So we're going to banish the n-word - again.

[...]

That's fine with me; I have no use for the word. But as usual when it comes to race, we're content to lop off the tip of the iceberg.

The larger problem, lurking just below the surface, is with some of the people who don't say the word in public.

I also highly recommend the book noted toward the end of the editorial. Of course, I can't tell you what that book is called since the title has now been banned by those far smarter than me.

What is really, really interesting to me about the whole Michael Richards saga, is that fact that everybody is focusing on his use of the n-word when, by far, the most horrific thing he said, and the thing that truly exposes him as a racist with malevolence in his heart was this, "[f]ifty years ago we'd have you upside down with a fucking fork up your ass."

But since we're not ready to combat the racism that leads people to think that lynching was/is acceptable, we'll ban a word, push racism a little deeper out of sight, a little further in the shadows, where it can fester and grow. Hell, out of sight, out of mind.

But it isn't the word that is the problem. Despite all attempts to ban it, the following remains true (from Mos Def's song Mr. Nigga):

White folks got it muffled across beneath they breathe
"I didn't say it.."
But they'll say it out loud again
When they deal with their close associates and friends
You know
Sneak it in with they friends at the job
Happy hour at the bar
While this song is in they car
And even if they've never said it, lips stay sealed
Their actions reveal how their hearts really feel

You want to get rid of the n-word, start focusing on real problems and exposing institutional racism. As they say, sunlight is the best disinfectant. You want to look for easy solutions, by all means, start banning words. It certainly is the easiest and least effective solution.