A Blackplanet poll

Some time ago I wrote on a subject that I found important. It was the proliferation of the word –---. The full post can be seen at More old thoughts. In that post I commented on how many rappers, entertainers, and celebrities use this word casually when in the public eye and refuse to have it spoken in their homes. That they maintain a duality is an example of the problem with this term. It’s power is undeterred, undiminished by its use in casual conversation or it’s mispronunciation. It’s definition remains the potentially single most offensive term in the English language.

I say all that because of a poll I saw recently. The poll is part of the weekly rotation of polls found on Blackplanet.com. This particular one ‘Who should be able to use the N-word’ has over 15,068 responses. What I found unique is that while 51% thought no one should ever use the term, 28% thought only Black African Americans should be able. Even more startling was that 16% chose the option that they can’t say a sentence without it, and remarkably 5% believe anyone should use it.

Many on BP, as its called commonly, are younger so some of the responses come from those too young to recall the Civil Rights movement, the active segregation that existed before it, or the confrontations and struggles that occurred immediately afterwards. They only have a point of view from the benefits that have come from those times. In the FX network cable program Black. White., the son Nick commented how he believed that racism is a thing of the past. In my experiences around the country, many of those in their 20's and younger say the same thing. And yet we still have the Amidou Diallo/Rodney King problems. We only recently have had actors win an Oscar award (for best actor/actress) though it can be argued several in the past deserved them. The events in New Orleans continue to show disparity and preferential treatment.

In music, music videos, movies and conversations on the streets this term flourishes. And considering words are power its strength grows. I just can’t stand that some must laugh; that a term so inflammatory as to be a valid defense for assaulting someone just years ago is now a tool in generating immense income streams. That 21% of respondents cannot understand its past, or current power, dumbfounds me. That 49% think that any derivation of the term is acceptable appals me. And if you think it shouldn’t, see the reaction if you make a movie or song declaring the value of being a ‘cracker/spic/mic’ drug dealing criminal that abuses women and abandons his children. Basically the image many rappers portray today, and sing about. I doubt it will get the same reaction. If you don’t get the same reaction ask why. Then say that things are completely equal today.

This is what I think, what do you think?