Wednesday, August 25, 2010

From Dr. Laura to Chris Rock... Just Quit!

Ronnie Agnew of the Clarion Ledger offers this...

I was in high school when a man, a white man, stopped by to visit my parents, whom he had not seen since the years they had worked as sharecroppers. While my parents had left behind that life, he possessed a hardscrabble look, signifying he had not quite shaken tough times.

Unkempt and dirty, he reflected with great detail the backbreaking tedium of the cotton fields, where the rows stretched for miles, assuring the promise of a next day's work. He was comfortable that day, too comfortable in fact.

"You know what," he said to my parents with my brother and me sitting near, "y'all were the hardest-working niggers I have ever seen in my life." He said it without blinking an eye, without any sense of regret or shame. My brother and I sat there in shock, my parents embarrassed that a man would visit their home and use the most hateful word in the English language to describe them.

We later concluded that his ignorance was such that he didn't know any better. There have been plenty who do know better who have exercised the same ignorance - even greater because of the assumption that in their world travels, they should have learned something.

Radio talk show host Dr. Laura Schlessinger is the latest. When an African-American woman married to a white man called for advice on dealing with racist remarks by her husband's friends and family, Schlessinger gave insensitivity new meaning. Again and again she used the racial epithet to justify that since some black folks use the word nigger, why should the offending parties be held accountable.

There's a lofty doctor's degree in front of her name and a 40-year career indicating that she has reached some level of accomplishment. She proved, however, that classrooms and sheltered life experiences are incapable of conveying the hurt caused by that word. It doesn't matter who says it, black people or white. To this day, the words still sting from that day 30-plus years ago when the visitor disrespected people who would never have dishonored him.

There's the wrong-headed presumption Schlessinger and others make that black people are OK with the use of the word nigger because of its use among black rappers and comedians. It hurts just as much, in fact, when black entertainers and regular folk gratuitously use it.

Dr. Laura, who says she will end her show at the end of the year, could not be more wrong in defending her answer to the caller. If she's right, then the tears that well in my eyes when I hear the word nigger must not be real. Knowledgeable she may be on some subjects, but on this one, she knows nothing.

While most agree that there is no acceptable context in which this word should be used today, Agnew's parable demonstrates how the word has evolved from ignorance to hatred.

Thirty years ago, the term was used by a generation who inherited it from parents who simply knew no better. It was not so much a racial slur as it was an unfortunate slang term for "Negros", which is now considered offensive by many.

The "N-word" evolved into the racial epithet that it has become today from the same ignorant culture that believes that when the term is used "inter-racially", that it is acceptable... and often humorous. The "N-word" will never go away as long as we deem it "acceptable" in ANY situation... from classrooms to comedy clubs!

It is hard to believe that anyone in 2010 does not realize that this word is offensive to the majority of our civilized world, but as long as we permit its use, by any race, in any context, for humor or hurt...it will not go away!

Forthright

66 comments:

Anonymous said...

So, the next time that a rapper sings a song with the "n" word in it, will it be in the news?

If the whites can't use the "n" word, then no one else should be allowed to use it, either.

Rev. Al and Jessie Jackson need to start "calling them on the carpet".

Let's be fair.

Montana said...

I am so happy that the ugly (inside and out) crazy old gym teacher reaped what she had sowed. She could have gotten her argument across by saying “N word” and not using the word and by not saying “don’t NAACP me” but like Michael Richards AKA “Cosmo Kramer”, she ends up the trash heap of history, a history of her own making. I am so happy that the free market AKA sponsors started to pull their ads (I guess they were exercising their free speech) and she finally realized that she was just another “run of the mill gabby” and her days were numbered. She realized that she was not as smart as she thought she was, finally! The first three times she used the word might not have been in anger but the last eight she was filled with hate, so good riddance.

Palin was the one who got bent over the use of the word “Retard” (she wanted someone fired for using it once), Palin also said that the people have the right to build the Mosque in NY, but out of respect for the 9/11 families they shouldn’t, but I guess this same standard is not applicable to Laura Schlessinger. Do you see the hypocrisy? The problem with Palin is the same when she mistakenly referred to Ronald Reagan Eureka College, being in California and we all know its in Illinois, same thing, she does not fact check anything she is going to say. She is soooo Palin!

http://vodpod.com/watch/3933949-keith-olbermann-mocks-sarah-palins-imbecility-stupidity-video

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-august-24-2010/the-hurt-talker

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhGk6eF65Fo

Anonymous said...

Why does everyone get so "bent out of shape" when someone uses the word "retard", but they have a national organization called ARC or ARCO?(Adult Retarded Citizens)

And again, on school documentation
some students are identified as being MMR (mildly mentally retarded), SMR (severely mentally retarded),TMR (trainable mentally retarded) & EMR (emotinally mentally retarded).

Hypocrisy?

Anonymous said...

WOW!

Forthright has TWO postings within ONE week!

He's using a big-a$$ spoon and really stirring up the
sh!t.

Anonymous said...

If blacks are so disturbed by the N-word, why don't they quit buying all that Rap-Shit they call music. These gangsters make millions by using the word repeatedly just to sell an album! Same with black comedians all over the country... if it's so offensive, quit using the word and see how many people turn out for your show!

Talk about hypocrisy???

Anonymous said...

6:41 PM.

I agree!

THEY need to start practicing what THEY preach!

And the preachers are Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jessie Jackson!

Al and Jessie need to start by "cleaning up" THEIR own backyard, before THEY start on the someone else's backyard!

Anonymous said...

Nigga ,nigga, nigga, there I said it. Did anybody die? I think not,so get over it and move on.

Anonymous said...

You are sick

Anonymous said...

Clarification, please?

I'm a tad bit confused.

Here's what I've come up with...

If I'm a BLACK rapper or comedian,
I CAN say the "N" word, and call women "bitches" and "hoes" and none of the BLACKS get bent out of shape. The NAACP is NOT called, Rev. Al Sharpton does NOT show up, and neither does Jessie Jackson.

But,...If I'm a WHITE person and I happen by chance to say the "N" word, then ALL BLACKS get mad, ALL hell breaks loose, THE NAACP is called and both Rev. AL Sharpton & Jessie Jackson arrive on the scene.

What is wrong with this picture?

Hypocrisy?

Two sets of standards/rules!

Anonymous said...

Seems to me ... that THEY can 'dish it out' , but, can't take it!

Has THE NAACP EVER been called for someone calling a white person a honkie?

Anonymous said...

Why is it that Sharpton can have a ralley, but when Beck has one, everyone gets upset?

Anonymous said...

omg!

The Clarion Ledger has an article
about Heather's many, many traveling trips in the search for money!(Monday, Aug.30)

Please! We ALL know it's just an excuse to travel and take a vacation. (Obama?)

The article also stated how many meetings she has missed!

Anonymous said...

What about the Nelco Sale?

Anonymous said...

According to today's Clarion Ledger, the judge from Madison county DENIED Carla Hughes' request for a new trial!

Thank you Jesus!

Anonymous said...

Traveling to obtain money for Greenville, then where in the hell is the MONEY!

Anonymous said...

what is opening in the old big joy's bldg?

Anonymous said...

What NELCO sell?

Did BEnji sell the movie theater?

Anonymous said...

3:00 PM

Where is the old big Joy's Bldg?

Thought that Frosttop & Pasquales (combined into one restuarant!)is moving in next to Stein Mart, opening up on October 1st---with a drive thru window!

Anonymous said...

9:03 AM,

How is Greenville (via Heather!) going to obtain money
from FRANCE, which was her most recent trip, taken in June?1

French perfume?

French fries?

French whores?

Anonymous said...

Yes, Nelco Sold.

Old big joy, new clothing store of some kind?

When visiting the New Freds or Frost Top; ask why did they not use a local building contractor or more local subs?

Anonymous said...

To 1:15 Why the "thank you lord" in regard to Carla Hughes? Or does she fall under the umbrella of hate for her parents? Just a question, I thought the entire situation was sad. The victims family has embraced Carla's family so what are you happy about?

Anonymous said...

To 1:15 Why the "thank you lord" in regard to Carla Hughes? Or does she fall under the umbrella of hate for her parents? Just a question, I thought the entire situation was sad. The victims family has embraced Carla's family so what are you happy about?

Anonymous said...

She killed not one---but two people. She needs to remain locked up. Yes, it was sad. Sad that she had to kill.

Anonymous said...

Why should someone "hate" Carla's parents? Did THEY kill someone?

No,THEY just appear on T.V. stating that their daughter did NOT do anything wrong!

And Carla never said a word!

She just borrowed a weapon from her cousin, borrowed her boyfriend's shoes, rode a motorcycle and hid it one street over from the victim's house and made a phone call from her cell phone from the area of the crime!

Now, her parents can't give her what she wants! Sad!

Anonymous said...

What's with the Nelco sale? Did Benji sell it? What a shame. Maybe Mike will build us a fourth Macky-Dees... with 2 drive-by (oophs.. I meant drive-thru) lanes.

Gotta luv it!!

Anonymous said...

Is Benji Nelken leaving Grenville?

Who will keep up with and personally know ALL about Greenville's history?

Anonymous said...

I think it's all that Civil Rights stuff that's made the black people so angry.

Think about it..."happy coloreds" they used to be HAPPY!!!

And it's true! I saw a Shirley Temple movie once..and that Mr. Bojangles was smiling and laughing and you just knew he'd never rape that little white girl...he was too happy teaching her to tap dance.

Now, things are soooo different. Negroes are mad. And they talk loud. And they don't tap dance.

Gosh darn Civil Rights anyway...

I blame it all on communists.

And Jews.

And those fucking Beatles!!!!

Anonymous said...

O.K. Forthright, it's been one week. Time to write about a new topic.

Anonymous said...

What to you hear in your head when the term "N word" is used and not the real word? That's right you hear "Nigger" so why don't we stop saying "N word" too? It just keeps that word alive in our minds. The rap punks are just in it for the money and it is funny to see some of those dumb asses trying to look the Gangsta part. It would be nice if everyone just kept their mouths shut.

Anonymous said...

12:36PM,

WE are not saying the "N word".

The MAJORITY of the ones saying it ARE the rappers & comedians!

If anyone has ANY complaints about the "N word", then start with YOUR own...YOUR comedians and YOUR rappers!

After, and I mean after...YOU have THEM (comedians & rappers) under control...then, and I mean only then, can YOU say or do something about the rest of the people!

Anonymous said...

Not saying it means you are getting pushed around,, No bodies feeling are really getting hurt, Its just a power move on thier part!! Think about it!!

Anonymous said...

6:23 PM

Can you or someone else, please explain your comment(s)?

I don't understand.

Anonymous said...

As usual, THE Greenville Public School, Greenville-Weston High School, started off the new year with a fight last Tuesday.

Eleven students (10 males & 1 female) were escorted from the campus in handcuffs and put into police cars and taken to the police station.

Will they be expelled for the remainder of the school year?

Will this incident be included in the 45 day evaluation?

Will they, if allowed to stay in school, be allowed to make-up all missed assignments and tests?

Will they, if allowed to stay in school, be allowed to participate in state mandated testing?

Anonymous said...

Concerning THE school fight...

THEY sure as hell can't blame that on the WHITES!

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Anonymous said...

Did anyone see the Hheadstart 2008/2009 Annual Report in Sunday's DDT (It was 3 color pages)?
1215 children; $10,140,284 budget!!!
That is $8,345.91 per child!!!!
Salaries: $4,181,942
Fringe Benfits: 1,364,351
(32%)

Man I wish that I received a 32% fringe benfit package!!

This is unbelievable!

Anonymous said...

2:20 PM....

No, I did not see the 2008/2009 Headstart Annual Report in Sunday's DDT.

Can you please, "cut & paste" it here on this blogg for all to see?

You had stated 1215 children---is that just in Washington County?

And Headstart children are of what age? 3 & 4 year olds?

Anonymous said...

I really wish the people that post on this blog would drop the racial posts. I am a white citizen living in Greenville. We are better people than this for goodness sakes. I was not raised to be racial. In my opinion, there are good people and bad people no matter what race or gender you are. If we will just treat each other with kindness and do unto others as we would have them do unto us, this city would improve. Just recite the serenity prayer to yourself several times and this will enable you to open your heart and mind to be able to accomplish what you need in your own life. I live each day trying to make people smile and give them hope for a better day. Without hope for a better tomorrow we will all be miserable.

Anonymous said...

7:12 PM

Where did you buy your "rose colored" glasses?

And IF you are such a "goody two shoes" type person...then why are you even reading this blog!?

Anonymous said...

Hmm. Is there a reule somewhere that says only racist, angry, & jaded people can read and post here???

Anonymous said...

7:15 AM---

No.

But, it IS understood that only THE truth will be posted here.

Some can accept THE truth.

Others can NOT accept THE truth.

If a society claims to want to "bring about a change"...THEY must not only listen to THE truth, but, accept THE truth.

And, then THEY can "bring about a change" about what actually IS...THE truth!

Throw away ALL "rose-colored" glasses and accept THE truth.

Anonymous said...

To 2:45 am

You do know that was just a movie right? Just checking.

Anonymous said...

7:12 pm

Thank You! A voice of reason in the vast wilderness. Love your rose colored glasses. Obviously your opinion is not what is wanted here but trust and believe you are not alone. God Bless

Anonymous said...

7:12 PM, 5:21 AM, & 5:24 AM....are all the same ONE poster/person!

WTF said...

I can’t even put into words how discusted I am with our weakness and willingness to submit to everyone and everything. All anyone has to do is threaten us, or tell us they’re offended, and we aquiesse. All these “progreesive intellectuals” want to understand and reason us into another 9-11. Misplaced compassion can do allot of damage, take a look at the state of the black community here and in this country. We enable people to fail and, in the case of the Afghans, we give them confirmation of our weakness, a recipe for violence.

Anonymous said...

Hey, but didn't the Marines do a fantastic job of capturing the pirates from Africa?

Sounded like African pirates have been "threatening" the ships for years and no one ever did anything about it.

Good job, United States Marines for defending fellow citizens against those from Africa?

Wonder what Obama had to say about the incident?

Anonymous said...

We do not know how to cut and paste 3 full DDT pages of the Headstart Annual Report. You could probably stop by their office on Hwy 1 North and pick one up. They serve Washington County (1215 children).

Anonymous said...

I do not live in Greenville, nor in Washington County. But, thanks for the suggestion, anyway.

Anonymous said...

Just make sure that the auditors get a copy of ALL three pages.

Anonymous said...

Lets talk about healthcare! I just received my new health insurance premimums for next year!! Up about 25%!!!! I guess most of the Delta folks don't have to worry about this, they get it free!

The total costs of all of my insurance premimums (health, auto, home, business) and property taxes (home, business, auto tags) may exceed my paycheck!

I may just quit and become a bum!

Anonymous said...

i hear ya! I am going to get a grocery cart full of junk, wear old clothes and hold a sign up to get money to pay my bills.....lol

Anonymous said...

No need to do that,, let the Gov do it for you!! Live it up!!

Anonymous said...

No need to do that,, let the Gov do it for you!! Live it up!!

Anonymous said...

Why is it there are only Black people working at the Tax Assessor office?? If it was only white, I think it would be a problem!!!

Walmart Nothing but black checkers.. Not one single white person at the registor!!

How do they get away with this and we dont?? Because we let them??


White people need jobs also!!
Questions need to be asked!! We need equal rights!!!!

Anonymous said...

Reverse discrimination!

Call the Civil Rights Office in Washington.

They STILL send out questionaires
(or audits)to businesses and yes, even public schools.

The quesitonaire for the schools lists numerous questions about staffing and students. And THEY want the answers "broken down" by race and gender.

It's something worth checking into.

Anonymous said...

We should complain about the county only hiring coloreds!!

http://www.usccr.gov/filing/flndx.htm

If every one sticks together maybe we can get something done...

Do your part!! COMPLAIN

Anonymous said...

If we would keep an eye on all Greenville businesses that only hire black and report them. man would we raise a stink!!!! But isnt it only fair???

Anonymous said...

And...if the shoe were on the other foot...YOU know what THEY would do!

Yes, THEY would stick together and complain...AND call Rev. Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson.

It never hurts to give someone a "dose of their own medicine!"

Anonymous said...

And THE school's civil rights survey/questionaire has NOT been completed/filed since SAMMY LEE FELTON was serving as "interim" superintendent.

Ironically, HE assigned the "completion" of the survey/questionaire to two WHITE staffers, former Athletic Director, Jackie Bruce and a white secretary located in the Child Guidance Building!

Anonymous said...

anyone complain yet????? NOOOOOO!! Why not?????

Anonymous said...

anyone complain yet????? NOOOOOO!! Why not?????

Anonymous said...

What's up the Greenville Police Dept. chief?

Anonymous said...

There are white people working in the Tax Assessors office, have have for quite some time. The only office that is all black is the Chancery Clerks Office.

Anonymous said...

There are no white people that I saw in the office where you buy your tag!

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