A Street Lesson in Domestic Violence and the Meaning of the N-word

In no circumstance do I condone any man laying hands on a woman; as far as I am concerned, it is a cowardly act. However, should this sickening act occur, and should the victim happen to have a brother who issues his own brand of street justice to the one who physically abused his sister, then the abuser undoubtedly had it coming. This scenario is actually depicted in the video: Why You Should Never Put Hands On Someone's Sister … http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshh4BQY4Ir3D267eN0J

However, the video is very disturbing in a certain respect: All involved parties are black, and as the brother drops vengeful, yet well-deserved, blows on the abuser of his sister, he uses the epithet “n**ger” numerous times. There is far more going on here than just a brother taking up for his sister—it’s also a lesson in the true intent and the dual-sidedness of the word.

As the brother hovers staunchly and remorseless, with all power balled-up in his hands, over the helpless, curled-up soul, he spits the term at the abuser from hard, tightened lips, daring him to move outside of his mete. The abuser takes the beating and dares not make a move shy of the brother’s approval—he stays in his place. This scene is a perfect metaphorical depiction of White America’s intent in the term and the desired reaction of black America—to stay in its place, wounded and defenseless.

Furthermore, the n-word wasn’t being used endearingly but derogatorily and from a vicinity of hate. An acceptable notion exists in the black community that not only is it okay to use the word as a “term of endearment”, but as an insult as well. Now, if proponents of the term say that the term has no power, they’ve changed the meaning of the term, and anyone of any race can be called a “n**ger”— noting that it’s no longer a race-based term, how can the term still be used as a term of hate or degradation ONLY toward an African-American? If one becomes angered with a non-black person, we do not blurt out the n-word to insult them—some other profanity may be used; however, as soon as one becomes angered with an African-American, we spit fire the n-word at them to offend them. Even though the term is sometimes used as an endearing term, it can be invoked at will to administer its crippling and true meaning.

A psychosis exists about the n-word that the black community, in general, completely denies or misses (is blinded to). The ravages of centuries of brutal mistreatment at the hands of whites—through slavery, Jim Crow segregation and lynch mobs—still has a powerful psychological effect on black people.

There seems to be little variation from comments once made by an old woman, an escaped slave during the Civil War era, and the driving force of those blacks who use and condone usage of the word today. This old lady had been reprimanded by a missionary for calling her fellow slaves n**gers. She replied, “We are n**gers. We always was n**gers and we always shall be. N**ger here, and n**ger there. N**ger do this and n**ger do that. We've got no souls. We's animals. We's black and so is the Evil One.”

“The Bible doesn't say the devil is black,” protested the missionary. “Well”, the old woman said, “white folks say so and we's bound to believe them, 'cause we's nothing but animals and n**gers. Yes, we's n**gers! N**gers! N**gers!''

Isn’t it ironic how many contemporary blacks use and/or condone use of the n-word in this 21st century—a word that was handed to them by a racist institutionalized system? White folks categorized African-Americans centuries ago and to this very day, many blacks have failed to deviate from their so-called place and entitlement of the n-word.

A metamorphous is required. We, as a community, must allow the unhealthy, hindering, and destructive aspects of our past to die and establish healthy, progressive, and constructive mentalities to successfully live in the now. It’s hard and quite scary to think of dying, to think of burying something we have so long lived with. We often think that because we have lived with a thing for so long, that it’s right; to the contrary, that very thing we’ve been living with could be the primary factor holding us back from reaching our maximum potential. Think about that addiction to smoking, an abusive lover, and acceptance of less-than ideal circumstances. … Just because it’s “the way it’s always been,” doesn’t mean it’s “the way it’s gotta continue to be.” It’s painful to kill off these “bedmates,” but these haunting ailments must die in order to truly be free and live on a higher-level, prosperously.

The fact of the matter is that current uses of the word n**ger cannot erase, transform, eradicate, or successfully redefine its authentic, ghastly definition. No, we aren't slaves, but each time we call each other "n**ger" or "n**ga", we desecrate and dishonor the memories of those who came before us, and our spirit of today.

H. Lewis Smith is the founder and president of UVCC, the United Voices for a Common Cause, Inc.; a writer for the New England Informer Online; and author of Bury that Sucka: A Scandalous Love Affair with the N-Word. www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP2U0jmZjec

Aristocrat Aplomb vs Bourgeois Indiscretions

Self-respect, pride, dignity and honor are what are being demonstrated by two distinguished African American NFL head coaches Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith. These two coaches truly represent one of the great moments in American history. One black head coach to be coaching in the Super Bowl for the first time would be historical enough, but for both head coaches to be black is truly a monumental moment in American history.

However, this article is about something that transcends the spirit of this chronicle event. Let's compare the demeanor of Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith to the antics of some of our entertainers and actors. Can you possibly imagine either one of these two head coaches disgracing themselves and their race with the public use of the n-word? NO! Can you imagine either one of these fine distinguished gentlemen insisting that it is okay to use the n-word in an affectionate and endearing way? NO!

There is a quote that states "Excellence is a form of habit" the character of both Dungy and Smith manifests this quote most admirably. I wish that I could say the same for a certain Oscar Award winning actor who demonstrates the exact opposite by flushing self-respect, pride, dignity and honor down the commode.

Unlike some of our actors and entertainers Dungy and Smith are the epitome of what it takes to encourage, challenge, support, build-up, empower, define, strengthen, respect, create value, be prophetic, be directional, inspirational, loving, compassionate, strong, prideful, honest, understanding, historically correct, honoring, instructional, maternal, paternal and caring.

We must be one hundred percent cognizant of the fact that we are responsible for our own community's success and direction. Therefore, we can no longer accept any activity and or behavior that do not reflect well on our community's image, welfare, morale code or our political, economical, physical, social, and spiritual condition of our overall environment. Our communities need to always reflect a sense of pride, safety, beauty, family, order, loyalty, enterprise / commerce and above all the dignity of its inhabitants.

We must work from a base of mutual respect for one another and allow the truth to prevail. We must vow that nothing will separate us from building each other up.

We must teach that we should expect from one another-- honor, self-respect, truthfulness, dignity, compassion, understanding, flexibility, commitment, forgiveness, stability and overall emotional health!

The idea is simply to love, honor and respect one another! In so doing, we will cease from using the infamous "n" word and all other words that add no value to our human existence! It has been said that whatever goes into the heart of a person will certainly come out of that person. Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith are certainly reflective of these ideals and the United Voices for a Common Cause wish to extent to them both hearty congratulations for their tremendous achievements.

H. Lewis Smith is the author of Bury that Sucka and the Founder/CEO of United Voices for a Common Cause, Inc.

DOES THE NEWS MEDIA PATRONIZE THE BLACK COMMUNITY? asks United Voices for a Common Cause

Michael “Kramer” Richards has been broiled, skewered and dragged over the coals for his horrendous display of racial epithet unmatched in recent times. The African American community, justifiably so…was immensely appalled at such audacity. However, one can’t help but to wonder whether or not Richards has—through the news media—conveniently become a sacrificial lamb to ease and relieve the guilty consciousness of an institutionalized, systematized deeply rooted apathy that happened to erupt through him.

At some point white America must face up to black America and ask, since this word is so offensive, “Why is it so casually used by African Americans?” Is this a slight of hand reversed discrimination? Isn’t this a classic example of a double-standard? These are questions that should be openly asked and needs to be asked. White America is a simmering teapot that is about to boil over and it will have nothing to do with being a racist. Often times what is misconstrued as racial discrimination is nothing more than a reaction reflective of human nature. Many whites are fearful of being labeled a racist and is therefore allowing their pent-up emotions to build and it is building to a boiling point. As sensitive of an issue the n-word is…it needs to be openly dealt with.

On that note, black proponents of the n-word retort would be as follows: Refusing to be held accountable for any of this brouhaha, the black n-word apologist will rattle off and try to justify their use of the word that they are taking the sting out of it, desensitizing it, will go so far as to apply the acceptance of the ghetto vernacular saying that by replacing “er” nigger with “a” nigga makes a difference and that nigga implies affection, love and endearment.

Proponents of the neo-revisionist use of nigga contend they have "reclaimed" the word and robbed it of its racist connotations. There are many prominent black Americans who support the usage of this word. For example, Ron Dellums, an American politician once said that "it's time for somebody to lead all of America's niggers”.

Daman Wayans, has applied for a trademark of the name nigga to use on a clothing line and other marketable items. Comedian, turned activist, Dick Gregory is a proponent of the word and years ago he entitled his autobiography…Nigger. During a panel discussion at the Summer Television Critics Association tour in 2005, Aaron McGruder, creator of the popular comic strip, Boondocks, defiantly used the word with the explanation that everybody does it. Harvard professor Randal Kennedy authored a book entitled Nigger, received rave reviews (from the news media) for his pro stance on usage of the word. Someone by the name of Tyrone, who refuses to say what race he is, owns a website called niggaspace.com and it is supported by thousands upon thousands of young black members many of whom are under 18 years of age.

Rapper, 50 cents, uses the word nigga more than 180 times on his CD Grow Rich or Die Trying. And he is just one of many rappers who repeatedly recites the word on their CDs. So why is it so surprising as to what came up and out of Michael Richards’ mouth? Granted he said more than just the n-word, he went way over the line with his racist acidity rhetoric. The black community was victimized with his comments, but as irony would have it, Richards’ too, is a victim and yes the country as a whole is a victim. Victims of a terrible negative destructive energy that vibrates from this word, holding an entire nation hostage.

At some point black America must become accountable. At some point the news media must become multilateral in covering the news scene. There are many African Americans who are simply fed up with the actions of the black proponents use of the n-word and this never, ever gets into the news. There are movements afoot to ban and abolish the n-word in the black community…it goes unreported.

By referring to one another as niggers (nigga) the black American community are in fact unknowingly debasing and victimizing themselves, NOT keeping their heritage alive, as some may think.

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

Recently I responded to comments that Russ Nelson makes about the n-word on his blog, which I must add he is highly in favor of using; and since I'm an African American and he is Caucasian I found it interesting that thru out his blog the n-word is spelled with "er" and not an "a", which further illustrates my point that no matter how that word is spelled, the meaning of it remains the same. The following was posted on his blog in response to my comments. I have in turn responded to the below comments of Russ Nelson, which comes immediately after.

UPDATE 11/9: I received email from H. Lewis Smith, the author of Bury that Sucka!. He objects to the black community's internal use of nigger as a friendly self reference, but when used by people outside of the community, it is an insult. I agree with him. If the power of the word is to be destroyed it can only be done through consistency. I think it can be best destroyed with a "Yes, I'm a nigger" attitude. It seems to me like he thinks that if black people stop using it, so will everyone else. I disagree with him there. As long as there are racists, and as long as racists can offend by using it, the word will be used.

UPDATE 11/12: Russ, I revisited your web site and I just wanted to clarify something about the need for African Americans to refrain from referring to one another with the n-word. The idea is not to try and stop others from using that word. It is not to try and make that word disappear. The reality is that word is as much a part of American history as the Boston Tea Party, the Civil War, slavery, etc. and in of itself will never disappear.

The reality also is that the history behind this word isn't a myth, this word is a testimony to some of the most ugliest and darkest moments in American history, therefore there is nothing respectable about this word and for African Americans to show disrespect to themselves borders on the line of being mindless. White American for almost four centuries have always encouraged Blacks to identify themselves with this word and will never discourage them not to. It is the African American who is going to have to learn to re-define who they are...and what they are not is the n-word. In other words, there is more to this word than just being a racial slur, there is an image associated with this word that psychologically is mentally debilitating.

So just to clarify, the issue is not to try and control what others say or do, but to control ourselves.

CONSEQUENCES OF NOT BEING ACCOUNTABLE...THE BELL CURVE

Never has curiosity or rumors been so rampant than that of the intelligence of the African American. Back in the mid 90’s a book was written by Charles Murray and published entitled The Bell Curve. The book was received with wide acclaim by the white populace receiving over 1.2 million from right-wing foundations for his work, the book claimed that IQ tests revealed black people to be genetically less intelligent than whites, thus explaining their low place in society. To this very day it is still the subject of conversation among the white populace.

The book goes on further to say that the dumb blacks, with their dangerously high reproductive rates, might have to be kept in "a high-tech and more lavish version of an Indian reservation" without such luxuries as "individualism, equal rights before the law," and so on. Reviewers proposed more moderate solutions, like just taking away their welfare checks.

What is more disturbing than the above comments is when your actions validate the above. Where is the intelligence in brothers and sisters referring to one another as niggas? Nigga, the most demeaning and degrading word on the face of the earth and it is taken to be used endearingly and affectionately. Who in their right mind goes around disrespecting themselves, but in some twisted way of thinking expects the world to show them some respect anyway, other than the African American.

At some point African Americans are going to have to learn to become accountable for their own actions and then books like The Bell Curve becomes a mute point. Until then, the actions of the African American makes it very easy for books such as The Bell Curve to be written.

UNITED VOICES FOR A COMMON CAUSE

Rosa Parks worried and warned that young blacks had absolutely no sense and appreciation of the titanic battles that she and the civil rights leaders waged to make America live up to its much betrayed promise of justice and equality. In a reflective interview, years later, she did not absolve herself and other blacks of her generation of blame for failing to pass on the torch. She called for a redoubling of the effort to make young blacks as she put it know what it means to be black in America today.

The Jewish holocaust lasted only 12 years, but the Jewish community has set up museums all around the country insuring that they and the rest of the world never forget that infamous period; knowing that if you forget, history has a way of repeating itself. The Jew says never again and they mean every word of it.

In contrast there is growing sentiment among some of the politically active younger generation of African Americans that the past is the past and it should not be disturbed. Their attitude is to forget about all that took place in the past.

Willie Lynch in his indoctrination of how to make and control a slave made the following statement: “The black slave after receiving this indoctrination shall carry on and will become self refueling and self generating for hundreds of years, maybe thousands.” He was also quoted as saying that it is “A foolproof method for controlling your Black slaves with a guarantee if used correctly will last for hundreds of years.”

The Black youth of today in their misguided thinking and lack of wisdom have no idea how their wanting to ignore the past plays into the hands of the Willie Lynch Syndrome. History is not only repeating itself it has never been interrupted and is an ongoing, uninterrupted saga, insofar, as the plight of the African American is concerned. It is only through ignorance and the lack of knowledge of self and the historical meaning of the n-word that today’s scenario of contempt for self is playing out.

Not all African Americans are taken in by this self-defeating way of thinking. There are many Blacks who do not succumb to the practice of greeting each other with the n-word, but yet they do condone it when others do so. They are the ones who talk the talk but when it comes to action are incapable of walking the walk.

United Voices for a Common Cause was formed for the benefit of those who indeed are ready to walk the walk and are more than just talk. Presently, it appears that there is no direction within Black Communities in the USA, based on the social, economical and political atmosphere. UVCC says lets unite our efforts become one voice for a common cause and take back our self-respect, pride, honor and dignity, take a firm stand by saying it loud and saying it proud that we no longer are going to be somebody’s nigga. Four hundred years has been long enough. To learn more about United Voices for a Common Cause please go to: http://www.theunitedvoices.org

The N-word Lord and Master

What is wrong with this picture? During the mid 90s Michael Jackson included the words kike and hymie in one of his songs. The Jewish Defense League said no way, Michael ended up having to remove the words from his song along with issuing an apology. The Jewish community allows no one to degrade or demean them and you will never hear them demeaning or degrading themselves.

On the other hand there are Jewish executives making all kinds of money off the word nigga, and be laughing all the way to the bank. African American rappers who use nigga myriads of times in their songs are making mega millions, they too be laughing all the way to the bank. In the meantime, self-respect, pride, honor and dignity have been sold down the proverbial river, an apparent meaningless commodity to African Americans. It is not just the rappers there are the countless millions of other African Americans who are supportive of this demeaning and degrading act.

How does a race of people such as the African American who was once a proud and dignified race allow this to happen? The answer lies in the history of the n-word and the effect it has on the African American psyche. This word has literally been implanted into the hearts and minds of the African American for almost four centuries and has them captivated under its hypnotic spell. Unless you are a student of this word I would not be laughing, a terrible human tragedy took place during an infamous 250 plus years’ period, a tragedy that to this very day Blacks have never completely recovered from. They were conditioned and programmed to relate to this word and its destructive psychological powers. The burden is now on them to de-program themselves and put as much distance as they can between them and that satanic word nigga. This is a very serious matter and instead of African Americans getting indignant when this issues arises they need to open up their minds to the immense reality that the Willie Lynch Syndrome is alive and well.