The 'N' Word

If I say the word 'nigger', am I a racist? No. People have become so cowed that we cannot discuss even a word without being scorned. I suppose since I am opposed to Obama becoming President, I'm a racist? No. There are Blacks who could be President IMHO (Though 'black' is a color and those so labeled are short changed. More later). Yet there will be those who see this and immediately label me. I hate labels. They do not explore the depth and texture of viewpoints, of being.

Words are just words, in spite of those who manipulate them. Of course, it is the intent that gives the word meaning, as well illustrated by race baiters of many colors and persuasions. For study, again (as I usually advise), type the word into a search engine. Wikipedia has a fairly good study.

There was a time nigger was simply another noun for black or colored or negro etc. Naturally, the law of least resistance prevailed and it became a term of derision for some. Though stereotypes of southern whites contributed to the negativity (I might add that a lot of people outside of that 'cracker' stereotype have used nigger condescendingly, hypocritically so by some of those claiming to be 'helping' blacks), I suggest that it became a powerful tool in the employ of marxists who sought to manipulate language as well as all the other ways of revising history and thus our social mores. It limits rather than liberates in that cute leftist twist of behavior we have all witnessed. If language can be controlled, especially in speech, then new definitions can replace the old matrix.

I've been known to have a salty tongue, cuss like a sailor etc. at times. These days, it's hard not to do so. I have occasionally used several words to describe certain members of society who exhibit pathological, criminal behavior regardless of social standing. Presidents can be disgraceful just as well as common street thugs. I'm given to remember Dr. King's 'content of character' remark. A local school official and old friend of my wife's family once told her, 'You have your white trash, we have our niggers'. People can reach the heights or plumb the depths.

Let's not be afraid of words. Let us be open and ask questions. Don't let words keep you down. Don't let 'newspeak' silence you. Speak out. Speak up. Learn to use words well. Then words become more than words. They can lead to deeds. As always, it's our choice whether those words and deeds build or destroy.