It was said to be a symbolic resolution and not an actual resolution
so I am not sure what we’re really dealing with: Late last
week, New York City Council banned the use of the “N-word”
because it incites hate and something, something…racism…all
the usual comments.
Is the N-word a racial epithet? Sure it is. Is it offensive to
some? Sure it is. But it is also just a word.
What’s interesting is that the cause of the commotion does
not arise from the general direction of the White community but
from Blacks–namely Black rap singers and comedians.
Councilman Leroy Comrie sponsored the umm measure? and says (because
it is so often spoken by Black people to Black people) the word
is self-denigrating and disrespectful of Black history.
I have absolutely no idea if there is any truth in this and I
really don’t care…call it the ugliest word in the
English language, I don’t care! What I care about is the
latest infringement on the very basic, very necessary freedom
of speech that is (or used to be) guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
By eliminating the “N-Word” from social discourse,
Councilman Comrie is hoping to send a message to the next generation
of Americans…
Unfortunately, that message may end up being something like:
Bye-Bye First Amendment, Hello Censorship!
More info here.
