You can read about the conversation here in thegrio.com.
It's a conversation that really isn't connecting. In my opinion two points are being made that have validity. To which the degree of validity ranges.
Piers Morgan's point about the use of the ugly ole' "N-word" is this: it doesn't help.
To which I say, you're right and you don't even know what your right about.
It doesn't deepen racism. It doesn't exacerbate racism. It doesn't make racism acceptable.
It takes away identity Piers. When you refer to someone as just that it's demeans who they are. Imagine being called that everyday instead of Piers Morgan. You're no longer you, you are just another face in the crowd. It's use is to disenfranchise and it's become socially acceptable to refer to each other as such instead of by their given name. It's use as a term of endearment to me is laughable, but understandable. Language is ever evolving and to claim it's use in 2014 is a civil rights issue is a soft-ball of an argument.
The "N-word" is just as bad as "some dude" or "that one guy." It takes away the importance of an individual.
Recognize me for who I am and call me by my name.
That's the point you should of made.
Validity of Piers Morgan's point is minimal. Which is something John Legend points out.
In one of his tweets John Legend says:
"Assume black people stopped saying the word and white people had no excuse to say it, what would that solve?"I understand his question, especially since Piers regards himself as a civil rights advocate in his op-ed.
John Legend's twitter remarks about his Op-ed is this: Piers Morgan's point is pointless.
John Legend is an activist and avid one at that according to his TED profile. So his question doesn't come from someone just pointing the finger at Piers' perspective.
John Legend also points out something else with this tweet:
"What you suggested was actually useless and directed the blame for racism on the victims' use of a word. focus elsewhere."
Victim blaming, the defensive response by any aggressor who doesn't want to take accountability.
What I don't like here by John Legend is the way he shuts down the conversation. Rational minds know racism isn't black people's fault. Using that instance to have a "drop the mic" kind of moment against Piers doesn't help either.
Have an honest conversation. You know what he believes, but why does he believe that? Why does he think it's the responsibility of the black community? What are some real solutions in your opinion to fighting racism Piers? How did you come to this conclusion factually?
Open up the conversation to every tweeter following the thread to something enriching and meaningful. Give the public something to simmer on.
John Legend's point: It's great but go for it all. Keep the conversation going.
As far as the N-word goes, I don't use it. Personally it's just not for me, and I have chosen to not use it. I do get offended when I hear it. I voice my stance, which is to be called by my name: Matthew. I leave it at that.
Yet we're seeing this word as something just being apart of a national culture.
A generational divide exists here to.
After all is said and done, the very rappers Piers Morgan brings up have normalized a once derogatory word into a word that is being seen more and more as a term of endearment or reference to ANY human.
It's negative connotation is lost to younger generations because of that context. Which is really what we are striving for: Social Change.
Words can generate hate. Words can generate love. Words can change the consciousness of a nation.
If we talk openly about our differences, about our misunderstandings, we can change perspectives. We can create a much more honest portrait of our nation, an inclusive image of every walk of life.
We don't have to be the same to live equally and with respect for one another.
What the hell happened to honest conversations? We're not good listeners.
