by Craig Thompson
Recently, singer-actress Jennifer Lopez became embroiled in a minor controversy when several African Americans called for a boycott of her album "All Things J. Lo" because or her use of "the N word" in the single, "I'm Real." The duet with rapper Ja Rule, has been in steady rotation for weeks on radio stations across the country.
The proposed boycott represents the latest example of the anger and tension that still surfaces when this word is uttered by anyone other than an African American. Unfortunately, it also demonstrates the challenges we face regarding the continuing hypocrisy associated with this racial epithet.
There is a question that's been asked for years. Why is it acceptable for African Americans to make liberal use of a term they claim to despise, but totally unacceptable when used by anyone else? This double standard is a problem and the roots of the problem are deep.
For centuries when African Americans heard "the n word", it was immediately followed by death, destruction or some other form of terror. So, it is understandable that we would have an automatic response when someone utters the word today. However, we have lost our moral authority to express anger when, collectively, we use "the n word" more today than any white supremacist or white citizens council member in 1950!
How can we possibly state that the word offends us when spoken by others then justify using the term with each other as a term of endearment? If we take this train of thought to its logical conclusion, then what do we say to the biracial child who "looks" white, considers him/her self black and grows up in a black neighborhood? Do we tell this person that they are prohibited from using the term solely because of their appearance, despite the fact that they are "family?"
I recall the fight for civil rights being about eliminating the prohibition of actions based solely on appearance. Admittedly, this is a tough position to argue. We never want to be caught in a situation where it appears we are creating an environment that makes others comfortable with using "the n word." Interestingly, the point of this piece is that WE HAVE ALREADY DONE THAT!
When we use and accept "the n word" in our homes, our songs, our clubs and in public places of commerce we eliminate the foundation required to reject the term when its used by others. We have all heard the counter-arguments: "Italians call themselves names;" "Jews call themselves names;" Latinos call themselves names." My response is simple. I can think of NO word or label with the same foul, obscene and demoralizing history as the one Jennifer Lopez is being chastised for using in a song she sings (By the way, the lyrics of the song were written by a black man).
Most importantly, we should never base our actions or activities on how other individuals or groups treat each other. Our standards should be our own! It is my understanding that the fight waged last year by the NAACP to eliminate "the n word" from the dictionary was, in part, for the purpose of diminishing its acceptance and use by the public at large. In this age of technology and mass communication, it is imperative that we work diligently to reduce the comfort level of anyone who wishes to express the word, and recognize that history is on our side!
Craig Thompson is an attorney, lecturer, writer and host of weekly radio and television shows. At age 32, Craig is a highly sought after public speaker, addressing topics such as leadership, goal setting and self-esteem. He has spoken across the country at churches, schools, colleges and to civic organizations. He can be reached at cathompson42001@yahoo.com
