The "N" Word Stops Here With Me, But My Skin Won't Let It Die
Posted: Tuesday, September 15, 2009
by Ronyae
Writings by Ronyae
After watching Kanye West make an absolute fool of himself on MTV's Music Video Awards, I decided to write a continuance to my first submission on the "N" word. During the MTV's VMA, West disrupted newcomer Taylor Swift's acceptance speech, with a rude comment about ‘Beyonce having the best video of ‘all-time'' … how disrespectful to not only Taylor Swift, but to people everywhere. This simple act was one to show that racism goes both ways, and so does ignorance. West's act of stupidity is a prime example of how some black people still have no clue as to what the term signifies.
(courtesy of MTV website)
Before I go into my continuance for the "N" Word Stops Here With Me, I would like to share a definition found in Webster's dictionary when I was in the 5th or 6th grade, compared to the definitions found today … some 25 years later: "nigger" was defined as a lazy person when my curiosity led me to Webster's at the tender age of 10 years. Now, that times have changed (I guess), the internet shares loads of vast information on what "nigger" could mean, and where it derived from. I share this:(courtesy of MTV website)2 usually offensive; see usage paragraph below : a member of any dark-skinned race
3 : a member of a socially disadvantaged class of persons <it's time for somebody to lead all of America's niggers…all the people who feel left out of the political process - Ron Dellums>
Now, I ask my readers this: Does this definition itself, seem "offensive"? [Any] black person … a nigger? WOW! So, regardless of my social status, financial status, I am still a "Nigger"? And, if you look at #3, the definition then contradicts itself, to further dilute the truth by saying "a member of a socially disadvantaged class…" What?! So, to this definition, I say: "Usually offensive? No, it's all-around offensive!
Is this the world's view? That no matter how hard I aim to be successful in this life, in this world, I am still looked upon as a person that is a member of a socially disadvantaged class … because of my skin color? I live to prove [whomever] wrong!
But, it's a hard job ahead of me, I see. Especially when people like Kanye West go and make fools of themselves on national [live] television. I see what Kanye did as reversal bigotry. Pardon my tone. But, why else would a [black] man go on stage to destroy this girl's [Taylor Swift] shining moment, by stating something as racial as "Beyonce [being black] has the best video of all-time"? Get a life, Kanye. Perhaps there are more people who like Taylor Swift's video, rather than Beyonce's. It doesn't necessarily mean that Taylor won the award because she is white. Get a grip, dude! America is trying to move forward, not backwards.
I submit this as a collection in reference to reversal racism; this isn't the last submission on this title. It's so hard to move forward when you still have so much baggage that you are trying to carry with you. It's time to wake up, world and see one another for what they hold on the inside, not what type of skin they have on the outside. Raise your children to know the difference, but not to act upon the differences.
I would also like to balance the beam with saying "Thank You" to Beyonce. Her actions of sharing her moment [winning "Video of the Year"] with Taylor Swift were what the foundation of our great nation are built upon.
"B, you have a wonderful spirit. I pray that the youth who admire you, be guided by that same spirit. On behalf of a country music fan, thank you for sliding over."
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More commentsGood article, Ronyae. There are not many words more offensive than that word used in that context. When I was growing up, my parents were older than my friends' parents. If they were still alive they'd be in their mid-ninties. My dad had a different take on things than most people. (We were Yankees) He didn't associate the word with skin color at all, in fact just the opposite. He taught me there were those of all color that fit that adjective; that it was an attitude and not at all an attribute of race and thought those who used the word racially were uneducated. In his youth the word meant a lazy skin-flint and no more. A lot of words' meanings have changed over time. Look at gay, bad, etc. As the times change we need to be careful and if at all possible live at peace with everyone.Amen, Lorrie. Your Father is/was a very intelligent, and great man! You are Blessed. Thanks for reading and sharing your comment, Lorrie.
hi ronyae,you've had some really good eye openers such as this one.i didn't see what happened, just a clip on the news, but you really did the matter justice in this piece.thanks for sharing,my best regards,sueThank you Sue for having a great spirit! Knowing that you share some of the same feelings I do on certain topics, makes it all worth 'blogging' about.Stay Blessed
Great article. Well done.I would never use the word myself. It is a foul word and I hate it so much.I'm thankful you feel that way, Connor. Perhaps your influence will inspire others. Thanks for reading and sharing your comment.
Hi Ronyae.You told it well. Keep telling it to all who will "listen" and words like yours will surely make a difference. Racism is BAD no matter who is practicing it on whom. And some words should just be eliminated from use.DianneHello Dianne, good to see you in my blogs! It's always a pleasure to see your comments, and thanks for reading.
Thanks for writing this! Kanye acted like a complete jackass (Obama had it right, but probably regrets opening his mouth on this :) ), and his apology won't undo the ruining of Swift's big night. Beyonce was great though, so hopefully Swift will still have enjoyed herself!I think I need to go and watch Kanye getting ripped on Southpark now :)Thank goodness for "Southpark"! By the way, if I was POTUS, I wouldn't regret saying it...Thanks Ben for reading and sharing a great spirit.
I guess I am not certain how the "N" word was applicable with any award. I simply see the word "nigger" as one that can be used with many red-neck punks, so it just isn't right to have blacks capitalize on the "N" word as a means of controversy but so true racism goes both ways in knowing how many white organizations would get away with White America contests. It just doesn't happen but it's not important it just is...Anonymous,Are you just looking for an opportunity to use the "N" word?... (applaud People, with standing ovation for "Anonymous") - smile.
Hi Ronyae loved the article, I have always stood my ground on Racism. I cant accept being in company of people who bad mouth others because of the color of their skin. What right I think to myself have these so called two faced people who don't voice their opinion at the time when the man with black skin is saving their life or pulling their teeth out when they have toothache and much more. I think it's best in this case to remember (Sticks and stones will break my bones but "names" can never hurt me)Keep wellKacyYes, Kacy - Let's all remember this saying. Your comment 'hits the nail on the head', thnaks for sharing it.
Great article Ronyae.Thank you for writing and sharing this to us your fans and your readers. Kanye West has no excuse for being impolite and of being rude.Best,NenitaI wonder if he knows that, Nenita. I appreciate you reading and being like a sister in pen to me, Nenita!Stay Blessed
Ronyae,I've been watching people talk about the race card regarding Senator Wilson's "You lie" statement, and according to Jimmy Carter and I think it was Sen. Le Roy Johnson the race card was invoked here. But Rep. Committee chair Michael Steele (who's black) and Bill Clinton think it wasn't about race and that there's only a fringe minority who look at things through race colored glasses. Clinton also mentioned that people are starting to "Get it" in their acceptance and election of Obama. (Some have called Clinton, actually, our first black president ;=) Nevertheless, I think race is still here, especially in the South where I've experienced it firsthand as a white Yankee visitor. Lots of red necks still down there. But I agree with Clinton and Steele that race has subsided, but we'd be fools to think it's gone or won't rear it's ugly head again. Thanks for the great article. Keep writing.
No, thank you, Jeff. Your comment was dead on,and I appreciate you sharing it with my readers.
Racism is very much alive, in some places more than others. But Jeff Brown, God bless him, is a little naive by insinuating racism is worse with southern rednecks. Apparently he has never had to live near northern rednecks. As Ronyae already knows, I'm sure, the worst things are said behind closed doors. But believe me when I say it poisons the soul of those of us who hate hearing it.
This article proves there are pillars of righteousness yet, and these will win the day in the end.- GThanks G, and yes I know all so well.
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