A Word With A Misunderstood Depth

http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2009/02/13/sanford-and-son-n-word/?icid=200100397x1219190068x1201199224
I found this article on the use of the "N" word. The author, Paul Shepard is arguing that the word should NOT be sensored from the t.v. show because it adds much-needed humor. Shepard agrees that in certain situations, the use of the word can be inappropriate and can cause controversy but, that the way it is used in the t.v. series, "Sanford And Son" is okay. The characters in the t.v. show are black and, to be honest, I find it almost annoying that its okay for them to use it but if a white person were to use it, it would be completely wrong.

I have a very close friend who is African American and we were listening to a song by an African American rapper who used the "N" word. When I asked my friend to tell me why its okay for the singer to use it and not white people, he said that he could not really explain it to someone like me. I cannot remember exactly what he said word for word so, therefore, I cannot quote him but in short, this is essentially his point: Its about respect. It could be really offensive if a white person were to say it even in a black person's presence, but if someone of color/someone who has been through enough in their life to understand the depth of the word, then it is okay if it is used because it is a sign of respect and understanding but other than that, it is a word that is inappropriate and very hurtful.

I find it crazy that a single word in our vocabulary has so much history behind it and so much pain and hurt that goes along with it. But on one hand, I think that the fact that it is being sensored from television is a good thing. It shows that there is recognition that the word has a lot of bad potential. The t.v. station who chose to sensor it made a good decision and their sensitivity to the use of the "N" word is hopefully going to help our society to stop racism. On the other hand, I believe that we cannot just forget that the word even exists because it represents a major part of this country's history that should never be forgotten so that it is never repeated.

Prom-tastic? (...bad title, i know)

What would "The High School Experience" be without the romantic, wonderful, exciting, Prom Night? Supposedly the best night of the four years that high school involves, with that special someone, beautiful dresses and fancy tuxedos, expensive dinners, limozines, before and after parties, etc. Day-long preparation including, manicures, pedicures, hair and tanning salons. It is those few hours that every student waits for, right? Wrong. This might be what people think but, in most cases, it could not be more false. Prom is an extremely over-romanticized event of our time. In fact, a lot of people do not even attend the prom dance. It only lasts a few hours and from what I have, personally, heard from people who went to the dance at the end of their Junior or Senior year of highschool, it is "way overrated". It is by no means the highlight of the four years, 208 weeks, 1460 days in "The High School Experience". So if you are going into the ninth grade thinking ahead to prom, then think again because not everything is what it is made out to be, or at least that is the case in our society.

"One of the Greatest Works of American Literature"?

I am, personally, intrigued by the controversy that arises when Mark Twain or Huckleberry Finn's name arises. Twain's writting can be read to be very racist and it can also be read to be supportive of anti-racism. To me, what I find most interesting is the fact that no where in his book does he directly say, show or prove which side he is on. One could easily think that he is racist after reading this book. I think that this is exactly his intent. He seems to like being vague and leaving his reader on a cliff-hanger, to finish and sum up main ideas for themselves. I was searching for articles in the Chicago Tribune (a reliable source, or course) when I came accross this one (link below) which states that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is "One of the Greatest Works of American Literature" (Chicago Tribune, 2002). This article really highlights praises the book for its anti-slavery and anti-racist message. I do not think that the book necessarily does have a message against discrimination in slavery. I believe that it could go either way but I do believe that it is one of the greatest works of American literature. I have never read a book before like this one where interpretations can vary so widely. I think that the fact that Twain does not specify his opinions on the subject of his narrative is a message in and of itself. Maybe he is trying to show us that even when we think we are being anti-descriminatory, it can still be seen as to be quite the opposite.

*I found this article through New Trier's databases so you might have to log into your NT account to access this article if you do not already have a subscription to Chicago Tribune online. http://ntesx01-lic.nths.net:2056/pqdwebindex=7&did=100161769&SrchMode=1&sid=3&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1233532046&clientId=160