Posts Tagged n word
Negro - the other “N” word?
Posted by admin in Current Events, Have we overcome?, History, Media on January 25th, 2010
US Census officials say they added “Negro” to the 2010 US Census because many older black Americans were confused by the options of African-Am./Black and wrote in “Negro.”
Question number nine now provides the following answer choice: “Black, African Am., or Negro.” Many are offended by the inclusion of this word on the Census.
In another story the book Game Change by Mark Halperin and John Heilemann reports on comments made my Harry Reid. “He (Reid) was wowed by Obama’s oratorical gifts and believed that the country was ready to embrace a black presidential candidate, especially one such as Obama – a ‘light-skinned’ African American ‘with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one.’ Though Reid apologized and President Obama later forgave his comments, Reid got a lot of criticism for his choice of words.
“Negro” is getting a lot of attention lately.
Last week I listened to Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream Speech.” He used the word Negro repeatedly to describe Black Americans. His message overrode any uncomfortableness with the word and he was such an elegant speaker that I found nothing derogatory about anything he said.
Usually though when I think of the “Negro, images of fire hoses, lynchings, Klan sheets, cross burnings and “Negro Only” signs come to mind. We all know how powerful words are when we attach them to experiences, symbols and images.
What images come to mind when you hear the word Negro? Do you consider it as bad as the “N” word? What do you think of the US Census adding the word? Let’s talk…
The “N” word, part 1
Posted by admin in History, How to talk about race, Stereotypes, Videos, the N word on March 9th, 2009
This week I plan to present a series of three videos regarding the N word. What you are about to watch is a white pastor talking about his history with the word. This sermon caused a controversy for many. I happen to appreciate his honesty. He uses humor to get the point across which makes this easier to hear. Actually I found myself laughing while gasping.
Yes, I hate the word and I’m one of those people who thinks everyone should stop using it. But this video did give me a different perspective on people who use it in a derogatory way and may not understand the impact.
I contacted Pastor Michael Smith (Church Group Worldwide in Jacksonville, FL) and requested the full sermon but never got a response. I would like to have seen what happened after this. Did it have any impact on his membership? Were people receptive to it? Why did he decide to do it? I want to know these answers and if I hear from him I’ll put them in a later post.
Meanwhile, watch and please let me know what you think. Should this pastor have shared this? How do you feel about the audience (congregation) response? Would you attend this church? Let’s talk…
The N Word by Pastor Michael - Funny video clips are a click away
