Kennedy's Book Blog #2

I agree with Andy Rooney when he said "the best way to get rid of a problem is to hold it up to the bright light and look at all sides" but I don't necessarily think Kennedy does this in his book. Kennedy gives many examples and displays the different views that exist about the n-word but I don't believe a book can look at all sides when it is only one person's writing. It's not about whether or not the author is white or black; their opinion will be exposed and can create a bias or misinterpretation of the problem. I also don't believe we will ever get rid of this problem. The word is out there, it doesn't matter who uses it, it's out there and it can't be legislated. The Boston Public episode addressed many of the different sides when dealing with the n-word. Some African Americans believe white people should not be allowed to say the word because they don't know how it feels to be an African American. At the same time they can use the word because it belongs to them. The Abolish the N-Word website said, "Racism is so subtle, we now think that we can embrace the “N” word and take away its power." While Kennedy addressed this in his book he also showed how African Americans such as Langston Hughes, Bill Cosby, and E.R. Shipp believe that no one should be using the word. Shipp said, "There needs to be no confusion.... The N-word has no place in contemporary life or language" (128). Bill Cosby argued that no one should use the word. If African Americans use it white people will get a negative impression. The Abolish the N-Word website also said, "Every time we use the “N” word it is a slap in the face of our elders and a blatant disrespect to our ancestors."

There is a benefit in examining the word. People can take a look at other view points and try to be understanding of what others think. After examining the word and the painful American past people can make a better judgement about using the word. The intent of the word can be changed according to who is saying it and why they are using the word, but there will always be African American history attached to the word meaning someone somewhere will take offense to the word. Words alone have power; they don't always need to be spoken. Seeing the title of Randall Kennedy's book alone can cause reactions. Reading it in public or even in the privacy of your own home can cause a complete stranger or a parent to approach you out of curiosity or anger. In Kennedy's book Professor Richard Delgado refers to "words that wound" (63). He explains how words lead to racism and violence. There are many "words that wound" because words have power.