Kwesi Mfume of the NAACP hosts a show here called the Bottom Line on Sundays. This past week one of the topics on the show was J-Lo and the N-word. They had a very heated debate about it. One of the panelists, who objects to the words use and widespread acceptance amongst Black people, and another who is not as put off by the word, both agreed that a big point and difference for them was how loud we are about it. For instance one panelist said she felt as though all though all groups may have some who will use a derogatory term about themselves, she does not hear their children hollering it on the train or putting it in their media to the level that we do. Our wide spread and public use cannot help but cause a spill over at some point. I mean think about, White kids buy rap music in greater numbers than Black kids do, learn all the words and rap right along with every mf and n on the album. They are being conditioned by the word and how can it be shocking when they then become comfortable, maybe even too comfortable using the word. Really, in many ways we put the words in their mouths and then get mad when they come out.
Star of Star and Buckwild who set this off in NYC was one of the guests and he said for himself that he does not like the word and does not respond when greeted "what’s up my n" and the like. Mr. Mfume ended the segment with an African Proverb that says "it is not what name you call me but what name I answer to." I thought that was interesting.
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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Baltimore Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter
#3 of ER 30
Spring 1999
"No finer girls will you ever see, and I'm so glad I pledged- for what?
For DST!"
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