If the N-word is cool, how about “coon,” “sambo,” “spook” or “spade”?
Columnist Bernie Hayes
Will “spook,” “coon,” “jigaboo,” “piccaninny” and “spade” be added to hip-hop lyrics?
Does this sound absurd? This is the worst and most alarming period of the music world and at some time in the future an even worse descent might permit deterioration of the genre and the teenage mind.
Social changes of our time have been associated with linguistic changes. Discrimination based upon race, gender or physical condition has become less socially acceptable, except in some hip-hop lyrics and in a number of movies and videos. Careless usage of the N-word by African Americans in rap lyrics, in movies and in stand-up comedy routines seems to legitimize the word and mislead whites. Many white and Asian-American teenagers have adopted hip-hop culture as their own and can be heard using the N-word as a mark of respect or greeting among friends, impersonating their recording artist heroes. We should understand that communication is culture-bound and the way an individual converses and exchanges ideas stems from his or her culture.
But who gets to say this word, and when? Mayor Ken Corley of Brazoria, Texas, has proposed a city ordinance that would make using the word in an offensive fashion a crime equal to disturbing the peace and punishable by a fine of up to $500.
Our African-American culture shapes our values and identity, and we communicate the way we do because we are raised in a particular tradition and learn its language, rules and customs. Most of us realize the N-word’s history and its impact in literature, song, film, politics, sports and everyday speech. Cross-cultural friendships are usually formed, like any friendship, around some shared interests or characteristics, and in recent years one of the most distinguishing elements is hip-hop culture.
Here is my question: Do certain rap artists negatively influence our youths by glamorizing sex, misogyny and violence?
Again. I ask, who gets to use the N-word, when and, even more importantly, why? Can white rappers Enimem, Marky Mark, Mike D or MC Chris use the word without being reprimanded or disciplined? And if they are allowed to use the N-word, why can’t they use the others – “spook,” “coon,” “jigaboo,” “piccaninny” and “spade”?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was often referred to as “Martin Luther Coon” by racists both in the North and in the South. Will the terms “coon,” “sambo,” “spook” or “spade” become part of the hip-hop lexicon?
Conduct and performance is what we allow. We must tone down strong statements and language and expressions that would be considered appropriate in one culture but not in another. It is essential that people understand the potential problems of cross-cultural communication, and we must make a conscious effort to prevent or overcome these problems. The many positive dimensions of ethnic and cultural identity should be communicated in everyday life and through rap lyrics, movies and through hip-hop videos.
We know that some rap music contains obscene language and outrageous portrayals of homicide, drug use, rape, guns, violence and murder. And many suggest that women are subservient and men hold the power over them. We also realize that countless teens spend numerous hours watching gangsta rap music videos and listening to gangsta rap music.
As parents, guardians and role models, it is our responsibility to raise our children so that they can think for themselves, and we must teach them right from wrong. We must teach them that the N-word is perhaps the ugliest racial slur ever created. They must be taught by us the many contributions of black Americans that have influenced our culture, enriched our society with their achievements and shaped the history of the United States, and we should not be referred to as anything less than beautiful. Remember “Black is Beautiful”? If we do not demonstrate moral character and teach what is acceptable, we will be no better than “the spook who sat by the door.”
Happy Birthday, Kwame Ture (June 29, 1941- November 15, 1998).
I can be reached by fax at (314) 837-3369 or by e-mail at: berhay@swbell.net.