by Indigo Blu

Created on: March 19, 2009

How is it that we have constant conversation about racism in this society, yet it still remains alive and well? Please allow me to answer. This happens because while we all claim to be open to communication, there is still a lack of desire to understand other cultures, and a refusal to accept responsibility for one's actions.

I hear all the time about the double standard of the "N" word amongst African-Americans. "If they can call each other that, I can call them that too." Or, I hear affluent, academically astute African-Americans state, "How can we be mad at other people for calling us that name when we have allowed ourselves to call each other that?" I'm going to tell you a story, and while I pride myself in my way of thinking in this situation, I do also wish others could follow suit:

One day, I was at my desk, and two managers were talking in one of their offices. Both of them are of Italian nationality; one man, one woman. The two of them were very good friends; equivalent to sibling-like. The woman invites the man to have a cup of coffee with her. The man says that he no longer drinks coffee. The woman replies, "You don't drink coffee anymore? What kind of a f*king Guinea are you?!" I was shocked not only that she would say such a thing in the workplace, but that she was so free with being so inappropriate.

When I heard the woman make that statement, I automatically knew one thing: as derogatory as I find that term to be, that is IN NO WAY a term that I am allowed to use. If anyone can use that term, it is the Italian community and ONLY the Italian community. I don't say, "Well, she called him a Guinea, so I can do the same." I don't think so. I'm intelligent enough to be aware of the fact that that term IS NOT FOR ME TO USE. That is a term for a specific group of people. If those people choose to use the term amongst themselves, that is their business. However, if I were to use such a term, I would be in very big trouble...AS I SHOULD BE.

Which takes me back the "N" word. Is every other race and ethnicity so simple and limited in their thinking to believe that they are just using the term because so many African-Americans use it? I don't think so. In fact, if anyone DOES think that is the case, then he or she is really underestimating the world we live in. In addition, not ALL African-Americans use the term, so to give that lame debate that "Black people call each other that all the time, so why can't we?" is not only a boldfaced lie, but a stereotype and generalization to excuse and allow others the false right to use the term.

My point is that each and every person has a moral responsibility to be conscientious enough to do and say what they know is RIGHT, and not just go along with the crowd.

Learn more about this author, Indigo Blu.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.