So we're banning words now? How much longer until we're banning religious practices or banning the press from writing things about the government?

This is a long and involved discussion that seems to revolve around the words "prejudice" and "stereotype." However, I see it as a real freedom-of-speech issue. When we speak, we get to choose our words. We choose them to help or hurt, instruct or humor, whatever we need to accomplish, there is/are a word(s) for it. We really, really should (by the time we're adults) know when it is and when it is not appropriate to say something. But, we should still have the freedom to speak as we see fit. However, even if I have the "right" to speak out against something, it doesn't necessarily mean I should. I wouldn't go around exercising my right of "Free Speech" if it meant I was asking for an "ass-kicking."

If we can't say the "N-word," the "Z-word" will follow, then the "X-word" and soon, there will be a whole host of words that we can't say. That's funny- that sounds something like a dictatorship where you don't have the freedom of speech! Thankfully we live here where we do have the freedom of speech? Sometimes I really wonder.

Also, if the word is "banned," why I always seem to hear black people saying it? Just flip on MTV or BET for a few minutes and I'm sure you'll hear it. For some reason, it's not offensive when it goes from one black person to another (generally speaking- I'm sure that there are some who don't care for it regardless).

So, overall, I don't think that any word should be banned- that is the beginning of speech restriction. Who, I ask you, will decide which word(s) are to be banned? Will there be a democratic election to determine this? Just some food for thought.

Learn more about this author, James Halford.
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