Cornel West Debates Michael Eric Dyson Over Use of the N-Word on New CD
Dr. Cornel West, one of the nation’s most recognized Black public intellectuals, this week released his second hip-hop CD, a collaborative project with some of the biggest names in rap and R&B.http://diverseeducation.com/artman/publish/article_9183.shtml
August 27th, 2007 at 3:43 pm
I agree with Dr. West that the older generation needs to listen to the younger generation. This dialogue will probably not be an easy one, but it is a necessary and crucial endeavor.
I am employed as an in-school suspension monitor, a position that allows me the opportunity to sit down with Black adolescents and investigate what is important to them, and help them make better choices so far as their behavioral responses to situations are concerned. I am currently attending graduate school to train as a mental health counselor, and my goal is to become a middle school counselor. I believe it is my duty to find innovative ways to introduce our urban students to character education attributes, higher-order thinking skills, and in particular, their African-American History. I laud Cornel West’s efforts along these lines. I also support his position regarding the N-word controversy. I hear this word about one hundred times a day, and it never ceases to sicken me to the core when I do hear it.
We need to communicate with our youth by all means necessary and available, so that we can viably assist these young people in getting their needs met.
October 3rd, 2007 at 5:41 am
In 1995, I experienced my child’s transition from childhood to puberty. My home was filled with n….. this and n….that. I was disappointed. I discussed the n word with my child, but to no avail. The music still persisted. I questioned myself. I knew this word reeked of hatred and my child tried to convince me that it did not. In my desperation and I wrote the following:
UNDER YOUR SKIN
Nigger?
That couldn’t be what you said
your stifled body movements
scowling face
revealed a subcutaneous fear
exhibited
when your lips
mouthed
enigma
yes
enigma,
that’s what you really meant
a puzzle
riddle
unknown entity
Far from invisible
Intimidating
to those of
narrow scope
Strong
despite daily oppression
Supportive
Nurturing
Empowered
by the same spirit
that sustains all
Nigger?
No,
Enigma.