4 posts tagged “black community”

H. Lewis Smith

The Nas Legionnaires—a herd of misguided, pea-brain sycophants melodically influenced when Nas strums his flute of musical ignorance—are absolutely ecstatic about the new rapper’s single, “Be A Nigger Too.”   

“Be A N**ger Too” is co-produced by Salaam Remi and Big Jack. The song explores the media’s impact on peoples’ perception of the n-word; pardons Eminem for using the idiom in his rhymes; and sustains and invites listeners to “be a n**ga too”—despite the historic plight of black people and the satirizing nature the term reflects upon the African-American community. The song prefaces Nas’ CD—with an expected July 1, 2008, release date, “Nigger.”

Nas and wife at Grammy Awards

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” In line with the great Reverend’s ideology, the idea that blacks can use the n-word and non-blacks cannot is nothing more than an unjustified double standard—as is any other double standard—that must be immediately discarded. For an African American to utilize the term says that they do not respect themselves or the constant struggles of their ancestors; for a non-black to use the idiom expresses their disrespect for the African-American culture, and keeps alive the inferior mindsets that have oppressed the black community for centuries. No benefit comes from the use of this term. If it is not good for one group, it is not good for anyone.

However, Nas and supporters seem to disregard the “double standard” and its true effects.  With the leaked preview of his new song, Nas is “officially” extending an invitation to the world—black or non-black—to use the word and continue contributing to the demise of the African-American community. This is the epitome of imprudence.

African-American ascendants were robbed of heart, mind, body, soul and manhood. Violent mental abuse was perpetuated upon them, and—although they were the complete counter of the ideologies thrust upon them—they were forced to accept a self-image of being lazy, sex fiends, thieves, drunks, irresponsible, moral degenerates, stealthy and cunning, mindless, heartless and inferior scum—something to be despised and considered worthless.

The ascendant male was further coerced into having lack of love and respect for self, and to show no love or respect towards his woman or child.   Even though the black woman was included in this vindictive conspiracy, she was allowed to have a little more self-esteem than her counter-part black male.   For the black male was viewed as the most intimidating and greatest challenge to the white male.   The white male knew that if he could manipulate and erode the black man’s self-image, the black man would not view himself as a superior or equal, but as an inferior.   The white male bruised the black male’s self pride and dignity by constantly referring to him, his wife, and child as nothing more than low-down, useless, filthy “n**gers”, and treating them as such.   

Under the jeers of “n**ger, n**ger, n**ger,” African-American victims were mutilated, castrated, skinned, roasted, burned, hanged and shot.   Under the laws of the land at the time, this conduct was acceptable since the victims were considered to be nothing more than n**gers.

This is truly the intent of the n-word: It is a self-destructive mind control that simply and continuously beats up one’s perspective of him/herself.   Its use maintains the image and meaning that was browbeaten and physically beaten into the hearts, minds and souls of African Americans for more than 300 years.

The use of the n-word is a 400-year-old practice that is still charging full-steam ahead, and must come to a screeching halt. For more than 300 years, “n**ger” was a metaphor for a race of people considered to be sub-human and three-fifths of a person. The slur owns an abominable history that, for all intent and purpose, is etched in stone—regardless of its present day metamorphosis into a term of endearment, or representation as a by-product of “the struggle.”  Whatever the new-age justification, the n-word’s very use is inappropriate and counterproductive to human relations; the term devours any level of respect—given or received, cultural pride and dignity, and dehumanizes whomever the term is used toward.

In 1986, a rap group called NWA (N**gaz With An Attitude) formed.   From that point up to present day, the imprint of the self-destructive nature of the n-word has become most apparent.   Rap lyrics debased women—characterizing black women as nappy headed ho’s, b*tches and tricks; humiliated the black race; and glamorized violence, reinforcing the historical intent of the image of a “n**ger.” Rap music, pop-culture celebrities, and most often poverty-stricken fans combined to create an alluring "cool-pose culture” of self-destructive behaviors.

"N**ger" cannot be sanitized in any form to make it an acceptable term because of its malevolent history—not unless it is possible to undo all of the violent and wanton atrocities perpetrated upon the subjugated, all of which is embedded in and communicated through this term.   Since returning to the past is not likely, the possibility of undoing the term’s intent is impossible.  "N**ger" is a symbol certifying that brainwashing has worked, that if an ideology is continuously stamped into the psyche of a people, they will voluntarily apply it to themselves. 

Nas certainly has the freedom and right to name his album whatever he wants; however, back in the mid-l990’s when Michael Jackson attempted to use the word “kike” in one of his songs, he quickly discovered the difference between the Jewish community and Black community: respect and self-respect is imperative in the Jewish Community. Michael quickly removed the word from his song and issued an apology.

Because the Jewish and Black communities have faced a great deal of discrimination alike, the two communities basically face the same issues of fighting hard to gain back their cultural respect. Thus, one can’t help but to pose the question: Is it likely that a Jewish person would come out with a CD entitled “Kike”? Possibly! However, with the uniting and sternness of the Jewish community in demanding cultural respect, one could unequivocally answer this question with a firm “NO”!  This is because the Jewish community would never be moronic enough to support the sells of such an album.  As well, record companies would never be naïve enough to publish something of this nature because they know that the Jewish community would fight them every step of the way, sending them through hellish litigation.

Artists along with the record companies are making ungodly sums of revenue from these types of albums.  Bear in mind these very same recording companies are making mega millions off the n-word but would never consider doing the same with the k-word or other more pressing issues:  Back in the early 90s Ice-T came out with a song entitled Cop Killer making police brutality the center of attention. So much pressure was placed on Warner Bros. that Ice-T had to remove the song from his album Body Count.

So why do Black people such as Nas and some others think lesser of themselves and their race?  Why are they selling their souls? Why do some in the Black community support such conduct? The debasement of blacks has always been an acceptable commodity that sold; whereas, disparaging remarks about any other ethnic group and/or government institution is held to a different standard. Like it or not, the actions of the black participants in this machination reinforces the psychological true intent of the n-word—mental enslavement.

It must be recognized that Nas and all the others who contribute to the

debasement of the black race serves as evidence to a last link in the chain of a subjugated past. This link will never be broken until association with the n-word is obliterated.

It’s most unfortunate that some African Americans have allowed themselves to be bamboozled into thinking it’s okay to relate to a word which served as a metaphor to crucify, castrate, torture, murder, maim and rape their ancestors. They have elected to sell their souls for thirty pieces of silver, never realizing they are “the inside man” carrying out the 400-year-old plight to undermine the African-American race—their own people.

The ancestors of African Americans have never been able to rest in peace.  Instead of continually spitting on their graves and canonized memories, it is time to let go of the very word that kept them gripped in terror and fear.  Time has come to show them some respect, dignity, honor and pride.  In doing so, we extend the same to ourselves, helping to eliminate the ever-present self-hatred.  It is time to break that last link to an ominous, dark and dastardly past by eliminating the use of “n**ger.”

H. Lewis Smith

On August 5, 2007, a few residents of the small Louisiana town, Amite City, called the police. They complained that a man was cruising through the town with an indecent word prominently displayed on his car. The African-American man, Mr. Johnny Duncan, was stopped by authority figures, and ticketed for the obscenity. Mr. Duncan claims that he was simply advertising his book, You Might be a N**ger, and ticketing him is a violation of his First Amendment Rights.

In an interview with WAFB Channel 9 News anchors, Mr. Duncan revealed that he had been riding around town for two months with the promotional sign displayed on his car. He contends that the n-word, though offensive, is not a legal obscenity; therefore, the ticket is obsolete. Mr. Duncan believes he has the right to earn a living by advertising and promoting his product as does anyone else. Mr. Duncan plans to appeal the ticket on his Oct 3 court date, and challenge whether the n-word, displayed in a book or as part of a title, is lawfully obscene.

The interview, which can be viewed at http://wafb.com/Global/story.asp?S=6894396, further addresses Mr. Duncan’s feelings regarding the alleged violation, the basis for his argument, and the reasons why he performed this seemingly offensive and illogical act. Because of all the other recent controversy surrounding the use of derogatory terms in reference to African Americans, interviewers believe that an army of reporters from around the country will attend the proceeding to see, first hand, the outcome.

The outcome and ramifications of this situation are uncertain. H. Lewis Smith, Founder & CEO of the United Voices for a Common Cause, is concerned about the prospect of a black man seeking the legal use of a degrading racial slur rooted in negative connotations toward the African-American community. Mr. Smith believes that Mr. Duncan’s actions may very well support other races’ use of the term, and cause confusion within the African-American community, adversely affecting progression from the use of the mind-controlling idiom. As well, Mr. Duncan’s “freedom of speech” angle, if upheld in court, may validate or justify freely using the term—another step backward.

If Mr. Duncan’s argument prevails during the October 3 showdown, the “Kramer” Richards and Don Imus’ of the world will creep up from the woodworks in droves. They will openly use the derogatory terms in reference to African Americans, unhindered, and graciously thank Mr. Duncan—an African-American man—for unequivocally upholding his right to “freedom of speech,” just so he—and anyone else—can use the n-word.

H. Lewis Smith, along with being the founder and CEO of the United Voices for a Common Cause, Inc., is the author of Bury that Sucka!: A Scandalous Love Affair With the N-word. Mr. Smith’s goal is to expose the magnitude of negativity the use of the n-word has on the subconscious, one’s self-perception, and lifetime success; promote the benefits of education; increase mind power; and end the use of the n-word. He has been a guest on numerous radio shows, some of which include Dennis Snipes’ `FOCUS`; XM 169 The Power; and Da Breakfast Club, hosted by Tessa and Baby J.

H. Lewis Smith

“Facing the rising sun of our new day begun

Let us march on ‘til victory is won”

The above quote is a line from the Negro National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing.

First in l863 the signing of the Proclamation of Emancipation then the signing of the 1964 Civil Rights Bill…freedom triumphantly prevails?   Yet, the end of one journey signifies the beginning of another…the responsibilities and obligations of assimilating this freedom…the rising sun of new challenges.

Presently, there are some pressing issues enveloping the Black community, i.e. economic deprivation, black on black crime, homelessness, drugs, gangs and the list goes on.  What happened?  And how do we resolve these issues?   Has the Black community, since l965, been retrogressing?

Facts indicate that tremendous strides have indeed been made.  The doors of opportunity have opened up in many directions.  Corporate , television, the political world, and statesmanship, etc.; consequently, most of white America looks at black America and say…My goodness!  Equal opportunity is working you should have nothing to complain about.  Of course, when you look at one side of this coin the picture is very encouraging, but there is another side that commands attention.

Figures from Human Rights Watch show that while Blacks comprise 13% of the nation’s population they constitute 30% of those arrested, 49% of those imprisoned and that Black men were incarcerated 9.6 times the rate of White men.  Simultaneously there are now more young Black males in prison than college.  The typical white family has 14 times as much wealth as the typical black family who generally earns approximately 56 cents for every dollar earned by white families.

 This disparity, is it solely the result of a racist institutionalized system?  Suppose we go back to the 60s and take another look at all that has transpired from then up to present day.

During the 60s civil rights struggle, religious leaders, civil rights leaders, our black newspapers were all there to help fight the fight against oppression and segregation.   Now we are faced with an enigma, a new found freedom, and what to do with it.  What was once group survival now is evolving into individual survival and to an even greater extent class survival with the middle class being the sole beneficiary of social and economical gain.