5 posts tagged “united voices for a common cause”
One’s level of self-esteem—whether healthy or unhealthy—is a direct result of the environment and is deeply influenced by daily interactions with family, school, peer group, work place, and community.
Self-esteem is the foundation of self image, independent thought, and individuality. It can encourage us to leap bounds beyond the grandest measure, or it can discourage us from pursuing a goal before it even has the ability to ripen into a full thought. Self-esteem is the result of one’s own self-perception—the way one sees oneself in relation to their environment—and strongly reflects the level of self-value one attaches to self.
For years on end, the term “n**ger” has been used in the plight to keep black African-Americans oppressed and miles shy of achieving their God-given potential. Black African-Americans were taught to perceive themselves as something far less than human, and to devalue themselves—to be “n**gers”. As a result of the plight’s effectiveness, healthy self-esteem runs at a deficient level throughout the black African-American community.
Some black African-Americans have realized the ramifications of the term “n**ger”, understand the significance attached to a healthy self-esteem, and refuse to be referred to as a n**ger. This is because they realize the term is an antagonist to a healthy self-persona, and will not permit their own self-perception and self-value to degrade so low that they to refer to themselves as such.
On the contrary, some black African-Americans feel an affinity to the word n**ger—this is what they were taught, so this is their truth. The humility of descending to the level of the n-word is unfeigned submission of one’s mind having been overwhelmed with a weighty sense of their innate misery and self-contempt. Many black African-Americans, unfortunately, are proponents for the self-inflicted use of the n-word. Fortunes have been made by spreading a culture of gangster rap–with its glorification of crime, disrespect for women, saggin' pants, and the perpetuation of a dysfunctional vocabulary. Although this culture has contributed some positivity to the African American race in proving to youths that African Americans can attain success and own God-given creative writing abilities, this “culture” also ensures that countless young Black people will never be able to perform successfully and professionally at a job interview, or function as a civil member of society. Commentary has been made that gangsta rap is an avenue to vent one’s anger. No doubt that anger can spark passion, innovation, and ingenuity. However, the passion and innovation must be communicated in a positive manner to stimulate quality and civility, rather than the glamorization of violence and crime, dolling up drug addictions and the degradation of one’s self-perception. Some gangster rappers argue that they have no impact on the actions of their listeners; however, words are powerful. Whether the story lines are true or not, the avid listeners will perceive them to be such and be influenced by the words of their favorite rapper. Rap can be used as a positive medium to build up a generation of productive society members, or, it can continue to be used as a way to make a buck off of degrading and continually contributing to the demise of the black African-American community. …Perhaps, and almost apparently, these gangster rappers have a poor self-image. The latest exhibition of a rapper’s low self-esteem is Nas’ soon-to-be released video entitled “Be a Nigger Too.” In this video, Nas extends an invitation to the world to join him in reinforcing dehumanization, subjugation, and oppression in a supreme effort to keep this word alive. Unknowingly, due to Nas’ lack of perception and failure to realize the level of influence he exudes, he is sabotaging the sacred memories of his black ancestry in this preposterous attempt at keeping the n-word alive. There is a scene in Roots where Kunta Kinte is whipped mercilessly until he calls himself by the slave name, Toby—after which time the slave master says, “Alright, that’s a good n**ger.” This is a scene re-enacted in real life more times than can be counted. For centuries, the white world has impressed upon the minds of the black world that there is such a thing as a n**ger, and Blacks have bought it lock, stock and barrel. A healthy self-esteem provides one the courage to try new things and the power to believe in self. Self-esteem promotes self-respect, and when one respects him/herself, the rest of the world will know that individual demands to be respected by them. With a healthy self-esteem, one doesn’t look for excuses to endear themselves to a word that once was used to justify the dehumanizing, butchering and slaughtering of their ancestors. In fact, quite the contrary: They will, instead, find such a fiendish word as n**ger to be totally unacceptable. Granted the common or modern day definition of the n-word is nothing more than a racial slur, however, the historical meaning as it is applied to ascendants of African Americans is etched in stone in the annals of history and can never be rationalized away. As James Baldwin once so succinctly said: “You can only be destroyed by believing that you really are what the white world calls a n**ger.” Our ancestors did not fit the description of what was considered a n**ger, nor did they deserve to be categorized in such a manner. Once one truly understands what the description of a n**ger was—and still is, a sane person would come to realize that there is no such thing as a n**ger—at least not pertaining to them! One of the greatest powers in the world is the power to define reality and make others accept it, even when it's to their disadvantage. This is the devious strategy the white world deployed into the minds of the black race with the word n**ger. Blacks can be and are complicit in maintaining white supremacy by giving into nihilism (the n-word) and immorality in the face of the endless struggle to surmount inequality, rather than proceeding through life on their own autonomy. The n-word is a phenomenon crippling the black community and the civic will to fight it. Let go of the past. Stop breathing life into the n-word, which is killing off the black community’s self-esteem and opportunities at ultimate success. Bury that sucka. Finally claim and live in full freedom. Blacks are NOT n**gers—there is no such thing! This anti n-word movement has nothing to do with the white man’s use of the word, this is about the black race’s pathetic acceptance of the word. This acceptance must be derailed. A healthy self-esteem epitomizes personal responsibilities and holds one accountable for their actions. It entails the meeting of life’s challenges through which a healthy state of mind enables one to break free from the restraints of an oppressed mental state. A healthy self-esteem provides the encouragement, refuge, and drive one requires to successfully persevere life’s obstacles. Most people admire and respect strong individuals who have won great success by manifesting will power and self-discipline. People in all walks of life with sheer will power, self-discipline and ambition have learned new skills and improved their lives. Myriads of examples exist where African Americans have achieved ambitious goals without the need of referring to themselves—or audience members—as the n-word.
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.
The NACCP and non-affiliates have been performing mock funerals of the n-word around the country, burying the term, its negative connotations, and condescending use. The most recent funeral occurred , during the NAACP Detroit Convention weekend.
The purpose and importance of these mock funerals is being questioned by individuals from various backgrounds and circuits. Skeptics believe that these mock funerals are outright ridiculous. Advocates of killing off the n-word rebut with a meditating question: Denigrating African-American women, glamorizing violence, defining an intelligent group of people with a racial slur—a term heavily drenched in ignorance and degradation, and all its many associations…is this rationality, sensibility and intelligence?
Playing devil’s advocate, H. Lewis Smith, Founder/CEO of the United Voices for a Common Cause, Inc., openly questions the importance of the funerals, and rhetorically posed that there are more pressing issues deserving of the group’s time and attention. Lewis’ point: In order for African Americans to rise above their current state of complacency and reach their promise, all community members, regardless of status and background, must consider the task at hand—burying the n-word—a serious issue, one of highest priority, and commit to exonerating the demeaning expression from all vocabulary banks.
One may ask how removing the n-word from African Americans’ vocabulary is the single most important issue plaguing the community today when other highly urgent and seemingly more prevalent matters exist and manifest within every pulse of the community. Such matters include high incarceration and poverty rates; increasing healthcare concerns; rampant drug addictions; predatory lending; strong resistance to restoring voting rights to felons; epidemic homelessness; and continued poor school performances and conduct among African-American students. The answer is simple: Treat the cause, not the symptoms.
Far too many African Americans take this matter all too lightly. African Americans must stop smirking at and acting nonchalant toward this situation, and consider the seriousness of the call to action.
For decades, the African-American’s consciousness has been submerged in a toiling, never-ending sea of self-deprivation, and ultimately, self-destruction, at their discretion. The minds of its youths were (and still are) exposed to the poison and venomous lyrics of rap music and the Steppin Fetchit antics of black comedians. Their sole ambitions were to sell their souls and the souls of their community for fame and fortune. No one cried out in protest against these “innovations” in entertainment. Rather, they either turned their heads and chose to remain ignorant or separated from the exploitations, or they bobbed their heads rhythmically to the degrading tunes and snickered boisterously at satire-filled stand-ups.
The racist definition of a word infused in ignorance and degradation—the n-word—was being used without impunity, in an affectionate and endearing manner. Nothing was said. Self-respect, pride, dignity and honor—intrinsic assets ancestors and civil rights leaders fought so hard to secure—were being trampled on and tossed out the window. As long as African-Americans were disrespecting and holding one another down with the derogatory “friendly reminder,” not a word was murmured.
Now, with an effort in place to discard the diabolical n-word, and restore these invaluable, positive mindset ingredients, people are springing up from various places to protest the seriousness of the n-word and its adverse effects on the mindset. Side-line naysayers who convey skeptical and cynical attitudes toward the anti-n-word movement are simply demonstrating their “Can’t” mindset.
To affect change, one must first arouse the people’s consciousness. Mock funerals are stirring up thoughts among people of all backgrounds and creating dialogue about mind power, the negativity the n-word manifests, and the importance of getting on board with the movement to put this idiom to rest.
Although skeptics still exist, a large majority of African Americans, and people in general, are responding positively to the movement. Mock funerals are and will continue to wake people up to the fact that the non-use of this word is detrimental to a whole race’s welfare.
The anti-n-word movement is long overdue, but there is no better time than now to link arms and march for healthy mind power and intellectual freedom. No matter one’s thoughts or feelings regarding the NAACP, Jesse Jackson, or Al Sharpton, they have all elected to do the right thing by jumping aboard an already-moving train engineered by a grass-root movement.
Petty differences must be set aside. For once, the African-American community must band up in efforts to heighten African-American values and standards, take charge of their own destiny, and stop serving as a doormat for the rest of the world. The initial step is for African Americans to eradicate the habit of defining themselves—a beautiful, intelligent, self-actualizing people—with a racist definition that stands for everything contrary to the African-American ethnic group.
Monday, March 12, 2007, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in New York, Patti Smith sang the song Rock and Roll N*gger. In the song reference is made to Ghandi and Jesus as being n*ggers and thus Patti’s explanation for singing the song was “the song was written as an attempt to elevate the n-word to a mantle of honor by applying it to the world's great outsiders.”
This is just simply unacceptable. Can you imagine someone advancing the idea that the phrase or slogan “Heil Hitler” being raised to a mantle of honor? We all know how insulting that phrase is and therefore no American will use it. For something like 15 years that name terrorized much of the world.
In retrospect the n-word terrorized the hearts and minds of a race of people for more than 250 years. During this era the n-word was justification for death and destruction that was unleashed upon the African American, unlike anything ever witnessed by humankind on the face of this earth, before or since. Hitler’s escapades in comparison would be like child’s play. To take this very same word and embrace it with tender loving care and want to raise it to a mantle of honor is moronic and borders on the line of imbecility. And just because there are those African Americans who are asleep at the wheel doesn’t mean that we all are.
United Voices for a Common Cause, says enough is enough. . No longer is it acceptable to dishonor and desecrate the memories of our ancestors and spit upon their graves with the very word that was used to dehumanize them…the n-word. No longer are we going to overlook their struggles and sacrifices by embracing the very word that was used to terrorize and traumatize their hearts, minds and bodies. In other words no longer are we going to allow the memories of our ancestors to be trampled upon and disrespected. No longer is it acceptable for contemporary African Americans to disrespect themselves…and no LONGER is UVCC going to allow non-blacks to insult our intelligence by trying to minimize and trivialize the TRUE meaning of the n-word.
All good things must eventually come to an end and the practice of using the minds of African Americans as a wasteland where you can feel free to dump any ole thing upon it is about to come to an end. All races and nationalities have their pride...it's time the African American crashes the party and get some racial pride of their own and there is nothing prideful about referring to each other as the n-word...absolutely nothing. To learn more about the United Voices for a Common Cause please go to http://www.theunitedvoices.org
