President Obama just proved my point.

[diabeticman]

A few days ago I posted this:


http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026869320


All anyone is talking about is that he used the n-word BUT no one is talking about the content behind it.


I stated in the post that political correctness is harming our ability to get at the root of racism, sexism and so on. We need to get past these kneejerk reactions and whining it was used but not the history and content on the words


We will never overcome this issue.

[brush]

1. He never should have used it

His comment would be just as effective if he had said "N-word".

Now everyone will have no hesitation in using it since the president uses it.

For someone so smart, that was not a smart thing to do.

[still_one]

2. You are right, and they will use it as an excuse

[spanone]

13. most who use it need no excuse.

[pnwmom]

7. Using that word as a slur is wrong, and he had every right to name that wrong.

In context, the way he used the word, he was not slurring anyone.

When used as a slur it is always wrong. People who can't tell the difference, and white people in general, should never use it.

[brush]

9. I take you are not African American?

They're already off and running using this word openly now.

Don Lemon displayed the word in huge letters on CNN yesterday.

That never would have happened without the president having used it.

I wouldn't be surprised if it's used all over FOX and other rw outlets soon since the president used it.

[pnwmom]

12. Did you read the part where I said no white person ever should use the word?

Don Lemon isn't white and he didn't use it as a slur.

Black people are entitled to discuss the issue as they wish.

[JaneyVee]

8. If he said "n-word" no one would be talking about it.

[brush]

10. I take it you are not African American?

They're already off and running using this word openly now.

Don Lemon displayed the word in huge letters on CNN yesterday.

That never would have happened without the president having used it.

I wouldn't be surprised if it's used all over FOX and other rw outlets soon since the president used it.

[JaneyVee]

11. But it made alot more people listen to the interview....

Which was one of Obama's best discussions on racial issues to date.

[brush]

16. Try that with the "C-word", see how far you get. nt

[Glassunion]

14. Disagree. The context of exactly how he used it was appropriate.

His comment would not have had the impact that it did had he not stated it in that manner. Obama, is an excellent orator, hands down. He chooses his words carefully, and I feel that he specifically chose to use the word to make an impact.

You have to look at the entire context of what he was saying, not just two syllables out of the entire conversation.

[brush]

15. I disagree. Most African Americans want to get rid of the word

Him using it gives license to any tom, dick or harry to now use it because he did.

If fact, they're already off and running with it. Don Lemmon display a huge sign with the word on CNN yesterday because the president used it.

And you can bet that won't be the end of it.

And try that with the "C-word", see how far you get.

[Fumesucker]

3. One of the little pleasures of DU is watching the murmuration change direction in unison

[brush]

4. Meaning what exactly? nt

[Fumesucker]

5. Exactly? That might take a while

It's a little like driving on a high speed bumper to bumper freeway, one car changes speed a bit and all of a sudden a relatively calm commute turns into a nightmare of bent metal and mangled flesh and everyone not actually involved is gawking at the wreck, hoping to see blood and brains on the highway. If you have ever been sliding along upside down in your car at 60 mph I'm sure you will understand.

That's one way of putting my view of GD these days.

[brush]

6. Well that certainly clears things up

Nothing like direct and to the point phrasing.