IS THE “N” WORD OFF-LIMITS TO EVERYONE?

Let’s get real, we all know that the “N” word (“nigger to be precise”) is an offensive word to most black people and to many white people, especially if it is uttered by a white person, but is using that word “verboten” when expressed in public by everyone? The answer, according to the “race hustlers”, like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, and other self-appointed leaders of the black community, is a “qualified YES”. God forbid, though, any white person uses that term in public (with the exception of the late Robert Byrd, a white former KKK member and a liberal), they are immediately condemned to eternity as racist bigots, no ifs ands or buts, but not in the case of a black person.

But, you may ask, don’t we have “free speech” guaranteed by our constitution? Of course we do, but don’t try to invoke that “evil” document into the conversation or debate if you don’t want to be called a racist or a bigot.

Ironically, as bad as the word “nigger” is viewed in our society, not everyone is restrained from using it. In fact, in some cases it is looked upon somewhat favorably. It seems it is O.K. to use the word if you are a black comedian or a “Hip-Hop” or “Rap” artist (where they got the word “artist” to describe these performers, I don’t know). The wrath of the “P.C. Police” generally will not come down upon a Chris Rock, the late Richard Pryor and a host of “Rappers” who very flippantly use the word “nigger” to enhance their act, even among mixed audiences, and to pad their wallets as a result.

Just recently, Dr. Laura Schlesinger used the term “nigger” in some commentary with a caller on her radio program. The “racial arsonists” and the righteous liberal media jumped all over her. I hear that she has since quit her radio show as a result of this flap. I presume their wrath was directed at her mainly because she is a white “conservative” talk show host who used that word against “their” rules. Where’s the outrage when the aforementioned black people use that word? Some blacks like Bill Cosby have condemned the use of the word “nigger” used by other blacks, but generally they all seem to get a pass because they are black.

On the other hand, what about black people using the term "cracker", "honky", "whitey", “redneck” etc. in response to their describing “white people”? Is that O.K. because it is directed at the former “oppressors” of black people? Do you think there might be a double standard in play when people of different ethnic or racial backgrounds can use derogatory terms for people of the other ethnic or racial groups and get away with it? “You betcha”, as the “evil” Sarah Palin would say.

No amount of moralizing will prevent or stop others from using those offensive words. Only the “self-righteous” indignation of the phony politicians and the people who are the “victim purveyors”, like Jackson and Sharpton, will the condemnation be so severe that the person caught using it will be placed on society’s trash pile and will be heaped upon with scorn and derision, meanwhile giving cover to the politician and “race hustler” as being morally superior to the offender. I wonder how many times the word “nigger”, “cracker” etc. have been used in private gatherings by the various sanctimonious Congressional groups, both black and white? I firmly believe that all of us, at one time or another, has used one or more of those terms sometimes in our lives.

So yes, it is offensive to use those terms and people using them should be aware that many people will be offended by its use, but let’s not pass laws or ban people from using those terms, no matter who is offended by its use. Let us all support the 1st Amendment and, in addition, also bring into play some moral suasion to educate others to refrain from using those offensive terms recklessly, in order to put down others not like themselves.

Conservative commentary by Chuck Lehmann