https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40m8hVGmzNQ
Inspired by the blackish episode, I began surfing the web for more opinions/ discussion about the use of the “n” word. Culturally, debate about the word often happens in the hip hop/rap medium. Our discussion on cultural appropriation in class touched on some of the sources of contention in the debate. While use of the “n” word is pervasive in our society, it is still as taboo as it gets in the discussion of race relations in America; while mention of the word in any room will immediately bring tension, another group takes pride in the ability to reclaim the word.
The discussion on who is entitled to use the word and what context the word can be used is one that I have with my friends often. While I have often thought the meaning and appropriateness of the word is dependent on the cultural context of it’s use, the above video of featuring Chris Collinsworth, an NFL Sportscaster is poignant in revealing the decisive nature of the word in a locker room. While he is clear in forbidding white football players from using the word at all, he appears to offer a less severe warning for African American players. He references to the divisive nature of the word and it’s potential negative impact on the team chemistry as reasons to opt for not using the word.
What do you guys think about Collinsworth’s message? Is he asking too much of white players specifically? Should use of the word be banned in the NFL because it’s a professional organization?