We had a rather heated discussion in class on Thursday about the use of the “n” word. I just wanted to throw my two cents into the heaping pile.
While we were arguing about who can use the word and whether or not it was ok to say it, things were somewhat chaotic. It seemed like everyone had an opinion, and most people were very strongly grounded in whatever theirs was. It wasn’t until after class that I was really able to take a step back and form my own opinion. The only thing I could really come up with was one question. Why would you want to call someone that? Regardless of whether you’re someone who “can” or whether its “ok,” why would you want to? It’s kind of like in kindergarten, when they would tell you, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Well, I think that still holds true now.
I do know that’s not the way most people think. Just take a walk down any hallway in our school and you’ll hear people swearing constantly. This probably won’t stop anytime soon. I’m just saying, though, that we should take a look at why we say the things we do, because they do have an effect on people. You shouldn’t say something unless you have a solid reason for it, and if it’s something cruel and insensitive, you just shouldn’t say it at all. Call me naïve and old fashioned, but it’s true. Just because something happens all the time doesn’t mean it should.
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It's amazing how your class was so much more engaged in the discussion. Ours was not very deep because we all had the same opinions.
ReplyDeleteYou pose a great point with the connection to swearing in school. It gets to be a little much sometimes and can be harsh on the ears when it's done too much.
Wow, Elise, I like your opinion, especially on the school part. Some kids swear so often that it's odd when they don't. However, it doesn't make it right--I applaud you for pointing that out.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, your writing was nice, and your views were considerate and morally sound, not naive or old fashioned. Too bad it's hard to bring our own thoughts up in class when it's so hectic though. This would have been a good point.