Must You Say Nigger?
essay44 total reviews
Comment from Judy Couch
You did very well with it. It is an issue that needs to be addressed. I think you're right that we're all prejudiced but not just against black people. We're prejudiced against anyone who doesn't agree with us or who thinks differently than we do. Fortunately, most of us don't go around killing those who don't see things like they do.
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You did very well with it. It is an issue that needs to be addressed. I think you're right that we're all prejudiced but not just against black people. We're prejudiced against anyone who doesn't agree with us or who thinks differently than we do. Fortunately, most of us don't go around killing those who don't see things like they do.
Comment Written 12-May-2015
Comment from mommerry
This well-written story made me stop and think about that very thing -- not having been around a black person or even seeing someone of a different race, be it Hispanic, Eastern Indian, Chinese - I realize I feel "sorry" for them that they are not caucasion. yes, I, too, am a bigot deep down although I would deny it if anyone charged me with it. The author has written a story that begs honesty with oneself. Great job.
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This well-written story made me stop and think about that very thing -- not having been around a black person or even seeing someone of a different race, be it Hispanic, Eastern Indian, Chinese - I realize I feel "sorry" for them that they are not caucasion. yes, I, too, am a bigot deep down although I would deny it if anyone charged me with it. The author has written a story that begs honesty with oneself. Great job.
Comment Written 12-May-2015
Comment from madhatter1977
Well done, Mikey. I think racism is horrible, yet hear those words in my mind as much as anyone else does. It's a gut-wrenching experience I hope will cease. I live in a city in England and there are few black or colored people about. It's a situation I hope will change. We are all one and the same after all and skin color shouldn't matter a damn. Yet in your essay you are right that it is a difference. Maybe as a liberal you should focus on noticing difference and the way your mind corresponds and then try to correct your mind if it offers an offensive remark? I know you'd never speak that word to a person and I don't believe you're a racist compared to so many people. Our minds are tricky customers at the best of times. Take care, Pete
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Well done, Mikey. I think racism is horrible, yet hear those words in my mind as much as anyone else does. It's a gut-wrenching experience I hope will cease. I live in a city in England and there are few black or colored people about. It's a situation I hope will change. We are all one and the same after all and skin color shouldn't matter a damn. Yet in your essay you are right that it is a difference. Maybe as a liberal you should focus on noticing difference and the way your mind corresponds and then try to correct your mind if it offers an offensive remark? I know you'd never speak that word to a person and I don't believe you're a racist compared to so many people. Our minds are tricky customers at the best of times. Take care, Pete
Comment Written 11-May-2015
Comment from TOMORAL
Superb. I am from the south, and I never understood the "White only" signs and such. I used to ride the Greyhound bus and always felt bad that they had to go to the "back of the Bus". But, I am sure in my heart there is some racism in me. Hangings sicken me, and beatings and all these things done to another human being, but I was raised in a racist family, and some of it rubbed off, I am sure.
This is superb writing. I would love to read the book.
reply by the author on 11-May-2015
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Superb. I am from the south, and I never understood the "White only" signs and such. I used to ride the Greyhound bus and always felt bad that they had to go to the "back of the Bus". But, I am sure in my heart there is some racism in me. Hangings sicken me, and beatings and all these things done to another human being, but I was raised in a racist family, and some of it rubbed off, I am sure.
This is superb writing. I would love to read the book.
Comment Written 11-May-2015
reply by the author on 11-May-2015
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I'm so pleased this resonated with you. Yes, your thoughts go right along with mine. What a great insightful review and a million stars to boot. Thank you so much. mikey
Comment from bizzygirl
Superb writing and I venture to say more truth than most of us are willing to admit. You make some excellent points. A lot of good meaty food for thought. I also believe having many black friends over the years, that if the truth were known, they have the same feelings from the other side of the coin. Good Luck. Hope you win.
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Superb writing and I venture to say more truth than most of us are willing to admit. You make some excellent points. A lot of good meaty food for thought. I also believe having many black friends over the years, that if the truth were known, they have the same feelings from the other side of the coin. Good Luck. Hope you win.
Comment Written 09-May-2015
Comment from l.raven
Michael, in my time that is what we were taught...to be racist...my father is a redneck...he raised us that way...but today he one of his best friends is black...when my dad goes fishing he always stops and gives him fish...he is an older man...and my dad looks out for him...who would have known...for me I believe what I was taught...but chanced as my life went on...we learn through wisdom...very well written story...Luff Linda xxoo
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Michael, in my time that is what we were taught...to be racist...my father is a redneck...he raised us that way...but today he one of his best friends is black...when my dad goes fishing he always stops and gives him fish...he is an older man...and my dad looks out for him...who would have known...for me I believe what I was taught...but chanced as my life went on...we learn through wisdom...very well written story...Luff Linda xxoo
Comment Written 30-Apr-2015
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
I would give you a 6 if I'd got one for this brilliant piece, Mikey. I am afraid, many can if they were as honest as you, stand up and say the same thing. I don't think you are a racist, we all have thoughts that are somewhat difficult to acknowledge. It is the same as calling a dwarf a horrible name, what does that make us? We only think these things because the words are so prevalent, and our mind latches into the word. It doesn't make us racist, it doesn't make us anti-small people, it is the way our human brains are. You have black friends, I do to, I don't think they are anymore rasist than us when they describe us as whitey, and other stronger things. Then again somey probably are. Don't beat yourself up, Mikey, you are a good person, and would not ever do anything against a fellow human being, regardless of race, colour or nationality. Excellent non-fiction piece of writing, my friend. xsx Sandra
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I would give you a 6 if I'd got one for this brilliant piece, Mikey. I am afraid, many can if they were as honest as you, stand up and say the same thing. I don't think you are a racist, we all have thoughts that are somewhat difficult to acknowledge. It is the same as calling a dwarf a horrible name, what does that make us? We only think these things because the words are so prevalent, and our mind latches into the word. It doesn't make us racist, it doesn't make us anti-small people, it is the way our human brains are. You have black friends, I do to, I don't think they are anymore rasist than us when they describe us as whitey, and other stronger things. Then again somey probably are. Don't beat yourself up, Mikey, you are a good person, and would not ever do anything against a fellow human being, regardless of race, colour or nationality. Excellent non-fiction piece of writing, my friend. xsx Sandra
Comment Written 30-Apr-2015
Comment from Barb Hensongispsaca
I commend your bravery in approaching a still tender subject.
But in response, I have to say political correctness has gone to the birds.
Extreme has taken over and it is a shame. Fear of offending but how do yu keep from offending when the rules change all the time.
Nicely done and I support yu
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I commend your bravery in approaching a still tender subject.
But in response, I have to say political correctness has gone to the birds.
Extreme has taken over and it is a shame. Fear of offending but how do yu keep from offending when the rules change all the time.
Nicely done and I support yu
Comment Written 30-Apr-2015
Comment from abbasjoy
If I had 6 stars left, you would have them. Please accept this as a virtual 6.
Simply by being honest, you have not offended me, and I am black, because thankfully, God has inherently placed within me a liking of myself, because He made me who I am.
I also have never been "openly" shown that I am black. Like you, I hate the use of the word "nigger". I think it is demeaning and meant to be that by someone calling another by that name. It is equally as demeaning to refer to oneself in those derogatory tones.
Thank you for bringing this out, and facing your ":racism" head on, despite maybe not recognizing it as such before.
I especially like the phrase "I don't see color". With me, what I got was, you are not like them", and I'm still not sure what that meant.
I was actually embraced in the workplace for 36 years, working at one place for 25 years until retirement and then moving into a similar job the next day.
That was not my doing, but God's. He had my back covered all those years, and I just walked with Him.
Well done!
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If I had 6 stars left, you would have them. Please accept this as a virtual 6.
Simply by being honest, you have not offended me, and I am black, because thankfully, God has inherently placed within me a liking of myself, because He made me who I am.
I also have never been "openly" shown that I am black. Like you, I hate the use of the word "nigger". I think it is demeaning and meant to be that by someone calling another by that name. It is equally as demeaning to refer to oneself in those derogatory tones.
Thank you for bringing this out, and facing your ":racism" head on, despite maybe not recognizing it as such before.
I especially like the phrase "I don't see color". With me, what I got was, you are not like them", and I'm still not sure what that meant.
I was actually embraced in the workplace for 36 years, working at one place for 25 years until retirement and then moving into a similar job the next day.
That was not my doing, but God's. He had my back covered all those years, and I just walked with Him.
Well done!
Comment Written 29-Apr-2015
Comment from Nosha17
If there is freedom of speech why should you apologise for voicing your opinion. To have a healthy debate on an issue is surely the best way to find out what people's views are. It is a difficult subject and one that one fears to discuss. But, I feel by making it into a big issue by governments etc. has done more harm than good. It has created divisiveness and more hatred. Very sad. Interesting and well written commentary. Faye
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If there is freedom of speech why should you apologise for voicing your opinion. To have a healthy debate on an issue is surely the best way to find out what people's views are. It is a difficult subject and one that one fears to discuss. But, I feel by making it into a big issue by governments etc. has done more harm than good. It has created divisiveness and more hatred. Very sad. Interesting and well written commentary. Faye
Comment Written 29-Apr-2015