I was in the shower this morning and had an epiphany of sorts (we all know this is where all great ideas are conceived). I was watching CBS Sunday Morning, and they had an interview with Alecia Keys. (Did you know thats not her birth name? She changed it… I never knew. anyway…) She mentioned that she refused to say the “n” word in her role in Smokin’ Aces. That was what inspired my idea.

It hit me that if art imitates life, until we (especially Black people) stop using it in everyday life, it will continue to be used in music, movies, etc. I don’t believe the idea that if we remove the power from the word, it will be ok. Its a negative word, and nothing will ever change that. I also don’t believe that we can change the meaning of it, nor do I believe that it can be used as a term of endearment. Bad is bad is bad.

Some people believe that only Black people can use the word, and that’s just ridiculous. I understand the idea that people believe that they can fight with their family, but when others do, its a big problem. But that assumes that its ok and acceptable for them to fight with their family. Say you have a brother and sister who are fighting. We are taught that it is never OK for a male to hit a female, relation being no exception. Sure, you get more leeway with family, but wrong is wrong, as is the use of this word.

We will continue to have situations like the Imus and Dog until we stop being hypocritical and decide to stop saying it. No one has the right to claim sole use of a word based on race or any other reason. To my knowledge, they are not handing out patents on words.

Art imitates life, so make sure the one you live is worth being  imitated.