Talk about a intense flare up of a conversation. This week on The View, a conversation took place that was shocking in it’s intensity between the races. The show got onto the topic of conversation of using the “N” -word because of a conversation recorded between (Reverend and i use the term lightly here, only as a matter of clarifying which Jackson made the comment) Jesse Jackson and another person. Jesse Jackson, Jr. was horrified that his father made such statements; and publicly chastised him for doing so.
In that conversation, Jesse Jackson made a couple of inappropriate comments regarding Barack Obama.
It seems that Jesse Jackson takes issue with the way that Sen. Obama speaks to the African American population. He said it made him want to rip off his n–s. Then later, it was also revealed that he allegedly, also used the other “N”- word.
On the view, Elisabeth Hasselback made a comments saying, that she felt it was inappropriate to use that word in private or in public. Wow, did the other “ladies” of the view take issue with her.
The focus of tension towards Elisabeth was nothing less than hostile. Sherri Shephard said, “don’t you dare tell me, not to use that word”. She also said to Barbara Walters, “I don’t want to hear that word comming out of your mouth”. Sherri said that to her, after Barbara phrased a question to her; about, whether it made a difference whether a white person said the “N”-word or whether another African American said it. That was harsh Sherri…definately. Doesn’t that feel like a bit of reverse racism; OR IS THAT THE WHOLE POINT?
When Elisabeth was overcome with emotion, Barbara Walters told her to take a breath and let someone else talk. It was rude of Barbara and dismissive of the depth of Elisabeth’s convictions on the subject. The balance of conservative/liberal general opinions is off on that show. Topics often feel one sided as opposed to a real collection of multiple views.
Yes, Elisabeth does talk too much on subjects that she feels strongly about. Part of that I am sure, is because she is the only “voice” of conservative republicans on the show. However, I can honestly say, there are days when some of the other co-hosts are guilty of the same thing…dominating the conversations. Most of the time, I can do without watching The View…it often turns into a circus of people talking over the top of each other. There seems to be less respect given to each other as time goes on.
Whoopi started out being calm in my opinion; but, when the others jumped all over Elizabeth like a trampoline…Whoopi got worked up and became short with Elisabeth as she tried to clarify her statements. She said that Elisabeth, had to understand that black people were hurt by that word because of the history of it…and so, black people now “own” the word and have given the word new meaning. Many people feel that it is ok…as long as African Americans use the word towards one another…but, no white people have the “right” to use it at all.
Basically, the show came across with the impression that the other co-hosts felt that Elizabeth, nor any white people, have a right to be offended by the use of the “N”-word in their presence.
In my opinion, it feels like verbal abuse to hear that word; used towards another human being. I think that is what Elizabeth was trying to convey, that it is almost like visiting a friend who’s spouse is verbally abusing them. By keeping quiet, you feel as if you are condoning such behavior. By speaking out against people using that word towards another person…Elizabeth stepped on to a racial landmine, that she had no idea existed between her, and her co-hosts.
Sherri Shephard also said that in her family, the “N”-word was used as a “term of endearment”. Elisabeth’s point was, that she had a difficult time understanding why using a word that had such a negative history, as a term of endearment, was a good thing. I think Elisabeth was getting flustered because of the intensity of the hostility directed at her comments, by her co-hosts. She wasn’t making herself clearly understood. But, truly, why would someone want to be called a word that, for many people, was connected to a demeaning, violent, hurtful and dismissive way of life in our country’s past; and, often present society ?
I think using words like that, only serves to inflame resentment and violence. Getting touchy about who uses the word seems ignorant to me. Why would anyone who respected themselves, want to use the “N”- word as a way of greeting, a term of endearment, or as a way of connecting to another person. Just knowing that some people use the term as a weapon should inspire African Americans to demand that NO ONE CALL THEM SUCH A NAME…out of a matter of respect.
I fail to see how redefining the word gives the word new power. It is still an ugly word, just because of it’s connection to it’s former usage. If someone used that term to refer to anyone in my family then, i would feel that they were demeaning them and attempting to de-value who they are as a person.
This conversation on The View, was the equivilent of taking the temperature of our country’s race relations…unless we find better ways of communicating what we think and feel…the future is going to be no further along, in healing the hurts in anyone’s hearts or minds. No matter what tone of voice is used with that word…it “feels” like an insult…not a term of endearment!
Write where you are 
I’m a African American, and there is no way or no reason I will ever use that word.
I agreed with Elizbleth Hasselback, ( I can’t believe I’m saying that) I only watch the “The View” to see what dumb things are going to come out of their mouths. They never disappoint me. I missed this show. Whoopi thinks African American own that word and it’s okay for us to use it. She crazy. Sherri Shephard is so dumb, she don’t think at all, she just open her mouth and talk. She say her family use it to show term of endearment. I guess she teaching her son when to use it and when not to use it. How dumb is that. I don’t know what Barbara Walters was thinking went she put those two dumb women on the show. They just make African American women look so dumb over and over and over.
That word shows hate and no respect for the person you are saying it to. Nobody should ever have a reason to use it, I don’t care what color you are or how old you are. It’s no way it could ever show love or respect, only hate and disrespect.
As for the Rev. Jesse Jackson I could write two books on how I dislike him and don’t respect him. All I can say is he don’t speak for me, and he don’t show any respect for himself or African American people.
Happy 1st Anniversary on the Blog.
Phyllis
Thank you Phyllis for your input. I thank you also for the encouragement on the blog. I appreciate your support!
I’d like to correct the record about what Sherri Shephard actually said to Barbara Walters. What she said was, “I don’t want to hear that word coming out of your face.” The word she used was “FACE”, and the tone of her statement was downright hostile and racist.
She had no cause to say that to Barbara in that way, and it’s just another little reflection of the reverse racism that’s all too prevalent in the black community, not always out in the open, toward white people. Sherri’s tone was demeaning, condescending, and offensive.
I believe that white people today, make every effort to treat black people with respect and deference. We’re very conscious of what we say and how we say it. We want them to know we accept them as brothers and sisters, but you know what? Many don’t want it. Not all, but many just hate white people they don’t even know, for no good reason.
Don’t bother calling me a racist. I ain’t one. I’m just calling it as I see it. I treat everyone the same, with respect until they prove they don’t deserve it. No more hyphenated identities. No more black, white, red, brown, yellow, or pink. People are people, all the same in God’s eyes.