Words or Actions?

In the wake of Michael Richards’ racist tirade at an LA area comedy club, everybody is weighing in on the use of the “N” word and in particular the fact that it is commonly used by Black people, especially performers in music and movies.

News commentators and columnists, as well as fellow bloggers Jasmyne, Nova, Frank and Jonathan, among others, have shared perspectives on the use of the word, its meaning historically and in contemporary society (and whether or not there is any difference), and which is worse, the word or the sentiments behind it.

The Richards incident has even changed the thinking of comedian Paul Mooney, who has known Richards for 20 years. Mooney has made regular use of the “N” word a part of his standup act for decades, but declared this week he will no longer. He will also discontinue references to women that use the “B” word.

All of this linguistic analysis and justification belies the fact that while use of certain language may be identifiable symbols of racist thinking, it is not a prerequisite. Where racism is concerned, actions speak far louder than words. Economic and political power and privilege, and a willingness to exert it over others in order to maintain that position of power and privilege, is the truer test of a racist.

So while I am personally quite tired of hearing other Black people cavalierly toss around the word, in whatever derivation, manifesting a level of internalized self-hatred and confusion they themselves probably can’t even deconstruct, and while I long ago grew immune to its use by White people for the shear fact that its definition does not apply to me, I realize that the people I need to worry about the most are those who would otherwise smile in my face, speak only kind words, yet act out their racism by erecting barriers to my pursuit of happiness.

The more virulent racist isn’t the one who calls you a nigger, but the one who harbors a preconceived and erroneous notion of who you are, makes no attempt to correct his misinformation, and acts on his ignorance in a way that is detrimental to your well-being.

NBA star, published poet and social commentator Etan Thomas recently wrote about an encounter with a league referee who was unaware of his off-the-court accomplishments. Upon learning about Thomas’s life beyond basketball, the ref responded in a way that was insulting, condescending and clearly racist. He never needed to say the “N” word.