The “n-word” is causing just as much controversy in today’s society as it did in the 60s. The difference is the controversy is now based in the confusion of the usage of the word. When is usage of the word “nigga” appropriate? Is it ever appropriate? I asked this question the first time I talked about Michael Richards (Kramer from Seinfeld) using the word to address black hecklers at one of his shows. He has been criticized, publicly humiliated and ostracized because of one word. I am in no way condoning him using the word, but I do question if the level of scrutiny he’s receiving is warranted based on the prevalence of the word in mainstream culture.

The two hecklers, Frank McBride and Kyle Doss, are actually seeking financial restitution for him using the word against them when they rudely interrupted his show. These men are acting as if they are so offended by the word their lives have been impacted. I have three questions to ask them:

1. If this were a black comedian, would you seek financial compensation?

2. Why were you heckling at a show to see a comedian you obviously like because you bought a ticket?

3. How did the word “cracker” fall so easily from your lips?

I have questioned, on several occasions, the prevalence of the “n-word” in black comedy routines, rap videos, black TV shows, etc. Many of the individuals that use the word in these instances claim they have entitlement to it. People hear the word on radio stations, CDs and other places, but in our elementary world of political correctness the word “nigga” is bleeped out while the word “cracker” is allowed. Why should certain segments of society be allowed to determine if and when something is offensive. As I stated before, if Michael Richards usage of the word is so offensive to them, they need to sue every one of their friends that use the word towards them, every rapper they listen to that spurts out the word, and every black comedian that may point them out and begin a sentence with “look at this nigga…”

I often wonder if in efforts to be so “offended” we actually yield more power to the word. If these men are so offended by this, lets not stop with “nigga,” lets sue for every “wet back,” “chink,” “cracker,” and “towel head” that we hear. Let’s fight against every verbal injustice in our society. Why not even take it further? Lets push legislation that makes usage of the word “nigga” a federal hate crime and name it the McBride/Doss Bill. As a matter of fact, add every other deplorable slur. If we do this, we are at least being fair. At least with legislation, there will be equal indictments and criticisms for usage of the word by anyone instead of certain ones.

A crusade of ignorance has started as a result of Michael Richards, a white man, daring to use the word in anger. Now Paul Mooney says he will no longer use the word, Jesse Jackson will probably start another organization called Rainbow P.A.N. (people against nigga) Coalition, and Al Sharpton will make another bid for the Presidency on the premise of “nigga” proliferation. We can not be selectively offended, and we certainly cannot seek financial restitution for it when we choose to be offended. A black comedian would have tore into them for interrupting their show too.

I say we give the money to these two social degenerates that do not have the decency to shut up when someone is on stage. There has to be conditions with the money they receive however…they should be monitored at all times with a tape recorder and anytime they use a racial slur, they forfeit the total amount received and have to pay back any amount they’ve spent.

[youtube=http://youtube.com/w/?v=BQ5R2NLI_NY]

Again I ask, can these two guys be so offended they must go on talk shows and radio shows to tell their story? Seriously, how much is “nigga” worth? Is it worth more than “cracker,” “wetback,” “towel head,” and “chink”? The reality is all of these slurs are offensive, yet only one garners attention in the public only when it comes out of the mouth of a white person. Activism against racism and discrimination should be consistent.