The N-Word Has Left the Building

By The News Mar 01, 2007

On the last day of Black History Month, the New York City Council passed symbolic legislation to ban the use of the N-word in NYC, joining several other municipalities in a campaign against the word. amNY.com reported:

Chief sponsor Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-Queens) said that, particularly during Black History Month, it was important to discuss "the real history, the problems, and the embarrassment or hurt and pain that people feel when they hear this word misused and abused."

Political gestures are nice. But until politicians put real energy toward turning the tide of poverty and Blacks’ lack of access to quality education, health care, and business opportunities, then I’m hard-pressed to say that they should spend their time policing people whose ignorant use of the word is likely to be bolstered by making the N-word taboo. So what do you think? Is a ban a step in the right direction?

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